Since our first baby was born just last week, this week will feature all baby-related articles! As first time parents, the wife and I did quite a bit of reading and research and I thought sharing some information might help other expectant parents or those thinking of having children soon. So check back each day this week for posts to help new parents deal with changes to their personal finances!

Unfortunately I can’t hand out cigars to all the readers at The Canadian Finance Blog, but thanks to McGraw-Hill, I do have a great giveaway for moms and dads to be! Enter to win one of two sets of No-Cry Solution books, written by Elizabeth Pantley!

THE NO-CRY SLEEP SOLUTION

Until now the only two ways to deal with sleepless nights were for parents to let their babies cry themselves to sleep or to become a sleep-deprived martyr and tough it out from dusk until dawn. At last, there is a practical and effective third way, thanks to Elizabeth Pantley, a parent educator and mother of four. Pantley is like a best friend who’s been there and is full of caring advice.

THE NO-CRY SLEEP SOLUTION FOR TODDLERS AND PRESCHOOLERS

Almost 70% of children under age five have sleep problems and when kids aren’t sleeping, their parents aren’t sleeping either. That lack of sleep affects everyone in the family, since sleep deprived children are stubborn, fussy, whiny and have more temper tantrums, while sleep-deprived parents can be grumpy and impatient.

THE NO-CRY NAP SOLUTION

Why are mini-naps so ineffective for children? Because each stage of nap sleep brings different benefits – the first 5 minutes reduces feelings of tiredness, but it’s not until later in the nap cycle that stress is released, memory is strengthened, growth hormone released, immune system fortified and mood is stabilized. Therefore, short naps take the edge off, but don’t eliminate fussiness or improved health.

THE NO-CRY DISCIPLINE SOLUTION

Nearly all parents acknowledge that while raising children can be the best and most rewarding job of their lives, discipline is often the most complicated, challenging, and frustrating aspect of parenthood. But how do parents promote good behavior? How can they be firm without shouting and having their child (or themselves), end up in tears? And, does discipline really have to be unpleasant to be effective?

THE NO-CRY POTTY TRAINING SOLUTION

Potty training your child shouldn’t require an instruction manual the size of a telephone book, nor should it require a visit to your pediatrician. It certainly shouldn’t involve a private consultant’s assistance! Yet you may be like many other parents who get the idea that this is a complicated, difficult undertaking, and can’t possibly be done with ease. I have good news. As a parent educator and four time veteran of the toilet training process, I know that potty training can be simple, pleasant, and yes, even fun. I’ve written this guide so that you can sail through the potty training process easily and joyfully with your child.

How To Enter

To enter, leave a comment (use valid email address, it will not be published) in any article this week. Each day will give you one more chance to win!

After leaving at least one comment so that I know you’re interested in these books, you can get bonus entries by doing either (or both) of the following:

• Subscribe to The Canadian Finance Blog email, where you’ll get each article, 5 days a week with no spam emails. If you’re already subscribed and leave a comment, you will automatically get this bonus entry!
• Follow The Canadian Finance Blog on Twitter and re-tweet any of our tweets during the week!

This contest for a set of five No-Cry Solution books is open to anyone in Canada or the United States. The deadline for entries is Friday, October 16th at 11:59PM MST and the winners will be contacted by email on Saturday. There will be two winners, chosen with a random number generator from Random.org.

Where To Get Free Samples Of Baby Products

Since a baby can be rather expensive, I also wanted to point out that many of the manufacturers of baby products have websites where you can give them your name and address and get some free products. There are some nice extras that come along with the samples we have received, including backpacks, bags and coupons. Will you get a bunch of junk mail from signing up for these? That’s what I’m expecting, though there hasn’t really been much yet. Just wanted to point them out as it’s a great way to try out a few products to see which one a fussy baby will like.

• Similac Welcome Addition Club
• Enfamil Family Beginnings
• Pampers Village
• Huggies Baby Network
• Heinz Baby Club
• Nestle Baby Program

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