Living With Pets- Keeping Your Baby Safe

So, up to this point, your dog or cat has been your baby, but now there's a little human on the way. It is normal and, in fact, wise to be concerned about how the two are going to mix. The chances are very good that everything will work quite well and your pet and your child will be very close buddies, but there are some things you can do to be prepared. First some tips for dogs:

Teach your dog to stay out of the nursery Start right away putting up a baby gate or keeping the door closed to help your dog learn to stay out of the baby's room. Later on, you can allow the dog in the room, especially if you are in there, but it's best to prepare him at first to stay away.

Introduce your dog to some other babies If he's never been around a baby, carefully introduce some into his life. He is much less likely to be anxious around your baby if he is introduced gradually.

Make sure he is well trained A baby's behavior is not predictable, so your dog has to be the grown up in this case. If your dog does not obey you, it's time for some training before the baby arrives. If your dog is a male, and you haven't had him neutered, this is a good time for that, too. It should make the dog calmer and more well mannered.

Then, there's the cat – some of the same ideas work for cats, too, except that training them to stay out of a room is pretty difficult. They scale baby gates, and cribs, by the way with ease. So, in addition to a baby gate, it's wise to purchase a net to go over the crib, to keep the cat out. Also, if your cat sleeps with you, don't put the baby in your bed with the cat in the room.

For both types of pets, keep the food and water bowl away from the baby. Babies love to play in them, and this can not only make a mess, but can cause the animal to be even more jealous. Also, at some point, if your child can get to the pet food, he will try to eat it. I promise.

Your child and your pets should develop a good relationship with little trouble. Just be diligent for a while until everybody is comfortable, and you should continue to have a happy home.

Choose A Great Baby Shower Theme

Though a theme isn't necessary for a successful baby shower, it can be a great way to pull a baby shower together. Unsure of what games you should play? Can't choose between different food spreads? Pick a baby shower theme and all of these aspects of the baby shower will become clear. Here are just a few to choose from.

Hollywood Themed Baby Shower

Your invitations can look like movie tickets. Your games can focus on celebrity and movie trivia. You can even ask your guests to dress up as movie stars, if you like! And of course, hot dogs and popcorn are one choice for your guests or you could go the opposite direction with fare that a healthy minded Hollywood mom would love.

Tea Time Baby Shower

If you're having a 'girls only' baby shower, a fun way to celebrate the new little one is to host an afternoon tea. Decorations need be no more than what your living room already holds or you may opt for a tea house instead. Food can include finger sandwiches, scones, jam, and of course, a variety of tea for each of your guests to choose from. Accentuating the Victorian aspect of a traditional tea is another option as is heading to the other side of the world for a traditional Japanese tea theme for your baby shower.

Stock The Shelves Baby Shower

All new moms will need baby food, diapers, wipes, bath supplies, formula or bottles – and lots of them. Pick one of these as your theme and ask everyone to bring one as their gift or, if it's a small item, in addition to their gift to the baby shower. Make sure to specify brand or style if the new mom has a preference, especially with formula. If you choose diapers, designate different guests to bring different sizes. The little one won't be little for long!

Time To Take Care of Mommy Baby Shower

The last thing a new mother wants to do is worry about the basics after she brings home her newborn. Ask everyone to bring something to the baby shower that will help Mom in the tough weeks following the birth. Some ideas include: frozen casseroles, gift certificates for maid services or offering of your own cleaning or babysitting services. Mom won't feel like socializing, nor will she likely be comfortable giving up her new addition for a whole night out, but if you come over regularly so that she can shower and nap - that is a gift worth more than gold.

Baby Shower Gift Ideas: Help For Choosing That Special Item

A baby shower is a special time for celebrating the birth and addition of a new member to the family. Children are truly a gift and a wonder! But children won't always be little kids forever.

One day their parents will wake up, and realize that their kids are bigger than they are. Pretty soon they willl go away and the house for good, to make their way into the world.

So this is all the more reason to celebrate children when they are still young and still consider their parents their closest pals. But let's not get ahead of ourselves.

You see, even before these beautiful children arrive, mothers-to-be are treated to a festive occasion that celebrates the coming of her new baby. This celebration is called a baby shower, and what's a celebration without good food, some good time, and tons of presents?

This is where the guests come in. The guests are in charge of the gift-giving duties. Baby showers are a wonderful occasion for gift giving. It's always fun to shop for things that a newborn baby will need. Just think of yourself as a modern day fairy godmother/father without the wand. This way, you will surely have a good time choosing just the right baby gift. Maybe, you might even get generous and buy two gifts!

There are so many baby shower gift ideas that you can chose from, that you will have trouble choosing just one. Some of the more popular baby shower gift ideas are:

baby shower gift basket- This includes everything. A lot of items that a baby will need, such as: blankets, towels, bottles, toothing toys, soft toys, comb and brush sets, etc.

baby savings bond- This is such a meaningful gift, a bit on the extravagant side. But if you can afford it, this is a gift that mother and child will both appreciate. Also, this will go a long way in taking care of the child's financial needs.

baby gift registry- This is the easiest way to buy a baby shower gift. Just browse through the list of the owner, it should tell you exactly what the mother wants. This way, you would not have to wrack your brains trying to guess what kind of gift the mother-to-be wants.

diapers- This may not seem like much, but baby diapers are essential to babies! They need an endless supply of diapers. They go through them so quickly. Even if you are presenting a gift, you might also want to bring along a pack of diapers.

baby toys- Baby toys are such a fun gift! Plus, you can't go wrong with baby toys. For newborn babies, less complicated toys are best such as: soft toys, baby rattles, books, etc. The more fancy toys are more suitable for toddlers. It is best to stick to the basic when buying toys for babies. Also, their safety must be considered. Stay away from toys that have pointed edges, are toxic, can be easily swallowed, etc.

gift certificates- These are a great gift to give, since gift certificates are very flexible. It allows the recipients to purchase things that they want, or things that they need, but didn't received as a present. Gift certificates should not only be limited to baby products. A mother-to-be will also appreciate receiving a gift certificate that attends to her needs.

There are so many baby shower gift ideas to choose from that you are sure to find something that the baby and mother will love.

The Truth About Layettes

Recently, I was at a baby shower for a young friend of mine who is expecting her first child. Most of the attendees were college friends of ours, and almost no one in the room has had a child yet. Needless to say, some of the gifts took some explaining. For many young mothers, some necessities may come as a surprise. In fact many may not know what the phrase "baby layette" means. For those, and for those who just feel like a checklist would make them feel more prepared, here are the basic things that an expectant mother and father should have waiting for the new bundle of joy.

It is important to have between four and six of all of your baby's basic daily needs. Things like undershirts, sleeping gowns, onesies, footsie pajamas, receiving blankets, hooded towels, socks, washcloths, and daily clothing will be key, since your laundry needs are going to multiply exponentially. You don't want to be caught in the middle of a load of laundry with a baby who has just spit up his or her lunch on her last clean shirt.

A going home outfit is of great importance, since it is the first time a lot of relatives and friends will see your baby. Not only will there be lots of photos, but there is a lot of sentimentality attached to this particular item. Other individual items to have on hand in the new baby's nursery are a crib with adjustable settings that can change to meet the needs of your growing (and ever the more clever) baby. You will, for the baby's bedding need a crib or bassinette with at least two to four crib or bassinette sheets, a crib bumper, and two to three crib blankets. You may want to consider adding a dust ruffle and some waterproof pads for the crib. These are not necessary at first, but you will need them later. A playpen for bringing the new family member along to friend's houses, family gatherings, or even just to the park or in another room of the house is a convenience that is great for keeping just a little bit of me time in those early months.

While with baby clothes, you should stock up on sizes three to six months (in case the baby is larger than the average newborn, or grows rather quickly), you want to have at least one large box of newborn sized diapers on hand when the baby arrives home. You may want to stock up in the event of a sale, but you don't want to buy too many, in case the baby is too large for them.

You also want to keep some other essentials in mind for changing/bathing. Two to three bottles of baby shampoo will get you off to a good start, along with a bottle of baby oil, a bottle of baby lotion, baby powder (corn starch is a great bulk alternative), and one tube of zinc oxide for diaper rash. Even if you are breastfeeding, you want to have 6-12 bottles with nipples and collars (and some extra nipples on hand if you are not breastfeeding). These are the absolute basics. It may seem like a lot, but being prepared with these necessities will make your transition into parenting much easier.

Buying Baby Clothes At A Discount

Dressing your little darling doesn't have to cost a fortune

It is no secret that having and providing for a new baby is an expensive job. With the expense of those all-important early doctor's visits, necessary items for the nursery, and the rising prices of formula, diapers, and various infant accessories, it seems a wonder that anyone can afford to reproduce anymore. While it's difficult to argue in favor of cutting corners when it comes to your baby, there are a few ways that you can save money on some of your baby related purchases. Baby clothes and layette needs are fortunately one area where you can afford to save a few bucks without diminishing the level of comfort and care that your little Nick or Jessica receives.

Secondhand Baby Clothes

This is a sore spot for some parents and not without good reason. The thought of putting "used" clothing on your baby can come with numerous unspoken horrors and various levels of mental anguish. After all, how do you know where that used Onesie has been? Fortunately, concerned parents can rest their minds easily and put aside the fears associated with purchasing secondhand baby wear by following a few bits of common sense. Used infant attire should only be purchased from a reputable source. A thrift store like those run by the Salvation Army or a good secondhand store that specializes in baby goods (Other Mothers is a particularly good chain in the Western United States) can be considered safe sources since they make a point of sterilizing such items before offering them for resale. Avoid purchasing any items for a baby from a garage sale or "flea market" unless you know the seller personally and even then do so with caution. Any secondhand baby items you do obtain – even those given to you by friends or family members – should be washed thoroughly before you ever put them on your child.

Shopping Online

The internet has been doing wonders for people's wallets for years. In almost every case items that you can purchase in a local store can be found online for less. Baby clothes are no exception and there are literally hundreds of e-commerce web sites that will be more than happy to sell you everything you need for your baby's layette and wardrobe at a considerable savings compared to what you'll pay at the local Babies 'R' Us store. In addition to baby clothing, almost every other conceivable baby need can be met online for less. In many cases you can get free shipping as well. The web won't save you from the occasional midnight run to the local 24 hour grocer or Wal-Mart for emergency diapers or formula, but it's a veritable hero in most other regards.

Other options for saving money on baby clothes and accessories do exist, and most are fairly common sense approaches. Buying infant wear from Kmart, Target or Wal-Mart is certainly going to cost you less than shopping at Dillards, JC Penney, or Sak's, for example, as will choosing off brand or no-name items instead of Baby Dior and Weebok's. Babies cost enough money as it is, there's no reason not to put a little green back in your pocket now by saving on baby clothes when you know you'll be shelling it out for braces and piano lessons later in life.

Baby Shower - Planning For A Baby Shower

Who doesn't get excited when a baby is on its way? Aside from their caring mothers, everyone in the family gets that certain thrill. Welcoming yet another being in this beautiful world comes with a certain joy. So how else can you celebrate a soon-to-be-child arrival? Have a blast with a baby shower party.

Planning a baby shower can be really fun. You can create your own party as you wish. You can either go traditional or put a little humor to your event. You can choose whatever theme you want. Unleash your creativity. The main goal is simply to have your baby shower unforgettable and fun for everyone.

To get you started, the tips below can absolutely help you with the steps of creating that perfect baby shower party for you.

Be prepared Plan ahead of time. It is best to hold baby showers either on the seventh or eighth month of pregnancy.

Look for a perfect location. You can opt to have your house or the backyard as your event area. If you have an extravagant budget you can scout for convenient party places which can hold your guests.

Set the right date and time Be sure to check out your guests' availability, from there schedule where most of your expected guests can be free. Set a date that could easily fit to their other engagements.

Think of the perfect theme There are hundreds of baby shower themes that you can choose from. Popular choices are teddies, cartoon themes, or balloons. The possibilities are endless.

Surprise her To make the party more momentous, you can make a surprise baby shower for the guest of honor. Consult her close and relatives when preparing your guest list.

Impress with invitations Send out invitations at least three weeks before the event. Match your invitations with the theme of the party itself with the theme of the party itself. Be sure that the invitations contain all vital information like date, time and sketched- up location. Be creative in designing your invitations.

http://www.babyshowerportal.com/Tips-On-Planning-For-A-Baby-Shower.html

5 Simple & Inexpensive Baby Shower Gift Ideas.

A baby shower is an exciting event for a new mom where she and the new baby are the center of attention. Even if you are not attending the baby shower (for example if you are a male family member or friend) it is still a good idea to pick up at least a small gift for the baby.

The new mom may have made a list of some general things that the baby will need, and if she has a list like this, you can check it out. However, frequently you will have to pick a gift without a list. So here are some pretty 'safe bets' as far as baby shower gifts go. I got a few of these gift ideas when I was in a Target store looking for a gift. I asked several parents who had babies with them in their shopping cart what sort of gifts would be good for a new baby and here are some of the answers that I got.

These baby gift ideas are very easy to find and very reasonable at a store like Target. For $50 you can get a whole assortment of goodies.

1. Clothing: All babies need clothing, and they grow very fast! If you have ever shopped for baby clothes you may be amazed to see that there are several different sizes of clothes needed for the baby just during the first year!

There is 0-1 month, 3 to 6 months, 6 to 9 months and on and on! Therefore, there are plenty of types of clothing that will be needed in plenty of different sizes. Just remember to keep in mind how old the baby currently is, because baby clothing sizes change rapidly, and you would not want to buy a gift that is already too small by the time you present it to the parents!

2. Teething toys: All babies 'teeth' and will need little chew toys of sorts. These may become dirty quickly and it is probably smart to replace them often, so a number of these teething toys may be useful. You might find ones with rattles or bells. Just make sure it is not big enough for a baby to swallow.

3. Stuffed animals: A cute stuffed animal may make a nice gift. The softest kind available may be liked the most for snuggly comfort. Additionally, some of these stuffed animals may have sounds built in. You may want one that makes sounds, or you may want an old fashioned one without noise. A good example is Winnie-The-Pooh or Eyeore.

4. Diapers: Parents always need diapers and they are a very practical and useful gift. Just remember to look at the sizes correctly, considering how many months old the baby is. You also might find out what type of diapers the parent prefers to use.

5. Baby books: It is great to read to young children and really helps there little minds grow. While a very young baby won't be able to understand stories yet, parents are always looking to build a nice little library of quality books to read to their children.

There you have 5 simple baby shower gift ideas! Hopefully you will be able to find a nice gift or even a shopping bag full of little gifts to bring the baby and the parents enjoyment.

Getting Baby to Sleep at Night

Does your baby sleep through the day, and keep you up at night? This has been the cry of mothers and fathers heard round the world for centuries.

A newborn baby will sleep from 16 to 20 hours per day. Unfortunately, this sleeping time is usually broken up into 2-4 hour periods. The key is to get your baby into a routine sleeping schedule. This type of consistency will allow you ample time for household chores, a good night's rest, and time in general just for you...( because we know that all moms need some of that.)

You may just be one tweak away from a good night's rest. Here are some simple steps to follow to get your baby into a routine sleeping pattern.

The key to getting a baby to sleep consistently is by keeping bedtime rituals. A baby should not be rocked to sleep one night while being left to cry themselves to sleep another. Consistency is the key to forming a healthy sleeping pattern.

A quiet and dark room is one of the most optimal sleeping environments. Something as simple as a dishwasher or dryer can interrupt your baby's sleeping schedule on any given night. Therefore, you'll want your baby to be in a room that is away from noises.

Pre-bedtime rituals prepare your baby for sleeping. These should be activities that are not overstimulating. Some possibilities include rocking the baby to sleep or singing lullabies.

Create a comfortable room temperature... not to exceed 75 degrees. A comfortable room temperature will help your child comfortably sleep through the night without waking.

Nevertheless, your baby is sure to cry at some point. Many parents use a method known as controlled crying that has been found to be successful in many cases. If your baby starts crying, leave him for five minutes before soothing him. Remain only long enough to pat his back and say a few kind words. Do not pick him up out of his cot. Always speak reassuringly when you go in. By waiting 5 to 10 minutes, your baby will learn that crying will not help and your reassuring voice will help your baby feel secure.

You'll find that most babies begin sleeping through the night by 9 months. Like all things, soon this too shall pass.

Watch Out For Allergies With Baby Laundry!

So you're having a baby. You think you've thought of everything, but at the same time you're terrified that you've missed something. Here's one thing you may or may not have thought of: laundry. Yes, you know that you will have more, but have you considered the basic differences between your baby's laundering needs and yours? If you regularly use perfumed detergents, bleach, or fabric softener, your laundering habits may need some reform.

Gone are the days of washing clothes just because they smell. Your baby is going to burp up stuff you've never thought of, and your laundry piles are going to skyrocket. This is only one new concern, however, since your baby's skin is much more sensitive to chemicals than you and your spouses' grown up skin. Laundering the baby's clothing in detergents that are free of perfumes and dyes is one quick way to help ensure that your baby does not get unnecessary discomfort from irritating chemicals. There are detergents formulated specifically for babies, but for the most part as long as you stay away from perfume and dye heavy products, your baby should be just fine. There are of course rare cases in which the baby has specific allergies, in which case it is probably best to find one brand that works for your baby's skin and stick with it. Unfortunately for your baby, this may mean a short trial and error process. As with food allergies, just keep a keen eye out and make sure you seek immediate medical treatment when you are concerned about anything.

Another thing that is important when laundering baby clothing is to make sure that you launder any cloth diapers separately. If you are using cloth diapers, you may think of the obvious reason: these items of clothing are obviously much more soiled than the average baby clothing item. It is best to launder these items twice: once in bleach with a double rinse, and then a second time with just vinegar during the last rinse cycle. This is important because not only is the baby using these items a lot more frequently (so they get a lot more wear), but also they are the closest to the baby's very sensitive skin. So making sure that cloth diapers are as allergen free as possible is a key factor in keeping your baby comfortable and happy.

The last item on our laundry agenda will keep your laundry service or electric company well fed, and you plenty busy. As your baby quickly outgrows each new item of clothing, and a new one needs to be purchased to replace it, the new items should all be washed before being put on the baby. That includes outerwear and bath accessories, but is especially important for things that you buy a lot of, like undershirts, socks, and onesies. The first couple of months are particularly crucial in determining what kind of laundering ritual is best for your new addition. This is also a time in which you will be getting used to a lot of specifics about your new baby. Make sure no matter how you launder your baby's clothes, you keep a good eye out for possible allergic reactions and rashes. A comfortable baby is a much happier baby.

Planning a Winnie the Pooh Themed Baby Nursery

There are many themes you can choose from when planning a baby's nursery. Probably one of the most popular and beloved themes for a baby's room is Winnie the Pooh. A Winnie the Pooh nursery theme is a great choice for many reasons. First, it works great for a boy or a girl. If you don't know your baby's gender or if you are planning to have more children, a Winnie the Pooh baby nursery is the perfect fit. Another reason a Winnie the Pooh room is a good option is that due to the popularity of it, you will have no trouble looking a wide selection of Pooh baby bedding and other Pooh themed nursery items such as art work, rugs, hampers, and lamps. You will even have your choice of regular Pooh or Classic Pooh.

Here are some ideas for decorating a Winnie the Pooh themed baby nursery:

Find a Pooh baby bedding set that you like and buy all the coordinating items that you would like to use. Items that you can usually find to match you nursery bedding include window valances, a hamper, table lamp, and crib mobile.

Decide how you would like to prepare the walls in your Pooh nursery. You could simply paint them white or a color that compliments your Pooh bedding. Another option is to use a Winnie the Pooh wallpaper and/or a wall paper border on the walls. Stenciling Pooh and his friends on the wall is another cute option. For something really dramatic, you could hire an artist to paint a mural of the 100 acre woods on one wall of the nursery. This is an expensive option, so if you have a tight budget for planning you baby's room, you will want to consider other options such as purchasing Winnie the Pooh wall stickers to accent the walls.

Finish up the room by adding the little touches that make it cozy. A nice Winnie the Pooh rug will warm up the floor. Décor for the wall can include Winnie the Pooh art work or wall hangings. The baby quilt from the Pooh bedding set could be hung on the wall as a wall hanging since it is too bulky to use for a newborn baby. You may want to add some Winnie the Pooh touches to the nursery furniture as well. Pooh knobs could be added to the dresser and Pooh could be added to the ends of the crib by stenciling, painting, or applying decals of Pooh to it.

When planning your Winnie the Pooh nursery, keep an eye out for items you can use. Pooh merchandise is available all over the place so you may find things you can use in your room in the most unexpected places. Also don't feel that you have to use only Pooh décor in the room. Non-Pooh items may also fit nicely and compliment your rooms décor. Just use your imagination to be creative and you will be able to create a wonderful room for your new baby.

A New Baby Can Be Expensive!

"A new baby brings a lot of joy and hope to a family. It also brings some uncertainty. You may be concerned that your home is too small, or that you need a larger car, among others. Whether you are expecting your first or your fifth child, chances are that you need baby gear! There are hundreds of different items that you need when the baby arrives, and it is important to remember that stocking up doesn't mean you have to clean out the bank account. If you do a little bit of research beforehand, you can get everything that you need at a fraction of the retail price. My favorite money saving tool is the e-coupon. You can sign up for e-coupons at a variety of different retailers, and start savings instantly.

The first question that a new parent-to-be asks is "what gear do I need?" There are many things that are convenient to have, and many things that are a "must have." Once you distinguish between the two, you can start stocking up on the "must haves". I recommend that you start shopping for bargains early on in your pregnancy. You will save more money, and eliminate the last minute rush that many parents undergo. Most baby sites will provide you with a checklist of the baby "must haves." Print this list out, and then begin to compare prices and makes and models.

Every parent-to-be is on a budget. The trick is to make the most out of that budget. First consider looking at local yard sales for various baby gear. You can often get some cheap deals, on things that are in good shape. If you are looking for some really good deals, go online. There are hundreds of different baby sites, which offer many products at deep discounts. If you use an e-coupon service, you can get coupon codes to save even more on the items that are "must haves." Most of these services are free to use, and can save you hundreds on your favorite baby gear. You may also try an auction site like EBay. I have found some great deals on items that you need everyday, like bottles and bibs.

Shopping for baby on a budget can be a lot of fun, if you approach it correctly. Create a list of the items that you want to shop for, and stick to it. Look for discounts and deals both locally and online. In no time, you will have a nursery full of baby gear ready and waiting for your new little bundle of joy! Congratulations and happy shopping!"

Baby Cribs Safety - Better Safe Than Sorry

It is a sad fact but one we have to come to grips with, not all baby cribs are safe. Baby cribs are supposed to keep your baby safe during sleep but did you know that when badly constructed or improperly assembled a baby crib can be a serious hazard to your child? No matter how expensive the baby crib is parents should use caution when choosing a crib for the nursery, and should follow instructions to the letter.

One of the biggest mistakes some people make is they "assume" that all cribs are safe, but whether you are using a brand new baby crib that you just bought a couple of months ago from a reputable store or recycling the one that you used for your older kids, or a second hand one from a garage sale it is important that you closely inspect the crib for hazardous possibilities as they may be lurking in places that you would not even consider remotely dangerous! Here are some tips that can help keep your child safe in a baby crib.

Close inspection When buying a baby crib or when you are about to use one, make sure that everything is in place and there are no broken or bent parts. Sharp edges, missing joints and small removable parts in baby cribs can also be dangerous as they can be choking hazards.

Side edges and protrusions can also become strangulation hazards as blankets, necklaces and shirts can be caught. Never buy or use cribs that have these flaws.

Follow the instructions Never believe that for one-minute you know everything about baby cribs just because you have used one before. And no matter how much knowledge you think you have, it is still imperative that you read the manual and instruction guide.

In addition to providing the step-by-step guide on how to set-up the baby crib from the box, the manual will also contain some tips on how to properly care for your crib and to avoid accidents while using it.

Non-toxic finishes The baby cribs finish should be made with non-toxic materials that are recommended for young children. As babies' body systems, especially the immune systems are still developing, it is important that they be protected from chemicals and toxins in the environment. When buying a used baby crib, make sure that the finish is sound and not flaking or peeling, also if it looks like it has been refinished you may want to find a different crib as it would be impossible to know for sure whether it was refinished with a child safe non-toxic material.

Drop sides Though the dropside mechanism in baby cribs can be very convenient, it can also spell disaster if not working correctly or the latches are not secure. Be sure that when you do put your baby inside the crib, you have raised the drop side and the latches are secured. Some parents may remember to raise it up but forget to secure it, which can lead to accidents.

Keep the crib uncluttered Remember that the more things inside the baby crib, the greater the chances of an accident, I'm sure you're generally aware that anything can be a potential choking and strangulation hazard. To help avoid this, keep the baby crib to a bare minimum, only placing things that are absolutely necessary like a pillow and a blanket. Toys inside the crib are okay if your baby is awake and playing under supervision, but always remember to remove them when sleeping. Parents are also advised to avoid placing dangling toys on the side of the crib as loose straps may capture your baby and create a strangulation hazard.

Check for alerts and call-backs The Consumer Product Safety Commission lists safety tips, alerts and call-back warnings on baby cribs on their website at www.cpsc.gov and should be followed.

Baby Announcements Are A Fun And Inexpensive Way To Stay In Touch

By themselves baby announcements are nothing more than a simple note to people that you're having a baby. For a societal standpoint however, birth or baby announcements, and even baby shower announcements or invitations are notice to your friends and family that things are changing. You may have been the short kid on the block when growing up, or the tom-boy always playing sports with the boys. With announcements, you're declaring to the world that you're preparing to take your place in the adult world by taking on the awesome responsibility of caring for a new child.

Yes, a birth announcement looks simply like a notice that someone new has been born into the family. Putting a picture into the announcement lets people take a peak into the change in your life. It also allows family members to play the "he has your uncle Henry's nose" and her mother's eyes" type games. It never ceases to amaze me how people can see other people in a newborn whose features are still moving into shape from the birth.

Older people are especially susceptible to reflecting on the meaning and changes of a new child being brought into the world. Some may reminisce about they're own childrens births and the challenges faced. Some may remember fondly the parents of that newly minted child when they were children themselves. And of course, there will be some that are just thankful that they don't have any children of their own. Little do they know what they're missing.

The time of reflection starts with the first shower invitation. These are usually bought at a local stationery or general merchandise store and come pre packaged with invitations and envelopes. These very inexpensive invitations are great for baby showers. Make no mistake, a baby shower is an important part of recognition for the mom to be and allows family and friends to have a time of togetherness to celebrate the common bond of motherhood.

Birth announcements usually are more formal and many include a picture. These are sent out by the parents to update friends and family of the birth of the newest member of the family. Do not ignore sending these announcements or consider them unnecessary. They're important on so many levels to so many people that it's difficult to completely understand how critical they are to tie a family together no matter how far apart they live. They tell the people in your world that you, the parents, have taken on a new and important responsibility.

Baby Strollers - Consider Your Budget

Since you got the news, you have begun gather the things your new bundle of joy will be needing. Decisions for your first baby may seem overwhelming at first. The type of stroller you will use for your baby is one of the biggest decisions you will need to make. When you are choosing from among the many different types of baby strollers, one of the first things to consider is your budget.

Stroller costs can range from $10 to $400 and higher. The very light weight umbrella strollers are general on the lower end. The advantage of these strollers is that they can be folded up nicely, and can store almost anywhere. The higher prices of strollers may indicate more features and better quality.

The features that come with strollers are many and you should know which ones are important to you. A convertible travel system may be your preference over a regular stroller and a car seat. Travel systems have a stay in the car base, a stroller frame to attach the infant carrier/ car safety seat to.

For your newborn baby these are especially great. Play trays with places for a bottle or juice cup come on strollers. Canopies with a vinyl window to let you keep an eye on the baby, come with many strollers. Strollers are equipped with breaks that are attached to both rear wheels and applied with your foot and also a wrist brake strap that is used with the foot brake.

It provides a bit of extra safety preventing the stroller from rolling away while you are stopped while you use have the strap on. A parent tray that is placed over the handle bar are coming with many strollers as well as a large storage basket under the seat(s).

There is space for a cup of coffee or soda, your cell phone, your keys and space to hold a snack. Now on many strollers the handle bars are reversible and can be moved from front to rear or vice versa and they are height adjustable. To save your back use the height adjustable feature and you can see your baby while he rides if necessary by using the reversible handle bar.

The seat consideration is next. If the seat reclines does it recline enough so that your newborn can lie almost flat. Is the seat comfortable and well padded for your baby? Is the padding for the seat removable for washing? Many upper end strollers have blankets with snaps that attach under the seat.

These blankets on your baby's stroller like a bunting on wheels. Detachable rain hoods are used to protect your baby from wind and harsh sunlight. There is another twist to your decision about a baby stroller. An almost brand-new stroller is available for free from your friend.

She agrees to have the stroller cleaned and ready for you. Is it a safe choice to put your baby in a used stroller? There are things you will need to look at before you place your baby in it and it can be a good choice for your baby and you. No cracks, should be in the frame, and there should be no dents or gaps.

Bolts and screws all must be in place. Anything less could seriously hurt your baby and cause an accident. On the frame are there any sharp spots? Are any screws sticking out that could cut your baby or are loose? The handle bar and frame, are they properly joined? Are there leaks in the air pressure of the wheels or are they solid?

Regarding the wheels, are they worn? Do you need to possibly replace the wheels? Are the wheels turning as they should be? Do the axels seem straight? Do the brakes operate appropriately and hold when they are applied? Does the seat hold its position in the upright position or the reclining position?

A serious injury could happen to your baby if the seat does not hold its place well. Does the lining fit the frame properly and is it clean? Strollers come with a wide variety of options, types, and styles. Two or more children can use multi-seated strollers. Tandem, side by side, and stadium seating (tandem seating with a raised rear seat) which allows the second child to see more than the back of a head are available.

Jogging strollers have one large wheel out in front and two rear wheels. Also available for jogging strollers is multiple seating. Enjoy your outings with your baby or children whether the stroller is used or new.

Teething Baby, An Irritating Milestone

Even though teething a milestone for your little one, it is several months of irritation for mother and baby. This fun begins around 3 or 4 months of age and continues up to 3 years. Below is approximate times of when new teeth may start to come in.

6 to 7 months; Incisors; Two central bottom & Two central top teeth 7 to 9 months; Two more incisors; Top & bottom 10 to 14 months; First molars; Double teeth for chewing 15 to 18 months; Canines; The pointed teeth or "fangs" 2 to 3 years; Second molars; Second set of double teeth at the back

By their third birthday, most children should have all twenty of their primary teeth.

Teething is relatively painless for babies, but it is uncomfortable. Many parents think their baby has teething symptoms, when in fact it may be something else. Here are the most common symptoms:

* * Irritability * * Restlessness/difficulty sleeping * * Increased saliva * * Drooling * * Desire to chew on everything within grasping distance

Other signs that can be seen in the baby's mouth include swollen, tender gums where a new tooth is coming through.

If your baby is teething and it is really bothering them, there are things you can do to ease the irritation. One thing I used with my son was a teether. There are many different types of teethers. I used one that resembled a set of keys; it was his favorite. Another type that he enjoyed was a chilled, not frozen, teething ring.

When you see that first tooth, all the irritation will be well worth it.

Free Printable Baby Shower Invitations: The Complete Guide To Free Shower Invites

Free printable baby shower invitations are a great option that you can turn to to save money when planning a shower. The Internet offers free invitations (in image format of .jpg or .bmp file extension) that you can download to your computer. Below is a guide on how to use them.

-At the webpage, click the link to download a file or a group of files (zipped) containing the baby shower invitation design.

-With the help of a picture-viewer software, open the file. If you downloaded a group of files, you may need to unzip them to show the individual files and choose one that is suitable for your baby shower theme.

-The common invitation card size is a fourth of a letter-sized paper. However, most printable invitations are laid out using the full letter-sized paper for one card. Such is the case because the page is divided into four equal parts, and eventually folded to form a ¼-sized invitation card.

-Looking at the page, some layouts have a demarcation line to divide the page into the four parts. If the one you downloaded does not have a dividing line, don't worry, you can still assemble it easily.

-The upper left portion of the page is the front of the card. This is where the main design of the card is placed. You may notice it is inverted as laid out and when printed. This is normal, as it will become upright after assembly.

-The lower left portion of the page is the left inside of the card and is blank in most cards.

-The lower right portion of the page is the right inside of the card. In some sites, the free baby shower invitations would have poems printed on this part. Others leave it blank to allow you to add the details of the party.

-The upper right portion of the paper serves as the back of the card, where the website address where the card was downloaded from is printed.

-To assemble the card, fold the paper crosswise in half and then fold again in half, reducing the paper into a fourth of the original size. At this point, the inverted printed design has become upright and assumed the front of the card. For a tidy assembly, glue the edges of the card together.

If you are more computer-savvy, you can customize what you have downloaded. In this case, use free photo-editing or desktop publishing software. With the help of the software, add text to any part of the card or add other pictures in tune with your baby shower theme. Give the invitations a paid-look by printing the details of your baby shower, instead of writing them by hand. Just make sure to keep the credits at the back, as this is still mostly the website's work and not your own.

Here's one last tip to add zing to your free invitation: use special paper instead of white bond paper. There are a variety of letter-sized specialty paper of different textures, colors, thicknesses and scents! To complete the custom-look, buy matching envelopes.

Whether you are holding a formal, elegant dinner or a laid-back, unfussy brunch, add excitement to your baby shower without spending a fortune. Use free printable baby shower invitations to fascinate your guest while anticipating the arrival of your bundle of joy!

Increase Your Chances Of Having A Baby

When you have decided you want a baby, get your body ready:

* Take folic acid in supplement form, 400mcg a day, or it can be found in some foods like cornflakes. * Cut down on your caffeine intake. * If you've come off the pill, there's some dispute about how long you should wait before trying to conceive, but it's probably best to wait 2-3 months. * The man should take zinc supplements to increase the strength and numbers of his sperm * He should also increase his vitamin D intake - drink milk. * Cut down on alcohol. Even 2 pints per day will, on average, reduce your baby's weight by 6.5 ozs. * Stop smoking. Just one more reason to do so! * Keep the sperm cool - ideally 2-3? cooler than the rest of the body. Avoid tight underwear and tight jeans. Try boxer shorts, they may not be the latest in designer chic, but they help the testicles to stay away from the body and stay cooler.

Have sex at the right time.. .. and frequently. To stand a chance of conceiving, live sperm has to fertilise an egg at the time of ovulation - usually around day 14 of your period. Sperm will usually live for 3 days so will hang around waiting and your timing doesn't have to be exact. You can get ovulation predictor kits from your chemist.

What's The Best Position? It doesn't really matter, although with the woman on top you may be reducing your chances of conceiving.

Be Patient You can be doing everything right but you won't necessarily conceive in the first month. In fact you probably won't. Success is closely related to age:

* Women aged 20-25 have a 1 in 4 chance of conceiving, * With women aged 30-35 the chance drops to 1 in 7, and the success rate falls as they get older.

On average it will take a couple in their early to mid-twenties five cycles to conceive, and a couple in their early thirties ten cycles. One in ten couples have to wait more than a year before they succeed.

What If It's Not Working? If you have been trying for a baby without success:

* Keep a temperature chart. After ovulation the woman's body temperature rises by about 0.2?C and maintains this higher temperature until her next period. By measuring temperature as soon as you wake and entering the reading on a chart, you can see when you ovulate. Ideally you want to have sex just before then. You can't turn the clock back of course, but the chart will tell you whether you ovulate at the same time each month and, if so, you can plan for the following month. The temperature rise is small and you may feel more confident with an ovulation kit available from your chemist. * try to lower your stress levels. Stress can affect either partner and may reduce your chances of conceiving. Try to have a few days away from work just before ovulation is due. * if you have been unsuccessful for a year or more it is worth talking to your physician.

Personalized Baby Gifts Recommendations

So someone you know had a little baby recently, and now you need to find them baby gifts. If you don't know what kind of gifts you should get for a new baby and the parents, we have lots of ideas! Our ideas will help you get great gifts for the baby and the proud new parents.

Here are our recommendations for baby gifts:

- Personalized baby pillows. Cute baby pillow is a keepsake that the parents, baby and other family members will treasure forever. Get the pillow personalized as well – it can be personalized with baby name, birthday, etc.

- Baby picture frames. Who takes the most number of pictures? That's right, the new parents do that, they take lots of pictures. And it's not just when they bring the baby home from the hospital - they continue taking pictures of the baby's firsts - first smile, first time the baby crawls, first step, etc. And they need lots of picture frames for those pictures.

Give the parents a personalized baby picture frame, something they can use right now to proudly display the latest baby pictures.

- Baby blankets. This is something that the baby needs, and will use for a long time. Sometimes kids use their baby blankets even after they stop being babies. Now you can personalize baby blankets with baby names, and you can find them in lots of different colors, made from many different fabrics.

- Baby jewelry for Moms. Mothers love jewelry, and baby jewelry always has special meaning. Since baby jewelry can be personalized with Mother's and Baby's names, this is a keepsake the Mother will surely treasure forever. There are many bracelets, rings and necklaces online that can be personalized with the baby's name.

- Personalized baby clothes. How about some cute baby clothes for the little one? Give them baby clothing – they need lots of clothing anyway, and personalized clothing always has a special meaning.

If you can sew, it will be very cool for you to create the personalized clothes yourself. Otherwise, check out what is offered at different clothing web sites online.

Congratulations on the new bundle of joy in your family, or among your friends. We hope that these gift recommendations will help you pick the perfect personalized baby gift for the little one.

Baby Video Monitors

Baby monitors are designed to give parents peace of mind, and if used correctly they do just that. It is virtually impossible to stay with your new baby every moment of the day and night, and by having a baby monitor nearby you can hear your baby's every breath and movement. The monitor operates much like a cordless cell phone and has multiple channels so there is always a clear frequency. Each monitor comes with a receiver that can go with you around the house, so where ever you, you can hear your baby. Baby monitors will not take away your worries and apprehensions as a new parent completely, but they sure do alleviate a lot of it, giving you more freedom as well.

There are many different baby monitors on the market, and all are very similar. Some baby monitors operate on AC and/or battery. Those models with a battery back up provide parents with added assurance in case of a power failure. Most baby monitors have a lighted display that coordinates with the level of sound the monitor picks up. The baby monitor is placed near the baby attached to the crib so that the sensitive transmitter picks up only the sounds of the baby, and not background noise. The baby's sounds are then transmitted through the receiver to the parents as long as the receiver is within range of the monitor, which is usually conveyed to the parent by an out of range indicator light. Most models also come with a low battery indicator as well to let you know its time to change the batteries.

Baby monitors average $40 in price, some more, some less. It just depends on the manufacturer and what features the baby monitor has. You can shop online and compare prices and features of various baby monitors and buy there, or you can buy at most discount stores, or any store that carries baby products. There are also sights that compare models and are rated by consumer review which should help you decide which baby monitor is the best to buy. After all, you are entrusting the safety of your baby to the monitor when you are not right in the nursery, and you want to make sure that you purchase a reliable unit. Baby monitors make great gifts at baby showers also, you don't have to be the one expecting, but you can give the gift of added assurance to your friend or family member. Baby monitors can save baby's lives.