Baby Tools & Guides — First Year

Baby Costs Calculator — Estimate first-year spending

Enter realistic values (local currency). This estimates essentials + recurring costs for the first 12 months.

Estimate

Total first-year cost will appear here.

Due Date Calculator

Use your last menstrual period (LMP) or the known conception date. Results are estimates — ultrasound is more accurate.

Result

Your EDD will appear here.
Notes: LMP method adds 280 days; conception method adds ~266 days. See your care provider for confirmation.

12 Practical Tips for Formula Feeding

Formula feeding can be a lifesaver. These tips help you keep feeding safe and smoother.

  1. Always follow manufacturer preparation instructions exactly.
  2. Wash hands and sterilize bottles and nipples as recommended.
  3. Use the correct water temperature for mixing — many providers recommend warm (check package instructions).
  4. Check formula expiration and storage guidance on the label.
  5. Prepare single feeds when possible; discard leftover formula after 1 hour at room temperature.
  6. Hold baby semi-upright to reduce choking and ear infections; burp during and after feedings.
  7. Watch hunger cues — rooting, hands to mouth — rather than a strict schedule.
  8. Track intake and wet/dirty diapers for the pediatrician to ensure adequate feeding.
  9. If introducing bottle to breastfed baby, wait and follow paced-bottle feeding to avoid nipple confusion.
  10. Rotate formulas only under pediatrician guidance (for allergy/sensitivity reasons).
  11. Keep an emergency formula supply during travel/illness.
  12. Consult your pediatrician with concerns (weight, reflux, intolerance, dehydration).
For official guidance on preparation/storage/feeding, see health authorities.

Child Growth Charts — What they do & where to find them

Growth charts are tools to track an infant’s weight, length, and head circumference over time. They help caregivers and clinicians spot patterns that may need assessment — but charts are part of a clinical picture, not a standalone diagnosis.

  • WHO growth standards — recommended for 0–59 months in many settings (international standard for optimal growth).
  • CDC growth charts — widely used in the U.S.; includes downloadable clinical charts (PDFs).

CDC — WHO growth charts (info & downloads)

BabyCenter Courses — Quick help from experts

BabyCenter and similar resources offer on-demand courses and short expert videos covering common newborn challenges (sleep, feeding, emergency basics). They’re a good complement to professional care and local parenting classes.

Look for courses taught by credentialed clinicians (ER doctors, pediatric sleep specialists) and check course dates/reviews before enrolling.

Gender Predictor Chart — Fun, but unproven

The Chinese gender-prediction chart is an old lunar calendar method many people enjoy trying. Scientific studies show these predictor charts are not reliably more accurate than chance; the most reliable methods for determining sex are medical tests (ultrasound, cell-free DNA, CVS/amniocentesis when clinically needed).

If you enjoy trying the chart for fun, make it clear to visitors that it is for entertainment only.