Why do kittens, bunnies, puppies, and their ilk seem so much cuter than human babies? This is something I've always wondered, and I am surprised that it doesn't seem to have been asked here. I've seen some idle speculations about the reasons in various places around the Web, but nothing resembling evidence. Is there any actual research related to this topic? Or is the question based on flawed assumptions somehow?
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posted by fermion
on Feb 7, 2013 -
46 answers
We're Brits in Washington DC about to have our first baby! We have bicycles but don't own a car (use Zipcar / taxis). All the standard baby-prep advice seems to assume owning a car... so do you guys have any tips for car-free baby living? In particular: car seats (for occasional use / quick installation), diaper services and bike trailers? Details inside!
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posted by tkbarbarian
on Nov 18, 2012 -
16 answers
How do rechargeable AA batteries in C-battery sized spacers (like
these) compare to standard C batteries?
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posted by Xalf
on Jan 18, 2012 -
9 answers
What tips/lifehacks can you think of for the upcoming parents. Don't care how small the tips are - just avoid the obvious ones.
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posted by filmgeek
on Nov 20, 2011 -
50 answers
Please tell me about your hypnobirthing experiences. I would like to hear if it worked for you or especially if it didn't - why and why not - and I am specifically looking for information about your hypnobirthing classes.
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posted by anonymous
on Nov 17, 2011 -
13 answers
How much breastmilk do I
really need to send to daycare each day? And how much should I have in the freezer? And all sorts of other questions.
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posted by zizzle
on Oct 26, 2011 -
24 answers
This is not my first baby. I am close to one week past my due date. No signs of labor. First, tell me how to survive because my first baby was here by now and I just cannot do this much longer. Second, why haven't I gone into labor yet and what if I don't?
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posted by anonymous
on Sep 14, 2011 -
28 answers
Why do babies/young children need help falling asleep? Why do most of them need to be taught or trained to sleep through the night?
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posted by xo
on Nov 28, 2010 -
17 answers
Attention TWINS!!! Never had twins in the family, now there are 2 fraternal girls on the way. We're excited for the special things they'll experience as twins, but only know the obvious things (share a womb, always have a playmate, share clothes, etc). Please share: What are some cool things about being a twin?
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posted by wannaknow
on Sep 23, 2010 -
20 answers
My (toddler?) 16 mo old son has developed a new habit at bath time: standing. While he has been a little hesitant to go walking solo outside the tub -- inside the tub he has suddenly become enthralled with the idea. Any suggestions on how to handle what has become a standing.. sponge bath?
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posted by cavalier
on Sep 10, 2010 -
22 answers
I went to the doctor today and I have confirmation that I'm pregnant. How can I make the most out of the remaining ~32 weeks for me, my husband, and my new child?
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posted by anonymous
on Jul 2, 2010 -
29 answers
New baby, new etiquette: A couple with a new baby (< 6 months) receive a wedding invitation addressed only to the couple. Is baby presumed invited (portable lapsitter)? Is baby presumed not invited (potentially noisy)? Is it variable (call and ask)?
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posted by xo
on Aug 26, 2009 -
80 answers
What's the best way to share short posts, videos and photos of our new baby with our families and friends who live an ocean away?
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posted by TrashyRambo
on May 16, 2009 -
12 answers
I'm looking for suggestions for monosyllabic girl names that are more unique/interesting than things like "Ann" or "Jane" or "Sue" but still familiar enough that my as-yet-unnamed fetus won't have to go through life spelling out BOTH her first and last names for people. (She'll have my husband's last name to deal with--something like Dziewolrgjeoaezkxyzski.)
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posted by mere
on Sep 6, 2008 -
83 answers
How did having a baby change your life? I'm intentionally leaving the question as broad as it is and would love to hear your answers, mothers and fathers; but especially in regard to how it may have changed you, as a person. My wife is expecting in 5 weeks, I feel both tremendous excitement, but also a slight anxiety as I know my life will never be the same.
posted by razzman
on Jul 22, 2008 -
33 answers
Does a father's moderate drinking, around insemination, affect conception rates or baby health? I've googled aplenty, but the info that I've found is consistently of poor quality, with lots of assertions and opinions but no data regarding actual outcomes, either for conception rates or a baby's development. I'm not interested in stories about damaged sperm, but rather solid evidence about babies, either the lack of babies or damage to their health. And I'm talking about consumption levels comfortably within the moderate range, so alcholic malnutrition and whatnot don't factor in. Thanks!
posted by NortonDC
on Jun 14, 2008 -
10 answers
Give me your baby hacks! My wife and I are expecting our first child in November. What tips and tricks can you offer us to make our lives a lot easier? For example, a friend of mine swears that putting a crying baby in front of a mirror will cause it to stop. Another uses noise cancelling headphones to temper the noise from his shrieking child. I am looking for hacks on everything from diaper changing to stroller modifications. Make our lives easier as we enter into parenthood.
posted by jasondigitized
on May 20, 2008 -
46 answers
What are your recommendations for good baby and toddler books in English?
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posted by k8t
on May 17, 2008 -
22 answers
What influences trends in baby names? And why have popular girls names changed more over the past 20+ years than boys names?
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posted by ThePinkSuperhero
on May 11, 2008 -
65 answers
Is it possible to over-breastfeed a baby? She's 6 weeks old and nurses, oh, like 10-12 hours a day at least. I think she's at the breast more than she's asleep.
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posted by DenOfSizer
on Dec 5, 2006 -
22 answers
What colours do other cultures use for babies? Here we have baby blue & pink. Do other cultures also have colours that are used for newborns, or is that specific to Western culture?
posted by Salmonberry
on Oct 22, 2006 -
9 answers
MixCDFilter: Any minute now, I'll be an aunt. I'd like to make a lullaby mix CD for my hipster niece/nephew-to-be. Suggestions?
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posted by donnagirl
on Jul 30, 2005 -
42 answers
Does anyone know any good games to play with a six-month old baby? I'm frequently with my son Max, and I often can't think of anything to do with him. I feel like I'm denying him proper game playing. He can't sit up yet, or completely roll over and back, so things are a bit limited. I often entertain him with songs and weird noises, but I would like to figure out more interactive stuff to do with him. Any suggestions out there?
posted by Alex Marshall
on May 17, 2005 -
19 answers
A friend who is 8 weeks pregnant recently had an ultrasound. The computer said that she was only 6 weeks pregnant. She suspected that the baby might have died two weeks ago, which is why it has remained at a 6 week size. However, the levels of hormones in her blood continue to rise as if she were pregnant. Is more likely the the baby is just somehow undersized, or that the baby has died but the pregnancy has continued?
posted by stray
on Mar 11, 2005 -
22 answers
How much do you pay your nanny? I'm in the process of hiring a regular babysitter for my kids. I've found someone I like, a college student with tons of experience who's really great with my little ones. She'll just be here two mornings a week-- one morning with just my infant and the other morning with my toddler as well. How much should I offer her? What about tips? What else do I need to know? This is in Chicago, but I'm also curious if the going rate varies in different parts of the country/world.
posted by bonheur
on Jan 12, 2005 -
8 answers
Anyone have any thoughts (experiences) on natural ways to persuade an overdue baby to make it's appearance? (and yes I know that one...!)
posted by brettski
on Apr 15, 2004 -
18 answers