Baby Shower Cakes: Sweet Treats for Sweet Times

A cute baby shower cake is a sweet way to cap a fun baby shower for the newest member of the family. Baby showers have become a tradition for heralding the arrival of a cute baby into the home. Fun games and decorations centered around baby stuff can make the affair festive and memorable but the best centerpiece is always the perfect baby shower diaper cake. Soon-to-be-moms will want the best baby shower cake so party planners always try to come up with unique and fresh ideas for baby shower cakes.

There are several baby shower cake designs you can find on the Internet. Most of these use everyday baby items you can find in any grocery. Diapers are the most common items because they are flexible and can be “molded” to fit any design.

Other common items that can be used for baby shower cakes are feeding bottles, baby clothes, baby lotions or baby wash, and diaper clips. Other baby items are also very handy. Rattles, teethers, and pacifiers can be used to add fun and color to the cake. You can also stock up on bows, ribbons, rubber bands, and other small stuff because you will probably need these in tying up your items for the baby shower cake.

You can only be limited by your imagination when it comes to baby shower cakes. The best way to get ideas is to look at pictures of baby shower cakes that others have made and try to look at how each item is used in the design. Then you can take off from there and create your own style.

The best way to start planning for a baby shower cake is to think of a general theme for the whole party and let the invitations, decorations, activities and the centerpiece cake revolve around the theme. This will set the atmosphere for the whole activity so choose a theme that will best fit the personality of the mom-to-be and the friends and family joining the party.

A sporty mom and her friends might want a playball diaper cake with little toy basketballs and baseballs as the central decorations. A Hawaiian-themed baby shower cake will be fun for the mom and her friends who love the beach and the outdoors. For this you will probably need a lot of colorful baby wash clothes and some tropical toy animals for effect. When cooking up a design do not stop at the mere “look” of the cake. Also try as much as practicable to use items that the baby will actually need as this is the essence of a diaper cake.

You can go from simple designs to multi-tiered diaper cakes that are almost good enough to eat! And who said diaper cakes cannot be edible. While baby shower cakes are created to be centerpieces of baby stuff, there is no stopping any creative mom or party host from adding edible cupcakes or jell-o cakes to make the centerpiece even more fun and exciting.

A baby shower party is a sweet celebration of a new life. With imagination and lots of creativity, you can easily come up with the perfect baby shower cake to top the occasion.

Baby Health: Coping with Common Baby Illnesses

Nothing can probably stress a mom (or dad) more than the sound of her baby crying because of a tummy ache or a stuffy nose. While most baby illnesses should not be a cause for worry, there is nothing more painful than looking at your little one all red and puffy from a fever or a rash. Since a baby can do nothing more than cry, many parents are left confused and panicky. Here are some common illnesses in babies and the ways on how to prepare for them.

Common Cold. Statistics show that babies and small children can get an average of six bouts with the common cold every year. This means that it is pretty normal for your little one to get the sniffles once every few months.

The best thing to do in these situations is to make baby as comfortable as possible. There is nothing much that medication can do for common colds in babies. In fact, recent studies show that many cold medicine preparations for infants may have dangerous side effects. Often, common colds go away in a two to three days with nothing but mom’s warm hugs and plenty of fluids as cure. However, when a cold is accompanied by fever or coughing, it is best to consult a doctor as this can be an indication of infection that will require more aggressive medical intervention.

Tummy Aches and Constipation. Many babies suffer from bouts of tummy aches especially when they are weaning and trying new food. This is usually no cause for alarm except when there is diarrhea that lasts for several hours and the baby is not feeding well, in which case he will have to be checked by a doctor to avoid dehydration.

Babies can also suffer from constipation. Babies on formula are more prone to constipation so doctors generally advise breast-feeding for young infants. Babies can pass stool as frequently as three times a day or as infrequent as every other day. The range for normal is quiet wide in infants but when a baby is frequently constipated it is best to consult a doctor as he may recommend changing the baby’s milk or using medications to help your baby.

Ear Infections. Babies are very prone to ear infections because of their tiny eustachian tubes connecting from the middle ear to the back of the throat. Fluid can easily build up and put pressure on the eardrum causing terrible earaches. Often an ear infection is accompanied by fever. Look for telltale signs like baby rubbing his ears or fluid draining from the ears. Ear infections require medication with antibiotics so always consult a doctor when you see these telltale signs.

These are the common illnesses that babies face in the first years of their lives. Knowing these illnesses and the ways to combat them beforehand saves you from worrying too much.

Trying To Get Pregnant–Myths and Facts

Some of us have been trying to get pregnant. And we might have heard a lot of things on how to get pregnant fast and naturally. From these hearsays, there are a few things which will come in pretty handy while some may be regarded as pure myths.

This article will differentiate the myths from the truths on how to get pregnant. Basically, there are so many myths and facts regarding pregnancy that a woman wanting to get pregnant won’t know which one to believe. There are a lot of misconceptions for those who want to get pregnant and clearing this up might help considerably.

One of the most common misconceptions is that getting pregnant is easy. This is partly true. While most women are easily pregnant, a certain percentage of women still experience fertility problems. It has been proven in studies that one out of eight American couples have problems trying to get pregnant.

Another common misconception is that it is best to wait for the age of 40 before getting pregnant. This is quite common since popular figures such as actresses are trying to conceive their newborns at this age. Here’s the fact, the older you get, and the more difficult it is to get pregnant. Usually at age 27, fertility starts to decline for women. And at age 35, there is a drastic decline in this. Women who are lucky enough to get pregnant at age 40 still have a higher risk for miscarriage.

If you are experiencing regular menstrual period, then you won’t have difficulty conceiving. Once again, this is partly true – a woman can still have infertility issues even though she has regular periods. Basically, if a couple, less than 35 years of age, is experiencing difficulty in conceiving for a long period (say one year), even if the woman has regular periods, they should consult a physician.

Women are usually the cause of fertility problems. This is basically a myth. Although it is generally believed that women are the ones who have more infertility problems, it has been proven that men and women share the same percentage in infertility problems.

Finally, another misconception is that gynecologists are the only people that can treat people with fertility problems. Fact of the matter is, although gynecologists may provide us with expert opinion, they are limited in giving treatment for infertility problems. Reproductive endocrinologists are professionals who specialize in giving treatment for couples having difficulty conceiving.

Basically, there are a lot of myths out there and it is still best to consult your local gynecologist regarding any decisions and choices you make regarding the ways to get pregnant.

Infertility–The Basics

Based on the data from the World Health Organization (WHO), around 8%-10% of couples are currently experiencing infertility problems. What is infertility? Is there a treatment for such a case? What are the symptoms of infertility in women? All these questions will be answered and discussed as we go along this article.

Infertility is primarily defined as the inability of a person to conceive. To some extent, this can also be noted when a woman is not able to carry a pregnancy up to full term. Based on the description of reproductive endocrinologists, doctors who specialize in infertility or basically infertility specialists, couples are considered infertile if they have not conceived for the past 12 months or 1 year based on a contraceptive-free intercourse, depending on their age.

There are a lot of known causes in relation to infertility. The most common causes include ovulation problems, male associated infertility, age-related factors, previous tubal ligation, tubal blockage, previous vasectomy and unexplained infertility.

In recent studies, it was proven that a certain virus specifically an Adeno-associated virus may contribute to male infertility. In male infertility, the most probable factor why infertility occurs is the sperm count. Hormonal and environmental factors also contribute to this condition since it affects the production of sperm and semen. Meanwhile, female infertility may be related to a lot of contributing factors. This could include malfunctioning or damaged organs such as the fallopian tubes; or if organs are normal, the hormonal feedback system, which is necessary for ovulation and the implantation of the embryo.

Other factors which contribute to infertility include body weight. Overweight or underweight individuals usually have difficulties in pregnancy. Diet and exercise is another factor. Poor intake of Vitamin D may contribute to infertility. Smoking, drugs and alcohol, STDs and pelvic inflammatory diseases, and stress and eating disorders also cause infertility.

Even with the said conditions, there are still methods for infertility treatment. An at-home conception kit is an example of such. This is a medical device which is aimed at conception. This is usually done through a prescribed cervical cap. Another method is through intrauterine insemination wherein the sperm is introduced through a catheter insertion. Other medical infertility treatment involve IVF and other related techniques such as ZIFT, GIFT, ICSI. IVF or In vitro fertilization is a process wherein the egg cell is fertilized by the sperm cells in a controlled environment or basically outside the womb. There are also a number of alternative infertility treatments such as acupuncture and manual physical therapy.

Overall, infertility is indeed a serious concern amongst couples who wish to conceive, fortunately, there are still a number of infertility solutions which are accessible and readily available. For best results, it is always recommended to visit your doctor or an infertility specialist for a more precise professional help.

Getting Pregnant Fast, How to Get Pregnant Fast the Natural Way

After marriage, getting pregnant is one of the primary concerns once a couple achieves financial stability and security. Once a couple decides that it is the best time to get pregnant, it may be helpful to know some of the basics on how to get pregnant and the tips in doing so. Planning for your family’s future can be quite exciting and is a very challenging moment in our lives.

First things first, do note that getting pregnant is not an easily controllable factor in our lives. This process requires a bit of timing and some help from our great old mother nature. Getting pregnant is usually dependant on one’s age, fertility and a lot of other factors. When trying to get pregnant, it still helps to be a bit patient with things – but there are a lot of ways to get pregnant fast.

Now for the basics, one can get pregnant when there is intercourse during an ovulation period and when one of the sperm cells reaches the egg cell at this point. Ovulation usually happens every month for a female who has regular menstrual cycles. Basically, a woman releases one egg per month on a regular basis. It is important to note that you only get a period of 2 to 3 days per month to get pregnant. However, since the sperm cells and egg cells can live for a number of days after being released, your chances can increase a bit.

In general, the first move on how to get pregnant fast is to know when you are ovulating every month. With this in hand, you can now have intercourse during these days to improve the chances of getting pregnant. If you don’t know when your ovulation occurs, there is a high possibility that you will miss your chances of getting pregnant for that month. And you’ll just have to wait for the next month to have another shot in getting pregnant.

Upon knowing these factors, there are ultimately two basic ways to get pregnant. The first approach is obviously simple but generally effective. All you have to do is have intercourse every single day of the month. The second approach would involve getting an ovulation test. After you get a positive ovulation test, you can have intercourse and you’ll get higher chances of getting pregnant. You can purchase your ovulation test in your local pharmacy.

As they all say, knowledge is power. And knowing your ovulation cycle is indeed one of the first steps on how to get pregnant fast. So, try to note your ovulation cycle once in a while; and if you’re uncertain, try to visit your gynecologist for some expert opinion.

How Learning Toys Help Your Baby Grow!

Learning baby toys are the most popular toys available today. It’s easy to see why! Babies love exploring and seeing new things. They are fascinated by new experiences, and even new people who pop into their lives! And when you provide them with something that amuses them and fascinates them at the same time, you’re in the game!

One of the most popular learning toys of all time is the stacker. This toy consists of a cone and a concentric set of rings which fit onto the cone in the right order. It’s safe, it’s sensible, and it’s famous for two key values: fun and education! Your baby will learn a lot about shapes and how they should fit together, and have a lot of fun in the process!

Babies love the computer, as most parents have found out to their detriment when a misplaced finger on a key causes havoc with work! The easiest solution: Get the baby her own ‘computer’! According to some research done in this field, very young babies can also learn a lot with the right infant-appropriate software!

Your baby will amaze you with a keytopper that young children can easily hold on to! When your baby matches the picture of the dog on the screen with the sound ‘dog’, you’ll feel so proud of your little one! Babies can also pick out a melody from several options, and differentiate shapes such as circles and rectangles with only a little guidance!

Babies tend to pick the basic of math quite quickly. A three year old will show you how he can count to ten and match certain shapes with certain numbers. It’s quite astounding! These LeapPad systems are remarkable, be it in English or in Spanish!

With Dr. Seuss, babies start learning with learning toys at a very young age! The Wocket in My Pocket is a prime example of this, with many games that teach the little one and exercise his imagination with all the letters, pictures and rhymes. Beginning phonics enables babies to relate certain sounds to their meanings, and form the foundation of the language that the baby will learn.

The Learn & Groove Alphabet Drum is another learning toy that will teach your baby the alphabet in no time! Every baby likes to make a lot of noise by thumping a drum! And as they thump this drum, a letter of the alphabet appears with lights and sounds which fascinate the baby! Instead of wanting the noise to stop, you’ll actively encourage it! Of course, parents will be grateful for the volume knob on the drum!

The LittleTouch Learning System is another favorite with most parents. The pioneer of the electronic baby book, this learning baby toy is made of a durable plastic covering the electronic circuits within. The thick pages offer an assortment of music, words, rhymes and phrases which induce the baby to start on the learning path sooner than ever! Even your six month old will love pressing the buttons and pages and watching the animated characters and texts materialize!

And if you collect these LittleTouch books, you’ll have a complete set from which your child will learn to recognize shapes, numbers, alphabets and colors! And what’s more, your child’s reading capabilities will develop that much faster!

If you take a look at all the learning baby toys available today, you might just want to re-enter your childhood! Get the best of them for your little baby.

Exciting Science Toys For Your Little Ones!

Babies begin to learn from the moment they leave the womb. They learn to breathe, to open their eyes, to recognize their mothers. They explore their new world through sight, sound, smell, taste and feel. And as they grow, they learn about cause and effect, about noticeable patterns, about recognition of colors and so on. For little children, learning is a form of entertainment, and this entertainment is best provided by the large variety of science toys available today!

The Meteor Storm Globe is endlessly fascinating for your little one! Pressing the knob switches it on, and it lights up marvelously using the colorful LED lights that are housed within! When the baby holds the Meteor Storm Globe, it blazes into light, and when they let go, it stops! It’s a simple science toy which offers a lot of entertainment to your tot!

The Barbie Globe from Oregon Scientific is another science baby toy which can be used to teach geography to your kids! This interactive globe works by pressing on any continent and selecting a category such as People and Customs, Animals, Food, Language, Geography and so on. This electronic toy will hold your 3 year old spellbound with all the colorful lights and sounds. It also has a LCD display at the base which shows images as the red LED on the globe lets your child track his path! The Barbie Globe also contains a Barbie Travel Book!

Biology is a favorite with most kids, and giving them the Eyeclops handheld microscope is the right way to go about teaching it! To see any object of your choice magnified two hundred times, place it under the lens after plugging the Eyeclops into the TV. It is also an ideal way to have fun and learn lots about nature; leaves, insects, mushrooms!

The inflatable butterfly is fifty times its actual size. And if you get the whole set: egg, caterpillar, cocoon and adult butterfly, your children can have fun with them as well as learn about the lifecycles of this striking creature! Included with the inflatable butterfly set is a repair kit and activity guide. This colorful creature will provide hours of entertainment for your kids, as well as the chance to learn something new!

The Anatomy Apron is made out of washable vinyl and is ideal for an anatomy lesson! Covered with color illustrations of the body organs such as the lungs, heart, liver, stomach and kidneys, the Anatomy Apron consists of detachable organs which attach with Velcro and enable your child to play surgeon! Young kids are enthralled by the look of their body organs! The Anatomy Apron contains a teacher’s guide and activity booklet for kids too.

Small stethoscopes for kids prove to be very entertaining, allowing your child to play doctor and listen to their own heartbeats and yours too! Built with a durable listening circle and secure ear buds, this stethoscope works almost as well as the real model! Your kids will try it out on anyone and everyone they can get, including your dog, cat, hamster and so on!

Encourage your little scientist to learn more with the mesmerizing Mysterious Magnet Tube! Consisting of iron filings which are safely enclosed by the tube, it will provide hours of entertainment for your child as he learns all about the essence of magnets and the shapes magnets make with iron filings! With the Mysterious Magnet Tube is included an activity book with lots of entertaining activities for the little one!

The 48-piece Solar System Puzzle is another remarkable discovery that provides fun for one and all! This puzzle is quite large: 36″ by 24″, and is quite interesting for kids! Made of durable and thick cardboard, your kids will really enjoy learning everything about the planets!

Purchase any of these science toys, and you’ll see your child bloom with knowledge! Children are by nature, inquisitive, and getting them science toys will actively fuel this inquisitiveness and enable them to have fun in the process!

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