Skin Care Baby  Recommended Resources for Parents

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www.bestweddingnj.com/ Know anybody getting married? Free wedding planner, wedding vows & wedding articles!

Moms: Read how to prevent stretch marks!

NEW!  Inspiration for Parents!  Love Yourself with a transformational Life Lift!

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Establishing Healthy Sleep Habits in Your 3 - 12 Month Old

Your baby is no longer a newborn and many parents are ready to start sleeping for longer stretches at night. Although most older infants are biologically ready to sleep for longer durations at night, many continue to waken throughout the night for feeds or have learned to need other parental assistance (e.g., rocking, holding) to return to sleep. In fact, research has shown that sleep problems are one of the most common parental complaints to pediatric practitioners.

There is a general consensus among pediatricians that full-term healthy babies no longer need to be fed during the night after 6 months of age, once they are established on solid food. This means that most infants 6 months of age and older are physiologically able to sleep through the night without being fed. However, according to the National Sleep Foundation's 2005 Infant Sleep Poll, 70% of parents reported that their 6-11 month old child wakes at least once a night and needs their help or attention to return to sleep. A third of these parents (33%) reported that their infant wakes twice a night, while 10% reported that their baby needs their help to return to sleep three or more times a night. Also, over 50% of these parents reported that they feed their child during the night at least several times a week.

Although there is a lot of information available to parents on infant sleep (e.g., self-help books, the internet), parents often are confused about what advice to follow. This is because some of the techniques conflict with one another, or what is recommended may not fit with their style of parenting. The following information is intended to help provide you with accurate information on your infant's sleep, with some guidelines for establishing healthy sleep habits with your older infant. This information is not a substitute for medical or other professional advice and it is recommended that you consult with your child's physician or other health professional with training in this area if you have any concerns regarding your child's sleeping habits.

By 6 months of age, infant sleep starts to resemble adult sleep. There is a decrease in active sleep and an increase in quiet (deep) sleep. Due to this increase in amount of deep sleep, older infants are less vulnerable to frequent arousals in their sleep. By 6 months all the stages of non-dreaming sleep are present (Stages 1-4): dreaming (REM) sleep accounts for 30% of time sleeping and non-REM sleep for 70% of total sleep time (more like adult sleep). Most infants in the 6-11 month age range need about 13-14 hours of sleep in a 24 hour period. Usually this consists of 11-12 hours at night and 2-4 hours during the day. 

Establishing healthy sleep habits

Develop a consistent and soothing bedtime routine

At this age, a bedtime routine is important to cue your child that bed time is approaching. A bedtime routine should be consistent and calming. Typically, bedtime routines at this age are about 30 minutes in length. A routine may include having a bath, putting on pajamas, feeding, and singing a song. Having a shorter nap-time routine can also be helpful. A nap-time routine can be 5-10 minutes long and may include a feed, diaper change, and song.

Transitioning to a crib

In the first few weeks to months, many babies are in a bassinet in the parents' bedroom. However, if parents plan to move the baby to a crib, it is suggested that they make the transition by 3 months of age. Waiting much longer than 3 months will be more difficult for the baby. This is because after 3 months of age, babies are more aware of their surroundings, and the change in sleeping location will feel new and different. When parents decide to switch to a crib, they can make the move all at once or gradually. For a gradual change, parents can start with nap-time or nighttime. 

Sleeping environment

As your older infant is increasingly aware of his surroundings and therefore more easily distracted, it often is a good idea to remove things from the crib that do not contribute to sleep, such as toys and mobiles. Maintaining a comfortable sleeping environment is also important. This includes a temperature on the cool side of comfortable, minimal light, and little to no noise. A white noise machine can be helpful to soothe young children and minimize external or household noise.

Encourage napping

Continue to encourage napping. Naps are not only important to your baby's physical and emotional development; they often are the only time that caregivers have a break during the day. Many infants continue to need 3 naps a day until 6-8 months of age. Usually by 8 months of age the late afternoon nap is dropped and most infants have 2 naps a day until approximately 14-16 months of age. Anecdotal evidence suggests that depriving your child of her nap is not effective in helping her sleep longer at night. Young children who do not nap enough may have more difficulty falling asleep, may wake more frequently during the night, and may have an earlier than usual awakening time. The motto "sleep begets sleep" still applies to this age group. 

Implement safe sleep hygiene

Continue to place your baby on his back to sleep. This is the sleeping position recommended by the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) and the American Academy of Pediatrics, as it is associated with a significantly decreased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It is okay to let your child find her own comfortable position, however. If she can roll on her tummy, for example, it is not necessary to roll her on her back throughout the night and during naps. It is recommended that objects that can prevent the circulation of fresh air around the baby's face be removed from the crib. Avoid overdressing your infant and continue to give your baby 'tummy time' during the day to prevent a flattened area from developing on the back of her head from sleeping on her back.

For more information on safe sleep practices for infants, see the Canadian Paediatric Society handout for parents (www.caringforkids.cps.ca - see Pregnancy & Babies - "Safe sleep for babies").

Introduce a transitional object

This is a good age to introduce a transitional object, sometimes referred to as a "lovey", to your child. "Blankies" are often a good choice, because if your child rolls onto it at night, it will not disturb him. Transitional objects can help with separation at night, and can make travelling easier. However, be sure to have more than one, in case you ever lose it! At this age, blankies should be no bigger than 8" by 8" and should be breathable (with holes). Giving him several may be helpful to ensure that he is always able to find one (if he wants) during the night.
 
Encourage self-soothing

It is important for your baby to learn the important life-long skill of falling asleep independently. While it is up to parents as to when they want to encourage this development, parents should be aware that it is easier for an infant to learn this skill than it is for a toddler or preschooler. 

Developing a sleep training program

When your child is at least 3-4 months of age, a sleep training program can be developed based on your own reading (see recommended reading below), or with the help of a professional with training in this area. Common pitfalls to sleep training success include inconsistent responding (e.g., sometimes feeding on demand, sometimes not) and continuing feeds when they are no longer necessary. If nighttime feeds are no longer necessary, it often is helpful to wean the feeds gradually over a period of a few nights. Eliminating feeds gradually will give the baby a chance to transfer her food intake from the night to the daytime. Sleep training should not be implemented when your child is ill or in pain (including acute teething).

While the effectiveness of behavioural interventions for bedtime sleep problems and night wakings are well documented, some parents are more ready than others to start a sleep training program. However, many parents report that the anticipation of sleep training their child was worse than the actual carrying out of the plan. While it is best to wait until you have a plan in place that you feel you can carry out consistently, it is advisable to start sooner than later to prevent sleep problems from becoming chronic and more difficult to resolve.  Pleasant dreams! by Dr. Nickey Cohen

By 6 months of age, infant sleep starts to resemble adult sleep. There is a decrease in active sleep and an increase in quiet (deep) sleep. Due to this increase in amount of deep sleep, older infants are less vulnerable to frequent arousals in their sleep. By 6 months all the stages of non-dreaming sleep are present (Stages 1-4): dreaming (REM) sleep accounts for 30% of time sleeping and non-REM sleep for 70% of total sleep time (more like adult sleep). Most infants in the 6-11 month age range need about 13-14 hours of sleep in a 24 hour period. Usually this consists of 11-12 hours at night and 2-4 hours during the day. 

Establishing healthy sleep habits

Develop a consistent and soothing bedtime routine

At this age, a bedtime routine is important to cue your child that bed time is approaching. A bedtime routine should be consistent and calming. Typically, bedtime routines at this age are about 30 minutes in length. A routine may include having a bath, putting on pajamas, feeding, and singing a song. Having a shorter nap-time routine can also be helpful. A nap-time routine can be 5-10 minutes long and may include a feed, diaper change, and song.

Transitioning to a crib

In the first few weeks to months, many babies are in a bassinet in the parents' bedroom. However, if parents plan to move the baby to a crib, it is suggested that they make the transition by 3 months of age. Waiting much longer than 3 months will be more difficult for the baby. This is because after 3 months of age, babies are more aware of their surroundings, and the change in sleeping location will feel new and different. When parents decide to switch to a crib, they can make the move all at once or gradually. For a gradual change, parents can start with nap-time or nighttime. 

Sleeping environment

As your older infant is increasingly aware of his surroundings and therefore more easily distracted, it often is a good idea to remove things from the crib that do not contribute to sleep, such as toys and mobiles. Maintaining a comfortable sleeping environment is also important. This includes a temperature on the cool side of comfortable, minimal light, and little to no noise. A white noise machine can be helpful to soothe young children and minimize external or household noise.

Encourage napping

Continue to encourage napping. Naps are not only important to your baby's physical and emotional development; they often are the only time that caregivers have a break during the day. Many infants continue to need 3 naps a day until 6-8 months of age. Usually by 8 months of age the late afternoon nap is dropped and most infants have 2 naps a day until approximately 14-16 months of age. Anecdotal evidence suggests that depriving your child of her nap is not effective in helping her sleep longer at night. Young children who do not nap enough may have more difficulty falling asleep, may wake more frequently during the night, and may have an earlier than usual awakening time. The motto "sleep begets sleep" still applies to this age group. 

Implement safe sleep hygiene

Continue to place your baby on his back to sleep. This is the sleeping position recommended by the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) and the American Academy of Pediatrics, as it is associated with a significantly decreased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It is okay to let your child find her own comfortable position, however. If she can roll on her tummy, for example, it is not necessary to roll her on her back throughout the night and during naps. It is recommended that objects that can prevent the circulation of fresh air around the baby's face be removed from the crib. Avoid overdressing your infant and continue to give your baby 'tummy time' during the day to prevent a flattened area from developing on the back of her head from sleeping on her back.

For more information on safe sleep practices for infants, see the Canadian Paediatric Society handout for parents (www.caringforkids.cps.ca - see Pregnancy & Babies - "Safe sleep for babies").

Introduce a transitional object

This is a good age to introduce a transitional object, sometimes referred to as a "lovey", to your child. "Blankies" are often a good choice, because if your child rolls onto it at night, it will not disturb him. Transitional objects can help with separation at night, and can make travelling easier. However, be sure to have more than one, in case you ever lose it! At this age, blankies should be no bigger than 8" by 8" and should be breathable (with holes). Giving him several may be helpful to ensure that he is always able to find one (if he wants) during the night.
 
Encourage self-soothing

It is important for your baby to learn the important life-long skill of falling asleep independently. While it is up to parents as to when they want to encourage this development, parents should be aware that it is easier for an infant to learn this skill than it is for a toddler or preschooler. 

Developing a sleep training program

When your child is at least 3-4 months of age, a sleep training program can be developed based on your own reading (see recommended reading below), or with the help of a professional with training in this area. Common pitfalls to sleep training success include inconsistent responding (e.g., sometimes feeding on demand, sometimes not) and continuing feeds when they are no longer necessary. If nighttime feeds are no longer necessary, it often is helpful to wean the feeds gradually over a period of a few nights. Eliminating feeds gradually will give the baby a chance to transfer her food intake from the night to the daytime. Sleep training should not be implemented when your child is ill or in pain (including acute teething).

While the effectiveness of behavioural interventions for bedtime sleep problems and night wakings are well documented, some parents are more ready than others to start a sleep training program. However, many parents report that the anticipation of sleep training their child was worse than the actual carrying out of the plan. While it is best to wait until you have a plan in place that you feel you can carry out consistently, it is advisable to start sooner than later to prevent sleep problems from becoming chronic and more difficult to resolve.  Pleasant dreams! by Dr. Nickey Cohen

By 6 months of age, infant sleep starts to resemble adult sleep. There is a decrease in active sleep and an increase in quiet (deep) sleep. Due to this increase in amount of deep sleep, older infants are less vulnerable to frequent arousals in their sleep. By 6 months all the stages of non-dreaming sleep are present (Stages 1-4): dreaming (REM) sleep accounts for 30% of time sleeping and non-REM sleep for 70% of total sleep time (more like adult sleep). Most infants in the 6-11 month age range need about 13-14 hours of sleep in a 24 hour period. Usually this consists of 11-12 hours at night and 2-4 hours during the day. 

Establishing healthy sleep habits

Develop a consistent and soothing bedtime routine

At this age, a bedtime routine is important to cue your child that bed time is approaching. A bedtime routine should be consistent and calming. Typically, bedtime routines at this age are about 30 minutes in length. A routine may include having a bath, putting on pajamas, feeding, and singing a song. Having a shorter nap-time routine can also be helpful. A nap-time routine can be 5-10 minutes long and may include a feed, diaper change, and song.

Transitioning to a crib

In the first few weeks to months, many babies are in a bassinet in the parents' bedroom. However, if parents plan to move the baby to a crib, it is suggested that they make the transition by 3 months of age. Waiting much longer than 3 months will be more difficult for the baby. This is because after 3 months of age, babies are more aware of their surroundings, and the change in sleeping location will feel new and different. When parents decide to switch to a crib, they can make the move all at once or gradually. For a gradual change, parents can start with nap-time or nighttime. 

Sleeping environment

As your older infant is increasingly aware of his surroundings and therefore more easily distracted, it often is a good idea to remove things from the crib that do not contribute to sleep, such as toys and mobiles. Maintaining a comfortable sleeping environment is also important. This includes a temperature on the cool side of comfortable, minimal light, and little to no noise. A white noise machine can be helpful to soothe young children and minimize external or household noise.

Encourage napping

Continue to encourage napping. Naps are not only important to your baby's physical and emotional development; they often are the only time that caregivers have a break during the day. Many infants continue to need 3 naps a day until 6-8 months of age. Usually by 8 months of age the late afternoon nap is dropped and most infants have 2 naps a day until approximately 14-16 months of age. Anecdotal evidence suggests that depriving your child of her nap is not effective in helping her sleep longer at night. Young children who do not nap enough may have more difficulty falling asleep, may wake more frequently during the night, and may have an earlier than usual awakening time. The motto "sleep begets sleep" still applies to this age group. 

Implement safe sleep hygiene

Continue to place your baby on his back to sleep. This is the sleeping position recommended by the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) and the American Academy of Pediatrics, as it is associated with a significantly decreased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It is okay to let your child find her own comfortable position, however. If she can roll on her tummy, for example, it is not necessary to roll her on her back throughout the night and during naps. It is recommended that objects that can prevent the circulation of fresh air around the baby's face be removed from the crib. Avoid overdressing your infant and continue to give your baby 'tummy time' during the day to prevent a flattened area from developing on the back of her head from sleeping on her back.

For more information on safe sleep practices for infants, see the Canadian Paediatric Society handout for parents (www.caringforkids.cps.ca - see Pregnancy & Babies - "Safe sleep for babies").

Introduce a transitional object

This is a good age to introduce a transitional object, sometimes referred to as a "lovey", to your child. "Blankies" are often a good choice, because if your child rolls onto it at night, it will not disturb him. Transitional objects can help with separation at night, and can make travelling easier. However, be sure to have more than one, in case you ever lose it! At this age, blankies should be no bigger than 8" by 8" and should be breathable (with holes). Giving him several may be helpful to ensure that he is always able to find one (if he wants) during the night.
 
Encourage self-soothing

It is important for your baby to learn the important life-long skill of falling asleep independently. While it is up to parents as to when they want to encourage this development, parents should be aware that it is easier for an infant to learn this skill than it is for a toddler or preschooler. 

Developing a sleep training program

When your child is at least 3-4 months of age, a sleep training program can be developed based on your own reading (see recommended reading below), or with the help of a professional with training in this area. Common pitfalls to sleep training success include inconsistent responding (e.g., sometimes feeding on demand, sometimes not) and continuing feeds when they are no longer necessary. If nighttime feeds are no longer necessary, it often is helpful to wean the feeds gradually over a period of a few nights. Eliminating feeds gradually will give the baby a chance to transfer her food intake from the night to the daytime. Sleep training should not be implemented when your child is ill or in pain (including acute teething).

While the effectiveness of behavioural interventions for bedtime sleep problems and night wakings are well documented, some parents are more ready than others to start a sleep training program. However, many parents report that the anticipation of sleep training their child was worse than the actual carrying out of the plan. While it is best to wait until you have a plan in place that you feel you can carry out consistently, it is advisable to start sooner than later to prevent sleep problems from becoming chronic and more difficult to resolve.  Pleasant dreams! by Dr. Nickey Cohen

By 6 months of age, infant sleep starts to resemble adult sleep. There is a decrease in active sleep and an increase in quiet (deep) sleep. Due to this increase in amount of deep sleep, older infants are less vulnerable to frequent arousals in their sleep. By 6 months all the stages of non-dreaming sleep are present (Stages 1-4): dreaming (REM) sleep accounts for 30% of time sleeping and non-REM sleep for 70% of total sleep time (more like adult sleep). Most infants in the 6-11 month age range need about 13-14 hours of sleep in a 24 hour period. Usually this consists of 11-12 hours at night and 2-4 hours during the day. 

Establishing healthy sleep habits

Develop a consistent and soothing bedtime routine

At this age, a bedtime routine is important to cue your child that bed time is approaching. A bedtime routine should be consistent and calming. Typically, bedtime routines at this age are about 30 minutes in length. A routine may include having a bath, putting on pajamas, feeding, and singing a song. Having a shorter nap-time routine can also be helpful. A nap-time routine can be 5-10 minutes long and may include a feed, diaper change, and song.

Transitioning to a crib

In the first few weeks to months, many babies are in a bassinet in the parents' bedroom. However, if parents plan to move the baby to a crib, it is suggested that they make the transition by 3 months of age. Waiting much longer than 3 months will be more difficult for the baby. This is because after 3 months of age, babies are more aware of their surroundings, and the change in sleeping location will feel new and different. When parents decide to switch to a crib, they can make the move all at once or gradually. For a gradual change, parents can start with nap-time or nighttime. 

Sleeping environment

As your older infant is increasingly aware of his surroundings and therefore more easily distracted, it often is a good idea to remove things from the crib that do not contribute to sleep, such as toys and mobiles. Maintaining a comfortable sleeping environment is also important. This includes a temperature on the cool side of comfortable, minimal light, and little to no noise. A white noise machine can be helpful to soothe young children and minimize external or household noise.

Encourage napping

Continue to encourage napping. Naps are not only important to your baby's physical and emotional development; they often are the only time that caregivers have a break during the day. Many infants continue to need 3 naps a day until 6-8 months of age. Usually by 8 months of age the late afternoon nap is dropped and most infants have 2 naps a day until approximately 14-16 months of age. Anecdotal evidence suggests that depriving your child of her nap is not effective in helping her sleep longer at night. Young children who do not nap enough may have more difficulty falling asleep, may wake more frequently during the night, and may have an earlier than usual awakening time. The motto "sleep begets sleep" still applies to this age group. 

Implement safe sleep hygiene

Continue to place your baby on his back to sleep. This is the sleeping position recommended by the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) and the American Academy of Pediatrics, as it is associated with a significantly decreased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It is okay to let your child find her own comfortable position, however. If she can roll on her tummy, for example, it is not necessary to roll her on her back throughout the night and during naps. It is recommended that objects that can prevent the circulation of fresh air around the baby's face be removed from the crib. Avoid overdressing your infant and continue to give your baby 'tummy time' during the day to prevent a flattened area from developing on the back of her head from sleeping on her back.

For more information on safe sleep practices for infants, see the Canadian Paediatric Society handout for parents (www.caringforkids.cps.ca - see Pregnancy & Babies - "Safe sleep for babies").

Introduce a transitional object

This is a good age to introduce a transitional object, sometimes referred to as a "lovey", to your child. "Blankies" are often a good choice, because if your child rolls onto it at night, it will not disturb him. Transitional objects can help with separation at night, and can make travelling easier. However, be sure to have more than one, in case you ever lose it! At this age, blankies should be no bigger than 8" by 8" and should be breathable (with holes). Giving him several may be helpful to ensure that he is always able to find one (if he wants) during the night.
 
Encourage self-soothing

It is important for your baby to learn the important life-long skill of falling asleep independently. While it is up to parents as to when they want to encourage this development, parents should be aware that it is easier for an infant to learn this skill than it is for a toddler or preschooler. 

Developing a sleep training program

When your child is at least 3-4 months of age, a sleep training program can be developed based on your own reading (see recommended reading below), or with the help of a professional with training in this area. Common pitfalls to sleep training success include inconsistent responding (e.g., sometimes feeding on demand, sometimes not) and continuing feeds when they are no longer necessary. If nighttime feeds are no longer necessary, it often is helpful to wean the feeds gradually over a period of a few nights. Eliminating feeds gradually will give the baby a chance to transfer her food intake from the night to the daytime. Sleep training should not be implemented when your child is ill or in pain (including acute teething).

While the effectiveness of behavioural interventions for bedtime sleep problems and night wakings are well documented, some parents are more ready than others to start a sleep training program. However, many parents report that the anticipation of sleep training their child was worse than the actual carrying out of the plan. While it is best to wait until you have a plan in place that you feel you can carry out consistently, it is advisable to start sooner than later to prevent sleep problems from becoming chronic and more difficult to resolve.  Pleasant dreams! by Dr. Nickey Cohen

Going Visiting With Your Baby

Babies love new places! There's so much to investigate and new things to touch. But many people aren't too happy to have your little one crawling or toddling freely about the house exploring everything in sight. While you think its adorable that Baby found the Tupperware, your host may not think it's cute that her tidy cabinet has been rearranged by sticky baby hands. If your host has a big heart she'll let you know that your baby's exploring is okay. But even then, you run the risk of your baby breaking or losing something.

Bring toys!

The best thing you can do is bring along a bag of toys to seize your child's attention. You can purchase new items, or dig through your baby's toy box to put together a collection of forgotten favorites. Avoid bringing loud toys that may annoy others, and bring toys that will hold your baby's attention for a long time.

Bring your own supplies

Think about things that keep your baby happy at home or in the car, and bring these with you, such as your sling, a favorite blanket, a Boppy pillow, or a special lovey. If you are prepared, then your baby will be more content.

Safety issues

Visits with a mobile baby are tricky, especially if you're at a home that isn't childproof. If you want to avoid physically shadowing your baby around the house, bring a few safety tools, such as outlet plugs and a folding baby gate to section off stairways. When you arrive, assess the area and ask if chemicals, medications, or fragile vases can be put away during your visit. Remember that you're certain to miss some hazards, so keep a close eye on Baby during your entire visit.

Food and eating

Whether your baby is new to solid food or has been eating it for a while, bring along a few favorites. If you don't bring snacks with you, your baby may not touch the dinner that's served and may cry for her favorite crackers. In any case, don't feel you must push your baby to try something new to the point of a temper tantrum. Politely requesting something simple like toast or cheese is perfectly okay and will be welcomed more than a loud and tense test of parent/child wills.

What if you're breastfeeding and your baby is hungry?

Do what comes naturally: Feed him! Breastfeeding is the most natural way to feed a baby. If your hosts aren't used to seeing a mother breastfeed, then you're doing our world a favor by introducing one more person to the beauty of baby feeding. Be thoughtful about other's sensitivities. This doesn't mean you need to hide, but your efforts to be discreet are a courtesy for those around you and may help others feel more comfortable about seeing you breastfeeding your baby. Using a sling, blanket or nursing shirt are easy ways to accomplish this.

Changing Diapers

Bring a changing pad; this will protect the surface you're using. If you don't have a pad, ask for a towel. Ask where your host prefers that you change the baby, or suggest a location: "Do you mind if I lay the towel on your bed to change the baby?"
Bring along (or ask to use) plastic bags to store messy diapers. Make sure that they are sealed so that they don't create odors. If you use disposables, put used diapers in a sealed bag and offer to take them out to the trash. People don't like stinky diapers in their bathroom trash.

Sleeping and napping

If your little one sleeps in a cradle or crib you may want to bring along a portable crib. If you don't have one, or if you co-sleep at home, this is a time when "anything goes." If your baby will sleep in your arms, then go ahead and enjoy an in-arms nap. If your baby is flexible, put a blanket on the floor and set up a sleeping nest.

Don't leave Baby alone, since the area probably isn't childproof.

A great nap solution is to bring your car seat into the house and strap your baby in securely, or fashion a bed from a large box or an empty dresser drawer. Keep your baby close by or check on her frequently.

For co-sleepers, your first order of business is to create a safe sleeping place. Inspect the furniture placement in the bedroom. If you know that pushing the bed against the wall would make the situation safer for your baby, then politely explain to your host. Let her know that you'll move it back before you leave (and then remember to do so).

Be prepared for anything

Life with a baby is filled with surprises. Take a deep breath, and do your best to keep your baby content....and if things don't go as well as you'd hoped, remind yourself that "This too shall pass."

Show your appreciation

If you've had an overnight stay, if your host is helpful, or if you made special requests during your stay, remember to send a thank you note that expresses your appreciation.
Excerpted from Gentle Baby Care by Elizabeth Pantley.

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