Best of the Web

03.12.10 Hits of the week

• Don't forget to change your clocks this weekend—one more hour of sunlight! Any time you change your child's sleep schedule, whether it's this weekend or when you travel, it takes some adjustment on everyone's part.

• Move over strollers—baby slings are the new must-have item for parents. There's been a growing movement in the U.S. toward "attachment parenting," which promotes constant close contact between baby and mom.

• On the flip side, U.S. officials are preparing to issue an official warning about the safety of baby slings. Fit Pregnancy believes in holding your baby close while you're on the go, but make sure you keep these safety tips in mind when using a baby carrier.

• If you're thinking of starting a family, these 10 reasons on why having a baby makes life better will make you smile. Our Ask the Labor Nurse blogger previously touched on the subject of "baby hunger" and how it affects women.

• A National Institutes of Health panel is urging hospitals and doctors to stop banning vaginal births after a Cesarean section (VBAC). If you've had a C-section, browse through the pros and cons of VBACs to see if you're eligible for a vaginal birth.

• Researchers discover that some risk factors for childhood obesity start before birth. Our experts recently debated whether breastfeeding protects babies from obesity later in life.

• Specialists say protecting your little one's ears is crucial, especially in today's loud environments. Did you know?: Ear infections are the No. 2 most-cited reason for visits to the pediatrician, our experts say.

• Experts are finding that too many pregnancy-related deaths among new moms are preventable, urging hospitals to take steps in protecting moms-to-be. Childbirth over the years has become safer for mothers and babies, and there are ways for you to have the safe and satisfying delivery experience that you desire.

• Celebrity baby bumps were out in full force on the red carpet at the Oscars—take a look at the mom-to-be fashions. Check out our Star Moms section to read up on the latest celebrity pregnancies.

• Here's how to find a prenatal class that's the best fit for you. Browse through our expert tips on how to prepare for labor because going into childbirth knowing what to expect is key in building confidence for your labor day.

• A new study says more minority babies are likely to be born in the U.S. during 2010 than Caucasian babies. While the United States has long been a cultural melting pot, a growing number of today's parents are their own mini-melting pots, as one of our writers discussed recently.

Maria Vega is Fit Pregnancy magazine's copy editor.