I decided to create this topic because of a conversation I had today at work. The woman with whom I was speaking had a terrible night because her granddaughter (for whom she is caring) was congested, couldn’t breathe, and because of that (apparently) did not want to eat. They live in the mountains, so it was hard for her to get to a store, and in the small town where we live nothing is open after 10 p.m. So, I told her she could have made some homemade saline solution to help the baby breathe a bit better (something she didnt know even though she is a grandmother now). Anyway, below are some things that were recommended to us for which I am thankful and that have made our experience rasing our daughter a joyful one. 
1. Baby Wise by Gary Ezzo and Robert Bucknam: As with every book there are mixed reviews, but I have to say that every person I have met who has read the book and has followed the book’s advice has a baby or babies that sleep through the night and have done so from a very young age (from 8 weeks old). And yes, that includes us. We followed the Baby Wise method from the birth of our daughter, and she began sleeping uninterrupted for at least seven hours at night since she was 6 weeks old. She has been sleeping at least 9 hours for the last two months since she was three months old. Admittedly, the book’s prescriptions are hard to follow initially (the first few weeks after birth) because of some seemingly impossible tasks, but in the long term it is well worth it. Yes, a couple of times we were ready to quit, but we didn’t. Now, we are thankful we were patient.
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Gripe Water, a natural anti-colic remedy made by Colic Ease: Our baby was colicy and had gas problems. We tried Mylicon, Little Tummy’s, you name it, but nothing worked until her pediatrician recommended this natural water that is sold at health food stores (I have only found it at Whole Foods). This works wonders!!!
She felt better right away and we love that it is all-natural. Every time I didn’t give it to her she was fussy and irritable. I checked with a couple of pediatricians, and it is safe enough to give to your baby whenever needed and for as long as needed. The manufacturer’s website is www.colicease.com in case you can’t find it where you live. -
Bundle Me: We live in Colorado, so it sometimes gets very cold during the winter. A Bundle Me is a car seat wrap that keeps the baby warm. With a Bundle Me we found no need for blankets that kept falling off or jackets that you need to put on and take off every time you go somewhere.
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The reason for this post! Homemade saline solution: Mix 1/4 teaspoon of salt with one cup of water (just make sure it is distilled or boiled water). You can find it in this article http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/90693/5_natural_ways_to_help_decongest_a.html
I hope readers find these tips helpful. All the things I listed above helped everybody in our family to feel better rested, which has allowed us to have the best disposition for teaching and learning. 
