As you're planning your baby shower, you'll probably want to find some
great baby shower artwork to use for various things. Primarily, you
should know what type of clip art you are looking for. As in this case,
when making a baby shower thank you card or invitation, the clip art
that is needed is a baby shower clipart, so this is the type that you
should look for in the net.
Clip art is all about copying and
pasting the pre-existing drawings or images available in the net. These
are illustrations that are already for the most part, found in certain
books having already entered into the public site for that actual
purpose.
There are limitless logos, mascots, invitations,
identity and business cards and letterheads that are freely available.
Moreover, there are no license term hassles. The electronic clip art
that is available on the net is an extension of such a concept.
In
clipart, all images are converted into digital form drawings on a low
resolution being used for decorating and enhancing E-greetings and
Invitations.
Clipart, are intended for defining and outlining
digitized illustrations and drawings, not photography. There are various
files that come in many sizes, shapes and formats. Some of the
prevalent formats are TIFF, PICT, Paint, GIF, EPS and JPEG. When in
doubt what format to use, choose to use PICT, as this format is more or
less compatible with almost all programs, thus can adjust easily to
another format type.
The standard clipart is generally not a very
precise and detailed drawing; the majorities are images or
illustrations having very little detail or are called outline drawings.
With this, the standard clipart is often use on documents in the web.
Baby
clip art is an exciting way of enhancing your work with illustrations
that you believe can make magic. Considered the cheapest, most
affordable and the most colorful way, they are available free and
printable.
software is available for making your own baby shower clipart; easy and
convenient to use, it can convert or transform any of your favorite
photo into a clipart
If you want to make your own baby shower
clip art, a software is available for just that purpose. Most software
is easy to use, and can convert your pictures/snapshots into clipart
quickly.
The internet offers a free massive collection of baby
shower clipart illustrations that will be of use to enhance, give
attention and beautify your own baby shower invitation, baby shower
thank cards and announcements. Having this choice, you can save a lot,
than having a made to order invitation from a store. With the
availability of free clipart, you can now make an invitation that way
you want it to be, without sacrificing your budget.
One does not
need any artistic skills for this. You can choose to purchase a better
featured clip art from the web; though it isn't necessary, as there are
countless of free clipart provided for you in the net. You just have to
know where to look.
Before each print out is made, do not waste
your card stock by printing on it immediately. Instead, do a proof print
first, using a black and white ink on plain paper, or change your
printer setting to draft or economy and do the proof print this way. The
printer will use less ink, and you will see the actual result, making
sure that everything is at the right place, before proceeding to the
final printing of your very own baby shower invitation.
Showing posts with label Babies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Babies. Show all posts
Tips on Buying Baby Slings and Baby Carriers
The baby sling has been used for centuries, and has recently gained
great favor among modern mothers. It's felt that a small infant has more
privacy with a sling (Actress Keri Russell says her sling is her baby's
"paparazzi shield"!), and it's especially useful for nursing mothers.
There are several important things to consider when choosing a sling or front carrier. First, check the sling to see what size / weight it is rated for. Is the sling padded? Padding is excellent for protecting toddler's sensitive legs. When debating between baby carriers and baby slings, keep in mind that front carriers are designed for infants from 8 to 25 pounds, while baby slings can be used for preemies all the way up to toddlers at 35 pounds.
For soft carriers, make sure that it's washable and has adjustable straps. This allows you to keep the same great fit as your baby grows. Your baby should fit snugly, and have good head support, and their weight should be evenly distributed. Only use a carrier to move the baby about when you are walking. Never use it to transport the baby on a bike, in a car, or any other means of transportation. Check the carrier from time to time for any damage: things like a ripped seam, a missing or loose snap or strap, or a place where the fabric has worn through and a sharp edge is protruding.
Some car seats convert to lift-out-and-carry baby carriers. While these can be heavy and bulky, some mothers prefer them to traditional carriers. Many are designed to snap into a car seat base, or into a stroller. Only use those types of models together. Never take a base from one model (maybe that someone has given you) and try to rig up something to hold your carrier in it. In an accident, the carrier will break free, and your baby will become a projectile! If you own a new car, never put your baby's carrier / car seat in the front. In the event of an accident, the airbags could cause serious injury to your child.
In the case of a backpack carrier, consider getting one that can be worn on your back, side or front. It gives you more options depending on the age and temperament of your child. Some carriers provide a sun shield (which doubles as a rain guard) as an added bonus. Remember, the heat of the sun is much more damaging to an infant's head than an adult's. You want your baby's weight evenly distributed, so get a backpack carrier that's adjustable. Make sure the fabric is washable, and easy to remove; filthy cloth is a breeding ground for germs. Follow these tips, and your baby will stay safe and healthy and so will you.
There are several important things to consider when choosing a sling or front carrier. First, check the sling to see what size / weight it is rated for. Is the sling padded? Padding is excellent for protecting toddler's sensitive legs. When debating between baby carriers and baby slings, keep in mind that front carriers are designed for infants from 8 to 25 pounds, while baby slings can be used for preemies all the way up to toddlers at 35 pounds.
For soft carriers, make sure that it's washable and has adjustable straps. This allows you to keep the same great fit as your baby grows. Your baby should fit snugly, and have good head support, and their weight should be evenly distributed. Only use a carrier to move the baby about when you are walking. Never use it to transport the baby on a bike, in a car, or any other means of transportation. Check the carrier from time to time for any damage: things like a ripped seam, a missing or loose snap or strap, or a place where the fabric has worn through and a sharp edge is protruding.
Some car seats convert to lift-out-and-carry baby carriers. While these can be heavy and bulky, some mothers prefer them to traditional carriers. Many are designed to snap into a car seat base, or into a stroller. Only use those types of models together. Never take a base from one model (maybe that someone has given you) and try to rig up something to hold your carrier in it. In an accident, the carrier will break free, and your baby will become a projectile! If you own a new car, never put your baby's carrier / car seat in the front. In the event of an accident, the airbags could cause serious injury to your child.
In the case of a backpack carrier, consider getting one that can be worn on your back, side or front. It gives you more options depending on the age and temperament of your child. Some carriers provide a sun shield (which doubles as a rain guard) as an added bonus. Remember, the heat of the sun is much more damaging to an infant's head than an adult's. You want your baby's weight evenly distributed, so get a backpack carrier that's adjustable. Make sure the fabric is washable, and easy to remove; filthy cloth is a breeding ground for germs. Follow these tips, and your baby will stay safe and healthy and so will you.
Purchasing and selecting Baby Gifts and Unique Baby Keepsakes
A new baby born, congratulations and celebrations but what to give as that special memorable gift, which will be treasured for years to come.
A gift that is different, unusual and unique. Personalised gifts are popular, showing thoughtful gift selection and sentimental value.
A whole range of personalised gifts are now available, for all occasions.
How about choosing a gift which really is that little bit special, and unique. A framed personalised baby certificates.
Why not consider a framed personalised Baby Birth announcement Certificate, recording your baby name, birth date, weight and length.
If you are looking for even more detail then a Baby Born Certificate includes many other birth related facts as well as baby name, birth date, weight and length, these include Place of Birth, hair/eye Colour, Family Information, Famous person sharing baby's birthday, On this day in History, UK Music
As well as these certificates there are certificates to record your pregnancy, announce your baby's birth from the family, record your baby's growth and award your baby
All baby Certificates are personalised, unique and original, and make an eye-catching and focal point in a nursery of in fact any room of the house.
Another great baby gift is silverware, my first tooth boxes and money boxes make ideal keepsakes, being both practical and useable
Why not choose from a selection of unusual designed, from teddy tooth boxes to carousel, pram and horse money boxes.
Remember to take your time over selecting a baby gift, there are many gift ideas, so take time and thought selecting the perfect gift as it will undoubtedly be treasured for many years to come, by parents and child alike.
Personalised gift shops are increasing dramatically, especially baby gifts from personalised towels, bibs, and t-Shirts to bottles, dummies and furniture. However a framed personalised certificate is a gift that can be a part of the family home, and ultimately be passed on down through the generations.
Personalised baby gifts are great for baby gifts
So why not even add something special to a more traditional gift:
- A large teddy bear can easily be personalised specifically by you to include the teddy very one birth and presentation document.
- A wooden toy could be cut to include your baby's name.
- Silverware could be engraved with name and birth details.
It's so much fun shopping for a new baby so shop around and enjoy the experience, whether you're a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, godparent, or friend. There are so many fabulous gifts and keepsakes, so you're guaranteed to find the perfect gift.
A gift that is different, unusual and unique. Personalised gifts are popular, showing thoughtful gift selection and sentimental value.
A whole range of personalised gifts are now available, for all occasions.
How about choosing a gift which really is that little bit special, and unique. A framed personalised baby certificates.
Why not consider a framed personalised Baby Birth announcement Certificate, recording your baby name, birth date, weight and length.
If you are looking for even more detail then a Baby Born Certificate includes many other birth related facts as well as baby name, birth date, weight and length, these include Place of Birth, hair/eye Colour, Family Information, Famous person sharing baby's birthday, On this day in History, UK Music
As well as these certificates there are certificates to record your pregnancy, announce your baby's birth from the family, record your baby's growth and award your baby
All baby Certificates are personalised, unique and original, and make an eye-catching and focal point in a nursery of in fact any room of the house.
Another great baby gift is silverware, my first tooth boxes and money boxes make ideal keepsakes, being both practical and useable
Why not choose from a selection of unusual designed, from teddy tooth boxes to carousel, pram and horse money boxes.
Remember to take your time over selecting a baby gift, there are many gift ideas, so take time and thought selecting the perfect gift as it will undoubtedly be treasured for many years to come, by parents and child alike.
Personalised gift shops are increasing dramatically, especially baby gifts from personalised towels, bibs, and t-Shirts to bottles, dummies and furniture. However a framed personalised certificate is a gift that can be a part of the family home, and ultimately be passed on down through the generations.
Personalised baby gifts are great for baby gifts
So why not even add something special to a more traditional gift:
- A large teddy bear can easily be personalised specifically by you to include the teddy very one birth and presentation document.
- A wooden toy could be cut to include your baby's name.
- Silverware could be engraved with name and birth details.
It's so much fun shopping for a new baby so shop around and enjoy the experience, whether you're a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, godparent, or friend. There are so many fabulous gifts and keepsakes, so you're guaranteed to find the perfect gift.
Breastfeeding and Sibling Rivalry
Introducing a newborn brother or sister into a family can be an extremely exciting time for everyone involved. But it can also cause feelings of loss for younger children and they can react destructively. Understandably, younger children may feel put out and threatened by the new addition to the family. And family life can become fraught.
So, how can you make the new arrival less of a threat to the family?
Firstly, acknowledge to yourself and to your other children that they may feel a bit displaced when the new baby is introduced into the fold. If you intend to breastfeed your new baby, then explain to your children that you may not have as much time to spend with them as usual but reassure them that a routine will eventually become established and things will return to normal.
Try to involve other siblings as much as possible in the day to day care of the baby. You could nominate one to fetch baby wipes and nappies whilst another may be allocated the job of getting the night-time baby-gro. Or perhaps let them help with bathing the new baby. This will allow your other children to feel involved and important.
When you are breastfeeding the baby explain to your children what you are doing. If they are very young perhaps show them pictures of babies being fed by their mothers, including baby animals. Remind them that they were once breastfed by you too, if that is the case.
Some children will mimic what they see their parents doing so try not to show surprise if you witness a child breastfeeding her favourite teddy bear. Instead encourage her to tell you all about her baby.
Don't go into a different room to breastfeed your new baby as this implies that there is something wrong with what you are doing. Instead, as you breastfeed the baby, encourage your children to watch how the baby is drinking your milk and explain that it will make the baby healthy and strong. In so doing you will allow them to accept breastfeeding as normal.
Whilst breastfeeding you may find that very young toddlers crave your attention and may literally be hanging off you! Prepare for this by getting a few books or jigsaws ready in advance. When it is time to breastfeed the baby, read a story to your other children or encourage them to draw you a picture or do a jigsaw. This makes them feel valued and involved.
If siblings are bickering a lot with one another and you find yourself losing your temper with them try to take some time out. And when you have calmed down explain to them why you are tired. Ask them to understand that you are not really angry but that you need a rest.
Some toddlers vent their frustration on the new baby by nipping him or pulling his hair. You must explain in terms your children can understand why this is unfair and encourage them to do nice things instead such as helping to dress or bathe him or fetching some little toys instead.
If you are aware of how your children may react to a new sibling you can ensure that things progress smoothly by preparing them well in advance of the birth. Encourage your children to see the new baby as a family member who is looking forward to coming to live with you. Show them pictures of new babies and babies breastfeeding. If possible, bring them to visit someone who has a new baby and better still someone who is also breastfeeding.
Be careful to make time for other children in the family once the baby arrives.
Siblings can be hard work and sibling rivalry a nightmare, but you can make life easier for yourself and for them with careful advance preparations.
So, how can you make the new arrival less of a threat to the family?
Firstly, acknowledge to yourself and to your other children that they may feel a bit displaced when the new baby is introduced into the fold. If you intend to breastfeed your new baby, then explain to your children that you may not have as much time to spend with them as usual but reassure them that a routine will eventually become established and things will return to normal.
Try to involve other siblings as much as possible in the day to day care of the baby. You could nominate one to fetch baby wipes and nappies whilst another may be allocated the job of getting the night-time baby-gro. Or perhaps let them help with bathing the new baby. This will allow your other children to feel involved and important.
When you are breastfeeding the baby explain to your children what you are doing. If they are very young perhaps show them pictures of babies being fed by their mothers, including baby animals. Remind them that they were once breastfed by you too, if that is the case.
Some children will mimic what they see their parents doing so try not to show surprise if you witness a child breastfeeding her favourite teddy bear. Instead encourage her to tell you all about her baby.
Don't go into a different room to breastfeed your new baby as this implies that there is something wrong with what you are doing. Instead, as you breastfeed the baby, encourage your children to watch how the baby is drinking your milk and explain that it will make the baby healthy and strong. In so doing you will allow them to accept breastfeeding as normal.
Whilst breastfeeding you may find that very young toddlers crave your attention and may literally be hanging off you! Prepare for this by getting a few books or jigsaws ready in advance. When it is time to breastfeed the baby, read a story to your other children or encourage them to draw you a picture or do a jigsaw. This makes them feel valued and involved.
If siblings are bickering a lot with one another and you find yourself losing your temper with them try to take some time out. And when you have calmed down explain to them why you are tired. Ask them to understand that you are not really angry but that you need a rest.
Some toddlers vent their frustration on the new baby by nipping him or pulling his hair. You must explain in terms your children can understand why this is unfair and encourage them to do nice things instead such as helping to dress or bathe him or fetching some little toys instead.
If you are aware of how your children may react to a new sibling you can ensure that things progress smoothly by preparing them well in advance of the birth. Encourage your children to see the new baby as a family member who is looking forward to coming to live with you. Show them pictures of new babies and babies breastfeeding. If possible, bring them to visit someone who has a new baby and better still someone who is also breastfeeding.
Be careful to make time for other children in the family once the baby arrives.
Siblings can be hard work and sibling rivalry a nightmare, but you can make life easier for yourself and for them with careful advance preparations.
Black Tie Baby Occasions
There is almost nothing that new parents enjoy more than taking advantage of the opportunity to get their babies all dressed up in the cutest and most endearing outfits that they can find and bring them out in public for the entire world to gaze upon and coo at. So, when a formal family event comes up while their infant is still in his or her infancy, the parents must jump at the chance to get little John or Christina dressed to the nines and out into public view to allow the cooing to commence.
Weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, Christenings, Baptisms, and Cousin Jane's first Holy Communion are good examples of the type of events that will provide and excuse to get the baby all dolled up in a pint-sized tuxedo or evening gown. No matter what finery the parents may have adorned their baby in previously, nothing will compare to the sight of their little man in a tux or their precious little lady in a gown.
Tuxedos for baby boys and young children are available from a number of sources as the formal kiddie clothiers of the world must surely have worked overtime to assure the availability of these items. Some rental shops may carry them, but in many cases these are a must-buy item. Tux styles range from vest & pant sets to full on dinner jacket combos and the ever so cute "short" tuxedo. Prices to buy these classy items start at about $60.00 for infants' sizes and go to $90.00 for a young man's size 8 to 14.
For the precocious little ladies we can find all manner of delightful dresses and gowns that are designed to look just like their big-girl counterparts. Particularly adorable are the floral sleeveless dresses and gowns favored by flower girls and debutants the world over. The prices for these can vary wildly based upon the size, the material, the designer and other factors, but parents should be prepared to pay at least $60.00 for a dress like this in an infant size.
If the cost for infantile formal wear sounds steep to you, it probably is. $60.00 or more is a lot to spend on a garment that anyone is only going to wear once. If dressing up your babies in this sort of garb is not your cup of tea, there's certainly no one forcing you to do so and there are plenty of lower priced options that can make your babies look incredibly cute and generate their fair share of cooing and fluttering hearts from family and friends. If you have the means and the opportunity, however many parents will tell you that the expense of the formal wear that their baby only wore one time was well worth it just for the reactions of those around them and the photographs that will last forever.
Weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, Christenings, Baptisms, and Cousin Jane's first Holy Communion are good examples of the type of events that will provide and excuse to get the baby all dolled up in a pint-sized tuxedo or evening gown. No matter what finery the parents may have adorned their baby in previously, nothing will compare to the sight of their little man in a tux or their precious little lady in a gown.
Tuxedos for baby boys and young children are available from a number of sources as the formal kiddie clothiers of the world must surely have worked overtime to assure the availability of these items. Some rental shops may carry them, but in many cases these are a must-buy item. Tux styles range from vest & pant sets to full on dinner jacket combos and the ever so cute "short" tuxedo. Prices to buy these classy items start at about $60.00 for infants' sizes and go to $90.00 for a young man's size 8 to 14.
For the precocious little ladies we can find all manner of delightful dresses and gowns that are designed to look just like their big-girl counterparts. Particularly adorable are the floral sleeveless dresses and gowns favored by flower girls and debutants the world over. The prices for these can vary wildly based upon the size, the material, the designer and other factors, but parents should be prepared to pay at least $60.00 for a dress like this in an infant size.
If the cost for infantile formal wear sounds steep to you, it probably is. $60.00 or more is a lot to spend on a garment that anyone is only going to wear once. If dressing up your babies in this sort of garb is not your cup of tea, there's certainly no one forcing you to do so and there are plenty of lower priced options that can make your babies look incredibly cute and generate their fair share of cooing and fluttering hearts from family and friends. If you have the means and the opportunity, however many parents will tell you that the expense of the formal wear that their baby only wore one time was well worth it just for the reactions of those around them and the photographs that will last forever.
Breastfeeding Mums Need To Talk!
Breastfeeding can be an isolating experience. A new mum, breastfeeding for the first time, can feel cut off from family and friends if they are unsupportive or simply do not understand her motives.
All too often it is assumed that a breastfeeding mum will scurry off to do the deed behind a locked door and well out of sight. And God forbid she utters the phrase, "I'm Breastfeeding!" Men avert their eyes and women smile as they shuffle their feet and move the conversation swiftly along! So much for breastfeeding support amongst peers!
Most mums choosing to breastfeed their babies do so because they have been made aware of the lifelong advantages of breastfeeding. But when it comes to the task itself, many feel they have no-one to turn to for information and advice when things are not going as planned. For that reason, a lot of breastfeeding mums give up breastfeeding prematurely.
The World Health Organisation recommends exclusively breastfeeding babies for the first six months of their lives. But many are only breastfed for a few days or weeks.
It is vital that breastfeeding mums have a supportive and informative network of people to ask for help.
And that is where Breastfeeding Support Groups come into their own.
A well- organised breastfeeding support group will cater for a variety of women from varied backgrounds. It will educate women thinking about breastfeeding whilst they are pregnant and it will also cater for novice and more experienced breastfeeders.
Breastfeeding support groups allow women and their babies to come together in a relaxed atmosphere, to enjoy congenial conversation. Women are encouraged to discuss breastfeeding issues and, as a result, breastfeeding mums help one another to bypass barriers placed along the path.
Breastfeeding mums need to talk about breastfeeding in order to bring their experiences into the wider community. It is only by chatting about breastfeeding in an open and honest way with one another that it will become more acceptable. If more women are given the opportunity to access breastfeeding support groups then breastfeeding statistics will surely rise.
And who knows, maybe today's breastfed babies will become confident breastfeeding mums of tomorrow, free of the hang-ups prevalent in today's society regarding breastfeeding!
All too often it is assumed that a breastfeeding mum will scurry off to do the deed behind a locked door and well out of sight. And God forbid she utters the phrase, "I'm Breastfeeding!" Men avert their eyes and women smile as they shuffle their feet and move the conversation swiftly along! So much for breastfeeding support amongst peers!
Most mums choosing to breastfeed their babies do so because they have been made aware of the lifelong advantages of breastfeeding. But when it comes to the task itself, many feel they have no-one to turn to for information and advice when things are not going as planned. For that reason, a lot of breastfeeding mums give up breastfeeding prematurely.
The World Health Organisation recommends exclusively breastfeeding babies for the first six months of their lives. But many are only breastfed for a few days or weeks.
It is vital that breastfeeding mums have a supportive and informative network of people to ask for help.
And that is where Breastfeeding Support Groups come into their own.
A well- organised breastfeeding support group will cater for a variety of women from varied backgrounds. It will educate women thinking about breastfeeding whilst they are pregnant and it will also cater for novice and more experienced breastfeeders.
Breastfeeding support groups allow women and their babies to come together in a relaxed atmosphere, to enjoy congenial conversation. Women are encouraged to discuss breastfeeding issues and, as a result, breastfeeding mums help one another to bypass barriers placed along the path.
Breastfeeding mums need to talk about breastfeeding in order to bring their experiences into the wider community. It is only by chatting about breastfeeding in an open and honest way with one another that it will become more acceptable. If more women are given the opportunity to access breastfeeding support groups then breastfeeding statistics will surely rise.
And who knows, maybe today's breastfed babies will become confident breastfeeding mums of tomorrow, free of the hang-ups prevalent in today's society regarding breastfeeding!
Baby Shower Centerpieces - Have Your Shower Standout by Unusual Table Decoration
What is the big hit to any baby shower? The baby shower centerpieces are no doubt-ably the best answers.
Traditional baby shower centerpiece ideas often revolve around floral arrangements with a few balloons, though the modern era welcomes inventive styles for just about everything.
Floral baby shower centerpieces surrounded with candles are perfect gifts for new baby girls or baby boys. Make sure to use flowers that are in season for greater freshness and use baby bottles as vases for fresh flowers.
You can purchase items needed to make centerpieces from party supply stores, craft stores, Dollar Stores, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Shopko and Target. Online baby shower stores will carry table centerpieces of a much wider variety than the local merchants. Remember to stick your centerpiece to the theme and color scheme.
Look for something unusual? If you are baking a baby shower cake as the centerpiece, have guests arrive early to help the cake decoration - you want to make a surprise for the new mom right?
Nothing can be more appealing to have a fabulous diaper cake. It's a three-for-one baby shower gift (a centerpiece, a baby gift basket and its baby items can be used for your shower games).
A gift basket can be a nice centerpiece too. It's lined with a receiving blanket and filled with all kinds of baby items. To make your gift basket centerpieces more appealing, add a soft toy with helium balloons attached to the blanket handles, and wrapped in cellophane with a pretty bow
Putting some glass pebbles in the bottom of a clear glass bowl and two-thirds fill the bowl with water. Floating frogs, rubber ducks, or any plastic cartoon toys. The coolest idea is to have a family frogs or ducks, and add a few drops of blue food coloring to the water to make it like a pond.
For an Asian theme shower party, you can purchase Japanese lanterns at party supplies or craft stores. Use one lantern as the base of each arrangement and surround it with bamboo pots or votive candles. And have a traditional Japanese table setting to complement your baby shower centerpiece.
Most of baby shower hostesses make their own centerpieces as they love such a creative activity as well as it shows their love and support to the mom-to-be.
If none of the baby shower centerpieces above knock your socks off...close you eyes. What do you see? A giant Rubber Duck, a green plant topped with a stuffed Pooh, or any stand alone items related to your theme?
Just unleash your creativity and open your mind to new and memorable ideas for unique baby shower centerpieces. Some of the most elegant, unusual and unforgettable decorative touches can exist even within a strict budget.
Whatever you do, photograph your masterpiece before your guest of honor takes it home!
Note: If you find this article useful, you may reprint it on your website, e-zine, or in your newsletter as long as the credits and resource box remain in tact and the hyperlinks are active.
Traditional baby shower centerpiece ideas often revolve around floral arrangements with a few balloons, though the modern era welcomes inventive styles for just about everything.
Floral baby shower centerpieces surrounded with candles are perfect gifts for new baby girls or baby boys. Make sure to use flowers that are in season for greater freshness and use baby bottles as vases for fresh flowers.
You can purchase items needed to make centerpieces from party supply stores, craft stores, Dollar Stores, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Shopko and Target. Online baby shower stores will carry table centerpieces of a much wider variety than the local merchants. Remember to stick your centerpiece to the theme and color scheme.
Look for something unusual? If you are baking a baby shower cake as the centerpiece, have guests arrive early to help the cake decoration - you want to make a surprise for the new mom right?
Nothing can be more appealing to have a fabulous diaper cake. It's a three-for-one baby shower gift (a centerpiece, a baby gift basket and its baby items can be used for your shower games).
A gift basket can be a nice centerpiece too. It's lined with a receiving blanket and filled with all kinds of baby items. To make your gift basket centerpieces more appealing, add a soft toy with helium balloons attached to the blanket handles, and wrapped in cellophane with a pretty bow
Putting some glass pebbles in the bottom of a clear glass bowl and two-thirds fill the bowl with water. Floating frogs, rubber ducks, or any plastic cartoon toys. The coolest idea is to have a family frogs or ducks, and add a few drops of blue food coloring to the water to make it like a pond.
For an Asian theme shower party, you can purchase Japanese lanterns at party supplies or craft stores. Use one lantern as the base of each arrangement and surround it with bamboo pots or votive candles. And have a traditional Japanese table setting to complement your baby shower centerpiece.
Most of baby shower hostesses make their own centerpieces as they love such a creative activity as well as it shows their love and support to the mom-to-be.
If none of the baby shower centerpieces above knock your socks off...close you eyes. What do you see? A giant Rubber Duck, a green plant topped with a stuffed Pooh, or any stand alone items related to your theme?
Just unleash your creativity and open your mind to new and memorable ideas for unique baby shower centerpieces. Some of the most elegant, unusual and unforgettable decorative touches can exist even within a strict budget.
Whatever you do, photograph your masterpiece before your guest of honor takes it home!
Note: If you find this article useful, you may reprint it on your website, e-zine, or in your newsletter as long as the credits and resource box remain in tact and the hyperlinks are active.
A Baby Shower Really Is A Time for Celebration For Everyone
Celebrating the upcoming arrival of a new baby is exciting but at the same time, it's often a situation in which both parents can feel much anxiety. These feelings of anxiety are especially strong for first-time parents. There is so much to know and so many different items are needed to provide proper infant care.
The idea of the baby shower came about as both a special time for family and friends to be together before the baby's arrival and also to help relieve the financial burden on parents-to-be by supplying them with many of the new gadgets, furnishings and accessories they'll need once their baby arrives.
And even though today most people prefer to break out of the 'traditional' mold, when it comes to a baby shower, these events for the most part still adhere to traditional guidelines. Probably one of the biggest changes to the baby shower format is that they're no longer exclusively for women. Plenty of men make it onto today's baby shower guest list and those who are invited don't come grudgingly. While they might not play in all the baby shower games, men do enjoy the opportunity to give their regards to the expectant mother- and father-to-be.
In some cultures however, a baby shower is considered a sign of bad luck. If there's a chance the expectant mother might feel this way, be sure to check with her before proceeding with the baby shower.
In some parts of the world the baby shower is actually held after the baby is born. This makes sense since a baby shower is a celebration of the baby and guests enjoy actually seeing the one who is being celebrated. It's also easier to select gender-appropriate colors and gifts and should the gift need engraving, guests have all the delivery details they need.
Having the baby shower after the baby's birth does make sense, but it's a very busy time for new parents. Plus, many of the baby items the expectant parent(s) need are needed as soon as the baby arrives home. That's why scheduling the baby shower before the baby's birth is the more common option.
The baby shower itself is traditional and for the most part, every shower involves the same activities. Guest lists and invitations need to be created and mailed. The shower location needs to be decorated. Guests expect to be entertained so food, drink and games need to be coordinated. And because it's a special occasion, there might even be a photographer and/or videographer, musician and other special talent participating in the festivities.
A baby shower can be a big to-do with lots of little details to coordinate and every detail is going to cost money. That's why it's highly advisable for whoever is hosting the shower to put together (and stick to) a workable budget.
Pulling off a successful special event like a baby shower doesn't take special talent, it takes a well-thought out plan that includes a timeline and a budget.
The idea of the baby shower came about as both a special time for family and friends to be together before the baby's arrival and also to help relieve the financial burden on parents-to-be by supplying them with many of the new gadgets, furnishings and accessories they'll need once their baby arrives.
And even though today most people prefer to break out of the 'traditional' mold, when it comes to a baby shower, these events for the most part still adhere to traditional guidelines. Probably one of the biggest changes to the baby shower format is that they're no longer exclusively for women. Plenty of men make it onto today's baby shower guest list and those who are invited don't come grudgingly. While they might not play in all the baby shower games, men do enjoy the opportunity to give their regards to the expectant mother- and father-to-be.
In some cultures however, a baby shower is considered a sign of bad luck. If there's a chance the expectant mother might feel this way, be sure to check with her before proceeding with the baby shower.
In some parts of the world the baby shower is actually held after the baby is born. This makes sense since a baby shower is a celebration of the baby and guests enjoy actually seeing the one who is being celebrated. It's also easier to select gender-appropriate colors and gifts and should the gift need engraving, guests have all the delivery details they need.
Having the baby shower after the baby's birth does make sense, but it's a very busy time for new parents. Plus, many of the baby items the expectant parent(s) need are needed as soon as the baby arrives home. That's why scheduling the baby shower before the baby's birth is the more common option.
The baby shower itself is traditional and for the most part, every shower involves the same activities. Guest lists and invitations need to be created and mailed. The shower location needs to be decorated. Guests expect to be entertained so food, drink and games need to be coordinated. And because it's a special occasion, there might even be a photographer and/or videographer, musician and other special talent participating in the festivities.
A baby shower can be a big to-do with lots of little details to coordinate and every detail is going to cost money. That's why it's highly advisable for whoever is hosting the shower to put together (and stick to) a workable budget.
Pulling off a successful special event like a baby shower doesn't take special talent, it takes a well-thought out plan that includes a timeline and a budget.
Save Big On Baby!
When you brought your little bundle of joy home from the hospital, no one told you how much lighter your wallet was about to become. Between diapers, formula, clothes, and toys, it is amazing how something to small can cost so much. Take advantage of the following tips to help you save money on the things you buy for your baby.
Order things online and take advantage of coupon codes. Let's face it, your baby needs a lot of accessories and that can add up to big bucks, but you can save substantially by shopping online. Buying things online for your baby has lots of advantages. With literally millions of products to choose from, shopping on the internet can give you options for items that your local store doesn't carry. Many sites offer free shipping and often you don't have to pay tax on your online purchase which means that you could conceivably get an item online for less money than it would cost you to buy it in the store. Many retailers sell things cheaper online than they do in their physical store, in hopes of tapping into the internet market. The best secret to saving money online is online coupon codes. Upon checkout, you simply input a code when prompted and the amount of the coupon will automatically be deducted of the total of your purchase. If you use a coupon code for 20 % off of an item that can add up to huge savings if you are purchasing something big like a crib or a stroller.
Use coupons when you shop in retail stores. Coupons aren't just for groceries. Watch the paper for specific store coupons and save tons of money on purchases like bed linens car seats, strollers, and toys. Many retailers print coupons in their Sunday flier, so scan them closely and watch the savings add up. Often these coupons are for a percentage off your purchase, rather than for specific products, so you can save a lot of money if you use if for a big purchase like furniture. Don't forget to check online for printable coupons from your favorite stores. It is always a bonus to find a coupon for a store you planned to shop at anyway
Don't wait for coupons to come to you. You don't have to rely solely on the Sunday paper for baby related coupons. Write to the manufacturers of the products you use and tell them what you like about their products. You will be surprised at the amount of coupons they will usually send you. Often they will even send you vouchers for free products. Don't just write to the manufacturers of products like baby food or formula. Contact companies that sell diapers, lotions, shampoos, baby wipes, or toys. Look in your pantry, your bathroom cupboard, and your baby's room and make a list of all the products you buy for your baby. Then write to those companies and soon you will be saving a fortune on products you already know and love. You can also call the toll free number on the back of the products you use and ask the operator if they have any coupons available. Manufacturers love to give coupons because if they give you a coupon, they know you will buy their product. Most people never think to ask, so all of those coupons just sit there unused.
Babies need so many things and all of those things add up to a lot of money. Use coupons to cut your expenses everywhere you can. It pays to save as much money as possible now, because before you know it, your little darling will grow up and it will be time to start thinking about college tuition.
Order things online and take advantage of coupon codes. Let's face it, your baby needs a lot of accessories and that can add up to big bucks, but you can save substantially by shopping online. Buying things online for your baby has lots of advantages. With literally millions of products to choose from, shopping on the internet can give you options for items that your local store doesn't carry. Many sites offer free shipping and often you don't have to pay tax on your online purchase which means that you could conceivably get an item online for less money than it would cost you to buy it in the store. Many retailers sell things cheaper online than they do in their physical store, in hopes of tapping into the internet market. The best secret to saving money online is online coupon codes. Upon checkout, you simply input a code when prompted and the amount of the coupon will automatically be deducted of the total of your purchase. If you use a coupon code for 20 % off of an item that can add up to huge savings if you are purchasing something big like a crib or a stroller.
Use coupons when you shop in retail stores. Coupons aren't just for groceries. Watch the paper for specific store coupons and save tons of money on purchases like bed linens car seats, strollers, and toys. Many retailers print coupons in their Sunday flier, so scan them closely and watch the savings add up. Often these coupons are for a percentage off your purchase, rather than for specific products, so you can save a lot of money if you use if for a big purchase like furniture. Don't forget to check online for printable coupons from your favorite stores. It is always a bonus to find a coupon for a store you planned to shop at anyway
Don't wait for coupons to come to you. You don't have to rely solely on the Sunday paper for baby related coupons. Write to the manufacturers of the products you use and tell them what you like about their products. You will be surprised at the amount of coupons they will usually send you. Often they will even send you vouchers for free products. Don't just write to the manufacturers of products like baby food or formula. Contact companies that sell diapers, lotions, shampoos, baby wipes, or toys. Look in your pantry, your bathroom cupboard, and your baby's room and make a list of all the products you buy for your baby. Then write to those companies and soon you will be saving a fortune on products you already know and love. You can also call the toll free number on the back of the products you use and ask the operator if they have any coupons available. Manufacturers love to give coupons because if they give you a coupon, they know you will buy their product. Most people never think to ask, so all of those coupons just sit there unused.
Babies need so many things and all of those things add up to a lot of money. Use coupons to cut your expenses everywhere you can. It pays to save as much money as possible now, because before you know it, your little darling will grow up and it will be time to start thinking about college tuition.
Baby Sleep Tips - Developing Sleep Associations
Naturally, everyone - and babies in particular - will develop sleep associations. These are the things that you associate with bedtime, and allow you to create an environment in which it is easy to fall asleep. When your baby is at an extremely young age, he will naturally develop sleep associations involving the mother, as he will often fall asleep in her arms. As you attempt to get your baby to sleep in his own, however, it is crucial that you work to change these associations.
If you always put your child to sleep by holding him, or allowing him to use a pacifier, you create a sleep association with these things. Then, when your child wakes up in the middle of then night, he can't go back to sleep on his own because he is unable to recreate his sleeping environment without you: he needs you to feed him or rock him in order to sleep.
As you begin to try and get your child to sleep on his own, you should introduce items into his sleeping routine that he can sleep with, such as a particular blanket or a stuffed animal. What this will do is create associations for your child with these items for sleep. Then, when he awakes in the middle of the night, he will be able to recreate a sleeping environment without your assistance by grabbing his stuffed animal, etc. It can also be beneficial to introduce "transitional items" into your baby's bedtime routine: Allow him to have his stuffed animal or blanket with him during a final feeding and before-bedtime activities, and allow him to take these things with him to bed.
No matter what you do, your child is going to be creating his or her own sleep associations. Your job is to try and create associations with items that are under his or her control. By giving your child as much control over his sleeping environment as possible, you allow him to begin to achieve sleep independently. The most difficult transition in early parenting is the one towards independent sleep for your child, and if you introduce new items into your child's sleeping place, you will hasten this transition, which will soon allow both you and your child to get a good night's rest.
Crib Mattress Covers: Simple Ways To Keep Your Kids Allergy Free
There's nothing more frightening for new parents than the thought that their child may be sick. While most parents do well keeping their child away from common cold and flu germs, not everyone takes into account the affect household allergens may have on a newborn. Common respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, coughing and difficulty breathing are often examples of allergic rhinitis, or respiratory allergies, and are caused by a simple factor in the child's environment. Dust mites, pet dander, mold, pollen –young children can develop allergies to a number of everyday things. Luckily, removing allergens and thus preventing or reducing allergic reactions can be a very easy process. The most important part of the process, though, is knowing what you're up against.
It is important to understand what respiratory allergens are if you expect to protect your child from them. An allergy is an immune reaction to an irritable substance in the child's environment. The child's body views these irritants as dangerous and releases chemicals, such as histamines, that cause uncomfortable and potentially harmful symptoms. While a child may eventually develop immunity to these irritants, untreated or ignored allergic symptoms can lead to such respiratory problems as asthma and emphysema.
The most common allergens are dust mites, animal dander and molds. Dust mites are microscopic organisms that live in carpets and fabrics and feed on dead flakes of human and animal skin. Children can develop respiratory allergies from inhaling accumulated mites in areas that aren't cleaned properly or regularly. Bedding, clothing and comforters should be washed in hot water at least once a week. For additional protection, cribs and beds should be covered with an impermeable mattress encasement. These covers act as a barrier between your baby and allergy-causing dust mites. It is also important to vacuum and dust weekly; a vacuum cleaner with a high efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) filter helps trap particles normal dusting and vacuuming can miss. It is also important to clean or replace heating ducts, furnace and air conditioning filters whenever they're in use.
Stuffed animals and plush toys can also be a haven for dust mites. Make sure you wash your child's favorite plush toys as often as you would his or her bedding and clothing.
Pet dander is another common household allergen. Unfortunately, the only sure-fire way to protect your child from dander is to give the animal away. This can often be a very difficult and heartbreaking decision, but if your child's allergic reaction is severe it may be the only option. If your child has only a mild allergy you might consider simply keeping the animal well-groomed, shampooed, off furniture and out of the child's room.
Mold is a versatile and particularly irksome allergen. Molds can grow in closets, attics, cellars, planters, refrigerators, showers, garbage cans, mattresses, carpets –just about any warm, moist area in the house. Mold allergies are caused by the spores the mold uses to reproduce. These spores can cause significant health problems. The best way to prevent mold growth is to keep the air in troublesome areas of your home dry. A dehumidifier can help keep air dry in the winter, while a good air conditioner can achieve the same effect in the summer. Keeping high-risk areas clean is also important-use mold-inhibiting disinfectants such as bleach or tea tree oil and water.
Of course, any respiratory symptoms should be checked by your child's physician. Most doctors won't prescribe allergy medication to newborns, especially children younger than six months, but they may have treatment options that better fit your child's specific allergy problem.
It's fairly easy to determine whether your child is going to have a tendency to be allergic. Allergic tendencies are inherited, though specific allergies are not. If either you or your mate is allergic to cats, for instance, your child will have a fifty percent chance of developing some sort of allergy as well, though not necessarily to cats. Allergies also take a while to develop. Newborns may not show symptoms of allergic reactions for a few months; then, suddenly, the child's exposure level to mites, mold or dander will reach its threshold and the child will start to develop symptoms.
Newborn allergies can be a scary experience for parents, especially if you are unprepared for them. The best way to help treat allergies is to prevent them before your child is even home from the hospital. Thoroughly clean and disinfect any areas the newborn will occupy, invest in proper ventilation and vacuum symptoms, and keep clothes and bedding washed regularly and protected with impermeable covers. Taking care of a newborn can bring about a number of unforeseen obstacles, but with proper preparation, common household allergens don't need to be one of them.
It is important to understand what respiratory allergens are if you expect to protect your child from them. An allergy is an immune reaction to an irritable substance in the child's environment. The child's body views these irritants as dangerous and releases chemicals, such as histamines, that cause uncomfortable and potentially harmful symptoms. While a child may eventually develop immunity to these irritants, untreated or ignored allergic symptoms can lead to such respiratory problems as asthma and emphysema.
The most common allergens are dust mites, animal dander and molds. Dust mites are microscopic organisms that live in carpets and fabrics and feed on dead flakes of human and animal skin. Children can develop respiratory allergies from inhaling accumulated mites in areas that aren't cleaned properly or regularly. Bedding, clothing and comforters should be washed in hot water at least once a week. For additional protection, cribs and beds should be covered with an impermeable mattress encasement. These covers act as a barrier between your baby and allergy-causing dust mites. It is also important to vacuum and dust weekly; a vacuum cleaner with a high efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) filter helps trap particles normal dusting and vacuuming can miss. It is also important to clean or replace heating ducts, furnace and air conditioning filters whenever they're in use.
Stuffed animals and plush toys can also be a haven for dust mites. Make sure you wash your child's favorite plush toys as often as you would his or her bedding and clothing.
Pet dander is another common household allergen. Unfortunately, the only sure-fire way to protect your child from dander is to give the animal away. This can often be a very difficult and heartbreaking decision, but if your child's allergic reaction is severe it may be the only option. If your child has only a mild allergy you might consider simply keeping the animal well-groomed, shampooed, off furniture and out of the child's room.
Mold is a versatile and particularly irksome allergen. Molds can grow in closets, attics, cellars, planters, refrigerators, showers, garbage cans, mattresses, carpets –just about any warm, moist area in the house. Mold allergies are caused by the spores the mold uses to reproduce. These spores can cause significant health problems. The best way to prevent mold growth is to keep the air in troublesome areas of your home dry. A dehumidifier can help keep air dry in the winter, while a good air conditioner can achieve the same effect in the summer. Keeping high-risk areas clean is also important-use mold-inhibiting disinfectants such as bleach or tea tree oil and water.
Of course, any respiratory symptoms should be checked by your child's physician. Most doctors won't prescribe allergy medication to newborns, especially children younger than six months, but they may have treatment options that better fit your child's specific allergy problem.
It's fairly easy to determine whether your child is going to have a tendency to be allergic. Allergic tendencies are inherited, though specific allergies are not. If either you or your mate is allergic to cats, for instance, your child will have a fifty percent chance of developing some sort of allergy as well, though not necessarily to cats. Allergies also take a while to develop. Newborns may not show symptoms of allergic reactions for a few months; then, suddenly, the child's exposure level to mites, mold or dander will reach its threshold and the child will start to develop symptoms.
Newborn allergies can be a scary experience for parents, especially if you are unprepared for them. The best way to help treat allergies is to prevent them before your child is even home from the hospital. Thoroughly clean and disinfect any areas the newborn will occupy, invest in proper ventilation and vacuum symptoms, and keep clothes and bedding washed regularly and protected with impermeable covers. Taking care of a newborn can bring about a number of unforeseen obstacles, but with proper preparation, common household allergens don't need to be one of them.
Baby Crib Safety - Frequently Asked Questions
The crib is where your baby will spend a lot of their time and you want to be sure they are safe. Below are some of the questions (with the answers) that are asked about crib safety. Topics such as mattress position, how to place your baby in the crib, and general safety standards are discussed, as are other issues. If you need further information you can search the Internet and visit baby furniture stores.
Q. Are there safety standards for baby cribs?
Yes there are some very exact standards for your baby's crib. In 1974 it was made law that cribs should no longer be painted with lead based paint. It was discovered that the ingestion of lead (from any source) could cause learning disabilities and other difficulties in young children. The slats of the crib must be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart, this is to prevent your baby from getting his body or head stuck between the bars causing injury or strangulation. The side bar should be 26 inches above the mattress when it is in its lowest position. If your child is more than an inch taller than the sidebar it is time to move him into a regular bed.
Q. Are there some hazards in my baby's crib that I need to be aware of?
Your mattress must fit snugly in the crib; an ill-fitting mattress could cause your baby to slip between the mattress and the side bar causing suffocation. The mattress height should be able to be adjusted into at least three different levels. When your baby becomes more mobile you will want to put the mattress in the lowest position to prevent your baby from climbing or falling out. The slats should be tight, loose slats could pinch little fingers. Do not put the crib near a window to prevent your baby from possibly falling out or becoming tangled in Venetian blind cords.
Q. What are some historical facts about the crib?
Here is a short chronological time line of crib facts:
1973 - The standard for crib slats was to be no more than 2 3/8th inches apart to prevent your baby from slipping through or getting their head stuck. Also, double latches for drop-down sidebars were to become the norm.
1976 - The standard for cutouts in the crib end panels are presented. The end panels must not have any decorative cutout designs. Children were getting their limbs or heads caught causing serious injury or death.
1978 - Cribs must now be painted with non-toxic finish.
1981 - Two models of cribs with cutouts are recalled.
1988 - A voluntary standard addresses mattress support hardware, failure of glued or bolted connections, drop-side latch failure and loosened teething rails.
1990 - No corner posts or projections can be more than 1/16th of an inch above the drop-side.
1998 - California and Washington mandate that hotel cribs must meet the same standards
set for full-size cribs
1998 - Portable cribs must now meet the same standards as full-sized cribs.
Q. How can I tell when my baby is ready for a regular bed?
When your child stands more than a couple of inches taller than the sidebar with the mattress in the lowest position. If your child is climbing out of the crib, for his safety put him in a regular bed.
Q. How should I put my baby to sleep in his crib?
Place your baby on his back or on his side for sleeping. Use one piece sleepers rather than blankets. Your baby could slip under the blanket and possibly suffocate. Remove all pillows and toys as well, in order to prevent suffocation.
Q. Is it safe to cover my baby with a blanket?
A blanket sleeper will keep your baby sufficiently warm while sleeping. If you absolutely need to use a blanket, tuck it in around the bottom of the mattress. Place your baby with his feet toward the end-panel and the blanket should go no higher than his/her chest.
Q. Is a mesh sided crib safe to use for my baby?
Yes, a mesh crib is safe provided the mesh is less than 1/4 inch in size, smaller than a tiny button on baby's clothes. The should be rips, tears, or loose threads. If staples are used to attach the mesh they must not be exposed and the mesh must be securely attached to the top rail and the floor plate.
Q. Can I safely use bumper pads in my baby's crib?
While bumper pads are not necessary, they can safely be used. They must be very close the edge of the mattress and properly secured. The bumpers must be flat and not puffy, as your baby could get stuck between the bumper and the mattress and suffocate.
Q. What can I do to keep my baby's crib safe?
In order to keep your baby's a safe place, you should make sure to all connections are secure and that there are no broken or missing parts. Regularly, check the teething rail for splits or cracks. Make sure the mattress spring support and your crib will withstand your baby's increasing mobility. The mattress itself should have no splits, tears, or holes.
Q. How can I tell when it's time to lower the mattress?
When your baby becomes more active, when s/he begins to pull himself to a standing position or when he sits up alone it will be time to lower the mattress to prevent your little one from either climbing out or falling out.
Q. Can I hang a mobile over my baby's crib?
Mobiles and crib gyms can be used to entertain your baby but when your child is able to get on to their hands and knees or pull themselves up. This will prevent your baby from becoming entangled in them.
In Conclusion
Making sure your baby's crib is safe, is an ongoing to task. Proper positioning of the mattress, making sure all connections are secure and that there are no loose slats that could pinch little fingers will help to keep your baby's crib a safe place for him to be.
Be sure to place him in the crib on his back or side and dress him in a sleeper rather than using a blanket. Keeping these tips in mind will help keep your baby safe and give you some peace of mind.
Q. Are there safety standards for baby cribs?
Yes there are some very exact standards for your baby's crib. In 1974 it was made law that cribs should no longer be painted with lead based paint. It was discovered that the ingestion of lead (from any source) could cause learning disabilities and other difficulties in young children. The slats of the crib must be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart, this is to prevent your baby from getting his body or head stuck between the bars causing injury or strangulation. The side bar should be 26 inches above the mattress when it is in its lowest position. If your child is more than an inch taller than the sidebar it is time to move him into a regular bed.
Q. Are there some hazards in my baby's crib that I need to be aware of?
Your mattress must fit snugly in the crib; an ill-fitting mattress could cause your baby to slip between the mattress and the side bar causing suffocation. The mattress height should be able to be adjusted into at least three different levels. When your baby becomes more mobile you will want to put the mattress in the lowest position to prevent your baby from climbing or falling out. The slats should be tight, loose slats could pinch little fingers. Do not put the crib near a window to prevent your baby from possibly falling out or becoming tangled in Venetian blind cords.
Q. What are some historical facts about the crib?
Here is a short chronological time line of crib facts:
1973 - The standard for crib slats was to be no more than 2 3/8th inches apart to prevent your baby from slipping through or getting their head stuck. Also, double latches for drop-down sidebars were to become the norm.
1976 - The standard for cutouts in the crib end panels are presented. The end panels must not have any decorative cutout designs. Children were getting their limbs or heads caught causing serious injury or death.
1978 - Cribs must now be painted with non-toxic finish.
1981 - Two models of cribs with cutouts are recalled.
1988 - A voluntary standard addresses mattress support hardware, failure of glued or bolted connections, drop-side latch failure and loosened teething rails.
1990 - No corner posts or projections can be more than 1/16th of an inch above the drop-side.
1998 - California and Washington mandate that hotel cribs must meet the same standards
set for full-size cribs
1998 - Portable cribs must now meet the same standards as full-sized cribs.
Q. How can I tell when my baby is ready for a regular bed?
When your child stands more than a couple of inches taller than the sidebar with the mattress in the lowest position. If your child is climbing out of the crib, for his safety put him in a regular bed.
Q. How should I put my baby to sleep in his crib?
Place your baby on his back or on his side for sleeping. Use one piece sleepers rather than blankets. Your baby could slip under the blanket and possibly suffocate. Remove all pillows and toys as well, in order to prevent suffocation.
Q. Is it safe to cover my baby with a blanket?
A blanket sleeper will keep your baby sufficiently warm while sleeping. If you absolutely need to use a blanket, tuck it in around the bottom of the mattress. Place your baby with his feet toward the end-panel and the blanket should go no higher than his/her chest.
Q. Is a mesh sided crib safe to use for my baby?
Yes, a mesh crib is safe provided the mesh is less than 1/4 inch in size, smaller than a tiny button on baby's clothes. The should be rips, tears, or loose threads. If staples are used to attach the mesh they must not be exposed and the mesh must be securely attached to the top rail and the floor plate.
Q. Can I safely use bumper pads in my baby's crib?
While bumper pads are not necessary, they can safely be used. They must be very close the edge of the mattress and properly secured. The bumpers must be flat and not puffy, as your baby could get stuck between the bumper and the mattress and suffocate.
Q. What can I do to keep my baby's crib safe?
In order to keep your baby's a safe place, you should make sure to all connections are secure and that there are no broken or missing parts. Regularly, check the teething rail for splits or cracks. Make sure the mattress spring support and your crib will withstand your baby's increasing mobility. The mattress itself should have no splits, tears, or holes.
Q. How can I tell when it's time to lower the mattress?
When your baby becomes more active, when s/he begins to pull himself to a standing position or when he sits up alone it will be time to lower the mattress to prevent your little one from either climbing out or falling out.
Q. Can I hang a mobile over my baby's crib?
Mobiles and crib gyms can be used to entertain your baby but when your child is able to get on to their hands and knees or pull themselves up. This will prevent your baby from becoming entangled in them.
In Conclusion
Making sure your baby's crib is safe, is an ongoing to task. Proper positioning of the mattress, making sure all connections are secure and that there are no loose slats that could pinch little fingers will help to keep your baby's crib a safe place for him to be.
Be sure to place him in the crib on his back or side and dress him in a sleeper rather than using a blanket. Keeping these tips in mind will help keep your baby safe and give you some peace of mind.
Popular baby Names in the UK in 2005
Although its popularity is declining, Jack is the most popular boys name again in England and Wales - that's 11 years at the top! However, 14% fewer boys were christened Jack last year, so we could see a change at the top in 2006. In Northern Ireland, Jack was again top and Lewis retained top spot in Scotland, with Jack the runner-up.
Jessica was the most popular girls' name in England and Wales having moved up from third in 2004. Emily, last year's top name, is in the number two spot. Olivia has climbed three places to number four, while Ellie, last year's runner-up has fallen to to sixth place.
In England & Wales climbers in the girls' table were Grace (up 4 to 7), Ruby (up 16 to 15), Evie (up 10 to 29), Phoebe (up 9 to 35), Keira (up 13 to 38) and Scarlett (up 25 to 47). New entries include Sienna at 69, Eva at 78, Demi at 80, Amelie at 82 and Ava at 84. Names to drop out of the top 100 include Jade which has tumbled from position 24 in 2001, Jennifer and Chelsea.
Boys' names are, as always, less volatile. The top four names are unchanged and there is just the one new name in the top 50 - Leo which climbs 20 places to number 37. Other climbers are Mason and Freddie, while Corey, Zachary, Zak and Hayden are new entries. Names to fall out of the top 100 are Tom and Josh.
In Scotland the top two boys' names are unchanged. Biggest movers are Callum (up 7 places to number 3), Alexander (up 8 to 17) and Aiden (up 9 to 20).
The top two girls' names have changed places with Sophie moving above Emma in popularity. other changes of note include Leah up 6 to 14, and Lauren down 6 to 20.
In N.Ireland there were few big movers in the boys' table. Biggest faller was Dylan, down 7 at 15, and the biggest climber was Jake, up 9 at 16. Patrick and David are no longer in the top 20.
There was more movement in the girls' names, although the top 2 remained the same. Climbers included Ellie, up 1 to 3; Niamh, up 2 to 5; Hannah, up 6 to 6; Anna, up 6 to 9; and Leah up 8 to 9. Fallers include Chloe down 4 to 12; Rachel down 4 to 14; and Aimee down 9 to 18.
Jessica was the most popular girls' name in England and Wales having moved up from third in 2004. Emily, last year's top name, is in the number two spot. Olivia has climbed three places to number four, while Ellie, last year's runner-up has fallen to to sixth place.
In England & Wales climbers in the girls' table were Grace (up 4 to 7), Ruby (up 16 to 15), Evie (up 10 to 29), Phoebe (up 9 to 35), Keira (up 13 to 38) and Scarlett (up 25 to 47). New entries include Sienna at 69, Eva at 78, Demi at 80, Amelie at 82 and Ava at 84. Names to drop out of the top 100 include Jade which has tumbled from position 24 in 2001, Jennifer and Chelsea.
Boys' names are, as always, less volatile. The top four names are unchanged and there is just the one new name in the top 50 - Leo which climbs 20 places to number 37. Other climbers are Mason and Freddie, while Corey, Zachary, Zak and Hayden are new entries. Names to fall out of the top 100 are Tom and Josh.
In Scotland the top two boys' names are unchanged. Biggest movers are Callum (up 7 places to number 3), Alexander (up 8 to 17) and Aiden (up 9 to 20).
The top two girls' names have changed places with Sophie moving above Emma in popularity. other changes of note include Leah up 6 to 14, and Lauren down 6 to 20.
In N.Ireland there were few big movers in the boys' table. Biggest faller was Dylan, down 7 at 15, and the biggest climber was Jake, up 9 at 16. Patrick and David are no longer in the top 20.
There was more movement in the girls' names, although the top 2 remained the same. Climbers included Ellie, up 1 to 3; Niamh, up 2 to 5; Hannah, up 6 to 6; Anna, up 6 to 9; and Leah up 8 to 9. Fallers include Chloe down 4 to 12; Rachel down 4 to 14; and Aimee down 9 to 18.
The Family Bed
There's an old tradition in Ireland, the wake bed, a family bed where the dead are waked. Well, the family bed takes on a whole new meaning when you have children: the awake bed!
When your new baby arrives home from the hospital all your plans to not spoil him go out the window. He is a tiny little soul and you are his slave. He squeaks, you run. You are completely in his control!
You planned to feed him, bathe him, dress him, play with him, show him off and at the end of the day, put him to sleep in his lovely new crib!
Real life isn't like that...
You've fed him, bathed him, dressed him, played with him, showed him off and, sleeping soundly in your arms, you've tenderly placed him in his lovely new crib. His eyes open, he glares at you, opens his mouth wide and screams loud enough to awaken the dead!
How dare you abandon him like that?
At the end of a tiring day you dolefully give in to his battle cry; you lift him and he stops... you are in his grip!
As days and nights merge into one he habitually sandwiches himself between mummy and daddy!
Number two arrives and it becomes a priority to make number one stay in his own bed. But, oh no, he doesn't like that! He may start off there but he makes his own way into the family bed throughout the night.
You may resort to tricks to encourage him to stay in his own room. Lovely new bed-clothes, soft character lighting, soothing music, pretty mobiles...
Don't fool yourself; he's well ahead of you! His nocturnal excursions continue. You beg, you plead, for a full night's sleep in your own bed without your little visitor - but it falls on deaf ears! Still he pays his call.
You resort to purchasing a new bed for yourself, a bigger one. You have a bright idea: let the wee man have your old bed. He'll like that, his own big bed, just like mummy and daddy!
More lovely bedclothes, lots of praise for your little treasure. Why didn't you think of it sooner?
Oh, the naivety of first-time parents.
His new bed might be bigger but so is yours; there's even more room between mummy and daddy now. So he can bring a few toys along too!
As the family grows so does the gap. You precariously hang off one side of the new big bed as your husband hangs off the other, but you smile as you sing along to, 'There were five in the bed and the little one said,"Roll Over!"'
Life imitates nursery rhymes. Didn't you know that?
When your new baby arrives home from the hospital all your plans to not spoil him go out the window. He is a tiny little soul and you are his slave. He squeaks, you run. You are completely in his control!
You planned to feed him, bathe him, dress him, play with him, show him off and at the end of the day, put him to sleep in his lovely new crib!
Real life isn't like that...
You've fed him, bathed him, dressed him, played with him, showed him off and, sleeping soundly in your arms, you've tenderly placed him in his lovely new crib. His eyes open, he glares at you, opens his mouth wide and screams loud enough to awaken the dead!
How dare you abandon him like that?
At the end of a tiring day you dolefully give in to his battle cry; you lift him and he stops... you are in his grip!
As days and nights merge into one he habitually sandwiches himself between mummy and daddy!
Number two arrives and it becomes a priority to make number one stay in his own bed. But, oh no, he doesn't like that! He may start off there but he makes his own way into the family bed throughout the night.
You may resort to tricks to encourage him to stay in his own room. Lovely new bed-clothes, soft character lighting, soothing music, pretty mobiles...
Don't fool yourself; he's well ahead of you! His nocturnal excursions continue. You beg, you plead, for a full night's sleep in your own bed without your little visitor - but it falls on deaf ears! Still he pays his call.
You resort to purchasing a new bed for yourself, a bigger one. You have a bright idea: let the wee man have your old bed. He'll like that, his own big bed, just like mummy and daddy!
More lovely bedclothes, lots of praise for your little treasure. Why didn't you think of it sooner?
Oh, the naivety of first-time parents.
His new bed might be bigger but so is yours; there's even more room between mummy and daddy now. So he can bring a few toys along too!
As the family grows so does the gap. You precariously hang off one side of the new big bed as your husband hangs off the other, but you smile as you sing along to, 'There were five in the bed and the little one said,"Roll Over!"'
Life imitates nursery rhymes. Didn't you know that?
Stress Out Baby Shower Planning - 6 Golden Tips for Planning A Baby Shower (Part Two)
If you're just starting your baby shower planning and want to make sure it a huge success, you'll probably feel that as you try to take care of everything and hard to even find time to take a break.
The good news is, you're not alone.
Here are some of my useful experiences that I learn through as the guest of other's baby shower.
Sooner or later, you'll be finding out that becoming an experienced baby shower hostess takes a little bit of getting used to.
Just keep a fun attituide and enjoy your baby shower planning.
Golden Tips 4: If You Really in Need of A Baby Shower Book, Buy A E-book.
According to the report, "How Women and Men Use the Internet", published by PEW Internet & American Life Project in December 28th, 2005, there are trends showing that women are catching up in overall use and are framing their online experience with a greater emphasis on deepening connections with people.
So what you can learn from it for your baby shower planning? Definitely a lot!
Not only are most of the print version of baby shower books outdated, these books are not suitable to feed the needs for today's busy and web-savvy women.
I've read almost all the baby shower related books sold on Amazon, some of them are good written. But compare to e-books, they are not able to update with fresh content in a timely manner.
Even more, a busy 9-and-5 Shower hostess is able to organizing party ideas while every and each co-hostess can read the same Shower planning book, exchange ideas, and provide solution using emails.
Of course, this only works with e-books since you can send as many copies to your partners without paying extra money.
Golden Tip 5: Do It or Deliberate It.
Do you understand that how does the 80/20 rule work for baby shower planning?
You're probably be good at creating great Shower games or making delicious food and drink, but you can't be an all-star-team on your own to plan something that please all the family members, close friends, and even co-workers.
The smart way is to do what you're good at and deliberate the rest to your co-hostess.
I have yet to meet a baby shower hostess who's been able to accomplish everything while trying to turn the party into a one man's show. Though Shower hostess must make sure that everything is well-organized, but working with a few partners is a wise decision.
As that, you could focus on only the most important baby shower planning and activities that you've been familiar with."
What's more...if you're a friend to the soon-to-be-mom or soon-to-be-dad, you should ask their family members to help in the planning details like suggesting an invitation list, gift ideas, or providing refreshments.
Golden Tip 6: Build Your Very Own Family Web Site, And Start Showing Off Your Baby Shower Albums.
Even you are a frequent shower hostess, you probably have no idea to remember what you've done for all those oh-so-cute baby cakes and oh-so-funny activities in detail.
It comes to be a problem when you want to reuse them for a coming baby shower, and that's why I suggest people find a way to put their used baby shower planning ideas and photos online.
Imagine this: One day, a friend of you ring your home phone to ask for diaper cake making tips, you can say, "Oh dear, I did make a 4-tier rubber ducky diaper cake months ago, but I really can't remember how many diapers and what baby items I've used, can you visit my website at...".
See how it works?
You don't have to be a computer programmer to create a Web site. If you know how to browser the Internet, you can build a Web site in minutes.
It's full of fun when you're writing your ideas, uploading your photos for people to share and learn from.
A few web site building tools to recommend: Online-hosting services like Namezero.com, and Web album programs like Picasa (owned by Google).
The good news is, you're not alone.
Here are some of my useful experiences that I learn through as the guest of other's baby shower.
Sooner or later, you'll be finding out that becoming an experienced baby shower hostess takes a little bit of getting used to.
Just keep a fun attituide and enjoy your baby shower planning.
Golden Tips 4: If You Really in Need of A Baby Shower Book, Buy A E-book.
According to the report, "How Women and Men Use the Internet", published by PEW Internet & American Life Project in December 28th, 2005, there are trends showing that women are catching up in overall use and are framing their online experience with a greater emphasis on deepening connections with people.
So what you can learn from it for your baby shower planning? Definitely a lot!
Not only are most of the print version of baby shower books outdated, these books are not suitable to feed the needs for today's busy and web-savvy women.
I've read almost all the baby shower related books sold on Amazon, some of them are good written. But compare to e-books, they are not able to update with fresh content in a timely manner.
Even more, a busy 9-and-5 Shower hostess is able to organizing party ideas while every and each co-hostess can read the same Shower planning book, exchange ideas, and provide solution using emails.
Of course, this only works with e-books since you can send as many copies to your partners without paying extra money.
Golden Tip 5: Do It or Deliberate It.
Do you understand that how does the 80/20 rule work for baby shower planning?
You're probably be good at creating great Shower games or making delicious food and drink, but you can't be an all-star-team on your own to plan something that please all the family members, close friends, and even co-workers.
The smart way is to do what you're good at and deliberate the rest to your co-hostess.
I have yet to meet a baby shower hostess who's been able to accomplish everything while trying to turn the party into a one man's show. Though Shower hostess must make sure that everything is well-organized, but working with a few partners is a wise decision.
As that, you could focus on only the most important baby shower planning and activities that you've been familiar with."
What's more...if you're a friend to the soon-to-be-mom or soon-to-be-dad, you should ask their family members to help in the planning details like suggesting an invitation list, gift ideas, or providing refreshments.
Golden Tip 6: Build Your Very Own Family Web Site, And Start Showing Off Your Baby Shower Albums.
Even you are a frequent shower hostess, you probably have no idea to remember what you've done for all those oh-so-cute baby cakes and oh-so-funny activities in detail.
It comes to be a problem when you want to reuse them for a coming baby shower, and that's why I suggest people find a way to put their used baby shower planning ideas and photos online.
Imagine this: One day, a friend of you ring your home phone to ask for diaper cake making tips, you can say, "Oh dear, I did make a 4-tier rubber ducky diaper cake months ago, but I really can't remember how many diapers and what baby items I've used, can you visit my website at...".
See how it works?
You don't have to be a computer programmer to create a Web site. If you know how to browser the Internet, you can build a Web site in minutes.
It's full of fun when you're writing your ideas, uploading your photos for people to share and learn from.
A few web site building tools to recommend: Online-hosting services like Namezero.com, and Web album programs like Picasa (owned by Google).
Your Preemie Is In The NICU - What Can You Do?
Your feelings are tied up in that tiny little preemie bundle, and you have a hard time comprehending this small, wrinkled resemblance of a baby that is attached to every conceivable contraption...could belong to you. But when your heart is broken in more places then you could ever dream possible, and waiting seems endless, you are harshly welcomed into the world of parenthood.
It is truly staggering when you consider that an average of 1300 premature babies are born every day in the United States. If you are reading this article, you are probably the parent of one of these preemies. With so many things in this new out-of-control world of "living" in the NICU, what can you control?
Be There For Your Preemie
For you, the first thing you can control is being there for your baby. It may seem like you are standing around (in the way) not being helpful, but you are doing an important job. Your voice, your touch, your prayers, and your deep love is something your preemie needs and craves as he or she is trying to get stronger. Your baby can see you, hear you, and/or feel you. You are important and you are needed.
It is just as important that you are there mentally. Everything is so "out-of-body" and surreal, but you can begin focusing on the essentials of your preemie's care. Learn about your baby's routine, his reactions, and health limitations. Keep yourself informed about everything and you can then notice the small things that are overlooked in you preemie's care. You can then request that these things be taken care of from a knowledgeable perspective, not just as a panicky parent.
Knowledge Is Power
"Knowledge Is Power" is a common saying. An important one when you consider the fact that you are now your baby's cheerleader and coach for the rest of his or her life. Begin learning all that you can about your preemie and her specific medical needs now and in the future. Books, articles (like this one), your baby's doctor, reputable websites, and other experienced preemie parents are wonderful sources of inspiration, information, and education for you.
It may seem difficult to find the time when you are so stretched, but go slowly when you can find that time and keep at it. Make small goals for yourself. Remember, if you set goals, you will get much farther than if you don't. You can do some of these things in the NICU at your baby's side.
Look To The Future
Last, look to the future. It may seem silly to plan out what kind of parent you want to be for the next 18 years, but long-term goal setting is a very worthwhile occupation for any parent. Right now as time seems to drag on endlessly, it is difficult to see that time will soon pick up speed and the years will fly by. Practice little things now, like patience, and it will be easier when your preemie is older.
How are you going to react to your preemie when he or she does something that makes you mad, upset, frustrated, angry, happy, or laugh? How will you discipline and praise your baby? What kind of people will you let your baby be around, and not? Do you have any family traditions you would like to start? What healthy habits do you want to instill in your preemie?
If you keep your mind busy with all of the things you can do for your new preemie, then it is harder to fall into constant anxiety. Try not to worry (though it seems an impossible task) about "will my baby make it", or "what kind of problems will my baby have", or "I can't do this anymore", or "Is my baby in pain?", and whatever else is plaguing you. Stay focused on your goals, and keep your mind thinking positive thoughts even if you are tempted to do otherwise.
Remember, you are the best parent your preemie could ever have, and your baby is depending on you. You can do it if you take one day at a time. At times you may even have to break it down by minutes taking one crisis at a time. You are not alone, and you can forge your way through this trial as many parents have done before you.
It is truly staggering when you consider that an average of 1300 premature babies are born every day in the United States. If you are reading this article, you are probably the parent of one of these preemies. With so many things in this new out-of-control world of "living" in the NICU, what can you control?
Be There For Your Preemie
For you, the first thing you can control is being there for your baby. It may seem like you are standing around (in the way) not being helpful, but you are doing an important job. Your voice, your touch, your prayers, and your deep love is something your preemie needs and craves as he or she is trying to get stronger. Your baby can see you, hear you, and/or feel you. You are important and you are needed.
It is just as important that you are there mentally. Everything is so "out-of-body" and surreal, but you can begin focusing on the essentials of your preemie's care. Learn about your baby's routine, his reactions, and health limitations. Keep yourself informed about everything and you can then notice the small things that are overlooked in you preemie's care. You can then request that these things be taken care of from a knowledgeable perspective, not just as a panicky parent.
Knowledge Is Power
"Knowledge Is Power" is a common saying. An important one when you consider the fact that you are now your baby's cheerleader and coach for the rest of his or her life. Begin learning all that you can about your preemie and her specific medical needs now and in the future. Books, articles (like this one), your baby's doctor, reputable websites, and other experienced preemie parents are wonderful sources of inspiration, information, and education for you.
It may seem difficult to find the time when you are so stretched, but go slowly when you can find that time and keep at it. Make small goals for yourself. Remember, if you set goals, you will get much farther than if you don't. You can do some of these things in the NICU at your baby's side.
Look To The Future
Last, look to the future. It may seem silly to plan out what kind of parent you want to be for the next 18 years, but long-term goal setting is a very worthwhile occupation for any parent. Right now as time seems to drag on endlessly, it is difficult to see that time will soon pick up speed and the years will fly by. Practice little things now, like patience, and it will be easier when your preemie is older.
How are you going to react to your preemie when he or she does something that makes you mad, upset, frustrated, angry, happy, or laugh? How will you discipline and praise your baby? What kind of people will you let your baby be around, and not? Do you have any family traditions you would like to start? What healthy habits do you want to instill in your preemie?
If you keep your mind busy with all of the things you can do for your new preemie, then it is harder to fall into constant anxiety. Try not to worry (though it seems an impossible task) about "will my baby make it", or "what kind of problems will my baby have", or "I can't do this anymore", or "Is my baby in pain?", and whatever else is plaguing you. Stay focused on your goals, and keep your mind thinking positive thoughts even if you are tempted to do otherwise.
Remember, you are the best parent your preemie could ever have, and your baby is depending on you. You can do it if you take one day at a time. At times you may even have to break it down by minutes taking one crisis at a time. You are not alone, and you can forge your way through this trial as many parents have done before you.
Planning Your Baby's Layette
Even if you've done it all before, bringing a baby home from the hospital takes a lot of preparation. The last thing you'll want to do in those first few days after the baby arrives is run around to pick up any little necessitates that you forgot. Getting everything bought, borrowed or found and tucked away before the magical day can give you a feeling of accomplishment - and set your mind at ease that you've got everything you need.
If you're buying on a budget, there are some great low-cost sources for all of baby's needs - and considering how fast your newborn angel will outgrow those layette items, you'll want to take advantage of every cost-cutter that you can.
Shop the second's stores
Just like adult clothing, baby clothes manufacturers sometimes goof just a little. In most cases, the missed stitch or not-quite-perfect seam isn't anything that will affect wear. You can save as much as 70% off department store prices if you pick up baby layette items at your local job lots or discount department store.
Buy a size ahead in sleepers and footsies
Most babies barely spend a month in 0-3 month sizes. Reserve the smallest size for special occasion clothing - like coming home from the hospital, and skip right to the 3-6 month size for any fitted clothing. For the same reason, stick to comfy, stretchy cotton and terry knits for one piece footie jammies. They'll fit much longer.
Lay in a good stock of Swee'pea gowns.
Drawstring bottom nighties are just about the most convenient single item for baby at home. When baby needs changing, just pull up, change and pull back down
A pack of birdseye diapers make the best burp rags
Even if you decide to use disposable diapers, buy one pack of cotton birdseye diapers. They can't be beat as burp rags to lay over your shoulder or lap when you're pat-pat-patting the baby to bring up any air bubbles in the tummy.
Shop yard sales
Newborn layette items are nearly always gently used. Most babies just aren't in them long enough to do a lot of damage. A stop at your local Salvation Army thrift store can buy you a whole layette's worth of crib sheets, receiving blankets, baby onesies and baby tees for less than $5.
Launder everything before the baby is born
Use a mild laundry soap like Dreft or Ivory Snow to wash away any remnants of dyes, chemicals or starches. Babies have notoriously delicate skin. If you'll feel better giving any used items a good bleaching, make sure that you put it all through a second clear rinse to wash away any lingering traces of bleach.
Quality DOES count in ways you don't expect. Do buy name brands that feature finished seams - French or enclosed seams are even better. It's not that your newborn cherub will put a lot of wear on those seams - it's that flat, enclosed seams will be far kinder to baby's delicate skin.
Shop wisely, and you'll get everything you need for baby's homecoming with a minimal investment of cash.
If you're buying on a budget, there are some great low-cost sources for all of baby's needs - and considering how fast your newborn angel will outgrow those layette items, you'll want to take advantage of every cost-cutter that you can.
Shop the second's stores
Just like adult clothing, baby clothes manufacturers sometimes goof just a little. In most cases, the missed stitch or not-quite-perfect seam isn't anything that will affect wear. You can save as much as 70% off department store prices if you pick up baby layette items at your local job lots or discount department store.
Buy a size ahead in sleepers and footsies
Most babies barely spend a month in 0-3 month sizes. Reserve the smallest size for special occasion clothing - like coming home from the hospital, and skip right to the 3-6 month size for any fitted clothing. For the same reason, stick to comfy, stretchy cotton and terry knits for one piece footie jammies. They'll fit much longer.
Lay in a good stock of Swee'pea gowns.
Drawstring bottom nighties are just about the most convenient single item for baby at home. When baby needs changing, just pull up, change and pull back down
A pack of birdseye diapers make the best burp rags
Even if you decide to use disposable diapers, buy one pack of cotton birdseye diapers. They can't be beat as burp rags to lay over your shoulder or lap when you're pat-pat-patting the baby to bring up any air bubbles in the tummy.
Shop yard sales
Newborn layette items are nearly always gently used. Most babies just aren't in them long enough to do a lot of damage. A stop at your local Salvation Army thrift store can buy you a whole layette's worth of crib sheets, receiving blankets, baby onesies and baby tees for less than $5.
Launder everything before the baby is born
Use a mild laundry soap like Dreft or Ivory Snow to wash away any remnants of dyes, chemicals or starches. Babies have notoriously delicate skin. If you'll feel better giving any used items a good bleaching, make sure that you put it all through a second clear rinse to wash away any lingering traces of bleach.
Quality DOES count in ways you don't expect. Do buy name brands that feature finished seams - French or enclosed seams are even better. It's not that your newborn cherub will put a lot of wear on those seams - it's that flat, enclosed seams will be far kinder to baby's delicate skin.
Shop wisely, and you'll get everything you need for baby's homecoming with a minimal investment of cash.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
