Babies,bottles, and bibs!

There is a special place in my heart for newborns and small children. Every time I would hold my own children or grandchildren in my arms when they were babies I would fall in love with them all over again. Their innocence, pure smile, and curious eyes always won me over.

Knowing that they are the future leaders in our world, we should help all babies, children, and their parents. It actually starts before birth. Good prenatal care for pregnant women is a must to have a healthy pregnancy. Being able to afford that and healthy food is essential. This is one way someone could help, either through financial donations or donating services or food. Fathers during this time often get left out and so can be a little jealous. Paying a little extra special attention to them can be a big help.

Those husbands could give their wives a back massage once in a while too. I know first-hand how much that would be appreciated as the tummy gets big, and the back starts to ache. Giving her a scented foot soak and foot massage would be a nice extra touch for swollen feet! The pampering you show her now will come back to you later on. This is great for your relationship.

Hosting a baby shower to have a fun get-together with the mother's friends and relatives before she gets busy with the new baby is very thoughtful. Find out ahead what things she could really use for the baby and you could even set up a register at a store such as Target listing her preferences. That's where the bottles and bibs enter the title of this post on babies .

There are teenage mothers who do not have support but who want to keep their babies. There are some places who helps these young women. If you have one near you, perhaps you could volunteer there or at least pass the information out to someone who could make use of that. You could also babysit so a new mother could have a break. I know I've mentioned it before, but that's where sharing meals would come in handy- when the mother comes home from the hospital and is too exhausted to cook.

Hospitals often have babies who don't have any caring parent to love them. Sometimes the babies have parents who were heavy drug users and simply unable to care for them. Many hospitals appreciate volunteers to rock and feed newborns and offer them love so they get a good start in life. This is so crucial in an infant's development!

A small percentage of adults feel the call to adopt. What a wonderful gift of yourself to parent a child of any age who needs one! Please be supportive of adoptive parents you know. They have some extra challenges that a biological parent does not, including the costs of adopting.

You can also create bibs and baby clothes, and put together gift baskets with such things as diapers, baby powder, wipes, little scissors, and other things any mother and father would appreciate. Add a surprise for the mom and dad.

Changing diapers isn't on the list of the most fun chores to do. It is a necessity though. Parents should take turns helping with the baby in every way. This includes bathing,dressing, and feeding the baby, taking him or her to doctor appointments, and taking turns staying up with the baby at night. Try to realize that as new parents you will be tense because this is all new to you, and you are sleep-deprived most likely too. That part will pass. Focus instead of your wonderful new family you've created, and your wee bundle of joy.

If you know someone who has a baby or young child, offer to be there for them when they need advice. Let them know you won't force it on them, but will be glad to share your experience at their request.

Let's help other people starting with our babies. They are a precious gift to humanity!