It's my favorite time of year. It's autumn here in Wisconsin, and the trees have started to show off.

The giant oak in our backyard seems particularly excited about putting on it's golden finery and out-shining the rest of the neighborhood (although I am a little biased!)

This issue of The Merry Mother is overflowing with contest announcements, new articles, recipes, activities, and even some get-ready-for-fall safety tips. (Besides some very cute photos...)

Enjoy!

2009 Cutest Halloween Baby Contest Launch

• If you haven't ordered your infant's Halloween costume, visit the directory and see where the cutest costumes are sold the cheapest.
• Enter your baby's photo in the costume.
• Vote for your top 3 favorite infant costumes.

Read-to-Your-Baby Giveaway Contest

Look for more information on this new giveaway contest in October!

Finally! Get EiR Blog Alerts in Your Inbox!

• Breastfeeding Tips for Working Moms
  Why isn't this article hyperlinked? Because it's this issue's Feature Article! You can find it on page three.
• Breast Feeding Help: The Essentials for Successful Nursing
  There are two categories of nursing moms: those who had no problems whatsoever, and those who need a little breast feeding help. Both categories can have successful nursing experiences. What blessings we have in the 21st century! We have a wealth of knowledge at the tip of our typing fingers. We have products that make even the "hassle" situations hassle-free....
• The Best Breastfeeding Bras: Which is Your Perfect Fit? Other Moms Size Them Up
  The world of breastfeeding bras can be overwhelming. There are just so many choices and options out there. It's just too easy to spend a tushie-load of money on bras that look better on the model than they feel on you. And since you're going to be living, 24-7, in these bras, it's important to find the best nursing bra for you...
• The Search for the Ultimate Nursing Cover
  Choosing a high-quality nursing cover is an important breastfeeding purchase. Personally, I prefer not to be oogled at the mall while my baby is sucking happily away. There's only one person I'd like looking at my breasts, and that person is the reason I have my infant in the first place!
• Which Baby Safety Gate is Best for You?
  A good, solid baby safety gate is an absolute must in every home, regardless of whether or not you have stairs. Every home has an area that's "off-limits". Use these guidelines to find the perfect baby gate for your home...
• The Ultimate Infant Halloween Baby Costume Directory
  Born out of my own frustration, of finding an adorable baby costume one place, only to find it again (cheaper!) somewhere else...(or even worse, finding a cuter costume altogether) I have researched the 9 largest online costume stores for their baby costumes. In this series of articles, you'll see all their baby costumes, organized neatly in categories, and priced so you can tell at a glance which store has the best price.
  

  Mentor Mom Questions

  
  Here are some of the questions posted in the "Ask a Mentor Mom" section of the website since the last issue.
  • Bruising
  • Nursing Problem: Too Much Milk?
  • Which Bottles are Best for Breastfeeding?
  • Newborn Goes Week Without Pooping
  • Separation of Infant From Mom
  • Should I Be Worried About Runny Poop?
  • My Baby Had Normal Bowel Movements Until 2 Weeks Ago. What's Going On?
  • How Do I Stop Baby From Using Breast as a Soother?
  • Six Month Old with Trouble with Bowel Movements and Stomach Aches
  • Daughter is 7 Weeks Old and Doesn't Look at Us When We Talk To Her

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  The Merry Mother Survey

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  Here come the Holidays! What Are Your Baby Travel Tricks? First Name In Your Family, Do You Celebrate... Christmas Hanukkah Kwanzaa How Do You Make Traveling with Your Baby Easier? Is There a Product(s) You Consider a Traveling Essential?

  

  Do You Have Your Baby on a Schedule? ~ Results From the Last Merry Mother

  The votes are in. Here's what you said:
  • 40% of you said you don't schedule, and take each moment as it comes.
  • 40% of you said you'd go nuts without your schedule!
  • ...and 20% of you reported that you do schedule, but keep it as flexible and fluid as possible.
  In addition to these answers, I found Rachelle's answer particular helpful. Here's what she said:
  Yes, it has been so helpful! It gives me an idea of what might be bothering Peter (close to nap time, eating time), or if there is something strange wrong. I can plan my day so much better because I know what to expect. However, now that he's a bit older (9mon) I do keep it a bit more flexible, eating around 7am with us, morning nap btn 9-10am, lunch around noon, afternoon nap around 1:30, supper around 4:30, and bed at 7:30. It has worked great for Peter - we'll see how the next one goes!

  Thanks so much to all who answered the survey, and especially to Rachelle for providing such an in-depth picture of what a schedule can look like.

  

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  Pages Coming Up at the EiR:

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  If you haven't already, sign up for the Essential Infant Blog and be notified the moment these pages are online.
  • The Best Baby Christmas Gifts: Announcing the 2009 Toy Award Winners
  • The Great Teething Fever and Diarrhea Debate
  • Free Teething Chart for Your Baby Book
  • The How-To Manual to Find Great Daycare
  • Everything You Need to Know About Newborn Vaccinations

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  On to Page Two...

  Save a buck or two with these baby coupon codes and special sales announcements...

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