Choosing the Right Baby Shower Favors

Baby shower favors are customary for the host to provide to guests to thank them for taking part in the planned celebration. Taking time to attend and celebrate with friends and family can be more difficult for some, but showing gratitude for this effort and giving everyone something to remember the occasion by is always a good idea.

A ton of money needn’t be spend on baby shower favors. There are several options for homemade baby shower favors or very inexpensive options. The cost and extravagance is not what’s important – it simply needs to be something which commemorates the occasion.

Several retail and online stores specialize in such items, and can even be coordinated with many different baby shower themes. You may use a variety or sole items such as candles, candies, photo frames, magnets, writing utensils with an inscription of the coming baby’s name, home bath and spa products, or even seed packets. Yellow rubber duckies are always a classic favorite, as well as bottle-shaped or appropriately colored baby shower favors.

More formal baby showers may in fact call for a more extravagant choice in baby shower favours. Upscale items commonly used at these types of parties include silver tea spoons tied with a ribbon, coffee scoops, fine chocolate candy, and candles set inside a crystal bootie. These are also usually wrapped in baby shower themed bags and boxes for a great presentation on the table.

Baby shower favours can cost anywhere from $1 to several dollars a piece. This is why the hosts’ budget for the event is so important – the tone and type of baby shower to be held will largely determine the most appropriate choice in favors for the guests. A more formal event will require a larger budget for this item, which may mean that costs need to be cut elsewhere.

The larger the party, the more expensive the baby shower favors become, too. Every person that attends will need to leave with one, so make sure you order and purchase plenty for unexpected arrivals who failed to RSVP.

Also take in to account the types of guests you’re inviting. Varying ages, marital statuses, mothers and non-mothers will require a more general baby shower favor that all of these types will find appealing and useful. If you’re holding a co-ed or couples shower, this will require some added thought to make the favor a fun item for the men, too.

If the party is planned well in advance, you can keep your eyes open for sale and clearance baby shower favors at local supply or online stores. This can also be something that you shop for before ever setting the date; simply ask the mother for input, or what type of theme and colors she’ll want to see included. Of course, at this time you’ll have no idea how many guests will attend.

If your favors are more specific, a time period to shop for them is 4 to 6 weeks before the party. Also, keep your receipts in the case that you need to return more expensive favors.

Choosing Decorations to Compliment a Baby Shower Theme

Once you have spent time with the expectant mother to determine the ideal color scheme and theme for the baby shower, it’s time to plan for the appropriate baby shower decorations to coordinate. Depending upon your budget, the amount of and elaborate possibilities in decorations for the baby shower will be determined already.

Some party decorations will be quite affordable, and others will be more expensive, so these costs will need to be juggled accordingly to properly incorporate the theme into them. The location of the baby shower will also largely determine the types of decorations you’ll be able to use. Streamers may not be easy to hang from some types of ceilings, and others may simply be too large to fit in the allotted space.

Even the simplest of baby shower decorations can be used to create a wonderful space for the event. A few basics can be personalized to fit any baby shower theme, and make an impression with even the smallest budget available.

First, a great baby shower centerpiece is a balloon bouquet congratulating the mother, or announcing the impending birth. Other great baby shower decoration ideas including using inexpensive pink and/or blue balloons to mark directional signs on the day of the event, as well as the location itself to help guests identify it.

Balloons are one of the most inexpensive baby shower decoration ideas, as endless color options can be chosen to match any baby shower theme or color choice.

Paper goods and baby shower tableware will also be a large part of the decorating budget. The guests need to put their food and drink somewhere, and will also need utensils if required, but definitely will need them for the cake. Wonderful baby shower plates, napkins and cups can be found in virtually any theme you can think of, or you may simply choose to match a specific color scheme for a less expensive option.

After these basics are addressed, any tablecloths, banners and other special decorations will largely be dependant upon the area you are holding the baby shower, and your remaining budget. You can always splurge on a fancier baby shower cake, or find additional decorations to use throughout the baby shower party location. Baby shower centerpieces are available for girl baby showers, boy baby showers, and virtually any theme you may decide upon.

Confetti on the tables, themed baby shower favors and game prizes, and even special baby shower party hats may be additional decorative options. Flower arrangements, whether real or silk, can also be used to compliment the chosen colors, and placed on tables or on the gift table for added flair.

Candles, place cards and even chair covers may be used to create a more formal atmosphere for the baby shower theme. Always consider, too, that unless the baby shower will be held in your home, you’ll need to complete the decorating on the day of the event. You will need a few hours to finish the task, but don’t try to incorporate too many baby shower decorations for the time you’ve allotted.

Skin Care and Grooming Baby Gear

A baby’s skin is very important and needs to be cared for properly. Changes in skin texture and health can lend vital clues to possible underlying illnesses, but are hard to notice when skin isn’t taken care of properly.

Baby skin is very sensitive and requires special care. Your child will thank you later in life for taking great care of their skin when they were young, providing healthy skin cells to work with in later life.

Skin provides the initial barrier between your baby and the environment. It should remain supple and elastic through moisturizing and free of germs for optimal health. Several lines of skin care baby gear are available at any department store, including Johnson’s and Aveeno. Baby wipes, lotion, oil and power are available in baby gear gift kits for birthdays and showers as well.

Diaper rash is never fun, and preventing it from every occurring in the first place is perhaps the best treatment for mom and dad. Proper skin care can contribute to creating a dry environment that will help to prevent this no-fun condition during a baby’s first months of life!

Baby powder can help to keep the skin dry for this purpose, but it also contributes to creating a healthy barrier between your baby and surrounding environments. What’s more, it contributes to a baby that smells good, too!

Everyone knows that sun protection is vitally important for any age of skin, but especially important for babies. Using sunblock on all exposed areas of your baby before going outside will help to prevent harmful discoloration and sunburns. Virtually every baby gear kit will include sunblock for this purpose.

Bath time skin care products are equally important. Tear-free shampoo prevents the inevitable shampoo in the eye from irritating baby, as well as keeping hair free of dirt and grime. Baby shampoo is specially formulated to be safe and healthy for a baby’s sensitive scalp; this is the biggest difference between baby’s shampoo and that used for mom and dad.

Special creams are necessary for a wide range of skin issues. Diaper rash, when it does occur, requires special paste or cream to reduce symptoms and severity during the healing process. If your small child has eczema or another common skin condition, other special creams are available without a prescription to speed healing. These creams are formulated to rebalance the skin lipids to treat and prevent recurrences.

Ointments that heal patches of dry skin are another essential part of a baby gear kit. Small patches of dry skin, left untreated, can crack and become infected – this opens baby up to all sorts of sicknesses, and makes him uncomfortable, too.

Special scents are also available in every type of baby grooming product available for specific purposes. Lavender-scented shampoo and lotion helps baby to relax at bedtime, and lingers long enough to make him smell great during the daytime, too. These infused products can affect baby’s mood as well as skin condition when used correctly and regularly.

Shell Baby Carriers Make Life Easier

Baby carriers are one of the most-used baby gear items for little ones today throughout their first several months of life. They are designed with safety in mind, to keep baby safe and secure, while providing an ideal form of transportation for every caretaker.

These carriers may be made of fabric as is the case with slings and harness styles that keep mom and dad’s hands free for other things. However, traditional shell baby carriers are tops when it comes to value and portability.

These shell carriers look like a car seat, and may even double as one. Made of strong molded plastic, they are safe and secure. When used as a car seat, they keep baby strapped in and keep him from harmful things while traveling. A restraint system keeps him snug and safe, and will usually be used with a traditional car seat belt for added security.

Any baby gear should consider safety first to protect baby. Shell baby carriers are designed by engineers that have developed special shapes and weight distributions to keep them from toppling over or breaking due to abuse and movement from baby.

Padding is thick and swaddles baby for maximum comfort. This fabric padding is designed to withstand pressures unlike any other, preventing tears or irritating contact with the child. Snaps keep it in place, and it is typically removable to be machine washed.

Keeping a uniform theme through all baby gear items allows mom and dad to quickly identify it at get-togethers that involve other children. No one wants to take someone else’s car seat home!

This is the case with shell baby carriers; padding comes in a wide array of colors and designs, from ballerinas to camouflage for the little hunter. Coordinating this design with other baby gear items creates a uniform and stylish look as well.

Typically, restraints in the shell baby carrier are comprised of three pieces that cross the chest and hold the legs in place. These straps should not smash baby’s legs to prevent bruising and scrapes.

If mom and dad need a break from carrying baby in the shell carrier, they will typically try a fabric-style sling. However, this option isn’t very practical or comfortable. Just like pregnancy, the undue pressure on the shoulders and back create pain and discomfort for the parents. Sometimes, these slings are not able to carry baby safely and securely, either. Caretakers are required to posses a certain level of strength to be able to use a sling as well.

Parents must remember that even though slings may be stylish, they are not always very convenient. If you need to put baby down for a minute or two, you won’t be able to do so with a sling. There are also no restraints used in slings, so they can’t be used for babies once they become too active for them.

Invest in a shell baby carrier as part of your baby gear collection for a convenient way to transport and carry baby. These carriers are strong and safe, and will last for several years if needed as well.

Safety Considerations for a New Baby Playard

Playpens, also called playards, are one of the most important pieces of baby gear for a new parent during the baby’s first several months. It’s comforting to know that baby has a safe and secure place to play or nap while mom and dad are tending to other things.

The design and functionality of the playpen are equally important. It must be safe and portable, as well as offer plenty of exploring opportunities to aid in the early formative learning periods. Anything the baby can see or touch contributes to his or her first learning experiences.

Small children can wield an unnaturally strong force at times, so your playard must accommodate this. Make sure your playard is strong and sturdy, and no safety hazards like small buttons or other parts are included in the design.

Remember that this abuse will continue on the playard for several months and even years of the baby’s life. Every part of the playard should be constructed to withstand up to 100 pounds. This way, if baby tries to climb over the edge, the entire playard won’t topple on top of him or fold in half!

Playards that withstand 30 or 50 pounds may seem like enough stability for your baby, but remember the laws of gravity and physics; when baby pulls on the railings or jumps up and down in the playard, his apparent weight is dramatically increased.

All of your baby gear should be constructed with a wide margin of safe weights and pressures on the item.

Inquire as to what materials are used in your proposed playpen. Is it made of wood or metal? Wood can splinter and break, and metal frames can withstand higher weights and pressures.

Don’t forget the importance of sufficient padding that is washable and long-lasting. Fabric such as 100% cotton can tear or rip more easily than nylon or canvas or some other cotton blend. It’s never a bad idea to purchase a replacement pad or two, or at least price them so you know how much they cost and how difficult it will be to find one when you need it.

Mesh siding in playpens allows mom and dad to still watch over baby while in the playpen, and this mesh should be made of strong nylon. It should be soft and pliable enough to not feel scratchy to the touch, but stretched tightly enough to hold baby should he press against it.

Other considerations for the playard include transportability and size. How large does it need to be? Can you change the size if needed? Perhaps an area for napping is available, as well as a place for playtime.

Wheels that can be locked offer a great way to put baby to rest outside of the nursery but move him where you can still see him.

Playards are a vital baby gear item needed by new mothers and fathers, and offer a great way to continue constant surveillance on the baby’s activities. Just remember to pay close attention to the safety features and design of each type to choose the right one for you!

Tips for Choosing Between Crib, Bassinet, and Cradle

When bringing a newborn home, obviously the baby needs a comfortable and safe place to sleep, which could be a crib, bassinet, or cradle. The most important thing is to have everything ready so as soon as you arrive home, the baby will have a place to sleep. The one thing you want to avoid is putting a tiny baby in your bed in that this is very dangerous. Not only is there risk for the baby falling off the bed once he or she begins to roll, there is also risk of you accidentally rolling onto the baby during your sleep.

Okay, so now you have three options – crib, bassinet, and cradle so the ultimate choice depends on what you prefer.

We Will Start with the Bassinet

The baby bassinet has long been a choice, providing a smaller space that helps the baby feel protected. Traditionally, the bassinet is lined to provide ultimate comfort.

Today, the baby bassinet has been redesigned to where there are now models that actually convert to a crib, which means it can be used longer, saving mom and dad money on buying a crib when the baby is ready.

Looking at the Baby Cradle

The next choice is a baby cradle, which is very much like a bassinet except it is designed to rock back and forth. This gentle movement is perfect for creating a comforting environment for the baby in that it mimics movement of the womb. Sometimes, putting a crying baby in a cradle will actually help put him or her to sleep quicker than anything else will.

The only challenge is that once a baby becomes accustomed to being rocked while sleeping, moving the baby to a non-rocking crib can be an adjustment. This also means when going on vacation or to visit the grandparents, the baby may find it difficult to sleep. A great solution is to use the cradle to rock the baby only on occasion. That way, the baby is used to a stationary bed that makes travel and transition to a crib easier

Finally, the Baby Crib

There are so many gorgeous cribs, many large and roomy. Placing a tiny baby in a large crib makes him or her look lost. One of the most innovative changes is that many cribs are now designed to expand into a toddler bed. This means the crib is used for years. Unfortunately, this type of crib is more expensive than a standard crib so you will need to consider your budget.

To avoid buying more than one type of bed and ultimately saving money, most new parents will simply start with a crib. Although not as enclosed as a bassinet or cradle can pose some risk. Additionally, newborns typically prefer being in smaller spaces, again reminding them of the womb. This tighter space makes them feel more secure and safe, thereby falling asleep easier. The other side is that if you begin with a bassinet or cradle then transitioning the baby to a crib can be tough. You will need to weigh the pros and cons, as well as consider budget to make the best choice.

Modern Baby Strollers are Convenient and Safe

When our mothers purchased strollers for us, there were not very many options available. They were always simple and plastic with thin and cheap wheels that could easily become a safety hazard. Many didn’t even come equipped with a proper restraint for the baby.

When choosing your new baby gear, the stroller will become one of the most-used items during the baby’s first years of life. Frames of new models are made of sturdy plastic that can withstand a wide range of abuses. Harnesses keep baby safe and secure without risk of him slipping or falling out. They are also extremely portable, folding into a fraction of their actual size for easy storage and transport.

Baby strollers are also being designed with the comfort of mom and dad in mind, too. Handles are designed to adjust to the pusher’s height, so every caretaker can use the same stroller without being uncomfortable.

Several different models will offer different options to cater to mom and dad’s preferences for convenience. Wheels are made to lock so that when it’s time to rest your legs, baby won’t roll away.

Rounded edges and plastic covering on virtually every exposed piece of hardware also contribute to the safety of both you and baby. Keeping your body and clothing free of snags and baby free from bumps and bruises is a key characteristic of the most ideal baby gear.

The traditional sun canopy serves the very important purpose of keeping the harmful rays and uncomfortable heat off of your baby. Modern canopies are designed to detach or collapse for ease in use, and may also be fitted with a mesh shade to block the sun’s rays. This feature is priceless during those hot summer afternoon walks or visits to the park.

If your baby stroller’s canopy is detachable, it can be removed for storage on rainy days or during colder and cloudy months. On the go travel allows you to store it in one of the many handy pockets on the back of the stroller for easy access should the storm subside.

If mom and dad are short on space and always on the go, several all-in-one baby gear pieces will make their life so much easier. New baby stroller designs are not only a stroller, but can detach to be used as a carrier, car seat or bassinet. This seat can be easily locked into place and is built to carry baby safely.

Detachable diaper bags may also be found that are designed to match the baby stroller and hold all the necessities while away from home. When the stroller doesn’t need to be used, simply detach it for a trip to grandma’s.

Special strollers are also available for niche uses like exercise. Walking and jogging is a great way to get back in to shape after pregnancy, and special jogging strollers take baby along for the ride. These strollers are triangular in shape and are equipped with only three wheels for easy maneuvering and a fun ride for all.

Tips for Buying a Baby Stroller

A baby stroller is a great way to spend quality time with your baby outside but this piece of equipment needs to be considered carefully. With so many different models now available, you have some great choices but before you buy, consider the following factors.

Safety Comes First

Most importantly when buying a baby stroller is to choose one that is safe. The stroller should be stable enough that you could hang the diaper bag on the handles and it not fall over. If you plan to carry more than a diaper bag while out, a stroller with a basket carrier underneath is beneficial. However, you might think about a removable basket so when you are not using the stroller, it is easier to fold and store.

Baby Harness

Another consideration is choosing a stroller designed with the five-point safety system, which keeps small babies and toddlers securely restrained. For and older toddler, the three-point safety system would be okay.

Keeping the Baby and Parent Comfortable

Even if you plan only a short outing, you want to make sure your baby is comfortable. Additionally, the stroller need to make sure you are comfortable by having handles that work best for your height, smooth coated handles that make gripping easier and a design so that as you push the stroller, you are not constantly kicking the storage basket or wheels.

Age-Appropriate Stroller

Not all strollers are made for newborns or older toddlers. Therefore, you need to make sure the stroller being considered is made for the age of the baby. However, some of the nicer stroller designs currently available convert from a newborn to toddler model. Then, most strollers have the baby facing ahead but often, a child will feel safer and happier if seated facing you.

The Umbrella Stroller Design

One of the older styles of stroller is called an umbrella stroller, which is lightweight and inexpensive. However, while an umbrella stroller is easy to push and folds up quickly, making it ideal for a trip to the grandparents, it does not offer much protection from the elements or storage.

The Standard Type Stroller

This particular stroller design is designed to provide the baby with protection from wind, cold, and rain, it comes with convenient storage baskets, has much larger wheels that make pushing and maneuvering easier, and some have ergonomic handles. In fact, some of the standard strollers even come with a music system to help create a peaceful experience. If you plan taking your baby out shopping, to the zoo, or to other places with large crowds, this design might be a little oversized.

Strollers Made for Jogging

If you love walking or jogging, you can actually purchase a stroller designed specifically for this. Made with added stability and all-terrain wheels, the jogging stroller is fun and easy to use. Keep in mind, most manufacturers recommend a jogging stroller be used only for babies six months of age and older.

Travel Stroller

Probably one of the top choices is the travel system stroller. What makes this design so unique is that it features a sturdy, well-built stroller that comes with a car seat/carrier. When walking, the car seat/carrier is locked into the stroller but when going from outside to the car, it unlocks from the stroller and then locks into a car seat base, becoming a bona fide car seat that meets all safety regulations. Then when going inside to visit family or friends, the car seat/carrier is simply taken out of the car and taken inside. This conversion system is great for newborns and older toddlers.

Buying a Multi-Child Stroller

Today, even parents of twins, triplets, or more can purchase a car seat that holds everyone. For instance, if you have twins, you could purchase a side-by-side or front-to-back style of stroller.

Then, there is an alternative to this known as the sit-and-stand design. In this case, a toddler would have the option of standing on the platform or sitting down. To the child, this type of stroller is great in that he or she feels more independent. The child can stand while at a trip to the zoo but when tired, take a seat. You might also consider purchasing two lightweight, inexpensive strollers that are made to lock so they can be pushed together, side by side. However, if you need to push only one child, then the second stroller would be disconnected. With so many exciting options simply consider everything discussed and then purchase the type of stroller that would work best for you and your family.

Make Meal Time Easier with the Proper Baby Gear

When your baby isn’t sleeping, he’s probably eating. Thus the importance of feeding during the earliest months and years of his life. Modern baby gear makes meal time much easier on the parents, as well as maintain style and design themes throughout the home.

Much sooner than expected, a baby will begin to try to feed himself. For this purpose, modern feeding bowls are necessary to decrease messes created and cleanup time required.

Many parents love the bowls equipped with a brim to catch runaway food. This bowl reduced waste during meal time, meaning that more of it actually reaches baby’s mouth. They are also available with a suction cup that will attach to the high chair and prevent spills onto your newly finished floor.

Babies, like adults, prefer warm food. Several new warming dish designs help in this area, too. You may be able to pour hot water into a bottom compartment to heat the food, or store for later use on the road. Others are able to simply be plugged in to the nearest electrical outlet for simple warming. These are created for babies, so mom and dad can rest assured that they’re safe while performing their job.

Bottle warmers are definitely an essential baby gear item. Perhaps the first form of food your baby will ingest, bottle warmers make formula or milk more palatable and easier to digest. You are able to choose the temperature of the bottle after determining which setting your baby likes. There is also a safety switch that turns the warmer off and prevents the bottle from becoming too hot.

If mom decides to breastfeed, there are now ways to make this process easier and safer. Baby gear like breast pumps are so discreet that they can be packaged in their own carrying case or bag for pumping on-the-go. Mom can also invest in special nursing bras to make access easy no matter where she is.

After meal time, sterilization is necessary of all your baby gear. Bottles, pumps and nipples are inexpensively cleaned and sterilized with any number of kits available, without harming the actual baby gear and preventing future use. Rather than washing everything meticulously by hand, invest in a special steam cleaner that operates much like those which clean surgical tools.

High chairs have also become quite stylish and much safer. No longer flimsy and easy to knock over, newer high chairs come in a variety of styles and designs. If you are short on space, consider a booster-type chair that sits directly on top of an existing chair. If you choose a stand-alone model, make sure it is sturdy enough to withstand a temper tantrum!

Pay close attention to the mechanism used to release the tray, too. Is there a safety mechanism that will prevent baby from accidentally releasing it with his arms? This tray should easily be removed after meal time for cleaning and removing baby as well.

Questions to Ask When buying a Baby Monitor

While parents need numerous things for a new baby, one that provides an added level of safety and protection for the baby and peace of mind for mom and dad is the baby monitor. If you are a new parent, you likely want to watch your precious newborn every minute of the day but that would be impossible. However, with a baby monitor, you do have the ability to see your baby when you are doing things in other rooms of the home.

The great thing about using a baby monitor, whether audio or video is that you have the freedom to work in other rooms or even outside. When the baby awakens, you would know. This allows you to have some quiet time with your partner, play with older children, do housecleaning, work in the yard, and so on. Now, some neighborhoods may not have the same range as others so you will need to determine range for where you live. Once you know how far you can go, you can get other things done without the need to carry your beautiful baby around all day long.

As far as range for a baby monitor, remember that each type of system is slightly different. Therefore, you need to consider the size of the home, whether you want audio, video, or both, and so on so you purchase the best baby monitor for your needs. However, to help you make the best choice, you might consider the following:

* Newborn – Of course, if you have a brand new baby just home from the hospital, many parents will choose a sensor baby monitor. This system is designed to let you know if the baby turns into a position that might pose risk or begins to breathe abnormally. With a mobile sensor monitor, you would feel more at ease and with this being a portable system, it can be taken while visiting family and friends.

* Several Children – Another consideration for buying a baby monitor is the number of children in the home. For example, if you have a set of twins or even a newborn and a toddler, then you might want a video baby monitor so everyone could be watched. Typically, a system such as this comes with as many as four cameras so you can place them where needed and always have immediate view of the children. While this is a great choice in general, it works exceptionally well for sick children in that you can monitor them without being in their room all the time. In addition, a camera for a video baby monitor could be placed outside in the yard so you can keep a watchful eye on playing children if you needed to go inside.

Keep in mind that if you happen to live in an area where someone uses broadband, the video baby monitor might be affected. In this case, you would need to go with a digital video system. Not only will this work more reliably the picture will also have better clarity.

* Traveling – If you plan to take a trip with your baby or if you travel often, then a battery powered baby monitor is a great option. This mobile system simply runs on batteries and works well.

Additionally, some baby monitor systems are made to transmit signals using a cell network. Now, if you go with a monitoring system such as this, remember that you might have restriction on when the cell phone could be used and airtime might be more expensive.

* Audio for Baby – You might also consider a baby monitor that allows your child to hear you or other people in the home. With two-way communication, a baby going to sleep would be more relaxed when hearing the voices of mom and dad. Another benefit to this type of baby monitor is that when trying to get the baby to sleep or to create a peaceful environment for a sick baby, you could turn the two-way system on and play soothing music.

* Ultimate Range – As mentioned, range is a very important factor to look at when buying a baby monitor. If your home is large, then you need a system that has a stronger signal whereas if you live in smaller home or apartment, the signal would not need to be as strong. Even thick ceilings, walls, and floors could have an effect on how well the signal is received.

The key in shopping for a baby monitor is to look at all these factors so you end up with a system that will work for you and the baby. With so many options now available, you will have many models from which to choose.

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