I just launched a maternity and infant wear business with funny clothes as I am also a cartoonist. The manufacturer puts the cartoon images on the clothes. I've loved all the learning. It is one of my many "niche web sites". I enjoy launching them and see which products people like the most. Maternity is definitely in as are matching gifts and kids tees and hoodies. Though I sell more volume in my big non-niche stores, per visitor, the small stores like MirthGirthBirth fare much better. And they are much more fun.
Of course anyone can open a maternity shop, put cartoons on the fabric and call it niche. If it were just that, I wouldn't bother to even call it a "speciality store". I take it even a step further, one that has yet to be done. And it works and people really seem to enjoy it.
Whenever there is a new baby coming, or has arrived, there is another item in the house that is always there. A camera full of film, as well there should be. There are a lot of wonderful photographic memories that can be experienced from the gestation period all the way through childhood. Often times more siblings came ahead of the one being born (hence the kids matching clothes, and they want to be a part of the photographic memories as well). A traditional living room scene is baby in crib and parent or parents drinking coffee, chatting and being shutterbugs....hence the matching coffee mugs and teddy bears. Getting the "zen of it all"? Also, with all wearing "matching funny outfits", we automatically create good cheer, hence reducing chances of sibling rivalry right off the bat. It becomes a team effort. Same game suits. Same team.
And if its a matching set of twins, you double the action, using a matching set of zens. Just twice as many babysuits, and twice as much film. Isn't zen niche shopping wondeful?
But wait, there's more. Rather than just putting any cartoons on the clothing and gifts, I added cartoons that are in professional categories, such as "future scientist", "future anthropologist", "future law enforcement officer", future plumber", or "future veterinarian" and many others So now you more than just a"Kodak Moment", you can somewhat predict the career path this loveable baby may one day take! What is so "zen" about this? Is it really much ado about nothing? Let's say mom or dad or both are dentists, and they'd love it if their child grew up to be a dentist and take over the practice. A great deal of energy happens in happy moments caught in photography. And when it is done in good cheer, the first words or thoughts, say, "of dentistry", according to many scholars, "stick in the mind of the child in a positive way". Again zen at work.
How much evidence is there to the art of zen when it comes to niche business? Not a lot, yet. But it is being studied. And one would be hard-pressed to disprove it simply because much of it requires common sense. What we learn in infancy, and many medical experts believe even in the womb, has a great impact on us until our final days. If so, why not use the yin and yang of zen to help create, or at leaste start, a healthy path? I am not saying dressing everyone up in matching dentistry cartoons, taking a pic, and showing it often in the family album will create a future dentist. I haf no proof of that, but I'm not saying it is not either. And even if it doesn't do that, it creates memories that will last a lifetime, in fact many lifetimes. So MirthGirthBirth was born. Part of my Zen Of Niche Part Two. It is beginning to get a good deal of media and Internet blogging attention. I am proud of it. I love the items that we sell and moms and moms-to-be seem to appreciate that there truly is a niche shop in the maternity and infant arena that is based on mirth and good will.
There is no more intense reason to celebrate than childbirth. And it gives parents the opportunity to help mold this new being into something positive by utilizing joy, laughter, togetherness, and celebration in a wonderful way. Zen the best is yet to come.
New Infant Car Seats
A lot of people ?think? infant formula is as good as breast milk. There are also a growing number of people who are becoming increasingly uncomfortable with mothers breast-feeding their infants in public. Quite frankly a woman's breasts were created primarily as the main source of nutrition for human infants. However, throughout our times a woman's breasts have become more of a ?sex object? than as their true purpose of nurturing human infants. This may be one reason why so many people are uncomfortable seeing a woman baring her breasts to provide her infant with daily meals. The sight of a woman's breast often creates ?sexual arousal? for a lot of people. Most people just don't think of a woman's breasts as ?baby bottles.?
Findings continue to indicate there is a need to educate the general public that breast-feeding is the best method of feeding and nurturing infants. The next best choice is cow's milk-based infant formula. When choosing a commercial formula, use a brand recommended by your baby's doctor. Do not try to create your own baby formula.
Health experts recommend infants be breast fed for at least a year, and receive breast milk alone until they reach six months of age. There are few people who breast feed continue breast-feeding until one year of age.
The decision to breastfeed is not always possible for every woman. The decision to breastfeed or formula feed your baby should be based upon your comfort level with breastfeeding and your lifestyle. If you decide to feed your baby a commercially prepared formula rest assured that your baby's nutritional needs will be met. You will still bond with your baby.
One of the happiest times of my life was when I was feeding my only child her bottle. It was always a time of bonding for us. We made constant eye contact the entire time she nursed. I now raise Shih Tzu puppies, and I am certain this is a compensation for those unforgettable moments with my own baby daughter. What a thrill it was to watch her as she finished the entire bottle. I felt like jumping and doing a big hooray cheer when she was finished because I felt so comfortable now she was well nourished and nurtured. The bottle feeding times with my only child were some of the most emotionally complete moments of my life. She was the sweetest baby ever! The bonding is the same with bottle feeding as my own personal opinion and experience.
Some of the advantages of breast feeding are:
?Infection-fighting such as ear infections, diarrhea, respiratory infections and meningitis. Breast milk contributes to the infant's immune system by increasing barriers to infection and decreasing the growth of organisms like bacteria and viruses.
?Breastfeeding is particularly beneficial for premature babies
?Breastfeeding may protect children against allergies, asthma, diabetes, obesity and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
?Breast milk is easily digested by a newborn's immature digestive system. Breast milk is often called the ?perfect food? for a human baby's digestive system.
?Breast milk naturally contains all the vitamins and minerals that a newborn requires.
?Breast milk is FREE.
?Women who breastfeed are less likely to have to take time off from work to care for their sick babies.
?Convenience: There are no bottles to mix and sterilize and no last-minute runs to the store for more formula. Breast milk is always fresh, available and the right temperature.
?Some studies show breast fed babies for at least 6 months have higher IQs than children who were formula fed.
Some Disadvantages of Breast feeding are:
?For some mothers it is easy from the start, for others it is difficult. Both baby and mother need plenty of patience and persistence to get used to the routine of breastfeeding. All the effort is often worth it in the long run.
?Personal comfort: Many mothers feel uncomfortable with breastfeeding. To overcome the discomforts seek out adequate education, support and practice.
?Latch-on pain is normal for the first week to 10 days and should last less than a minute with each feeding. If breastfeeding hurts throughout feedings, or if nipples and/or breasts are sore, seek the advice of your doctor. Many times it is just a matter of using the proper technique.
?You will need to limit caffeine intake during breastfeeding.
Types of commercial formulas:
?Powder (the least expensive)
?Liquid conentrate (requires dilution)
?Premixed ready-to-feed (the most expensive, but most convenient)
?Soy-based formula (if your baby is lactose-intolerant).
Always check the expiration date on the formula before you purchase and prepare your baby's bottle.
Infant formula is made to contain many of the same nutrients and components found in breast milk. These nutrients include protein, fat, vitamins A,C, D, E, K, iron, calcium and many more.
If you use a liquid or powder formula be sure to read the directions on how much water and formula to use. Follow these directions carefully and measure each time you prepare the formula. Mix the formula with cold water. Heat the bottle to the temperature your baby prefers. If you use water from a well, be sure to boil it before it is used to mix with the formula. You may also use bottled water. Before feeding your baby shake the bottle so the formula mixes evenly with the water. Prepare only enough formula to last a 24 hour period. Discard formula left after this period of time. Never microwave formula.
Glass bottles provide the longest use. If you use glass bottles check the bottle on a regular basis for any chips or cracks that can hurt your baby. There are also plastic and disposable bottles you can use.
Bottle nipples come in several varieties as well as different shapes. Ask your baby's doctor for a recommendation and try several different types to see which your baby prefers.
You should replace the nipple as needed. Ways to monitor for nipple replacement:
?The formula comes out too quickly.
?The nipple has become discolored
?The nipple has deteriorated in any way. A weakened or damaged nipple is a potential choking hazard.
Other routine chores involved with bottle feeding are:
?Sterilizing the bottles
?Storing formula in your refrigerator. Remembering to discard to formula you do not use within the 24 hour period.
Bottle Feeding Possible Advantages:
?Commercially prepared infant formulas are a nutritious alternative to breast milk and even contain iron.
?Formula is manufactured under sterile conditions and attempted to duplicate mother's milk. If you bottle feed it is important to use a commercially prepared formula and that you do not try to create your own formula.
?Either parent (or another caregiver) can feed the baby a bottle at any time (although this is also true for women who pump their breast milk).
?Flexibility: Once the bottles are made, mother can leave her baby with a partner or caregiver. There is no need to pump or to schedule work or other obligations and activities around the baby's feeding schedule.
?No need to find a private place to nurse in public; however you will need to always carry baby's supplies for making formula.
?Formula digests slower than breast milk, therefore, babies usually need to eat less often than do breastfed babies.
?Mom does not have to worry about the things she eats or drink affecting her baby.
The best plan is to educate yourself as much as possible about both methods and then make your decision.
Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
This article is not meant to replace the advice and guidance of your Medical Care Professional. It is offered as information only. Please consult your Medical Care Professional for all health care issues.
This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.
Both Rick London & Connie Limon are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Rick London has sinced written about articles on various topics from Depression Cure, Affiliate Programs and Health. The Internet's Top Offbeat Cartoonist Rick London is the owner and founder of MirthBirthGirth funky maternity and infant wear . Rick London's top article generates over 165000 views. to your Favourites.
Connie Limon has sinced written about articles on various topics from Careers and Job Hunting, Dogs and Colon Cleanse. Author: Connie Limon. Please visit our Nutrition and Health Article Collection for information, education and FREE reprints for your newsletter, website or blog.. Connie Limon's top article generates over 135000 views. to your Favourites.
Are You Real I Want To Know Lyrics Other well known plays that have appeared at Chanhassen are Camelot, My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, Guys and Dolls, 42nd Street, Oklahoma, and Dial M for Murder. This is by no means the complete l...
