Baby Clothes Online

Shopping online! Internet indeed is basking in the limelight considering the fact that it gives parents more options when it comes to finding and purchasing clothes and other items for their babies than ever before.

How about Hassles? How about long check-out lines? How about Traffics? And, how about not finding the right clothes for your baby even after those time-consuming, manual searches? This is why online shopping is emerging fast as a channel to bring the products right in front of you, with thousands to choose from. Indeed, the Internet has become an exciting tool that puts vast information just a click away.

Moreover, with the surging competitions amongst the online retailers, good deals, convenience, and choice abound on the Internet. But before you use what the sites has to offer, be "cyber" smart to make the most of your online experience.

Choices and offers at your disposal Discounts: Interestingly, some of the best discount stores that sell baby clothes are some of the best online retailers. Each online retailer offers direct sales from their web site, and they have pretty almost everything you could need in terms of baby clothing, and offer it all at prices that won't burn a hole through your pocket. Designer Baby Clothes: Designers are going online at last! From Chic Baby clothing to punk and trendy wears, online shopping offers you much beyond your travel experiences to the outlets. Just Browse! With literally hundreds of websites offering baby clothes at all price ranges and designed to meet all specifications, just keep browsing –compare pricings, and just pick your choice. Follow these principles while baby clothes online

· Keep a tab on the kind of material and the quality the online retailer is offering. · Consider unisex clothes even if you are buying a baby cloth before the baby's actual birth. This is the beat part of a baby's cloth. · Make the most of online offers. Online offers are much below the other offers made by physical retailers because online retailers need not maintain an outlet to showcase their merchandise. Since they are not spending in maintaining a physical outlet, they can offer you products much cheaper. · Consider the pros and cons of the baby cloth features. You might not end up disappointed upon delivery of the product.

Follow these basic rules while shopping online for your baby clothes This guideline is not only for shopping your baby's clothes, but for you to consider while shopping for any merchandize online: Use a secure server and browser with industry security standards before you enter credit card information online; research the target site and verify the companies for authentication through contact information such as business name, address and telephone numbers; avoid using debit cards and consider calling up to take in your orders instead; and print out information on your order when you place it and keep the copies.

Following these tips will protect you from getting ripped while shopping online.

Where to Find Baby Discount Furniture

Baby discount furniture is generally not hard to find, if you know where to look. Whether you are having a boy or a girl, you will need baby furniture to create that special room for your new arrival. Creating that special room on a tight budget can sometimes be tricky. While looking for baby furniture at a discount, there are a few things you will want to keep in mind.

You can often find baby discount furniture at many fine department stores. That is if you catch them putting their baby furniture on sale. If you are lucky, you will find many pieces of baby furniture throughout the year, with just the right markdown. End of the year and clearance sales are great to look for when sturdy baby furniture is something you need. Baby furniture is so versatile, you might find some pieces at a discount price that will go from newborn to grade school, without breaking the bank, or having to switch out furniture in a few years.

Garage sales are an excellent place to look for baby discount furniture. Many people use their baby furniture to the turn around and resell it in a garage sale, for only a fraction of the price. Some baby furniture items you might find at a garage sale include, name brand cribs; nice sturdy dressers; an all needed changing table; and high chairs that are in great condition, only to name a few. The best time of year to look for garage sales in your neighborhood would be in the spring and summer time. These are the times of the year that many people are cleaning unwanted items out of their homes, to make a few bucks in return.

Thrift shops can be a good resource for finding baby discount furniture also. Sometimes people will donate their unwanted items to a thrift store so that they can be resold, and the money will go to charity. By being creative, you can even make your own baby furniture out of an old piece of furniture you might spot. Antique desks can easily be spiffed up with new paint and hardware to create a changing table for your baby. Keep in mind the height you would need with drawers easily accessible to hold all of the items a newborn might need.

Infant Nutrition: Give Your Baby a Healthy Start

All parents want the best for their new baby. Good nutrition allows parents to give their baby a healthy head start.

Often, parents don't think about how they can influence their infant's health, including their infant's immune system development through nutrition. Below are a few tips for parents to help support the development of an infant's immune system during pregnancy and the first year.

* During pregnancy: A mom should remember that what she eats affects her child before and after birth. A good source of vitamins and minerals and proper hydration will help a mom-to-be stay healthy.

To support an infant's immune system development, experts recommend that pregnant women eat protein-rich foods such as soy, lean meats and legumes and foods rich in antioxidants like broccoli, red potatoes and blueberries.

* The first year: Before birth, a developing baby receives antibodies from its mother. Maternal antibodies provide initial immune protection to the developing infant, but rapidly decline after birth. A baby begins to develop its own antibodies as the mother's begin to wear off.

One reason why breast-feeding is recommended for at least the first year of life is because a mother's breast milk is the only way she can pass immune-protecting antibodies to her infant after birth.

"These antibodies help keep an infant healthy," said Bridget Swinney, dietitian, mother of two and author of "Healthy Food for Healthy Kids: A Practical and Tasty Guide to Your Child's Nutrition." "But if a mom chooses to feed infant formula or supplement, she should find an iron-fortified infant formula similar to breast milk, like Similac Advance."

Some infant formulas provide specific breast milk compounds called nucleotides. Clinical research shows that Similac Advance's patented blend of nucleotides helps support the development of a baby's immune system.

So You Have A Baby, What’s Its Name?

Naming a baby is easy. All you have to do is think of a name that would suit him or her and viola, the child will carry it all throughout its life. Some pressure.

Relax though, naming a baby should not be difficult. Just make sure that whatever name you come up with will suit the baby up until the baby becomes a full-fledged adult.

The following are helpful tips to make baby naming a fun, enjoyable work.

Know what you want and do not want

Early on, it is best that you decide what kinds and types of name do you want to call your baby. Do you imagine yourself shouting "Ralph!," "Amanda," "Edward, or "Raul?"

What you call your baby now is what he or she will be called for life. So decide where and how you want to go about choosing names. Do you prefer a more traditional route or would you want to choose from a list of unusual baby names?

Ask family and friends

To probably give you an idea on the names you might want to call your child, ask around or interview relatives and get to know your family tree as well as your partner's. If there are those people whose lives have touched you or those who have played a significant if not meaningful part in your lives, you may consider their names. Make sure though that both you and your partner agree to such a condition and that it is a name both of you will like.

Make a list and check it twice

Another option you could do is making a list of your personal favorite artists, actors, actress, places, characters from novels, movies or plays or from history or art, mythology, etc.

It would be best if such names or places have a significant meaning to you and your partner. If you and your partner considered the capital of France as the place where you definitely fell in love, proposed, (or where the baby was made), name the child Paris (at your own risk of course).

Know your lineage

In struggling to come up with a beautiful baby name, take this opportunity to also know your family's heritage as well as your partner's.

Would you want to have a specific ethnic sounding name for your baby? It may also be a chance for you to acknowledge or recognize your own or your partner's nationality.

Buy a baby name book

This cuts out the effort, sweat, toil and tears of having to come up with a unique name or in looking for one. Through a baby name book, all you have to do is open its pages, close your eyes and let your finger do all the walking.

Wherever your eyes or your finger rests on may be the name that you might be looking for all yourlife. Be careful though and always feel free to change your mind just in case your finger rests on a Bartholomew or a Willamina.

The best way to go about this process is by highlighting the names you or your partner prefers. Then start from there.

Look at the big picture

Now that you may have a probable list of names, try to check how they stack up against the last name of the baby. First and last names that rhyme really do not sound too good. Long names are really not preferred, imagine how your child will write his or her name or introduce him or her self during their first day of school. Also, try to avoid any names, the nickname of which may be unflattering.

All in all, naming a baby is supposed to be a fun thing to do. Enjoy it, until the child grows up and become old enough to legally change it on its own.

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Baby Shower Hostess Gifts

As many mothers know, a baby shower can take many hours of work to create the perfect party. So, how do you show your appreciation to the hostess? Why not give her a thank you gift? A baby shower hostess gift can make the hostess feel extra special. The hostess gifts do not have to be costly. It's the thought that counts. Show her your appreciation for the time and effort that she has put into the baby shower with some of the following gift ideas.

Jewlery. You could go in with some other people that will be attending the baby shower and buy a nice bracelet or earrings. These are sure to make her feel special.

Cook books. Anyone who enjoys putting together a party probably also loves to cook, so why not find her a unique and fun cook book. Look for something out of the ordinary. Everyone has cook books, but she'd probably enjoy some recipes with a new twist.

Chocolates. Every girl loves chocolates. Splurge a little and look for the chocolates that are in a special box. You might even consider getting her chocolates and a rose.

Wine and cheese. This gift isn't just popular in Italy. It's the perfect gift for anyone who enjoys entertaining guests. Look for a special variety of cheeses that she can serve at her next get together or just for a relaxing evening.

Candles. These would be nice gifts for almost any occasion. With so many scents to choose from, you're sure to find something the hostess will enjoy.

Gift certificates are also another great gift. Find out what her favorite restaurant, spa, or store is and this can be a simple gift that she is sure to love.

If homemade gifts are one of your talents, this could be the perfect gift for your hostess. These are extra special because of their personal touch.

Make her feel special by placing the gift in a basket or using some special wrapping paper. A baby shower hostess gift is a simple and thoughtful gift that she's not soon to forget.

Buying Custom Baby Bedding and Pre-made Baby Nursery Bedding

When a new baby is on its way, the first thing a new parent thinks about is how to make the baby most comfortable when they arrive into their new world. A lot of effort goes into building the perfect 'nest;' i.e., nursery, and one of the most important items in a nursery is a baby's bedding. Because babies are so susceptible to their surrounding environment, where and how a baby sleeps can make all the difference in how they rest.

It is important to invest wisely in proper baby bedding. This means materials that are soft, resilient, light, and warm on a baby's skin, and sheets that fit as snugly as possible over a firm, snug mattress. This also means no quilts, comforters or pillows, as they are considered risk factors in sudden infant death syndrome. There are two options when buying baby bedding: pre-made baby bedding and custom baby bedding.

Pre-made baby bedding is a great, cost effective way to buy for your baby. If you do decide to use pre-made baby bedding, a good idea is to pick the bedding before anything else in the nursery or bedroom. This way you can design around the bedding, which often makes it easier to manage.

The problem many new parents face is that they may not be able to find exactly what they want, and will put it off, looking for the perfect match for a nursery or bedroom theme. Pretty soon the baby comes along, and the parents still haven't chosen the bedding; they are now rushing to throw something together, and are unhappy with what they get. While this isn't always the case, it is for many people. Others are happy and find what they need quickly, but for those that are having trouble, there is always custom-made baby bedding.

Custom baby bedding is great, especially if you can't find a material you want, a pattern you like, or design element you require. Custom baby bedding can be manufactured to any and all specifications you have, and that is what makes it so great. You have full say in layout, looks and design, ensuring the uniqueness of your baby bedding and your happiness with finding exactly what you need.

This also creates less stress, because you will pick your design and layout, order it, and wait for it to arrive. This save saves you time and energy that can be better spent elsewhere. While you may fear that custom-made bedding is very expensive, many manufacturers are very reasonable, and are worth at least a call or an email.

Buying baby bedding is a very personal and individual experience for most people, and getting exactly what you want is important. Whether you decide on pre-made or custom baby bedding, the most important thing is that you are happy and satisfied with your choice. Make sure you do the research and find out what materials are out there (cotton jersey is a great one) and what's available for new parents.

Why is it that a baby handprint picture might be right for you?

Since you're reading this article I guess that you have already done some initial thinking about creating a baby keepsake in the form of a baby handprint and maybe you have already created a few.

If you're still uncertain of what baby keepsake to create or even how to do it, I strongly recommend that you spend some time reading the articles and information at my site as there are a lot of things that you'll need to consider before getting started.

It might save you some time and agony and make sure that you do it right the first time around. The first time you think of creating a baby keepsake it might seem overwhelming to you. I agree that there are a lot of things that you need to consider but once you have structured the process it isn't a big task. It is pure fun most of the time in fact.

If you have already created the baby handprint in clay, mold, bronze or maybe a baby ink handprint on paper, then you're ready for the next step.

A baby handprint created in clay or any other material is a great way to keep a memory of your baby, but it is difficult to share with friends and family if then don't come around often.

Creating a baby ink handprint however, will have you ship the keepsake just as easily as if you had taken a picture of the baby handprint in e.g. clay.

One thing that you will have to make sure though, is that the ink you use has to be the right one and that the paper you put the baby handprint on is of the right quality. Otherwise you'll risk loosing the keepsake in a matter of a few years and thereby loosing the special memory.

The best way to create an easy to ship baby keepsake that'll last for a long time is to take a picture of it. When you have created the handprint in either material you can easily do a baby handprint picture.

It doesn't matter whether you use a normal camera or a digital camera to take the picture. If you have both to choose from then I would recommend that you use the digital one as you're then able to edit the picture.

Taking great pictures of objects are not an easy task and therefore it might cost you a little time and a lot of photos to get it just right. Be sure to have enough light at the keepsake so that the baby handprint picture will show all the little details that makes it so special.

Baby Gift Baskets For Showers And Newborn Gifts

If you are wondering what to buy for a baby gift or baby shower gift, then you may be faced with something of a dilemma. You will know that the parents probably need practical things, as does the forthcoming or newborn baby. The parents will probably also like items that are attractive, while a new baby will not care one little bit what their clothes, bedding or any other baby items look like. An attractively presented baby gift basket helps the gift buyer to reach a compromise, and solve their dilemma.

It is certainly fine, if not desirable, to focus on practical baby gifts, whether they are to be presented at a baby shower or directly at some other time; before or after the new baby is born. That then leaves the desire of the parents, and the person giving, to receive or offer a gift that is attractive. With a gift basket, you can combine the practical gifts with some pretty and attractive necessities, thus making an ideal gift offering to celebrate the birth.

Many of the things parents will really need for a new baby are quite mundane, to say the least. Diapers, baby powder, baby soap and other seemingly trivial items are really necessities, and will be welcome gifts for a new baby. However, individually they do not make gifts that most of us would like to give. Despite that, mixing the baby powder, diapers and wet wipes with some toys, and then presenting them nicely, can bring about a transformation. That is where baby gift baskets really come into their own.

For example, you could have a diaper bag as a "basket" and include a few baby toys, such as plastic ducks, baby rattle, and cuddly bear, together with more practical items like a wash cloth set, baby manicure set, picture frame, flannel baby blanket, gel teether, comb & brush set, and baby wash.

Another type of example would be an educational mix in a coloured wicker basket. You could use blue, pink or neutral colours for the basket, then for the gifts choose items like board books, soft toys with classical sounds, colouring crayons and a colouring book. Such gifts will be appreciated more later, of course, but they are good to have in hand when the baby is born as babies soon take an interest in pictures.

There are many permutations of gifts once you have made that decision to give a baby gift basket either at a shower, or after the baby has been born. There is also one plus for you: it can be great fun making up a basket gift yourself, or even choosing one online. For a baby shower, a cookie gift basket could offered as an additional basket, to provide part of shower feast.

Cheap Baby Shower Gifts: Thoughtful Ideas That Won't Break The Bank

Here is a great list of cheap baby shower gift ideas that won't break the bank. Enjoy!

1.Books. Buy baby board books online for less than $5 a pop (shipping included). Get discounted rates when buying on a bundle.

2.Baby Clothes. Any new Mom will appreciate a set of clothes as a baby shower gift. However, if you plan ahead, you can give the Mom-to-be toddler clothes instead of infant sets. She'll surely appreciate the vision. Another tip is to buy off-season, while the clothes are on clearance. You can surely fit more than a piece for under $10.

3. Engraved Charms. If a silver or gold bracelet is out of your budget, why not give a personalized jewelry charm? Choose from several shapes, with heart as being the most popular. It can be used as a pendant or bracelet charm. Have the baby's name and birth date engraved at the back of the charm.

4. Basket of Goodies. In dollar stores, purchase an inexpensive woven basket and decorate it with leftover holiday ribbons. Line the basket with pastel confetti and fill the basket with goodies, like purse versions of lotion, cologne, powder, diaper pins, wet tissues, anything that the baby needs. Some of these miniature items are grocery give-aways, so the over-all price comes really low.

5. Painted Pots. Paint clean clay pots with pastel colors and use stencils to place simple designs. Give a set of three to give the Mom-to-be a handy desktop storage for cotton balls, Qtips, diaper pins, etc.

6. Hand or footprint kit. These are kits that have materials to imprint the baby's hands or feet onto framed shadowboxes. Most kits are at $10.

7. Framed Cross-Stitch. For a personal touch, buy cross-stitch materials and sew the baby's name and birth date on a rectangle piece of cloth. Have it framed for a lasting gift. If you are short of time, give her a short and sweet note written on a copy of the pattern to say, "gift is work-in-progress, will be done in time for his/ her birth."

8. Plant a Tree. Various government-sponsored companies are promoting tree planting and this is definitely a great gift for a baby shower. Most tree planting gifts come with a certificate complete with the baby's name and a personalized dedication. Some companies offer a dollar for every tree, so your $10 can buy 10 trees. Now that's a guarantee of fresh air for the baby's future.

9. Baby Website. For the tech savvy Mom-to-be, create a free website for the future newborn. This gift will last until the baby grows up and can personally edit his or her website. If you know that the parents already have a web host, why not pay for the domain registration of the baby's name so for the next five years, the future new born will have his or her own e-niche.

10. Pamper Mom, Too! Who says baby shower gifts are only for babies? Be creative by giving the Mom-to-be a gift, instead of the baby. After all, the occasion is, in fact, a celebration of her strength and dedication in carrying another life for nine months. Dollar stores frequently offer pampering gift baskets or customize your own, similar to the basket of goodies described above.

Babies And Bedtime Fussiness

If the baby is very small, is a new born baby then it is accepted that he will get up many times at night. But in case of older babies, it is not accepted. It is very frustrating for the mother if the baby goes to sleep after a great deal of effort and then keeps waking up frequently. It is a big achievement for the mother if the baby sleeps uninterrupted throughout the night. However, if the baby is not sleeping well then you must start thinking about his day time activities and how these are affecting his sleeping pattern.

The baby's biological clock is not yet set up and if you don't set a routine for them they find it difficult to settle down. Thus you must follow a fixed pattern. They automatically begin to understand when they are supposed to play and when to sleep and so on. When they are small we help them by setting a routine and we follow the routine as far as possible. For instance, in the mornings they can learn that it is bath, then feed, and then play. At evening they can learn that a story, feed and then lullaby is bedtime routine. Thus, if you follow this pattern for a while then the kids start remembering it.

You must also keep track of the times your baby has slept during the day. The baby may not go to bed at night because he may not be tired enough. You must play sufficiently with the baby to make him tired by the end of the day. You must also help him in discovering new things and stimulate him during the day. If you are not doing so, then you may have to change your own habits. The baby will then sleep soundly at night.

It varies with the age of the baby, but in any case he must not take long naps during the day. A baby who is of few months of age should at the most sleep for half an hour. The new born must sleep for a longer period of time. You should not allow the baby to sleep as much as he wants during the day. If you do so you are sure to have problems at night.

It is good for the baby if you can take him somewhere during the day. You may take the little one to your friend's house, or to a park or even to the shopping mall. The baby loves the change and is stimulated too. It is something great for them when they see new things and the effort is tiring for them. Thus, they sleep well at night. With the passage of time their bed time fussiness will go away and you will not have to bother about it anymore. That is the best part of it all.

Colic How Granny Smith Nearly Took My Life

The good news for all colic sufferers is that it is only temporary but the bad news, just how long is temporary.

I am not sure what kind of pain comes with dying but if ever there was a feeling of the end nearing it was in the temporary moment of my own experience where the excruciating agony was to leave me fearing for my life.

Approx 15% of children suffer from colic and the alarming thing about it is our medical world is baffled by what exactly triggers the condition. Doctors can not agree on most theories that have been raised therefore making matters more difficult when suggesting and prescribing treatment and medicines. One of those theories to give reason why this sort of cramp flares up is said to be that a child's intestines are working overtime (hard) another theory raised by the medical profession for colic has us to believe it can be caused by laid back bowel movements (slow) thus allowing air into the bowel causing the intestine to swell giving cause for pain.

Within 2/4 weeks after giving birth this stomach upset can start and can run for a 3 month spell. If baby is a sufferer then he/she may cry for up to 3-4 hours very loudly. No dummy or mothers TLC can take the pain away but it will certainly help in comforting them. Spasms usually kick in about the same time twice daily, this can vary.

Bowel pains can give cause for baby to scrunch the body pulling the feet up to the chest with clenched fists. Stomach rumbles burping or passing wind can be evident also. As a parent you know your child better than anyone so if you notice any change in your infants health giving you reason for concern, colic related or not please consult a doctor. Symptoms can be identified to other ailments so it is best to make sure.

Babies are a lot stronger than you could imagine and will outgrow spasms of colic. Any doubts you may have where it interferes with baby's development then I suggest you put them thoughts to the back of your head.

Colic in babies can prove to be an ordeal for parents who have tried every thing possible to comfort the infant. Lack of sleep is the main cause behind the enormous amount of stress laid upon the parents at this trying time. Mum and dads have been known to lose control of their temper and intend to bawl and shout, thus frightening the baby. (Unintentional in most cases) What we have to remember, baby is also tired and is the one in pain.

PS If ever I thought the last rights was in order was the night I suffered a bout of colic. The doctor's theory was down to the consumption of a citrus fruit or drink on an empty stomach, and how right he was.

Granny Smith in the form of a juicy green apple was the culprit behind this vicious assault that was to leave me living in fear of the forbidden fruit. I was lucky to find the answer for my suffering but where do the answers lie for the newborn whose only connection with a granny is one who will love them till there dying day.

Baby clothing for your little ones

Do you want to shop some clothes for your baby? Mothers do not have to worry for Baby clothes any more. Dressing newborn infants is so much fun.

Your baby will need number of newborn clothing and linen items. Hence it is very important that you prepare yourself in advance for everything. Remember that new born grow very fast. Hence the clothes you will buy for them will quite likely have a very short life. So always buy two to five months older clothing. Here are some tips which will help you to make right choices for your baby.

Things to keep in mind while buying Always buy enough clothes for you're newly born to cover the three clothing changes in a day. Always opt for soft material, which are comfortable to wear and remove. Buy durable material, which is washable and long-lived. Buy baby clothes, which are durable else just one wash, would make them useless to wear. Always go for elastic waistbands and trousers. They are more comfortable for toddlers and easily adjustable. Try buying loose clothes they give plenty of room for a child to move his legs, such as leggings and sweats. Buy shapeless heels socks as they grow with your child. Avoid buying patterned socks, as the loose yarn from inside can catch in your baby's toes.

What Baby Clothes to purchase? Considering the fact that babies grow very fast, you will need to buy: • Buy around 4-6 undershirts or 'onesies' • Buy around 3-8 nightgowns. • Buy 1-2 baby sweaters especially for the winter season. • Always keep a stock of Baby diapers ready • Buy 1-2 sets of Baby towels. Since the skin of the baby is soft, always buy soft baby towels. • Buy couple of pairs of baby socks • Buy 2-3 blankets to protect them from cold.

Baby Clothes to Avoid Avoid buying Mobile Baby Walkers: They promise many things but are useless at the end of the day. They can be dangerous for your child and also do not help the child to walk.

Avoid Buying Infant feeders: Avoid feeding Infant feeders for a newly born child. Mother's milk is the best milk at this stage. Do not use solid foods until your baby is able to eat from a spoon. You can also consult your doctor for any information about the same.

Avoid using Swings hanged to doorframes: Avoid using swings, as they might be dangerous for your child.

Baby Shower Centerpieces - Have Your Shower Standout by Unusual Table Decoration

What is the big hit to any baby shower? The baby shower centerpieces are no doubt-ably the best answers.

Traditional baby shower centerpiece ideas often revolve around floral arrangements with a few balloons, though the modern era welcomes inventive styles for just about everything.

Floral baby shower centerpieces surrounded with candles are perfect gifts for new baby girls or baby boys. Make sure to use flowers that are in season for greater freshness and use baby bottles as vases for fresh flowers.

You can purchase items needed to make centerpieces from party supply stores, craft stores, Dollar Stores, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Shopko and Target. Online baby shower stores will carry table centerpieces of a much wider variety than the local merchants. Remember to stick your centerpiece to the theme and color scheme.

Look for something unusual? If you are baking a baby shower cake as the centerpiece, have guests arrive early to help the cake decoration - you want to make a surprise for the new mom right?

Nothing can be more appealing to have a fabulous diaper cake. It's a three-for-one baby shower gift (a centerpiece, a baby gift basket and its baby items can be used for your shower games).

A gift basket can be a nice centerpiece too. It's lined with a receiving blanket and filled with all kinds of baby items. To make your gift basket centerpieces more appealing, add a soft toy with helium balloons attached to the blanket handles, and wrapped in cellophane with a pretty bow.

Putting some glass pebbles in the bottom of a clear glass bowl and two-thirds fill the bowl with water. Floating frogs, rubber ducks, or any plastic cartoon toys. The coolest idea is to have a family frogs or ducks, and add a few drops of blue food coloring to the water to make it like a pond.

For an Asian theme shower party, you can purchase Japanese lanterns at party supplies or craft stores. Use one lantern as the base of each arrangement and surround it with bamboo pots or votive candles. And have a traditional Japanese table setting to complement your baby shower centerpiece.

Most of baby shower hostesses make their own centerpieces as they love such a creative activity as well as it shows their love and support to the mom-to-be.

If none of the baby shower centerpieces above knock your socks off...close you eyes. What do you see? A giant Rubber Duck, a green plant topped with a stuffed Pooh, or any stand alone items related to your theme?

Just unleash your creativity and open your mind to new and memorable ideas for unique baby shower centerpieces. Some of the most elegant, unusual and unforgettable decorative touches can exist even within a strict budget.

Whatever you do, photograph your masterpiece before your guest of honor takes it home!

Note: If you find this article useful, you may reprint it on your website, e-zine, or in your newsletter as long as the credits and resource box remain in tact and the hyperlinks are active.

Baby Shower Invitations: Creative Tips And Ideas

When you're planning a baby shower, don't fall into the trap that many do and settle for less than impressive baby shower invitations. It can be very amusing especially if it aims to invite friends and relatives to celebrate with the would-be parents in rejoicing for the arrival of the new baby.

In fact, most people contend that a baby shower invitation is the most important thing in a baby shower because no one will know about the celebration if not for it. Hence, the party will never be successful if there will be no baby shower invitations to guide the guest as well as the host of the party.

Good enough, finding baby shower invitation ideas are no longer hard these days. This is because technological advancements had definitely provided the humanity with utmost services that can be truly worth it. Simply put, you can now find hundreds of baby shower invitations ideas if you will just browse in the Internet.

In this way, you will have many ideas to choose from and come up with ideas that are perfect for the baby shower. These particular sites on baby shower invitations do not just provide you with themed ideas or other concerns of the invitation but also offer some practical tips on the other aspects of baby shower parties.

Generally, people who usually organize baby showers use general baby shower invitation themes. This is because in most cases the gender of the baby is yet unknown.

That is why, another aspect of baby shower invitation, which should not be taken for granted, are the wordings. It is the one responsible in setting the mood of the party.

Today, you can find many tools online concerning the choice of baby shower invitation wordings. You can either find them as quotes or as literary pieces like poems. Just be sure that before you decide on the final product, do not forget to proof read the wordings and spelling or typographical errors to avoid problems that may occur.

Whatever way you want it, you just have to be very careful on your wordings so that you get the best results that you want to have. Best of all, careful choice of words would be safer technique in order not to hurt or insult the would-be parents.

Moreover, when making baby shower invitations, please do not forget to include the important details of the party and to whom the invitation is for. These things are considered the core of the invitations.

For this reason, it is important to take note of the name of the guest of honor, date, time, and place of the party. It is important to indicate as well whether the party will be a surprise or not so that the guest will not be confused about the real motive of the celebration. Do not forget to include also an RSVP with the date and phone number included.

Lastly, make it a point to distribute baby shower invitations 4 to 6 weeks earlier. This will give the guests enough time to fix their schedules and find time for the said celebration. In this manner, it would be better to make the invitations earlier so that there will be enough time for any minor adjustments, when needed.

Indeed, creating baby shower invitations can be a daunting task, with all the preparations, research, and everything. But what matters most is that these invitations are the ones that will initiate the idea of the celebration, therefore, it should be well taken care of.

Know everything about baby car safety.

Please read this to know more about baby car seats and keeping your baby safe while in the car.

Q. What is the best baby car seat?

The best car seat is the one that matches your baby's size and weight. It also fits properly in your car and is easily installed.

Q. What types of baby car seats are available?

There are several types of baby car seats such as infant seats, front facing car seats, and convertible seats. There are also combination seats (can face front or rear), booster seats and integrated car seats. With each type of seat there are variations.

Q. Is a five-point harness or a shield safest for my baby?

A five point harness gives your child the greatest protection because it holds your baby tighter in the seat in the event of a crash. A T-Shield or over-the-head restraint allows too much room or can get in the way of chubby tummies and legs. The stalk of the T-Shield can cause serious injury to your baby.

Q. How can I find out how to safely install my baby's car seat?

All car seats (except most second hand seats) come with printed directions. If after reading the directions you still are not sure how to properly install it. You can call or email the manufacturer. Some police stations and hospitals have assistance programs as well.

Q. Is there a correct way to secure my child in the baby car seat?

Yes, there is a correct way in which to secure your child in his car seat. How you secure your baby in the car seat will likely depend on the age and size of your baby. For children under a year of age they should be placed in rear-facing seats in the center of the rear seat. Older children can sit facing front and their seat are generally placed behind the driver or passenger in order to utilize the shoulder/lap belts.

Q. What is LATCH?

LATCH refers to Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. It is a baby car seat installation system. The lower hooks are attached between the bottom of the back of the seat and seat itself. The tether piece is a strap made of seat belt material with a clip that secures forward facing baby car seats and prevents excessive movement of the baby's head in crashes.

Q. What is a Tether?

The tether is a strap made of seat belt material with a clip. It attaches to the clips on the seat and secures front facing baby car seats. In a crash it prevents excessive movement of the seat and the baby's head, reducing the severity of injuries.

Q. How can I tell when my child is ready to use car seat belts without a booster seat?

Your child will be ready for using the car safety restraint system when s/he can sit all the way back in the seat and the knees can bend comfortably over the edge of the seat. The belt crosses the shoulder between the neck and the arm and the lap belt is low and touches the thighs. Your child must be able to remain seated the whole trip.

Q. Can a baby car seat be used safely in an airplane?

Yes it can. Airlines require children age 2 and under, to be in approved car seats. The seats must be 16 inches or less to fit in the airplane seats. Call ahead and find out if your seat is an approved seat. Once on the plane, the hostess/es, will be able to assist you.

Q. Is it safe for me to use second-hand baby car seats?

Yes it is safe to use second-hand baby car seats provided you do a safety check. Belts and harnesses should not be frayed or cracked. There should be no cracks or tears in the seat cover and the seat should recline easily and stay upright when the baby is seated. Look into the history of the seat, if it has been in a car crash do not buy it, its ability to safely restrain your child has been compromised. If the seat does not come with a manual contact the manufacturer to ensure the seat will be properly installed. If the seat is more than 5 years old do not use it, it may have been in a crash and older baby car seats may not fit in new model cars.

Q. What should I do if my baby car seat is recalled?

In most cases, the manufacturer will provide you with instructions of what to do if baby car seat is recalled. In some cases they will replace it for free they will have you bring it somewhere to get replacement parts also at no cost to you.

Q. Are there baby car seats available for children with special needs?

Children with special needs may require different restraint systems. Discuss your options with your pediatrician.

Q. What is the best type of harness for my baby car seat?

There are four types of harnesses in baby car seats. The six-point harness has two straps at the shoulders, two at the hips and two at the crotch. The five-point harness has two straps at the shoulders, two at the hips and one at the crotch. The t-shield is a padded triangle that latches at the crotch while the overhead shield comes down from over the head and latches at the crotch. The safest harnesses are the five or six-point harnesses. These prevent excessive movement of the baby in crash situations. The t shield and the over-head shield allow for too much room and could cause your baby to be ejected from the car in a crash.

In Conclusion

You can never go wrong if you err on the side of caution when it comes to your baby. The size and weight of your baby as well as your budget will decide what type of seat you will purchase.

Baby Shower Games - Less Bills More Thrills

Game festivities are guaranteed to liven up and thrill the guests invited along to your baby shower party. Babys day should be fun filled action packed and full of laughter and a sure way for this to happen is when Baby Shower Games are in play.

You don't have to be at a loose end when it comes to providing entertainment for the guest invites attending the baby shower party. One of the best options for additional fun is to play games.

Have your friends and family join in The Name Game

The start of this game is where you ask the players to write down two names for the baby then ask them to find as many words they can from their chosen names, the winner will be the player with the most names. Be sure to mention before play that words with less than three letters are not valid. To make the name game even more exciting ask the guests to keep the names they chose a secret from the other entrants, the reason for this is because they will be given the opportunity to guess from the words made up what names were chosen at the beginning of the name game.

Feeding Time is another particular favourite, this is game where cotton balls are placed into a basin with another empty basin at the side, Blind fold the players for this game who will then be prompted to transfer the cotton balls from one basin to the other with the aid of a spoon. Put a time limit on this game because this game is not as easy as it looks. The winner is the one with the most cotton balls moved.

Another unusual named game is the Rice Bowl but very popular at baby shower occasions. Take a bowl fill it half-way with plain uncooked rice. Into the rice throw in safety pins (be careful with safety pins). Blind folded once again the guests task is to take turns in retrieving the pins.

Guess the Guest is a real fun game where guests are asked to bring a picture along of when they were a baby, On entrance to the baby shower celebration these photos will be handed to who ever is in charge of the entertainment scene. Participants in this game join in the fun by identifying the picture and putting the right face to the right person.

Baby Shower Games highlight the whole of the occasion adding fun and laughter. Most games entail being blind folded. A word of warning, to many of these baby shower games then you don't get to see as much of the baby shower as you would like.

Baby Showers

Planning a Baby Shower is not an easy task! Planning and organizing a baby shower is very complicated. In this article, I'll try to help you break down the different elements of organizing and planning baby showers.

When should I hold my baby shower? A lot of parents these days are waiting until after the baby is born to hold a baby shower. It gives guests the advantage of knowing what type of clothing and gifts to buy for the baby. It gives the new mother a chance to show off the baby to a large number of people, reducing the steady stream of visitors to the house right after the baby is born.

If you don't want to wait until after the baby is born, then generally a month or two before the mom's due date is a good time to have the party. You don't want to hold the shower too close to baby's due date in case he or she makes an early arrival!

Who should I invite to my baby shower? Close friends and family members, the parent's friends, co-workers, godparents, and others you feel the parents-to-be would enjoy having at the shower. Try to refrain from inviting people you have not had contact with in a long time simply for more presents though, its considered tacky. Invitations should be sent out 2-3 weeks before the shower. Give guests time to plan to be free that day and shop, but not so much time that they forget about the party.

Can I invite men to the baby shower? Yes! Men are now allowed in the delivery room, why not let them in the baby shower as well?

What about a theme for my baby shower? There are a lot of different ways to hold a baby shower. Let your imagination roam and choose something fun but not to strenuous for the mommy-to-be. Choose the kind of party you can do best. Accept your time, budget, and equipment limitations. Coordinate your invitations, decorations, party favors, and food. Create a mood! Create your mood through lighting, music, and decorations.

Will there be games at my baby shower? Games at baby showers are optional, but always a fun addition and a good ingredient to a successful baby shower. You can find more information about baby shower games at http://www.babyport.info

Will there be food at the baby shower? Avoid time consuming dinners. Choose a menu with which you are familiar. Serving a full meal is not required, but certainly snacks, hors d'oeuvres, cakes, and pies are a welcome addition. I've even seen where the guests each bring a dessert or snack plate. Check your supplies way ahead of time. Linen, silver, tables, dishes. Always overestimate the amount of food you will need. Make sure you have chafing dishes or hot plates. Clean and cook ahead of time. Do not wait until the last minute. Plan seating that will encourage lively conversation. When serving buffet style, be sure you have enough tables or lap trays.

What kind of invitations do I send out for my baby shower? There are way too many options to discuss here, but http://www.babyport.info/33231.php has several options you can choose from.

What about party favors and decorations for my baby shower? This is another area where there are so many options. A simple search on the web for baby shower favors and decorations will yield a ton of resources, but if you want to make it easier and don't have time to sort through the entire net, go to http://www.babyport.info/40812.php for help.

Other Baby Shower Tips

Buy camera film. Have someone else at the party be in charge of taking pictures. Chances are, you will be busy. If you get a lot of great shots, you can make a memento album for the parents later.

Don't forget the guest bathroom. Add extra touches like scented soap and lotion. Keep tissue and feminine items in an obvious place.

Pay attention to your guests. Know when they are ready to move on to the next phase of the party.

It can be a little awkward at first. A few close friends arriving early can create an instant party buzz.

Baby Bedding Buying Made Simple

There is a near endless array of baby bedding on the market that includes sets that are gender specific and others that can be used for either a boy or a girl. You can buy each piece separately but if you really think about it, it is the most expensive way to go. Just as there are 'bed-in-a-bag' sets for adults they have them for your nursery as well.

A bed in a bag set includes sheet, pillow cases, a comforter, shams, and skirts for adult beds. Bed sets for the baby is the same way. If you are looking to have your bedding co-ordinate the theme of your nursery then purchase sets. You can purchase single sheets so that you can mix and match your bedding.

When you are shopping for be aware that the bedding will be separated by fabric, colors, and styles. Your preferences will no doubt influence your purchase. Do you want cotton, flannel, fleece, or silk? Many parents prefer the cotton or flannel fabric because they are less expensive than silk sheets and are easier to clean.

The advantages to buying your bedding in sets is that everything already matches. You won't be mixing fabrics, colors, or themes. With everything in one bag you can actually change the atmosphere of the room buy the bedding sets you purchase.

It is important that you match your bedding with the gender of your child. You wouldn't want to, for example, saturate your son's room in pink. In a girl's room however, it is ok to put blue. Most manufacturers are knowledgeable about current thinking regarding gender and what is believed to be acceptable or not. They tend to know what customers want. You most likely won't have any trouble finding what you want.

Generally accepted themes for boys rooms include airplanes, trucks, or fire engines. Sports is another theme to look for boys. They are generally designed in bright colors - reds, blues, greens, and oranges.

Themes for girls could include ballerinas, faeries, Barbie, princess, butterflies, or flowers. Girl's bedding generally comes in softer colors such as pink, yellow, mauve, blue, and teal among others. Girl's rooms themes are not limited to the above mentioned themes.

Non-gender specific themes for bedding include animals, the solar system, favorite characters such as Barney, the Smurfs, Jimmy Neutron, Sponge Bob Square Pants, and others. You also have the option of having your crib bedding custom made. There is a chance that you might not find just the right pattern you are looking for. If this is the case you can have someone make you bedding with your exact pattern. If you sew you can create your own bedding sets for your baby. There are even materials in gold and silver to use for your child's bedding so they can sleep in the lap of luxury.

Crib bedding doesn't refer to sheets only. You can get bed in a bag as mentioned earlier. You will find a sheet, a baby blanket, and a baby quilt in most sets. If you prefer to buy separate pieces you can still do that. Most stores have single pieces as well as bedding sets.

As you can see buying bedding for you baby can be a challenging task. Keep your budget in mind as well as your preferences. You can create a theme in your baby's room with the types of bedding you use. You can use character bedding but know that kids often outgrow certain characters and as your child grows you will likely have to change your themes.

Baby Clothes: A Perfect Baby Shower Gift?

Shopping for baby clothes and accessories can be so much fun, especially when you are shopping for a baby shower gift for someone you love! Baby clothes make great gifts for new parents.

Baby clothing from boutiques are very popular gifts. Many even have gift registries for expectant parents. Most larger towns and cities have these specialty boutiques, but these can also be found in quaint smaller towns, too. The nice thing about boutique clothing as a baby shower gift is that the parents might not want to spend the extra money on clothing for the baby with all the other expenses they will have. Try to pick out something unique. Most parents get plenty of onesies and sleepers!

When in doubt as to what to buy or what size, stick with dresses for girls and overalls for boys. Because I had big babies, most newborn clothing didn't fit my children. I suggest buying size 3 or 6 months, keeping in mind many children wear the next size up from their age. For example, a 3 month old might wear a size 6 months. Remember to think about what season it will be when purchasing bigger sizes. A nice long sleeved outfit won't be used if it would fit the baby in the summer.

Shopping online for baby clothes can get you some really good deals without the frustrations of being at the mall. You're also more likely to get a unique gift online. Shop around for special promotions and free shipping. I like to use Ebates whenever I shop online and get a rebate on every purchase.

Internet shopping is perfect if you can't attend the shower. Most stores with registries make ordering simple. They can, in just a few clicks, have your order shipped directly to the new parents' house. Baby sleepers and gowns are the most popular baby shower gifts. While necessary, try pairing them with another more unique gift like an embroidered burp cloth, blanket or diaper bag.

Tiny baby slippers always get oooh's and aaah's at a shower. To make a more substantial gift, add a cute little hat and some socks. Infant clothing is almost always a gift parents will get lots of use out of. When possible, always include a gift receipt just in case there was a duplicate gift or if the baby's gender turns out to be different than expected!

Baby clothing can be expensive and fancy or simple and inexpensive. Either way, parents will appreciate the thoughtful and useful gift for their little one.

Baby Dream Crib - Sweet Dreams In Baby's Dream Crib Collection

A Baby Dream Crib, with adorable bedding and accessories to match, is one way of ensuring a comfortable, nurturing nursery. With more than 15 years experience behind it, the company is committed to continue the tradition of quality craftsmanship, as seen in every Baby Dream Crib. Located in Buena Vista, Georgia, the Baby's Dream Crib manufacturer is an integral part of the community.

The Baby Dream Crib collection is versatile, with cribs manufactured to accommodate conversion to a toddler bed later on. With the addition of optional rails, the crib even becomes a full-size bed. The superbly adjustable mattress heights maximize functionality of these cribs.

The Generation Next, with classic sleigh bed lines, is one range in the Baby Dream Crib Collection. A convenient drop-gate front allows you to reach your little one with ease. Beautiful decorative feet have dowel reinforcements, adding to the robustness of the crib.

The Generation Next Baby Dream Crib meets safety standards as set out by the CPSC. A selection of furniture pieces, such as Drawer Chests and mirrors, complement the crib. Finishes are available in a variety of colors, such as amber, cherry, honey, and white.

A Baby Dream Crib with an elegant touch, is featured in the Georgian line. Lenga wood, with exquisite detail in the design, adds to the beauty of this range. A safety feature is that both latches of the drop-gate front has to be engaged or loosened simultaneously. At the same time, the design also prevents little fingers from getting pinched. Non-toxic cherry-colored finishes rounds off the picture.

The Kathryn Crib is a Baby Dream Crib in the sleigh style. The delicate, soft curves of this cozy crib converts into a full-size bed that will enhance any teenager's room. A choice of additional pieces, such as the Belle 6-Drawer Chest, adds stylish storage space.

In the tradition of Baby Dream Cribs, a crib in the ebony finish of the Infinity line, will grow with your baby. This range is suitable for a boy or a girl, and has a number of options as far as add-on pieces are concerned. An Infinity Grand Armoire, or Double Dresser, are only two examples.

Your baby will love naps and nights in his or her comfy Baby Dream Crib...

Acid Reflux Diet Tips

No matter what type of acid reflux you suffer from, and no matter the underlying factors to your own particular struggle with heartburn, a change in diet can have remarkable effects upon your management of acid reflux.

There are some foods that seem to encourage heartburn in many people. Among these are general categories such as spicy, high fat and dairy foods. Chocolate, tomatoes and herbal supplements are also known to bring about heartburn like symptoms, particularly if ingested shortly before bedtime.

If you recognize particular foods that seem to effect heartburn, you may find that eating them in the morning instead of closer to bedtime will alleviate your symptoms of heartburn. When eaten during time of wakefulness and activity, the body is better able to contain stomach acids used to digest the food we have eaten.

Many people suffer from heartburn primarily at night time and have found relief by raising the level of the head of their bed. Though simply adding layers of pillows doesn't have the same effect, raising the entire head end of a bed by at least twelve inches has been shown to lessen heartburn symptoms.

If you still are suffering from acid reflux and diet modification doesn't seem to help, you should consider seeing a doctor in order to rule out the possibility of structural abnormality or other factors contributing to your acid reflux symptoms.

Even if you end up trying a prescription medicine prescribed by your doctor, it is a very good idea to try and eliminate foods that make heartburn worse, and increase fresh, raw foods.

All about home safety and your baby

When you first have a newborn baby, you are very protective of it. You are always afraid of something happening to it. Well when you are at home you should not be afraid of anything happening to it because you are there and it should be safe. Keeping your baby safe at home is very important. First, prevent people from coming to your home that are going to smoke, or do any type of drugs, this is your first line of defense for your baby.

To be safe, when you are at home by yourself lock all the doors, this is vital if you live in a big city. Other than other people, to keep your baby from getting injured at home the best thing to do is a buy safety thing for all over the house. Prevention of problems will include the ability of the baby to walk away, or get to the swimming pool. Prevent problems in the home by locking doors, windows, cupboards and garages with locks that a baby or toddler can't open.

You probably would not want to have animals like a dog or a cat around your baby until it gets older. A pet can maul a baby, or a toddler when the pet is not accustomed to being around children all the time. Avoid having a cat near the baby, so the cat doesn't cuddle up on the face of the baby, which will then smoother the baby without your realizing what is happening.

When you put your baby to sleep at night make sure that it falls asleep on it's back because of crib death. Crib death is when a baby suffocates to death. Also, keep loose blankets out of the crib. The crib is a place for the baby to sleep, not to play. The crib should have bars that are close enough, so the baby can't slip through, and the crib should have bars so that the head of the baby can't slip through and get stuck. Avoid potential problems and situations where your baby could easily be hurt.

Once your baby starts to crawl, the best thing for you to get is a walker to let it learn how to walk. If you have steps in your home, the 'thing to get' is those child gates. They have them at most department stores if you don't know where to purchase them. This will prevent your child from falling down the steps. You could even use them in doorways to rooms that you don't want the child in without you. If you have animals, you could even use the gates to keep the animals away from the baby.

Once your child starts to walk you should keep things back away from the edge of the counters and the table. If you drink coffee, you should definitely keep that away so it is not reachable. You should not let any thing that is small laying around because if you do so this it will help so that your baby does not choke on anything. Just remember to lock all the doors when you are there by yourself. Any thing like this will help you keep your child safe at home.

Mommy & Baby: Nursing Questions & Answers

Q. How often should I nurse a newborn infant?

A. No fewer than 8 times per day, depending on how long he gives you at night. If he can go 4 hours, you'll probably see two feedings in between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. If you tank him up right before you go to bed, you may only have one.

Q. How often should I nurse an older baby?

A. Depending on your child's age, you should be on a 3-4 hour routine during the day. Remember, as your child gets older, the frequency of nursing sessions will drop off, but he will be eating more at each session. If you are committed to nursing past 6 months of age, it's not recommended that you drop below 5 feedings per day. If you believe your milk supply is waning and you don't want to stop breastfeeding, add a feeding or two to your daily routine in order to increase your milk supply

Q. How do I drop a feeding as my baby grows?

A. The most common changes are moms who want to switch from a 3 to a 3.5 hour routine or a 3.5 to a 4 hour routine, babies who are ready to drop their middle of the night feeding, or parents who are ready to stop the late-night feeding.

Most often you'll know when your baby is ready to switch by a change in his sleep patterns. A baby on a 3 hour routine typically takes 3 naps per day (morning, afternoon, late afternoon) and the switchover to a 3.5 hour routine will see a shortening of one of those naps or the dropping of the last nap of the day. Babies are generally ready for this switch by about 12 weeks of age.

Dropping the middle of the night feeding is most often accomplished by the baby himself between 7-14 weeks of age. You'll know your baby is ready when he doesn't wake you up until 6:00 a.m. or so, and you'll probably wake in a panic that morning, realizing you weren't beckoned in the middle of the night. He will require more food during the day from this point on, and your breasts will likely be overly full for several days, but it's all good!

Stopping the late night feeding is typically the trickiest to do. Many parents are reluctant to drop it, thinking that if they do, their baby will wake in the middle of the night, starving. If you think he cannot drop the feeding completely, back it up in 15-minute increments until you arrive at your desired time. If his last two feedings of the day are closer than your flexible schedule says it "should be," don't worry. It's a temporary fix, and that's what flexibility is all about. The routine serves you, not the other way around!

What Should I Buy For Baby—An Experienced Mom’s Advice

Baby's coming home soon - have you got what you need to take care of the little angel properly? You know you need footie pajamas and onesies, baby towels and bibs - but how many is enough? Having done this five times now - please hold the applause and gasps of shock - I consider myself a bit of an expert on bringing baby home to a prepared household. Most estimates of 'what you need for baby' are a wee bit off, in my opinion. Having brought baby home both with and without a handy washing machine, here's my recommendations for what the well-equipped baby should have at home before he leaves the hospital.

Layette: Four to six undershirts - the usual recommendation - is actually plenty. You'll find you use them far less than I did when my oldest was born - pre-Onesies days. Skip the tank tops, as cute as the little midge might look in one just like daddy's, and go straight for the lap-shoulder t-shirts. They slip on easily, and if you buy them a size or two too big, they'll be long enough to tuck into sweatpants or bottoms.

Sleeping gowns are underrated. They make a great second layer over onesies, and are cool, loose and comfortable for baby in the summer. If you're bringing home a summer baby, pick up at least 6 or 8 sleeping gowns. They're much more comfortable in the heat than stretchies.

You can never have enough onesies. Whether you use them as the bottom layer in winter outfitting or the only thing baby wears in the summer, you'll go through several a day. If you have a washer at home, you can get by with 6-8. Otherwise, pick up even more. An even dozen isn't really too many at all.

- Experienced mom's note: DO use them in the summer. They'll keep your baby cooler than being in a diaper alone because the cotton absorbs moisture and wicks it away from the skin.

Stretchies are the second handiest baby invention ever. Stick with 100% natural fabrics like stretch cotton or cotton terry for the summer. For the winter, fuzzy jammies should go OVER a pair of onesies rather than against the skin to prevent irritation. 6-8 stretchies should be enough for baby's first few months.

Pick up one or two sweaters or sweatshirts to keep baby warm in wintertime or on cooler spring/summer evenings.

Four to six pairs each of booties and socks should be plenty. Cotton stretchy ones will be far more comfortable for baby than nylon.

One special take-me-home outfit and a few cute everyday ones.

Supplies: Half a dozen baby washcloths are a must. They're far thinner than regular adult washcloths, and less likely to irritate baby's skin. I never used more than three or four hooded towels, but your mileage may vary. They're awfully handy for wrapping a baby up from head to toe after a bath, especially in a cool house.

Bibs are another of those things you just can't have enough of. Drool bibs are fine for tucking under baby's chin to keep drool and spit-up from staining clothing. You won't need the bigger bibs for feeding for a while, but pick up one or two to have on hand.

Receiving blankets make great all purpose you-name-its. They're the perfect size for swaddling baby under a crib blanket, tossing over your shoulder when you burp the munchkin - or for privacy while you nurse him. You'll use them as towel substitutes, to toss on the floor or on a changing station before you put the baby down, spread them over the stroller or baby seat in the sun - in other words, for just about everything. 6-12 certainly aren't too many. It's not like the baby will outgrow them - my toddlers used them as bath towels for years.

Even if you're using disposable diapers, pick up a dozen cloth diapers. They're simply the best burp rag ever made.

Two packages of disposable diapers (size newborn and size one) if you've decided to use disposables.