Piedmont Parent's 2013 Baby Guide

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cloth diapering:the good, the bad and the ugly

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baby guide2013

Having a baby is a very special event. That’s why our doctors and certified nurse-midwives do everything possible to make the occasion safe and comfortable for mothers

and their new arrivals. At Women’s Hospital, you’ll find the ideal combination of experience,

technology and personal attention.

Our comprehensive care includes Maternal Fetal Medicine consultations to help determine

what’s best for you and your baby. Other special services include cord blood banking, water

births, all private rooms and family-centered care.

We’re prepared for delivery “surprises.” Babies who arrive too early get the highest level

of attention in our Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. By expecting the unexpected, we

have more ways to make each delivery the exceptional event it should be.

A lifetime ofexceptional

women.care for

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What’s inside!

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piedmontparent.com

sponsored by

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for 0-36 months

baby guide2013

Miles Glover, 12 months, from High Point photographed by Adam Mowery.

2 20ThingstoAskYourDoctor DuringPregnancy Top questions from the experts

6 BeyondtheBabyBook Fun ways to document your infant’s first year

10 BirthingFacilitiesintheTriad

12 DiaperingDecisions Considering cloth? It might be easier than you think.

16 DecoratingtheNursery Hottest trends for baby’s room

19 BabyGuideResources A comprehensive guide to Triad organizations that assist expectant and new parents

26 DoulaSupport 8 benefits during labor

30 SaveBigonBabyGear Helpful tips for the budget conscious parent

32 BusinessDirectory

6

2

2 2013 baby Guide | piedmontparent.com

Frequent doctor’s visits give moms-to-be many opportunities to talk with their health-care providers. And an ongoing dialogue is the best way to ensure you get excellent care for yourself and your baby. Unfortunately, after vital signs and basic measurements, there may be little time to talk. When your doctor asks, “Do you have any questions?” you may freeze up and forget what you wanted to know. No worries. We polled the experts to glean 20 great questions to ask your provider. Here are their answers.

1. Is my weight healthy?“Obesity increases your risk of

miscarriage, preterm birth, diabetes and high blood pressure,” says Dr. Robert Atlas chair of obstetrics and gynecology at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. Get personalized advice about how much weight you should gain (or lose).

2. How can I stop smoking?Use of cigarettes doubles the risk of

miscarriage, says Atlas. Your provider can recommend behavior change strategies — and local support groups — to help you quit.

3. Do I need new meds? Some prescription drugs increase the

risk of birth defects, says internist Dr. Marie Savard, author of “Ask Dr. Marie: What Women Need to Know about Hormones, Libido, and the Medical

Problems No One Talks About.” Alert your OB to any medications you’re taking. She may switch you to something safer.

4. Am I at risk for gestational diabetes (GD)?

Moms who get GD are seven times more likely to develop type-2 diabetes post-pregnancy. If you have family risk factors, ask for a hemoglobin A1c blood test, says Savard. Hormonal changes in pregnancy can trigger hidden diabetes.

5. Should I get immunized? Your physician may recommend

shots for the flu, hepatitis B and tetanus, especially if you’re at risk. Live-virus vaccines and those for measles,

mumps and varicella (chicken pox) may be harmful during pregnancy. Speak up to make sure you’re safe.

6. Should I continue to see my general practitioner and/or specialists?

“Someone has to take the lead on medical care during pregnancy,” says Savard, “and it’s usually the OB/GYN.” But don’t ignore other providers. A team approach gives you more comprehensive care.

7. Am I drinking enough? “Fluids transport nutrition to

your baby, prevent preterm labor and minimize nausea, bloating and headaches,” says women’s health nurse

By Heidi Smith Luedtke

to ask during pregnancy20 Questions


practitioner Camilla Bicknell, RNC, MSN, co-author of “The Pregnancy Power Workbook.” Pale yellow urine is a sign you’re drinking plenty. Not sure? Ask.

8. Can I book a longer appointment? “Patients tend to minimize what they need instead of

asking for extra time,” says Savard. The receptionist isn’t just a gatekeeper, she’s an ally. Let her know you have several concerns to discuss.

9. Should I change my workout routine? Kickboxing and ice-skating are out, because of the risk

of belly trauma or falling down. But common sense isn’t enough. “Certain pregnancy-related conditions may worsen with exercise,” says Dr. James Betoni, co-author of “The Pregnancy Power Workbook.” Looser tendons and ligaments make pregnant women more prone to sports injuries. Get a fitness prescription.

10. What are the signs of miscarriage? “Although miscarriages are common, they can be

frightening, sad, and potentially dangerous,” says Bicknell. Get smart and seek early medical care at your doctor’s office or the emergency room to avoid additional complications.

11. Would you (please) explain my test results?

If your results don’t make sense, ask for an explanation or retest. Shalini Wittstruck, a national ambassador for the March of Dimes, was assured that she wouldn’t go into preterm labor based on the results of a fetal fibronectin test. “I wish that I would have followed my gut and pushed back on the test result,” says Wittestruck, whose son was born 10 weeks premature. “Had I sought a second opinion, the pre-term birth might have been avoided.”

12. What are the signs of early, false and real labor?

Braxton Hicks contractions are common in the third trimester, when your uterus is training for the big event. Learn the difference between false labor and the real

deal so you don’t stay up all night worrying about an early delivery.

13. When should I go to the hospital? Your caregiver may want you admitted right away

if he’s concerned about preterm birth or labor and delivery complications. Otherwise, you may want to stay home during early labor, so you can eat, drink and do as you please.

14. What are my pain control options? A good pain control plan takes your medical situation

and preferences into account. New mom Cody Gredler found out placing an epidural can be challenging for patients with minor scoliosis, like herself. “My epidural had to be redone three times, which was not a barrel of laughs,” she says. “When it was finally put in correctly, it was bliss.”

15. When should I ask for anesthesia?Every hospital has its own guidelines, says Atlas,

and some won’t administer an epidural before you’re dilated to 4 centimeters. If you wait too long, the anesthesiologist may be busy in the operating room when you need relief. Get intel from your labor nurse. She knows the system.

Write it down

Studiesshow50percentofpatients

forgetwhatthedoctortoldthemto

doaftertheirappointment,saysDr.

MarieSavard,authorof“AskDr.Marie:

WhatWomenNeedtoKnowabout

Hormones,Libido,andtheMedical

ProblemsNoOneTalksAbout.”The

solution?Bringalongahealthbuddy

whocantakenotesandgivemoral

support.


16. Who will attend my birth? Find out who is on call when your primary health-

care provider is off, says Atlas. Delivery-day surprises add

unnecessary stress.

17. Could you recommend a lactation specialist?

17 percent of moms who wanted to breastfeed quit

in the first four weeks, because of sore nipples, concerns

about milk supply or latching difficulties. Consult a pro

for pointers.

18. Should I restrict my activities? The adrenalin rush of new motherhood may cause

you to do too much too soon. Before you head home

with your newborn, find out whether you should limit

exercise and sex. Nurture healthy (and reasonable) expectations.

19. How do I care for my wounds? If you had tearing during delivery or have stitches

from an episiotomy or c-section, infection prevention is top priority. Learn how to clean and soothe your wounds, and when you should get a checkup.

20. What are my contraception options? Ovulation is typically suspended for moms who

breastfeed more than 6 times per day, but there are exceptions, says Atlas. Ask about birth control before you’re in the mood.

Heidi Smith Luedtke is a psychologist, freelance writer and mom of two. For more information, visit HeidiLuedtke.com.

What next?

Sometimeseventhebestquestionsdon’t

yieldtheanswersyouseek.Ifyoudon’tget

asatisfyingresponse:

■ Ask again.It’spossibleyourproviderwas

distractedordidn’tunderstandyourquery.

■ Find a fill-in.Otherofficestaff—

includingnursesandmidwives—may

havemoretimetoaddressquestions.

■ See a specialist.Yourprovidermaybe

uncomfortablegivingadviceoutsideher

areaofexpertise.

■ Say goodbye.Apractitionerwho

consistentlybrushesyourconcernsaside

isn’tinyourcorner.Findanewprovider.

Yourwell-beingisworththehassle.


The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging women in their last three months of pregnancy to get vaccinated against the whooping cough, after seeing the biggest resurgence in new-borns in more than 50 years.

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is highly conta-gious and can be deadly in infants. The disease gets its name from the “whooping” sound that children make as they gasp for air in between coughing fits.

Many of the cases health officials are seeing are of infants two months and younger, who are too young to get vaccinated. More than a third of newborns diagnosed with whooping cough were infected by their mothers.

— Shannon Koontz

Whooping cough makes a comeback, pregnant women

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Baby’s first year is filled with milestones and memories — the first smile, the first tooth — maybe even the first steps or words. As parents, we want to document as much as we can because we know how quickly these special moments pass.

Documenting these memorable times is often easier said than done. Ways parents can capture the quickly changing early months and years of a child’s life is to “take lots of pictures, save their memorabilia and keep a little calendar or journal of all the things that they are feeling or experiencing,” suggests Judy Gallagher, a Creative Memories scrapbooking consultant in Raleigh.

Feel like a tall order? Fortunately, with the help of local services, creative products and online resources, documenting baby’s first year can be easier and more fun and individualized than standard, fill-in-the-blank baby books might lead you to believe. Whether you’re a tech-savvy parent with digital design chops or a hands-on crafter with creativity to spare, there’s a method to suit your style and help you skillfully document that precious first year.

Picture ItA year in photos: Babies change in

the blink of an eye, and there’s no easier way to see that than through photos. “Photographs are a moment in time captured forever,” says Nicole Rogers, a family and baby photographer and mother of one in Charlotte. “We can look back at them and remember what our children looked like at 6 months old, how they used to fit inside a basket or a chair.”

To capture the changes, take a photo of your baby once a month (or once a week if you’re feeling ambitious) in the same colored outfit and in the same location, and by the end of the year, you’ll have an amazingly visual reminder of how much your child has grown.

To note the specific months, weeks or milestones, make custom cards to place beside your baby in each photo. If you’re tech-savvy, skip the cards

By Katrina Tauchen

Fun ways to document your baby’s first year

Beyond the Baby Book


and layer text over the photos using Photoshop or another photo-editing program.

Online retailers also offer customized monthly bodysuits in corresponding sizes. You can even download free iron-on templates to craft the outfits yourself at marthastewart.com/857145/numbered-baby-bodysuits.

Milestone Baby Cards also make it easier to document those important firsts. Thirty illustrated cards note major milestones such as baby’s first tooth, birthday and word. Just have your baby sit next to or hold the card while you snap the correlating photo ($24; shop.mortimersnodgrass.com and search for Milestone Cards).

Customized calendar: Use photos taken from each of your baby’s first 12 months to create a calendar for the next year. To make a calendar by hand, start with a plain spiral monthly calendar, then cut out and glue photos to the pages above each of the corresponding months.

To design the calendar digitally, Apple users can use iPhoto to select a group of photos and create a personalized calendar through the program itself. Add notes to special dates and click to purchase when your design is complete. (Prices start at $19.99.) Snapfish.com, Shutterfly.com and Vistaprint.

com offer similar services, as do retailers such as Kinkos, Walgreens and CVS. Shuttercal.com, another digital option, allows users to upload a photo each day, then organize the images in a calendar format.

Craft ItPersonalized pages: Scrapbooking

your baby’s milestone moments can be labor-intensive, but the end result is a detailed and personalized product your child will enjoy for years to come.

“I started scrapbooking when my son was 6 months old,” Gallagher says. “I probably took a picture of him every day that first year. It is so special to go back and not only see the facts, like how much he weighed and when he took his first steps, but how we felt along the way.”

While scrapbooking can take up a lot of time, Tracy Gilley, owner of Scrapbook Traditions in Winston-Salem, says that might be just what a new mom needs. “Scrapbooking is a huge stress reliever, and ‘me time’ is vital, especially to new moms,” she says.

Getting help: Parents who feel overwhelmed but still want to scrapbook the memories can take advantage of Scrapbook Traditions “scrap-for-hire” service.

“We have a lot of new moms who

hire us to scrapbook that first hectic year and then continue what we have begun for them on their own as their lives adjust,” says Gilley.

The full-service shop also offers customized papers, one-on-one appointments and baby showers during which every guest creates a spread for the mom-to-be.

Lookingforauniquewayto

preservespecialmilestonesand

moments?ThePatchworkBear

makesone-of-a-kindmemoryquilts

andpatchworkbearsfromoutgrown

babyclothes.Justsendsixto10

outfitstothecompany’sheadquarters

inPrinceton,N.J.,andallowtwo

tofourweeksforcompletionand

delivery.($98;thepatchworkbear.

com)

ThePalomaPosterisafun,graphic

waytochartfactsandfiguresthat

makeupyourbaby’sfirstyear,such

ashead-circumferencecomparisons

tofavoritefoods,depictedinline

graphform.($150,$45forastandard

milestoneposter;strangebirdy.com)

Creative memorabilia


For busy parents, Creative Memories also offers quick-books with predecorated pages, stickers and accents to help simplify the process.

Digitize ItApps: Technology-based baby

books are perfect for on-the-go parents who frequently use smartphones or tablet computers. Emmbook for Baby allows users to record milestones through text and photos, then share them electronically with family and friends. It also works as a diary for feedings, sleep, diaper changes and more (99 cents; available for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, version 3.1.3 or later). Baby Book for Android (free; requires Android version 1.5 or later) and Baby Milestones (free; requires Android version 2.1 or later) offer similar features. These apps allow you to manage details about your child, add events, browse your photo gallery to select pictures to share and more.

Digital baby books: This high-tech spin on traditional baby books allows users to import their own photos into professionally designed pages and layouts. Although some versions and templates are more customizable than others, all are available to

print in hard or soft cover and come in various sizes. Shutterfly.com, Snapfish.com, Mixbook.com and Vistaprint.com all offer baby-specific books and themes. (Prices vary, depending on the book’s size, number of pages and cover selection.)

Numerous blog sites also offer customized digital baby book options at varying prices, featuring original templates with printable pages, writable PDFs or InDesign documents. Some to try are: On the Day I Was Born via Life as You Live It (lifeasyouliveit.com/blog/index.php/shop), Chalkboard Baby Book Template via Hanna Mac (blog.hannamac.com/purchase), Chevron Baby Book Template via Hanna Mac (blog.hannamac.com/chevron-baby-book-template), Free DIY Baby Book via Young House Love (younghouselove.com/2010/06/something-free-five-lifesavers).

“We are the historians of our families,” Gilley says. “It is vitally important that we preserve and document these most precious, important times of our lives.”

Katrina Tauchen is a freelance writer, editor and new mom who lives in Durham. She holds a graduate degree from the Missouri School of Journalism and blogs at splashofsomething.com.

Expert tips for photographing babies

NicoleRogers,afamilyandbaby

photographerandmotherofonebasedin

Charlotte,offersadviceforcapturingbaby’s

biggestmilestonemoments.

■Begin before baby arrives: “Ababybump

issobeautifulandawonderfulandexciting

timeforfirst-timeparents,”Rogerssays,

addingthatmaternitysessionsareideal

duringthethirdtrimesterbetween29-35

weeks.

■Mark the important milestones:Rogers

recommendshavingyournewborn

photographedwithinhisorherfirst10days.

“Theychangesomucheachandeveryday,”

shesays,“soit’simportanttocapturetheir

firstdaysoflife.”Fromthere,Rogersadvises

photographingbabywhenshesitsupon

herownforthefirsttime,whenshebegins

crawlingandagainatage1.

■Get on baby’s level:Keepinmindtheage

andattentionspanofyourphotosubject.

“Talkaboutthingsthatinterestthem,”Rogers

says.“Makethemfeelcomfortableandallow

themtobethemselves,playandimagine.”

■Think about scale:Photographingyour

babyinthesameoutfitoronthesamepiece

offurnitureoveraperiodoftimegivesa

clearvisualforgrowth.“Ibecameamom

thisyear,andoneofthefirstimagesIhave

of[myson]isofhimlayingonthischair,”

Rogerssays.“Helookedsotiny.Hewillbe10

monthstomorrow,andIplanonhavinghim

photographedonthatsamechairtoshow

scale—andhowmuchmychunkymonkey

haschanged.”

I started scrapbooking when my son

was 6 months old. I probably took a picture

of him every day that first year. It is so

special to go back and not only see the

facts, like how much he weighed and

when he took his first steps, but how we

felt along the way.

Judy Gallagher, a Creative Memories scrapbooking consultant in Raleigh


In females, stress as an infant could lead to anxiety and depression later in life, according to a study published in the journal, Nature Neuroscience.

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison followed 57 young adults who were born around 1990, and their mothers. The study originally focused on the stress levels of the mothers, but over time, evolved into research on the biological effects on the children and how they internalized the stress.

Researchers first measured the stress levels of the mothers and the children. Children with high cortisol levels (indicates high stress) at 4½ were again tested at age 18 using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Researchers saw in the MRI scans that in the female subjects, in particular, there were lower levels of connectivity between the amygdala (associated with the perception of stress) and the prefrontal cortex (helps to regulate emotion). Interviews with the girls also indicated that these same subjects had higher levels of depression and anxiety.

Of the male subjects with high cortisol levels, their brain scans as adolescents did not show the same changes as in the girls’ scans.

The researchers aren’t clear if the difference between the male and female subjects has to do with hormones, or if the brains of the teenage boys with high cortisol had been changed in some other way that wasn’t uncovered in this study. The study’s authors hope future research in this area will turn up ways in which these changes can be prevented.

— Shannon Koontz

Study shows stressed infant girls could become depressed and anxious teenagersPiedmontParent.com’s blog, The Frugal

Family, can help you do just that. Read The Frugal Family for savvy shopping tips, local bargains and advice for saving your family money.

Looking for ways to stretch every dollar?

We also want to hear from you! Did you spot great deal? Save a ton of money at the gro-cery store or want to share advice for land-ing a great bargain? Drop us a line at [email protected]. If we publish your tip, you’ll automatically be entered into a monthly giveaway.

Go to www.PiedmontParent.com > Community > Blogs > The Frugal Family

Visit us at www.heathermcginnisphotography.com/babyguide for a special offer!

The Piedmont’s Premiere Newborn Photographer capturing all the perfection of your tiniest new lovesAlso offering Maternity, Birth, & Baby’s First Year Packages


Facility&Address PhoneNumber&Website Tours AmenitiesAlamanceRegionalMedical

Center—TheBirthplace

atAlamanceRegional

1240 Huffman Mill Road,

Burlington

www.armc.com

336-538-7000

Call 336-536-7362 to schedule a tour.

■ private labor and delivery suites

■ Duke University neonatologists

and perinatologists on site for high-

risk care

■ rooming-in option for newborns

■ Level II / Level III Neonatal Nursery

■ certified lactation consultants

■ fetal echocardiography

■ free mini-massage for new

mothers

■ pregnancy and parenting classes

■ newborn photography

■ online nursery

■ physician referral service

ForsythMedicalCenter—

SaraLeeCenter

forWomen’sHealth

3333 Silas Creek Parkway,

Winston-Salem

www.forsythmedicalcenter.org

336-718-3780

Call 336-718-5000 to register.

■ second largest birthing center

in N.C.

■ Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

birthing suites

■ mother/baby post unit

■ Antepartum Unit for women who

experience complications during

pregnancy or birth

■ The Nursing Mother’s Center

■ newborn nursery

■ online nursery


■ family tours

■ parenting and childbirth classes

■ yoga for childbirth classes


HighPointRegional

HealthSystem—

TheWomen’sCenter

601 N. Elm St., High Point

www.highpointregional.com

336-878-6000

Call 336-878-6888 for tour times and details.

■ all-female staff

■ childbirth suites

■ newborn nursery

■ private waiting rooms




■ family tours

■ online nursery


Birthing Centers


LexingtonMemorialHospital

250 Hospital Drive, Lexington

www.lexingtonmemorial.com

336-248-5161

Call 336-238-4770 to

schedule a tour.

■ expanded labor, delivery

and recovery suites with private

whirlpool baths

■ board-certified lactation

consultant

■ nurses certified in Neonatal

Resuscitation and CPR


■ gourmet steak dinner to celebrate

baby’s arrival

■ breastfeeding classes

■ childbirth and parenting classes

■ sibling classes

■ online nursery

RandolphHospital

364 White Oak St., Asheboro

www.randolphhospital.org

336-629-8817

Third Monday of each

month at 5:30 p.m. Call

336-629-8817 to register.

■ family-centered maternity care

■ maternity suites

■ Level II Nursery

■ childbirth and parenting classes


■ online nursery

TheWomen’sHospital

ofGreensboro

801 Green Valley Road,

Greensboro

www.conehealth.com

336-832-6500

Every Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

and on the second Sunday

of each month at 4 p.m.

No registration required.

■ a 134-bed hospital for women and

infants

■ Level II and Level III Neonatal

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■ family-centered maternity care

■ maternal and infant specialists for

difficult pregnancies

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■ 24-hour, in-house anesthesia care,

including epidural services


■ inpatient and outpatient



■ family tours

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Facility&Address PhoneNumber&Website Tours Amenities


Nearly 3,800. That’s the estimated number of

diaper changes the average baby will go through in his or her first 2.5 years of life. Few baby items compare to diapers in terms of frequency of use or level of necessity, but like most things related to baby care, it isn’t cut and dry, and the biggest debate centers on one simple question: cloth or disposable?

The cloth resurgenceCloth ruled the market until after

World War II, when Pampers began banking on post-war consumers’ desire for all things new, fast and convenient. By the end of the 1970s, Pampers was worth more than $1 billion, and today, most estimates credit disposables with about 96 percent of the diaper market. Convenience won parents over to disposables in decades past, but cloth diapers have made impressive strides. According to the Real Diaper Industry Association, cloth diapers saw a 30 percent increase in sales between 2000 and 2007.

“The trend is cloth,” says Fatimah Faraj, store manager of Sweetbottoms Baby Boutique in Raleigh. “A lot of people are figuring out that we need to be more green and earth friendly and do what’s best for our children.”

Although numerous studies show the environmental aspect of the disposable vs. cloth debate is a wash when comparing the tangible waste of disposables to the water and energy used to launder cloth diapers, cloth-users note that trading in the non-biodegradable disposables benefits more than the environment. “You can’t look at a package of diapers and see what’s in them,” Faraj says. “Many of them have chemicals that aren’t things we would choose to put against our

children’s skin if we knew they were there.”

There are cost savings as well. Outfitting a child in disposables will run parents thousands of dollars. “For about $300 to $500 you can buy all the diapers your child will need from birth through potty training, and then you can use [the cloth diapers] on additional children,” says Christina Foster, owner of Hip Bottoms Cloth Diapers in Winston-Salem. “Also, their bums are just so much cuter in cloth.”

By Katrina Tauchen

Considering cloth? It might be easier than you think.

Diapering Decisions


For Lindsey and Rich Kenny, Durham parents of a 6-month-old son, the financial savings were a big motivator. “I remember the first diaper run I made when Asa was 2 weeks old,” Lindsey says. “I came home having spent $100 on diapers that lasted us one month. That’s when I was able to convince Rich of the financial benefit to cloth diapering.”

“I feel like Asa does much better with cloth diapers,” Rich adds. “You have natural fiber against his skin versus synthetic chemicals. I feel like he’s a happier baby because of it.”

What about the mess?Environmental and cost

issues aside, many parents’ reluctance to make the switch lies in a single fear — the mess. Rachel Noto, Raleigh mother of 4-year-old and 18-month-old daughters, used disposables with her first daughter but transitioned to cloth when looking for something that wouldn’t irritate her baby’s sensitive skin. “It wasn’t as hard as I thought it was going to be,”

she says. “I was anticipating a lot of stress as far as laundry was concerned, but you pretty much live in the laundry room anyway when you have little kids. ... They’re practically as easy as using disposables.”

Rich Kenny agrees. “It’s a lot easier than I thought it would be,” he says. “It’s not too gross or too difficult to spray off the diapers before you throw them in the laundry.”

Fortunately, cloth diapering doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Noto’s family does what she refers to as “cloth diapering light.” Although the majority of the diapering for her 18-month-old is cloth, they do use disposables when they have a babysitter or go to church. Many daycares aren’t cloth-diaper friendly, either, so disposables come into play.

The leap is the hardest part, says Priscilla LeCompte, co-owner of All About Baby Boutique in Greensboro. “Even if you only get four [cloth] diapers and are still using disposables at other times, trying it is the best way to figure

Diapering defined

Thechoicetogowithclothisjustthe

firstinalineofdiaperingdecisions.Fatimah

Faraj,storemanagerofSweetbottomsBaby

BoutiqueinRaleigh,definestheterms.

All-in-ones:Boththediaperanddiaper

coverareinonepiece.Youputitonand

takeitofflikeadisposable.Howmanyyou’ll

need:24

All-in-twos:Thetwopieces—coverand

diaper—areseparate,withthediaperfitting

intothecover.Thediaperischangedevery

time,butthecovercanbereusedabout

twotothreetimes.Howmanyyou’llneed:

24diapers,eightto10diapercovers

Pockets:Thisstylefeaturesacoverwith

afleecepieceinsidethatkeepsbabiesdry,

intowhichyoustuffadiaper.Youchange

thewholesystemeachtime.Howmany

you’llneed:24,purchasedalltogether

Fitteds:Fittedsareaninsidepieceused

mainlyforovernight,andit’sespecially

goodforheavy-wetters.Thefittedisused

underneathacover.Howmanyyou’llneed:

twotothree

Basic prefolds: Thesearelargepiecesof

fabricthathavebeenprefolded,thoughit

willtakeadditionalfoldingandpinningto

makethemfityourbaby.Prefoldsareused

withacover.Howmanyyou’llneed:24

prefolds,eightto10covers

Traditional flats:Thisistheold-fashioned

clothdiapertoatee:alargepieceoffabric

youfoldandpintofityourbaby.Itisused

withacover.Howmanyyou’llneed:24

flats,eightto10covers

For about $300 to $500 you can

buy all the diapers your child will need

from birth through potty training, and

then you can use [the cloth diapers]

on additional children. Also, their bums

are just so much cuter in cloth.

Christina Foster, owner of Hip BottomsCloth Diapers in Winston-Salem


out if it is right for you and what fits well for you and your family.” Foster emphasizes, “It is a very personal decision and one that is different for each family.”

Starting with cloth “Find somebody who used

them who can help you navigate,” says Noto, who started the Facebook group Triangle Cloth Diapering. Noto also credits the staff at Sweetbottoms Baby Boutique, The Diapering Doula in Morrisville and The Red Hen in Chapel Hill. “The whole [cloth diapering] community is really supportive,” she says. “I was worried that I wasn’t as hard core as some who use cloth diapers, but it doesn’t matter whether you do both cloth and some disposable.”

Faraj says Sweetbottoms recommends starting with 24 diapers, which allows for washing every other day. Other startup supplies include two wet bags or pale liners for the home, which allows one to wash while the other is used; two wet bags for the diaper bag; cloth-diaper-safe detergent; and cloth-diaper-safe diaper cream. Once babies are on solid foods, parents should also consider a diaper sprayer and/or

flushable, biodegradable liners.

“These aren’t your grandma’s

diapers,” LeCompte says. “The

most popular styles are definitely

the pocket where you stuff the

absorbent material into the

diaper and top stays dry against

baby’s skin. We also have people

that love the all-in-one where

the cloth diaper is almost like a

disposable, without the chemicals

and throwing it away, so you use

it and wash it.”

Finding what fitsUltimately, when it comes to

diapers, it’s about finding what

works for you, your budget and

your family. If, in the end, the

choice is cloth, remember that

there’s a learning curve, but the

reward — and savings — can be

sweet.

“I remember Rich coming

home one day and saying,

‘Can’t we use cloth wipes or

something?’” Lindsey Kenny

says. “I knew he was hooked.”

Katrina Tauchen is a freelance writer, editor and new mom who lives in Durham. She holds a graduate degree from the Missouri School of Journalism and blogs at splashofsomething.com.

3,796: Numberofdisposablediaperstheaveragechildwilluseinhisorherfirstyearsoflife

24: Numberofclothdiapersababyneedsinhisorherfirstyearsoflife

40.3 million:NumberofdisposablediapersusedeverydayintheUnitedStates

96:PercentageofAmericanbabieswhoweardisposablediapers(comparedto6percentinChinaand2percentinIndia)

$1,000:Averagecostforababy’sfirstyearofdisposablediapers

$700-$800:Averagecostforababy’sfirstyearofclothdiapers

$700-$800:Averagecostfor2.5yearsofclothdiapering

$2,500:Averagecostfor2.5yearsofdisposablediapers

Sources: Consumer Reports, ABC News, Mother Jones, BabyCenter.com

By the numbers


(336) 725-6011 • www.smartstart-fc.org

• Singtoyourbaby

• Havefunatbathtime

• Takewalksandtalkaboutwhatyousee

• Haveyourbabyfeeldifferentfabricsandtextures

• Lookatbrightlycoloredbookstogether

Fun Activities You Can Do With Your Infant

Dr. Kristina Coffield

Dr. Stephanie Lindsay

Friendly, Fun, State of the Art Environment

www.highpointpediatricdentistry.com 1971 Eastchester Drive, High Point, NC 27265

885-5500

Start your baby on the path to

Great Dental Health with a first visit to

High Point Pediatric Dentistry!

A Place Kids Love!

A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that the more acetaminophen (brand “Tylenol”) that high-asthma risk children received as infants, the more likely they were to exhibit asthma-like symptoms in their preschool years.

The researchers reported following children (from birth to age 7) who had mothers with asthma, which increased their risk of having lung diseases themselves. 19 percent of the children had asthma-like symptoms by the time they turned three. For every day that doubled of the child receiving the drug, there was a 28 percent increase in the risk of asthma symptoms later in childhood. But the link between acetaminophen and asthma did not apply to the children after the age of 7. At that point, 14 percent of the children in the study exhibited asthma-like symptoms, which was comparable to what would be expected if they had not been given acetaminophen as babies.

The researchers pointed out that the results of this study were based on a statistical link, and that it did not directly prove that acetaminophen causes airway trouble. The investigators in the study hope their findings will encourage more research into a potentially “plausible biological” link.

— Shannon Koontz

Study: Acetaminophen in babies linked to asthma in young children

You found out you’re pregnant,

announced it to your family and

friends and started making plans for

the baby shower. Let the “nesting”

commence!

The first stop is the baby’s room, where

your tiny bundle of joy will spend the

majority of his or her time. From paint

colors to furniture to storage for books

and toys, here are the latest trends for

the nursery.

Shades of Gray Today’s savvy moms aren’t just

thinking in terms of pink or blue, or even the gender-neutral yellow.

“Hot colors for youth rooms, from infant to toddler, have emerged with more upscale hues and tones,” says Eric C. Lackey, designer and president of The Decorator’s Edge in Thomasville. “New to the scene is gray, from frosty silvers to pewter.”

By Shannon Koontz

The hottest trends for baby’s room

Decorating the Nursery

As utility becomes more important than ever, parents are turning to multi-purpose furniture like this Retreat series from Lea Furniture.

Image courtesy of Lea Furniture



Lackey says it’s important to have an easy base color that accepts trends not only in color, but in themes as well. Ballerinas can easily become an animal theme, or you can switch from western to a sports theme.

“A room can be individualized as quickly as a child changes her mind by simply adding different pillows, bed coverings and wall art,” says Lackey.

Using a color that “pops” is another popular trend. For both boys and girls, decorators are seeing non-traditional colors, such as turquoise or tangerine, combined with gray.

For patterns, the geometric boldness of chevron stripes is replacing the more whimsical patterns that were popular just a few years ago.

Rock-a-bye babyConvertible cribs are still very

popular, particularly those that can transition not only to a toddler bed,

but even to a full-sized bed. But with convertible cribs, come thicker crib slats. As a result, crib-attachable mobiles are becoming obsolete, inspiring parents to get creative.

“A lot of customers decorate their nurseries with chandeliers or pompoms that hang from the ceiling,” says Amy Vore, owner of Rolly’s in Winston-Salem. “These are more for decoration and not so much for stimulation.”

Vore says she also has more customers asking for furniture made in the USA. And despite the warnings about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), the majority of the customers are still buying bumpers for cribs.

Practical is the new coolSavvy shoppers don’t want to redo

the nursery every couple of years. According to Vore, they’ll buy an entire collection, even if the baby is still too young for the furniture.

For instance, the customer will buy the crib and changing table, but also purchase another dresser, a mirror and some nightstands for when the child transitions to a bed. Or they’ll elect to use a multi-purpose piece of furniture, such as the dresser/changing table combination.

“Utility is the big request today,” said Lackey. “Headboards are bookcases and storage units. Footboards are desks and tack boards. Bed rails have clothes storage or pull out trundles for that unexpected guest.”

And just like your room, go ahead and reserve some space for the flat screen TV.

“Technology has also changed the furniture choices as well, with every room needing space for flat screen TVs, not to mention, charging stations for all of those ‘smart’ accessories,” says Lackey.

Shannon Koontz is the associate editor/web editor of Piedmont Parent.

Shades of gray, bright chevron patterns and whimsical chandeliers are finding their way into today’s nurseries.

Images courtesy of Rolly’s


Open early 6:30am, open late 6:30pm • Children 6 wks-12 yrsCertified teachers • Age appropriate curriculum

Cameras in classrooms for parents’ online viewingSummer camps • Kids Café with full time cook on staff

GreenSbOrO LOCAtiOnS514 Pisgah Church road Greensboro, nC 27455

336.288.4440www.kidsrkidsgso.com

4230 regency Drive Greensboro, nC 27410

336.856.9990www.kidsrkidsnc1.com

infAntS • tODDLerS • Pre-K • SChOOL AGe

Kids Are Laughing…Kids Are Learning

400 W. Hanes Mill Road, Winston-Salem • 336.767.6730www.sciworks.org

www.ImprintsForFamilies.org 336.722.6296 x205

Services for Expectant and New Parents

• BirthDoulas–trainedandcertifiedbyDONA

• LactationSupportServices

• NewParentSurvivalGuide

• InfantCare

• InfantMassage

• DevelopmentalScreenings

• MommyandBabyGroups

When we’re pregnant, we envision a peaceful baby in our arms. We plan for the baby’s arrival by reading books and taking classes.

We feel ready and prepared. And as wonderful as the reality of a new baby is, those first few weeks as a new parent can be very daunting.

That’swhereImprintscanhelp!

Let Imprints Infant Specialists assist you with services in the comfort of your home.

The first randomized research trial, that compared babies exclusively breastfed for six months to those who were exclusively breastfed for four months, found that babies in the latter group had higher iron levels.

In the study, one group of mothers exclusively breastfed for six months, while the other group breastfed, but also introduced infant cereal, formula and fruit purees at 4 months. Researchers measured the infants and their iron levels at 6 months. While iron levels in the second group were higher, there was no significant difference in growth rates, or the rates of anemia.

Currently the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization (WHO) both recommend that newborns should be exclusively breastfed for six months. According to this study, the reason the WHO holds that recommendation is that exclusively breastfeeding is a healthier option in poverty-stricken countries, where water may be contaminated, or proper nutrition may be hard to come by.

While breastfeeding has been exhaustively researched, health experts have questioned how long exclusively breastfeeding, without introducing other foods, should occur in more developed countries.

“In high-income countries, the evidence for recommending six months of exclusive breastfeeding is less clear,” wrote the researchers.

— Shannon Koontz

Researchers find babies exclusively breastfed for six months have lower iron levels


AdoptionAGAPEoFN.C.INC.agapeofnc.org302CollegeRoad,GSo336-855-7107A Christian, licensed child-placing agency serving the abused/neglected children of N.C. through foster care and adoption.

CARoLINAADoPTIoNSERvICEScarolinaadoption.org301N.ElmSt.,Suite500,GSo336-275-9660,800-632-9312A children’s charity dedicated to improving the quality of life for orphans and vulnerable children in Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and Africa. Works with families adopting through their agency as well as families working toward placement with international and domestic agencies around the country.

CATHoLICSoCIALSERvICEScssnc.org2201W.MarketSt.,GSo336-274-5577and627W.SecondSt.,W-S336-727-0705Provides domestic and international adoption services.

CHILDREN’SHoMESoCIETYoFN.C.chsnc.orgP.o.Box14608,GSo800-632-1400Provides programs in parenting education, family preservation, teen pregnancy prevention, foster care and adoption.

FAMILYSERvICESINC.fsifamily.org1200S.BroadSt.,W-S336-722-8173International and domestic adoption program, infant adoptions, and foster adoption assistance.

HoPSCoTCHADoPTIoNSINC.hopscotchadoptions.org1208EastchesterDrive,Suite120,HP336-899-0068A Hague accredited adoption agency with active programs in Armenia, Bulgaria, Republic of Geor-gia, Ghana and Morocco. Assists in the placement

of children from these countries into stable and nurturing homes.

LovELINkSFoSTERPLACEMENTANDADoPTIoNAGENCYINC.love4kids.net313-CTrindaleRoad,Archdale336-431-6678Christian foster placement and adoption agency.

Baby & Toddler Programs

CHILDREN’SMuSEuMoFWINSToN-SALEMchildrensmuseumofws.org390S.LibertySt.,W-S336-723-9111Weekly and monthly programs for parents with babies and young children.

GREENSBoRoCHILDREN’SMuSEuM—BuSYBEESgcmuseum.com220N.ChurchSt.,GSo336-574-2898Members-only educational play program for par-ents and children ages 12 months to 4 years.

HIGHPoINTGYMNASTICSACADEMYhighpointgymnastics.com

3530N.MainSt.,HP336-869-3589Mom & Me movement classes for ages 18 months to 3 years.

kINDERMuSIkkindermusik.com800-628-5687Music and movement classes and summer pro-grams for infants through 7 years.

MuSIkGARTENmusikgarten.org800-216-6864Developmentally based music classes for infants through 7 years.

THELITTLEGYMoFBuRLINGToNthelittlegym.com1071PiperLane,AlamanceCrossing,Burlington336-585-1233Creative movement classes for children ages 4 months through 12 years.

THELITTLEGYMoFGREENSBoRothelittlegym.com3369BattlegroundAve.,GSo336-545-1117Creative movement classes for children ages 4 months through 12 years.

SALEMGYMNASTICSSPoRTSCENTERsalemgym.com4870CountryClubRoad,W-S336-765-4668Movement classes and summer programs for ages 6 months and up.

SWIMFANATICSSWIMCLuBswimfanatics.comP.o.Box10407,GSo336-287-6109Swim lessons for infants and toddlers ages 4 months to 2 years as well as youth and adults.

TuMBLEBEEStumblebees.com6904DownwindRoad,GSo336-665-0662Creative movement classes for children ages 4 months and up.

Baby Guide Resource Directory


Breastfeeding Support & Supplies

ALAMANCEREGIoNALMEDICALCENTERarmc.com1240HuffmanMillRoad,Burlington336-538-7550Inpatient and outpatient certified lactation con-sultants.

FoRSYTHMEDICALCENTER—THESARALEECENTERFoRWoMEN’SHEALTHforsythmedicalcenter.org3333SilasCreekParkway,W-S336-718-5000Nursing Mother’s Center provides services, sup-plies, equipment and support for nursing mothers. Retail shop open to public and sells supplies, nurs-ing clothing, accessories and equipment.

LALECHELEAGuEoFGREENSBoRolllofnc.orgA support group for pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers offering breastfeeding informa-tion and support. Babies and toddlers welcome. Meets the first Friday of each month at 10 a.m. at Leonard Center, 6324 Ballinger Road, GSO.

LALECHELEAGuEoFkERNERSvILLElllofnc.orgA support group for pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers offering breastfeeding informa-tion and support. Babies and toddlers welcome. Meets the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Fountain of Life Lutheran Church, 323 Hopkins Road, Kernersville.

LALECHELEAGuEoFWINSToN-SALEMlllofnc.orgA support group for pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers offering breastfeeding informa-tion and support. Babies and toddlers welcome. Meets the first Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. at Redeemer Presbyterian Church, 1046 Miller St., W-S.

PEACEFuLBEGINNINGSpeaceful-beginnings.org410BlandwoodSt.,GSo336-255-8311Private and group breastfeeding support sessions and classes. Also sells breastfeeding supplies.

TRIADNuRSINGMoMS336-812-3937Breastfeeding support group meets the third

Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. on the third floor, Premier Medical Plaza, 4515 Premier Drive, HP.

THEWoMEN’SHoSPITALoFGREENSBoRoconehealth.com801GreenvalleyRoad,GSo336-832-6682Inpatient and outpatient certified lactation consul-tants. Breastfeeding Support Group meets every Tuesday at 11 a.m.

Childbirth & Parenting Classes

ALAMANCEREGIoNALMEDICALCENTERarmc.com1240HuffmanMillRoad,Burlington336-538-7550Classes in childbirth preparation and breastfeed-ing, baby sign language, Boot Camp for new dads, infant massage, infant CPR, pre- and post-natal yoga, and sibling classes. Also offering Motheread B.A.B.Y. (Birth and Beginning Years) eight-week series for preparing to become a new mother.

CHILDREN’SPARENTS500W.NorthwestBlvd.,W-S336-748-9028Exchange/SCAN 12 -week parenting program offered three times per year. Referrals by court order, professionals or families.

HIGHPoINTREGIoNALHEALTHSYSTEMhighpointregional.com601N.ElmSt.,HP336-878-6888Expectant parenting classes in labor, birth and pain control, infant feeding and breastfeeding, newborn care, infant massage, infant CPR, and Mommy and Me weekly classes.

IMPRINTSimprintsforfamilies.org502N.BroadSt.,W-S.336-722-6296Offers a variety of programs with services ranging from educating women and their partners about prenatal care, to classes in infant massage and baby sign language, to facilitating parent-teacher collaboration during the first year of school.

LExINGToNMEMoRIALHoSPITALlexingtonmemorial.com250HospitalDrive,Lexington336-248-5161

Seven-week course includes topics in childbirth preparation, breastfeeding, post-partum educa-tion, newborn care and hospital tour. Sibling classes also available.

MEDCENTERkERNERSvILLEconehealth.com1635NC66South,kernersville336-832-6682Five-week Birth and Baby class covers infant care and safety, birthing options, Cesarean birth, pain management skills and the role of the labor partner.

NATuRALBABYHAPPYFAMILYnaturalbabyhappyfamily.com 338N.ElmSt.No.334,GSo336-267-5879Natural Childbirth Education classes and doula services.

PEACEFuLBEGINNINGSpeaceful-beginnings.org410BlandwoodSt.,GSo336-255-8311Classes in childbirth preparation, HypnoBirth-ing®, breastfeeding, newborn massage and baby wearing.

RANDoLPHHoSPITALEDuCATIoNCENTERrandolphhospital.org200-AFoustSt.,Asheboro336-633-7788Classes in childbirth preparation, breastfeeding, infant/child CPR and infant care. THESARALEECENTERFoRWoMEN’SHEALTHATFoRSYTHMEDICALCENTERforsythmedicalcenter.org3333SilasCreekParkway,W-S336-718-5000Childbirth preparation and breastfeeding classes, infant massage, infant safety and CPR, yoga for childbirth, Baby Boot Camp fitness classes, and sibling classes.

THEWoMEN’SHoSPITALoFGREENSBoRoconehealth.com801GreenvalleyRoad,GSo336-832-6682Classes in prepared childbirth and breastfeeding, Baby and Me for new moms, Boot Camp for new dads, infant/child CPR, and infant massage as well as classes for siblings, parents of multiples and grandparents.


WoMANkINDCENTER,ANNIEPENNHoSPITALconehealth.com618S.MainSt.,Reidsville336-951-4000Weekend Birth and Baby class covers infant care and safety, birthing options, Cesarean birth, pain management skills, and the role of the labor partner.

Childcare and Nanny/ Au Pair Referrals

AuPAIRCAREaupaircare.com800-428-7247Provides in-home caretakers for infants and children.

ANANNYoNTHENETanannyonthenet.com/greensboro.html888-436-0222Professional nanny placement service.

CuLTuRALCAREAuPAIRculturalcare.com800-333-6056Provides in-home nannies nationwide.

FAMILYFRIENDLYNANNYfamilyfriendnanny.com336-659-3888Specializing in nanny placement services that include interviewing and securing nannies and au pairs for families throughout the Triad.

PREFERREDCHILDCAREINC.preferredchildcare.com118SouthCherrySt.,SuiteC,kernersville,336-392-7827Provides pre-screened sitters and nannies to fami-lies in the Triad.

REGIoNALCHILDCARERESouRCESANDREFERRALrccrr.org1200ArlingtonSt.,GSo336-369-5097Childcare resource and referral agency for Guilford, Rockingham and Randolph counties.

SALEMSITTERSsalemsitters.com5449kingsbridgeRoad,W-S336-659-7806

Babysitting service providing prescreened sitters to families in the Triad.

WoRkFAMILYRESouRCECENTERworkfamilyresource.org530N.SpringSt.,W-S336-761-5100Nonprofit child-care resource and referral agency for Forsyth and surrounding counties.

Children’s Consignment Stores

BuBBLESkIDSbubbleskids.com1724BattlegroundAve.,GSo336-378-1358Children’s clothing consignment store with sizes newborn through 12 as well as toys, shoes and gifts.

ENCoREkIDSCoNSIGNMENT2957-BBattlegroundAve.,GSo336-286-2600and305W.MountainSt.,kernersville336-993-3444Children’s and maternity consignment store.

GREENWAYkIDS3925SedgebrookSt.,Suite109,HP336-298-1495Children’s and maternity consignment store.

JACkANDJILLCHILDREN’SRESALE2471S.ChurchSt.,Burlington336-792-1494Children’s consignment store for sizes preemie through 14.

kIDTESTEDkidtested.net2310BattlegroundAve.,Suite102,GSo336-285-7101Children’s clothing consignment store with sizes newborn through 6 as well as toys, shoes, furniture, strollers, high chairs and accessories.

kIDzoNEkidzoneconsignment.com4623-DHighPointRoad,GSo336-297-9663Children’s clothing consignment store as well as toys, shoes, furniture, equipment and more.

MoMMYANDMECoNSIGNMENTSmommyandmeconsignments.com10935-DN.MainSt.,Archdale336-431-4628Children’s and maternity consignment store. Also selling new, hand-crafted items.

oNCEuPoNACHILD435GDolleyMadisonRoad,GSo336-855-9914Children’s and maternity consignment store.

Diaper Services

HIPBoTToMShipbottomsclothdiapers.com336-469-0873Stylish and affordable cloth diapers.

Doulas & Midwives

ARDMoREFAMILYPRACTICEardmorefamilypractice.com2805LyndhurstAve.,W-S336-659-0076Certified nurse midwife on staff.

BIRTHDAYSDouLASERvICESbirthdaysdoula.com336-337-8630Certified doula and postpartum services in the Triad and surrounding areas.

CENTRALCARoLINAoBSTETRICSANDGYNECoLoGYccobgyn.com301E.WendoverAve.,GSo336-286-6565Four certified nurse midwives on staff.

DR.HENRYDoRNdrdorn.com405LindsaySt.,GSo336-889-2000Pregnancy care, including midwifery care.

MARYGILLETTmgdoula.com336-707-4052Certified doula offering services in the Greensboro and High Point areas.

GREENSBoRoBIRTHPARTNERSgreensborobirthpartners.comGSo


Provides birth doula services in Greensboro and the surrounding areas. Also holds classes, seminars, and groups about birth, prenatal fitness and parenting topics.

GREENSBoRoWoMEN’SHEALTHCAREgsowhc.com719GreenvalleyRoad,Suite101,GSo336-370-0277Certified nurse midwife on staff.

HEALTHYMoMShealthymomstriad.comcarolanne@healthymomsfitness.comCertified birth doula.

JACquELINEMESSICkgreensboro-doula.com336-339-7714Certified doula offering services in Greensboro.

JouRNEYSCouNSELINGCENTERjourneyscounseling.net612PasteurDrive,Suite300,GSo336-294-1349Certified doula on staff.

NATuRALBABYHAPPYFAMILYnaturalbabyhappyfamily.com 338N.ElmSt.#334,GSo336-267-5879Certified doula offering services in the Triad area.

PIEDMoNTAREADouLAASSoCIATIoNpadanc.org336-397-1008

TRIADBIRTHDouLAtriadbirthdoula.com336-312-4678Certified doula serving the Triad area. Also certified to attend water births.

WENDovERoB/GYNwendoverobgyn.com1908LendewSt.,GSo336-273-2835Certified nurse midwife on staff.

WoMANCAREoBSTETRICSANDGYNECoLoGYw-swomancare.com114CharloisBlvd.,W-S336-765-5470Certified nurse midwife on staff.

Health & Safety

ALAMANCECouNTYHEALTHDEPARTMENTalamance-nc.com/d/health.html319N.Graham-HopedaleRoad,Burlington336-227-0101

AMERICANREDCRoSSForsyth,Davie,StokesandYadkinCounties—nwnc-redcross.org,336-724-0511GuilfordCounty—Greensboro336-333-2111;HighPoint336-885-9121

DAvIECouNTYHEALTHDEPARTMENTdaviecountync.gov210HospitalSt.,Mocksville336-753-6750

DAvIDSoNCouNTYHEALTHDEPARTMENTco.davidson.nc.us915GreensboroSt.,Lexington336-242-2000

FoRSYTHCouNTYDEPARTMENToFPuBLICHEALTHco.forsyth.nc.us/publichealth799N.HighlandAve.,W-S336-703-3100

GuILFoRDCouNTYDEPARTMENToFPuBLICHEALTHguilfordhealth.org1203MapleSt.,GSo1100E.WendoverAve.,GSo400W.MarketSt.,GSo501E.GreenDrive,HP336-641-7777

HoMESAFETYSERvICEShomesafetyservices.com336-298-3056Childproofing and installation, child safety seat installation and checks, and home safety in the Triad.

PoISoNCoNTRoLncpoisoncenter.org800-222-1222

RANDoLPHCouNTYPuBLICHEALTHDEPARTMENTco.randolph.nc.us

2222-BS.FayettevilleSt.,Asheboro336-318-6200

SAFEGuILFoRDsafeguilford.blogspot.com336-832-2970A local injury prevention coalition.

SAFEkIDSN.C.ncdoi.com/oSFM/SafekidsAn organization whose mission is to prevent accidental childhood injury. 36 coalitions covering 58 counties in N.C.

STokESFAMILYHEALTHCENTERco.stokes.nc.us/health1009MainSt.,Danbury336-593-2400102HartgroveRoad,king336-985-2727

Infertility/Fertility

GREENvALLEYoB/GYNANDINFERTILITYgvobgyn.com719GreenvalleyRoad,Suite201,GSo336-378-1110

INFERTILITYSuPPoRTGRouP336-832-8000

PREMIERFERTILITYCENTERpremierfertility.com2783N.C.Highway68,Suite104,HP336-841-7070

WAkEFoRESTuNIvERSITYCenterforReproductiveMedicine131MillerSt.,2ndFloor,W-S336-716-6476

WENDovERoB/GYNwendoverobgyn.com1908LendewSt,GSo336-273-2835

Maternity Clothing & Nursing Gear

ENCoREkIDSCoNSIGNMENT2957-BBattlegroundAve.,GSo336-286-2600and


305W.MountainSt.,kernersville336-993-3444Children’s and maternity consignment store.

GREENWAYkIDS3925SedgebrookSt.,Suite109,HP336-298-1495Children’s and maternity consignment store.

MoMMYANDMECoNSIGNMENTSmommyandmeconsignments.com10935-DN.MainSt.,Archdale336-431-4628Children’s and maternity consignment store. Also selling new, hand-crafted items.

MoTHERHooDMATERNITYmotherhood.com605FriendlyCenterRoad,GSo336-854-2805FourSeasonsTownCentre336-294-0234HanesMall336-659-1266

oNCEuPoNACHILD435GDolleyMadisonRoad,GSo336-855-9914Children’s and maternity consignment store.

Moms’ Groups

MoCHAMoMS336-274-3470For mothers of color who have chosen not to work full time outside of the home.

MoMSCLuBoFGREENSBoRoEASTmomsclubgso.weebly.com/index.htmlmomsclubgso@yahoo.comBrandtoaksBaptistChurch4600LakeBrandtRoad,GSoA support group for stay-at-home moms in Greens-boro. Meets the last Wednesday or Thursday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon.

MoMSMEETuPmoms.meetup.com/cities/us/ncOnline communities for moms around the Triad to meet other moms. Various groups based on loca-tion or interest and many hold regular meetups around the Triad.

MoPS—MoTHERSoFPRESCHooLERSmops.org

International Christian organization for mothers of babies to preschoolers with more than 25 MOPS groups in the Triad and surrounding areas.

TRIADMoMMIEStriadmommies.comA free, online community for moms in Guilford and Forsyth counties. Holds regular events, play dates and other activities throughout the year.

OB/Gyns

ARDMoREFAMILYPRACTICEardmorefamilypractice.com2805LyndhurstAve.,W-S336-659-0076

CENTRALCARoLINAoBSTETRICSANDGYNECoLoGYccobgyn.com301E.WendoverAve.,GSo336-286-6565

CENTRALCARoLINAWoMEN’SCENTERcornerstonehealth.com237-AN.FayettevilleSt.,Asheboro336-626-6371

CENTERFoRWoMEN’SHEALTHCAREATMEDCENTERkERNERSvILLEmedcenterkernersville.com1635N.C.66South,kernersville336-992-5120

DR.HENRYDoRNdrdorn.com405LindsaySt.,GSo336-889-2000

EAGLEoB/GYNeaglemds.com301E.WendoverAve.Suite300,GSo336-268-3380

THEFEMINAWoMEN’SCENTERfeminawomenscenter.net802GreenvalleyRd.Suite200,GSo336-389-9898

GRACEWoMEN’SCLINICgracewomensclinic.com2280S.ChurchSt.,Suite201,Burlington336-538-2014

GREENvALLEYoB/GYNANDINFERTILITYgvobgyn.com719GreenvalleyRoad,Suite201,GSo336-378-1110

GREENSBoRoWoMEN’SHEALTHCAREgsowhc.com719GreenvalleyRoad,Suite101,GSo336-370-0277

HAWTHoRNEoB/GYNASSoCIATEShawthorneobgyn.com1806S.HawthorneRoad,W-S336-768-3632

HIGHPoINToB/GYNASSoCIATEScornerstonehealth.com400N.ElmSt.,HP336-802-2120

kERNoDLECLINICoB/GYNkernodle.com1234HuffmanMillRoad,Burlington336-506-1266

LYNDHuRSTGYNECoLoGICASSoCIATESlyndhurstgyn.com2927LyndhurstAve.,W-S336-765-9350

PHYSICIANSFoRWoMENoFGREENSBoRophysiciansforwomen.com802GreenvalleyRoad,Suite300,GSo336-273-3661

PIEDMoNTHEALTHCAREFoRWoMEN/GREENSBoRooB/GYNASSoCIATESDIvISIoNgreensboroobgynassociates.com510N.ElamAve.,Suite101,GSo336-854-8800

PINEWESToB/GYNcornerstonehealth.com306WestwoodAve.,Suite501,HP336-885-0149

vALAoRASANDLEWISoBSTETRICSANDGYNECoLoGYvalaoraslewis.com245CharloisBlvd.,W-S336-659-4777


WENDovERoB/GYNwendoverobgyn.com1908LendewSt.,GSo336-273-2835

WESTSIDEoB/GYNCENTERwestsideobgyn.com1091kirkpatrickRoad,Burlington336-538-1880

WoMANCAREoBSTETRICSANDGYNECoLoGYw-swomancare.com114CharloisBlvd.,W-S336-765-5470

Pediatrician Referral

AMERICANACADEMYoFPEDIATRICSaap.org, healthychildren.org

Prenatal/Postnatal Fitness

BABYBooTCAMPbabybootcamp.comGatewayYWCA,1300S.MainSt.,W-S336-277-1887Stroller-based fitness classes combine strength-training exercises with cardiovascular drills.

HEALTHYMoMShealthymomstriad.comGreensboro/kernersville336-408-5718Winston-Salem/Lexington336-403-0956An exercise program designed to prepare a woman for the physiological changes of pregnancy and postpartum. Classes in four Triad locations in water exercise, Pilates, Powerstroll®, conditioning and prenatal yoga.

STRoLLERSTRIDESGreensboro888-239-9453Fitness program moms can do with their babies.

SuNRISEYoGASTuDIosunriseyoga.net6000MeadowbrookMallCourt,Suite1,Clemmons336-778-1233Offering prenatal yoga classes. YoGAGALLERYyogagallery.net

633N.TradeSt.,W-S336-725-4119Offering prenatal yoga classes.

Prenatal/Postnatal Massage

ABouTFACECoSMETICSANDDAYSPAaboutfacedayspa.com1107N.MainSt.,HP336-862-1661

BALANCEDAYSPAbalancedayspa.comGreensboro,Winston-SalemandBurlingtonlocations336-574-2556

LIGHTTouCHtriadlighttouch.com8043ThorndikeRoad,GSo336-420-2398Providing Reiki treatments to pregnant women and to children of all ages to treat a variety of ailments.

MASSAGEENvYmassageenvy.comGreensboro,HighPointandWinston-Salemlocations336-286-1308,336-774-9994

PEACEFuLBEGINNINGSpeaceful-beginnings.org515CollegeRoad,Ste.4,GSo336-255-8311

SELAHMASSAGEselahmassage.com300JonestownRoad,W-S336-602-1484

Special Needs Support & Services

AuTISMSoCIETYoFNoRTHCARoLINA—TRIADREGIoNSERvICESautismsociety-nc.org810WarrenSt.,GSo336-333-0197Community-based services include home and community support, day support, long-term voca-tional support, supported employment, respite, individualized caregiver training and education,

personal care and skills instruction. Chapters in Alamance, Forsyth and Guilford counties.

CARECooRDINATIoNFoRCHILDREN(CC4C)1203MapleSt.,Greensboroand501E.GreenDrive,HighPoint336-641-7641Serves children born at risk for developmental delays, children who have difficulty learning to speak or other delays from birth to 5 years.

CHILDREN’SDEvELoPMENTALSERvICESAGENCY(CDSA)brennerchildrens.org/CDSAAmosCottage3325SilasCreekParkway,W-S336-713-7412and123W.CenterSt.Extension,Lexington336-224-6990A regional early intervention center for infants and toddlers with developmental disabilities or delays. Offers evaluation, treatment, service coordination and consultation services to families of children birth to 3 years in Forsyth, Davidson, Davie, Stokes, Surry and Yadkin Counties.

CHILDREN’SDEvELoPMENTALSERvICESAGENCY(CDSA)—GREENSBoRobeearly.nc.gov122N.ElmSt.,Suite400,GSo336-334-5601Early intervention services for birth to age 3. Serv-ing Guilford, Alamance, Rockingham,Randolph and Caswell counties.

CYSTICFIBRoSISFouNDATIoN—CARoLINACHAPTERcff.orgRaleighSupport, advocacy, resources and education for people affected by cystic fibrosis. Pediatric care center located at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.

DoWNSYNDRoMENETWoRkoFGREATERGREENSBoRoteam-up.orgA group of parents who are committed to sup-porting one another, sharing important informa-tion and advocating for the very best in school and community services for children with Down syndrome.


FAMILYSuPPoRTNETWoRkoFFoRSYTHCouNTYfsngreaterforsyth.com4505ShattalonDriveW-S336-924-5301Provides free services to those people who care for children with special needs.

FAMILYSuPPoRTNETWoRkoFCENTRALCARoLINAfsncc.org801GreenvalleyRoad,GSo336-832-6507Provides support and resources for families of children with prematurity, developmental dis-abilities, chronic illness, and other special needs. Serving Alamance, Caswell, Guilford, Randolph and Rockingham counties.

GREENSBoRoCEREBRALPALSYASSoCIATIoNINC./GATEWAYEDuCATIoNCENTERgatewayearlyintervention.org3205E.WendoverAve.,GSo336-375-2575An early intervention program focused upon the needs of children ages birth to 3 with severe devel-opmental delays and medical disabilities.

MARCHoFDIMESNoRTHCARoLINACHAPTERmarchofdimes.com/northcarolinaGreaterTriadDivision410BrookstownAve.,W-S336-723-4386Funds research and provides community services, education and advocacy to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

MuSCuLARDYSTRoPHYASSoCIATIoNmda.org2306W.MeadowviewRoad,#125,GSo336-856-1591Information on clinics, support groups, summer camps and equipment for children with muscular dystrophy.

PIEDMoNTDoWNSYNDRoMESuPPoRTNETWoRkpdssn.com4715YadkinvilleRoad,#144,Pfafftown336-480-8871Provides support and information to parents of children with Down syndrome in the Piedmont area.

SPINABIFIDAASSoCIATIoNspinabifidaassociation.org800-621-3141Resources, information and advocacy on the treat-ment for and prevention of spina bifida.

STokESCouNTYPARTNERSHIPFoRCHILDRENstokespfc.com151JeffersonChurchRoad,king336-985-2676Non-profit organization provides programs and services for families and young children in Stokes County, including administering the Smart Start program.

*For a full list of special needs resources, go to pied-montparent.com/directories/specialneeds

Support Groups

ADoPTIoNSuPPoRTGRouP336-703-3500

FATHERHooDCoNNECTIoN336-722-6296

FEELINGSAFTERBIRTHSuPPoRTGRouPTheWomen’sHospitalofGreensboroconehealth.com336-832-6682For women struggling with postpartum depres-sion. Held every Tuesday at 10 a.m.

GRANDPARENTSRAISINGGRANDCHILDREN336-273-3461

GREENSBoRoMoTHERSoFMuLTIPLESgmom.org

HAvENoFHoPEANDHEALING336-227-8306For parents who have lost a pregnancy.

HEARTSTRINGSheartstringssupport.org336-335-9931Pregnancy and infant loss support.

INFERTILITYSuPPoRTGRouP336-832-8000

JouRNEYSCouNSELINGCENTERjourneyscounseling.net

612PasteurDrive,Suite300,GSo336-294-1349Out-patient counseling for postpartum depression and other disorders.

LALECHELEAGuElllofnc.orgSupport for breastfeeding mothers. See local chap-ter information under “Breastfeeding.”

MoCHAMoMS336-274-3470For mothers of color who have chosen not to work full time outside of the home.

MoMMYANDMEhighpointregional.comHighPointRegionalHealthSystem,601N.ElmSt.,HP336-878-6888Weekly class and support group for new moms and their babies (up to 6 months old).

MoMS(MoTHERSoFMuLTIPLES)armc.comAlamanceRegionalMedicalCenter,1240HuffmanMill,Burlington336-449-7416For mothers or mothers-to-be of twins, triplets or multiples.

MoTHERBABYFouNDATIoNmotherbabyfoundation.orgP.o.Box1675,JamestownNonprofit organization in the Triad whose mission is to empower new babies and their families to thrive. Offers educational programs and support groups including Optimal Nutrition, PEP Talks and Triad Nursing Moms.

MoTHERHooDCoNNECTIoN336-713-9732

NuRSINGMATTERSBREASTFEEDINGSuPPoRTGRouPForsythMedicalCenter,3333SilasCreekParkway,W-SPregnant moms and breastfeeding mothers are welcome for breastfeeding information and sup-port. Babies and toddlers are always welcome.

PEPTALkS336-812-3937Support group for mothers of new babies.

TRIADMoMMIEStriadmommies.com


Labor and delivery is a lot like free-fall parachuting. You can take classes to prepare. You may file a detailed plan for the blessed event. Still, jumping into the action with only your partner’s support seems scary. Even experienced moms can benefit from a doula’s help. Here’s how.

1: Continuous CareMost moms agree: Labor and

delivery nurses are angels in scrubs. Unfortunately, demands on nurses are intense. A doula is an asset even if you’ll receive one-on-one care. In labor and delivery, there are really two patients: you and your baby. Nurses must update charts, consult physicians and monitor the baby. A doula stays focused on you, start-to-finish.

2: Shorter (Safer) Labor Studies show doula-attended labors are 25

percent shorter on average. Who wouldn’t want that? “Long, drawn out labor can be physically and emotionally challenging, even if a woman is medicated and comfortable,” says Ann Fulcher, program manager for the Hearts and Hands Volunteer Doula Program at the University of California, San Diego. Shorter labors are more effective, and there’s less time for infection or other complications to develop, says Fulcher. Doula-assisted moms are also less likely to receive epidural anesthesia, forceps delivery or a cesarean.

3: Cool ToolsA doula’s tool kit often contains scented oils, ice

packs, heating pads and a birth ball. Doulas also know which labor positions relieve pain and increase

Before hiring

Ask a doula about:

■ Trainingandcertification

■ Numberofbirthsattended

■ Favoritesoothingstrategies

■ Viewsonmedicationduringlabor

■ Personality

■ Feesandpaymentschedule

■ Back-upcoverage

Don’tjustlookforexperience,lookfor

passion.Ask“Whydidyoubecomea

doula?”or“Whatisthebestpartofyour

job?”Herresponseswillhelpyousee

whethershe’srightforyou.

By Heidi Smith Luedtke

of doula support during labor8 Benefits


effectiveness. Her bag of tricks gives you access to a range of coping techniques and leaves room in your suitcase for organic cotton onesies and post-partum snacks. And if you dislike the music she chooses or find the hot pad uncomfortable, your doula will redirect her approach without taking it personally. Your husband? Not so much.

4: A Smart StartEven if you took Lamaze or watched seven seasons

of “A Baby Story,” you might forget what you learned when contractions start. Doulas certified by DONA International study the childbirth process, pain-management techniques and breastfeeding, and they’re graded during three pre-certification births, says Lori Hill, DONA’s director of public relations. Doulas typically meet with a client well before B-day to get acquainted, answer questions and make plans. This ensures you’re both on the same page.

5: Less StressDoula-supported moms report less distress during

labor, and emotional perks pay off physically. When you’re stressed the body releases adrenaline, activating the fight-or-flight response. “In simplest terms, adrenalin suppresses oxytocin, the hormone that makes labor happen,” says Fulcher. So if a mother is anxious, scared or angry, stress hormones may cause labor to stall. “That’s where the doula’s informational and emotional support comes in,” says Fulcher. Doulas are useful even for medicated labor and surgical deliveries.

6: Team SpiritIf you’re worried that your spouse or your doctor

won’t welcome the doula’s help, stop. A doula supports others; she doesn’t replace anyone. Your spouse and the hospital staff will have less pressure in the labor and delivery room because the doula is there to assist. Check with your hospital or birthing center to find out how many people are allowed in labor and delivery. Having a doula in the room may mean there isn’t room for your mother-in-law. (Whew!)

7: Dignity Defense You’ll still want to share the emotional intimacy

of childbirth with your partner. But, if you feel self-conscious about labor and delivery — and who doesn’t? — hiring a doula lets him assist you without seeing R-rated aspects, like trips to the toilet or violent vomiting. An extra pair of hands takes pressure off your partner and allows him to step away if (or when) he’s overwhelmed.

8: Social GracesIt may sound like a doula will do everything but

deliver your baby. She won’t. A certified doula’s professional standards of care and ethics don’t allow her to give medical advice or make decisions for you. She will facilitate interactions with the doctor by reminding you of questions you wanted to ask, which will help you help yourself. And she’ll intervene (politely) when your sister’s constant chatter gets on your last nerve.

As you plan baby’s birth day, ensure you’ll have the labor support you need. Even with your heroic husband at bedside, you might want to go pro.

Heidi Smith Luedtke is a psychologist, freelance writer and mom of two. For more information, visit HeidiLuedtke.com.

More information

Find doulas near you

■ dona.org

■ doulamatch.net

■ findadoula.com

■ doulanetwork.com

Feesforprivatedoulasrangefrom

$300to$1,000dependingonexperience

andlocation,saysLoriHill,directorof

publicrelationsforDONAInternational.


New Parent?Wecan’tholdyourbaby,butwedoprovideparentingadvice12monthsayear.

■Articlesaboutbabydevelopment

■ Mostcomprehensivelocalfamilyeventcalendar

■Familyhealthandwellnessinformation

■onlinedirectories,blogsandparentingnews

Pickupthismonth’sissueataHarrisTeeter,libraryorYnearyou.PLuSlookforourotherhelpfulannualguides.

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Researchers at Oklahoma State University have recently uncovered a nasty truth about pacifiers — they are covered in dangerous bacteria.

They collected 10 pacifiers from healthy infants, chopped up the nipples and shields, and put them in petri dishes. After 48 hours, the researchers cultured 40 different species of bacteria from the used pacifiers, many of which were antibiotic-resistant.

The researchers said the same type of bacteria that can be found on the pacifiers have also been potentially linked to gastrointestinal problems, colic and ear infections in infants; and to cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, autoim-mune diseases, allergies and asthma in adults. The researchers also reported finding fungus and mold on the pacifiers.

If your child uses a pacifier, the study author says you should soak it daily in a denture-cleaning agent, and throw it out after two weeks.

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health & wellnessPeaceful Beginningswww.peaceful-beginnings.org515 College Road, Suite 4, Greensboro255-8311

Sara Lee Center for Women’s Health/Forsyth Medical Center www.forsythmedicalcenter.org(Register through Health Connections)718-7000

The Women’s Hospital of Greensborowww.mosescone.com (Register through HealthConnect)832-8000

Surrounding CountiesAlamance Regional Medical Center Education Departmentwww.armc.com538-7550

Lexington Memorial Hospitalwww.lexingtonmemorial.com238-4770

Randolph Hospitalwww.randolphhospital.org633-7788

health departments Forsyth County Department of Public Health www.co.forsyth.nc.us/publichealth799 N. Highland Ave., Winston-Salem703-3100

Guilford County Department of Public Health www.guilfordhealth.org1203 Maple St., Greensboro

1100 E. Wendover Ave., Greensboro400 W. Market St., Greensboro501 E. Green Drive, High Point641-7777

Surrounding Counties

Alamance County Health Department www.alamance-nc.com/d/health.html319 N. Graham-Hopedale Road, Burlington227-0101

Davie County Health Departmentwww.co.davie.nc.us/Departments/Health/health.htm210 Hospital St., Mocksville 753-6750

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Those calming breaths you may have practiced in childbirth class? They’ll come in handy in the baby superstore aisle, too. That’s because baby products are a $9.8 billion industry in the U.S. with hundreds of new products added to the line-up each year.

With an increasing range of choices and seemingly endless options of baby gear online and in stores, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, buy more than you need and overspend. Keep in mind, though, that you can get good value and buy high-quality, safe products for your baby without bruising your bank account — or feeling deprived.

For starters, breastfeeding will save you $2,000 during your baby’s first year, which is the money you’d otherwise spend on infant formula. You’ll shave another $2,000 off the tab by using cloth diapers, compared to the cost of disposables. For the scoop on cloth diapering, check out “Diapering Decisions” on page 12. These days, cloth diapers are almost as easy to use as disposables and, of course, they’re great for the environment too. Skip the designer clothes. Sure, they’re cute. But it’s silly to spend $75 on a super-stylish romper if your baby will outgrow it in a month or two. Want other ideas? Here are six more ways to save on baby.

Go with store-brand infant formula.

Breast is best, but if you want or need to use infant formula, definitely go with the store brand. Store-brand infant formulas, labeled with the names of retail-store brands, such as Target (Up & UP), Wal-Mart (Parent’s Choice), CVS (CVS brand), Babies“R”Us (Babies“R”Us), Sam’s Club (Simply Right), Kroger (Comforts), Toys“R”Us (Babies“R”Us), and Walgreen’s (W), have to be as nutritionally complete as national brand formulas as per FDA regulations, yet cost up to 50 percent less, which can add up to a savings of $1,000 or more per

year if you formula feed your baby without supplementing with breast milk. Skeptical? Compare nutrition information on the labels of brand name and store-brand infant formula and see for yourself.

Stock up November through January.

The fall and early winter are when baby product retailers slash prices on inventory to make room for next year’s merchandise. So what if you buy a 2012 stroller? Chances are it’s not much different than the 2013 model, aside from a fabric update. If you’re in a store where there’s room to haggle, such as your local baby

By Sandra Gordon

Tips for the budget conscious parent

$ave Big on Baby Gear


boutique, be sure to ask: “Is that your best price?” or “Would it be possible to mark this down even more?”

Meanwhile, shop mid-week. Shoppers tend to flood stores on the weekends due to work

schedules. But you’ll often find the best deals on baby gear during the week because retailers want to generate consumer traffic. Get on the email list of your favorite baby stores, such as Babies“R”Us, and keep your eyes peeled for notices of cyber and in-store sales. Like grocery shopping, though, stick to your list. Impulse buys on stuff you really don’t need can wipe out your savings.

Do the legwork. Don’t just register online, products unseen. Go to stores

and get familiar with strollers, car seats, cribs and gliders so you really know what you’re selecting. Be sure to list practical items, too, such as diapers, wipes, infant formula, breast shields and refills for the Diaper Genie. They may not seem gifty, but it can save you lots of moola down the line. For an idea of baby brands and products to avoid, check out saferproducts.gov. There you’ll find reports from other parents about baby products they’ve had bad experiences with, which can be helpful.

Use a stroller frame for your baby’s first stroller.

Instead of shelling out hundreds for a stroller, snap your baby’s infant car seat into a bare-bones stroller frame, such as the Baby Trend Snap ’n Go (around $50). The carrier frame will do the job until your baby outgrows his infant car seat (at about a year). It’s compatible with most brands of infant car seats. A stroller frame will buy you time, saving you from having to pair your baby’s infant car seat with a traditional coordinating stroller from day one. You’ll know so much more about your stroller needs once you’ve got some parenting experience under your belt.

Rent baby gear for travel. Instead of lugging a car seat, stroller and play yard or making

Grandma shell out for her own set of baby gear, why not rent everything you need to keep you and your little one safe and content? These days, you can lease a crib, play yard, high chair, booster chair, car seat, stroller and even toys at a weekly rate that’s typically less than it would cost to check them at the

airport. A basic Pack ’n Play, for example, which can multitask as a crib, changing table and play pen, typically costs around $60 new to buy and $100 to $130 to check at the airport. To rent one, you can expect to pay around $7 per day or $35 per week, though fees vary per rental agent.

Besides the cost savings, renting is a sanity saver. It takes the hassle out of traveling, which is difficult enough for adults these days. But as you may know, when you have little ones and all their stuff, it can be a nightmare. Before renting baby gear, ask about safety and cleanliness. How have the products been cleaned? How old is the car seat? What happens if you lose or break something? Most rental contracts will stipulate that if the product is damaged, lost or stolen, you’re responsible for replacing it. To rent baby equipment and have it go smoothly, coordination is key. It’s great if the rental agent can meet you at your car rental or at the airport or pre-assemble the products where you’ll be staying, such as a vacation rental. Check babytravelpros.com for links to baby gear rental companies in the U.S. and Canada as well as Mexico, France and Argentina. Baby Travel Pros members are committed to cleanliness, quality, and safety and follow the industry best practices. Rental prices, products and rental agreements vary per vendor.

Sandra Gordon is an award-winning writer who writes about health, nutrition, parenting and consumer issues. Gordon’s most recent book is “Save a Bundle: 50+ Ways to Save Big on Baby Gear.” She also blogs about baby products at babyproductsmom.com.

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160+



for 0-36 months

baby guide2013

it’s what you can expect.

An experience that embraces your

entire family. Patient satisfaction

that is rated among the highest in

the nation.* And quality care that

has been trusted for generations.

That’s the wonder of birth at

Alamance Regional.

Go to armc.com or call 336.586.4000

to find physicians and midwives

delivering at The BirthPlace and learn

more about the wonder of birth at

Alamance Regional.

armc.com• 2011 Press Ganey patient satisfaction ratings among the top 12% in the nation*

wonder

Documents

Piedmont Parent's 2013 Baby Guide