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What You Really Need to Buy for Your New Baby

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It's Not as Much as You Think


When in my eighth month of pregnancy, I was fretting about all the stuff I still needed to buy for the baby; my friend put everything in perspective. She had spent two years as a Peace Corps volunteer in a small village in Togo, and had seen first hand how the women in the village made do with the barest of essentials. She said that all you really need is food and something to keep your baby warm. I'm used to a little cushiness, so I didn't follow her advice completely, but it's something to keep in mind when you're preparing for your new baby.

There's no doubt that the baby products industry is big business. According to the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, the US market for baby products is around $7 billion a year-excluding diapers, food and clothing. With the heavy barrage of marketing, it's no wonder many first-time parents feel overwhelmed when shopping for their new baby.

There'll be plenty of time to buy other things later if you find you need them, so to begin with, just focus on the baby essentials. When you're deciding what you absolutely need before you bring your baby home from the hospital, it's helpful to arrange your baby's needs by category. A newborn won't be playing with toys or looking at books, so instead, focus on his most basic needs-namely keeping him fed, clean, warm and comfortable. The following are things you should have well in advance of your due date.

Feeding

You don't need to buy a fancy glider or rocking chair, but have a comfortable spot, with plenty of pillows handy, to feed your baby. Have a ready supply of burp rags and washcloths. Whether you're planning on breastfeeding or not, you should also have some bottles on hand, just in case. Some mothers find they need to supplement their breastfeeding with formula in the beginning.

Changing

You're going to spend a lot of time changing diapers, so for the sake of your back, you'll want the changing area elevated-the top of a dresser works or you can buy a changing table. At the very least, have on hand a changing pad that you can put on the bed or floor. Make sure you have everything readily available at your changing station. Plenty of newborn-size diapers and baby wipes are a must, and you should also have a thermometer and Vaseline, which is especially useful if your baby boy has been circumcised.

Sleeping

Your baby will do plenty of sleeping when you bring her home, so she'll need a safe, comfortable place to sleep, whether it's a crib, bassinet, play yard or co-sleeper. It's recommended that small babies not use blankets when sleeping, so sleep sacks are useful.

Keeping Baby Warm

If you have a baby shower, you'll no doubt receive plenty of blankets and outfits for the little one. The first few weeks your baby won't leave the house much, so you don't have to worry about fashion. You'll be doing countless diaper changes, so look for clothes that are easy to get on and off your baby. Stock up on onesies and jumper outfits. Side-snap shirts are useful because you don't have to struggle to pull the shirts over your baby's fragile neck. You'll likely get a knit hat from the hospital, but you may want to buy a couple more. And don't forget to pick up some baby laundry detergent to wash all of her clothes and blankets. Everything should be washed before she uses it.

Safety

Be sure to buy your car seat early and learn how to install it. You won't be able to take your baby home from the hospital without it.

After your baby's arrival, you'll likely be inundated with gifts, and may be surprised by the amount of hand-me-downs that come flooding in from friends and relatives. You'll probably end up with more than your baby could possibly use. Now instead of worrying about what you need to buy, you'll be stressing over where to put everything.

Top 5 Must Have Items for a New Mom and Baby

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I will never forget how intensely anxious I felt standing in the middle of Babies-R-Us, a first time mom, holding the registry gun, no idea what I needed and didn't need. Close to two years later I've complied a list of my absolute favorite top 5 baby items. All but one item is still in daily use today.
 
Sofie the Giraffe

My sons first toy! Sofie is soft, squeeks, and is made from 100% natural rubber and non toxic paint. She has a distinctive smell so she plays on more senses than other teether toys. Her shape is perfect for small hands just learning to grasp. My son loved her. She went everywhere with us for the first year of his life.

Coconut Oil

This one really confused my family and may confuse you as well if you don't already know some of the amazing benefits that coconut oil offers. I do not put anything on my son's skin except coconut oil. I also use it on myself and take it internally. The benefits of coconut oil are seriously close to endless so I'll just touch on the few that drew me to it.

Affordable, increases milk supply for breastfeeding mamas, keeps morning sickness at bay, comforts a rashy baby bum, and eases teething pain.

I kept a plastic lidded container of coconut oil in my diaper bag. That was the only 'product' ever inside my bag for baby. I give coconut oil and properly airing out his bottom credit for the reason my son has only had a handful of diaper rashes that never lasted longer than a few hours.

Pregnancy Chime

This favorite goes by many names, Pregnancy chime, Mexican bola, angel caller, and belly chime. No matter which name you prefer this necklace is brilliant. When worn during pregnancy baby can hear the soft chimes of the ball. It's said to sooth and calm baby in and outside the womb. After birth, your baby will recognize that sound (along with your own sound and smell.) It's just another added familiarity in a big brand new world. It's also great during feedings; your little will enjoy playing with and hearing the sound of the necklace.

I ordered mine from eBay, it was very reasonably priced. The necklace string it came with wasn't quiet long enough to reach down to my belly button where it should be worn so I just replaced it with some leather cord I had left over from a previous craft. At 20 months, my son still loves to shake it and hear the sound.

Twilight Turtle

I added this to my registry without really knowing much about it and it turned out to be one of the very few items I still use almost 2 years later. The turtle has three different color settings, blue being our favorite and projects real constellations over the entire room. It gave off just enough light in the early postpartum months so I could easily see what I was doing during night nursing without disturbing my significant other.

The stars do not spin or twist or move. At first I was slightly bummed, but now I could care less. My son still loves to "star gaze" before bed and the fact they are stationary helps him look for and point out the crescent moon.

Baltic Amber Teething Necklace

Slightly skeptical, my son started wearing his around 4 months old. When he started teething around 6 months old I noticed a huge difference when he was wearing the necklace versus when it was off. He wasn't as fussy and the drool wasn't overflowing.

Not only is this great item for baby, but mama could benefit from one during and after pregnancy. Baltic Amber is a completely natural and drug-free way to relieve pain. When worn against the skin, the skin's warmth releases tiny amounts of healing oils containing succinic acid. This oil is then absorbed into the body. Despite what some believe, baby does not need to chew or suck on the necklace. Simply wearing around her neck, wrist, or ankle is enough.

Make sure to click the hyperlinks I've provided for more information.

Five Safety Gift Ideas for Baby Shower Gifts

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Safety Related Baby Shower Gift Ideas

Baby shower is a time to celebrate new birth, with the family's closest relatives and friends. Some women view baby showers as a great time to get their lady friends together and exchange labor stories. It is a wonderful occasion and something the new parents will always remember. The centerpiece of the baby shower is of course the gift giving.

With so many things one baby needs, how do you choose the great baby shower gift the family will appreciate and use the most? A good choice of baby shower gifts is something that will be useful but also provide safety for the baby. Little lives are fragile, so giving a gift that can protect them is always a good idea.

Here are suggestions when it comes to safety related baby shower gifts;


Munchkin Safety Bath Ducky

Oh, rubber ducky, how much I love you! This is not an average bath time duck though, it comes with a safety disc on the bottom of the rubber duck that changes colors when the water is too hot. Parents are supposed to place the duck in water and leave it for a minute. It then tells them if the water is too hot for baby to be in. Munchkin Safety Bath Ducky comes in different designs, so you can choose the right one for a boy or a girl. The duck can also be used as a regular bath toy later on as the baby grows. This is a must have for all parents. Available at Target and costs less than $6.00.

Fisher-Price Aquarium Bath Seat

This bathtub is by far one of the best on the market. It comes with a comfy, safety hammock for newborns. The hammock allows the baby to be washed safely without putting the newborn in water. This is especially helpful for newborns that still have the umbilical cord. The bathtub grows with the baby, the hammock can be taken out and the baby can be placed in water to splash around. Fisher-Price Aquarium Bath Seat can be found at Target and Walmart, and costs around $30.

A Good Health and First Aid Safety Kit

There are several on the market, so I will not tell you that one is better than the other. Look for healthcare sets with thermometers and baby nail clippers. The baby nail clippers are different from adult ones as they are made for tiny fingers and prevent cuts. Nasal aspirators are always good to have around, even as the baby grows older. Most of these healthcare kits come in travel cases, so they can easily be placed in the diaper bag and available on the go. A baby safety kit for the car is also a must. No matter where the parents drive to with the baby along for the ride, the safety kit is there just in case anything should ever happen. The safety kit can also be used for adult, so a good idea all around.

Innovia Earcheck Middle Ear Monitor

This is something I wish I would have gotten at my baby shower. Ear infections are bothersome for both the baby and the parent. The hardest part about ear infections is that we as parents cannot immediately recognize them. For my son, as an example, sometimes his earache symptoms were just teething symptoms. A product like this could have helped distinguish those signs. The ear check monitor is used to detect early signs of ear infections. Of course, parents should always take their baby to the pediatrician in case there are signs of an ear infection. The monitor does help distinguish between general fussiness or signs of an ear infection though, so certainly a good buy. The ear check monitor is around $50, which seems pricey but it a great safety product for new parents to have.

Bumbo Baby Sitter

I have to admit, I found this product to be odd looking at first. The Bumbo is considered a baby seat or a booster seat. It helps babies sit up, while comfortably wrapping around their little body to prevent any falls. It is ideal for babies who are just learning to sit up and cannot quite keep their posture. The baby can safely be placed in the Bumbo on the floor, and the baby can even be fed while sitting in it. This was something my family put to great use and my son loved it, until his legs got too chunky for it. Bumbo Baby Sitter can be found at any Target and Walmart, for around $40.

There are great baby shower gift ideas, with many options to choose from. Whatever you choose to buy for the little one, consider the health and safety of the child. A baby shower gift that keeps safety in mind can also give the parents a peace of mind.

Five Budget-Friendly Baby Shower Gifts

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Gifts that Say it All Inexpensively


Baby showers are the best place to show the mother-to-be that you are on her side. Formula, diapers, clothing, high chairs, and cribs are all wonderful ideas. They are pretty expensive too. If you have a party, in the near future, and need some budget-friendly ideas; I am here to help. I have combined five of the best baby gifts. These gift ideas are less expensive and include a personal touch. Feel free to use them for your next party.

Finding a Needle in a Haystack

Ever feel overwhelmed while shopping? It almost seems that the more we search, the more confused we become. The cute clothes and baby accessories capture our eyes, but can sting our wallets. Our purse straps tighten as we reach the furniture section. Let's face it, in today's economy, we cannot afford to have crazy spending habits. We need to find a great gift for less money. One that says "use me daily" or "remember me" is obtainable; you just have to find the needle in the haystack. Look through the registered gifts and browse the children's isles. Sometimes, it is the simple things that say the most. Mom and Dad are concerned with the big important items and the everyday needs. During their tour of the store, lots of great items are overlooked. Some of these items are important, just overlooked. Keep your eyes opened and your mind running. Let's find the needle.

Sanitizing Is A Must

New baby needs a clean place to roam. The amount of cleaning triples for the new parents. What more could they use? Start searching for a simple gift basket at a rummage sale. There are Eco-friendly cleaners sold everywhere; cheap. Buy several cleaners and put them in the basket. For under $25.00 you can put together a super useful baby shower gift. This gift definitely says you understand all the chores associated with a newborn. Trust me, mommy will love this one.

Lists Become A Necessary Evil

With all the responsibilities mounting, our minds tend to wander. Imagine adding twenty times more to your daily routine. When a new member arrives, our households become chaotic. Organizing our ideas and listing our needs and wants become a necessary evil. Forgetfulness is a great result of a full plate. What a fabulous gift idea! Add organizing tools for mom and dad's guidance and peace of mind. Start by gathering a few to-do-list writing pads. Be creative. Variety is the spice of life. Find themed pads, writing utensils, and a mail organizer. Put all these good finds in a two drawer filing cabinet. There you have it, a super organization station for under $60.00. Baby showers are filled with cards and presents that require thank you notes. Now, the family will have a great start on organizing all the items.

Making Car Rides Fun For Everyone

We always think up household items, but what about vehicles? Baby is going to spend a ton of time in the family's car. Why not make it a pleasant journey; add a few fun-time car toys. Car seats keep the young one from the front view of their older companions. Pick up an adjustable mirror for the proud parents to glance at their precious cargo. Next, add a car seat organizer/tote. These great gadgets are fabulous for carrying all the child's needs. Stress free car rides begin with comfortable passengers. A cute shade to block sun, a portable fan to attach to a seat (children safe, of course), and an assortment of soft toys are also good companions for the next ride. You can put these together inside the car tote for less than $75.00.

Tub Buddies Never Get Old

Remember all the bath time fun we had? Now, it is time to pass on the torch. Baby tubs are great, but only for a short time. Find items to keep baby entertained during this task for years to come. Squirting water toys, baby painting kits, bubbles, and floating sponges are bath-time needs. They keep baby occupied, while teaching the importance of good hygiene. With the excellent prices on the water goods, you can afford a few towels too. Wrap the goods in the towels and you have a useful gift for about $30.00.

Utilize the Growing Factor

If you are able to stretch the wallet, for $80.00, you can have a wardrobe starter kit. Buying onesies, small booties, and tiny sweaters is always great, but why not expand? Find great outfits, at least newborn to twelve months, and help start the baby's future style. One item in each size will be a super gift that just keeps giving. As the child grows, they can sport the new outfits. When I received this gift, I was so grateful. I bought a disposable camera and took pictures of my child in each outfit. I developed the film when the last outfit was worn, and wrote a message on each picture. I sent the pictures to my friend (who gave the outfits to us). Needless to say, it was a touching moment we both loved.

Give From Your Gut

Use your instincts. Do not give a gift that isn't right, or doesn't say what you want. Baby showers are for spending quality time with the mother-to-be, not spending the savings account. It is the important time, energy, and support lent that means the most. Enjoy the party treats, games, and company. Have a fun time and rub the tummy every chance you get!

Great Baby Shower Gift Ideas

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A baby shower is a celebration where a batch of Ladies honor the incoming arrival of a new child into the world. It involves female friends and family members of the Mother coming up with innovative ways to show their love and support. During the course of a woman's life, she may become involved with dozens of baby showers. It is normal considering that every woman tends to have at least one or two babies during her lifetime. Multiply that by the number of friends a woman might have, and you can clearly see what I mean.

After awhile, you may run out of ideas on what to bring for a baby-shower. To help you cultivate your creativity, here is a list of unique baby shower gift ideas that you can try:

Clothes Line

Have all the guests purchase baby clothes, diapers, and bibs. Setup a long clothes line in the party chamber, and then hang all of the gifts on it. When the Mother walks in, she may be confused at first, but she'll be thrilled once she discovers the clothes line is a collection of all sorts of new baby gear.

Quilt

Purchase a pre-stitched alphabet quilt. Give each guest one square from the quilt. Have them embroider it with something unique that relates to the baby and the piece's letter. Also, make certain that they all give you back their blocks in time for you to sew it all together. Then, use the quilt as a decoration at the baby shower. The Mother will be enthralled when she sees how hard you worked to make the perfect gift.

Scrapbook

Put together a blank scrapbook with signatures and good wishes from all the guests. This gift can either be given at the shower or after the birth. In fact, it would be wonderful if you include post-birth pictures in the scrapbook.

Advice Book

Pass out several sheets of paper to all the guests. Have them put stickers, stamps, pictures, jokes, and tidbits of advice on their page. Once everybody is complete, collect the papers, add a coversheet, and bind it together with a ribbon. Then, hand it to the Mother at the baby shower. Now, have her read out all the advice and jokes out-loud. It will be a fun-filled and memorable event that she won't soon forget.

Diapers Galore

Have each guest bring one or two packs of diapers. Then, gather them together in a huge bag. This will leave the Mother with a humongous stack of diapers. It is not that creative, but it will surely come to great use. Every Mother needs as many diapers as she can get her hands on!

Casseroles for the Future

This is a gift that any Mother can really appreciate. Have each guest bring either a casserole or any other ready-to-cook entrée. Make sure that the casseroles are frozen. This way, the Mother can store them and have a steady supply of food once she gives birth. With all the time she'll be spending nursing the baby, she could use some easy-to-cook meals!

Guide to Creating the Perfect Layette Set for a Baby Shower Gift

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A layette can be the perfect baby shower gift when put together properly. A layette is a lot more than just some baby clothes and a little hat. The perfect layette consists of numerous baby essentials from clothing to bedding and bath accessories. Depending on your relation to the mother to be, you may put together a layette as a gift that covers all the ends or just a few. Either way, when properly thought out, a Layette can be the perfect baby shower gift that keep all the guests talking.

The typical layette includes feeding essentials, bedding, clothing, bath accessories, and sleepwear that is comfortable for baby. When choosing to put together a layette for a baby shower gift you must first decide on the amount of money that you have to spend on the entire layette. After determining your budget you may begin shopping for the layette items. Keep in mind that comfort and coordination are the key to success when shopping for layette essentials.

A large basket is a great way to put the entire layette together to give as a gift. Purchase a large enough basket that all items will fit inside the basket. Once you have purchased the items you can layer them into the large basket and finish it off with some ribbons and bows. When you carry this large basket into the baby shower the mother to be will just be so anxious to start looking through all of the items and thinking about how useful they will all be.

Some important items to include in the Layette basket:

Bodysuits/onesies: These little pieces of clothing are an essential to every nursery closet. The bodysuit is a lightweight cotton outfit that was designed strictly with comfort and ease in mind. It snaps closed at the bottom for an easy access to a diaper change. A bodysuit is a must have for underneath certain articles of clothing and many parent's feel like their babies just never have enough of them. 6-9 bodysuits is a common starting point for a baby's wardrobe so don't be shy with these little items.

T-Shirts: There are two common types of t-shirts that most infants wear. Some t-shirts snap closed on the side down the front of the shirt so as not to pull the shirt down over the baby's head, and other shirts pullover t-shirts that are made of cotton material and have the ability to stretch easily. Most pullover shirts are designed without side seams to provide the maximum comfort for a newborn.

Gowns: Little infant gowns that are open at the bottom are great for boys and girls. A layette is never complete without some of these comfy little gowns for the baby. The open ended bottoms of the these loose fitting gowns make them especially easy for diaper changing and they are warm and cozy for baby.

Sleepers: Long sleeve sleepers with footies are designed to keep the baby warm at night while sleeping. Most times sleepers have snaps that go all the way down one leg of the outfit to make diaper changing a breeze. Sleepers are just another part of the infant layette that most parent's say you never have enough of. Since baby spends a lot of time sleeping and often times babies spit up, these little sleepers get soiled rather quickly and need to be changed often. 8-10 is a good starting point so that mom and dad do not have to do baby's laundry daily!

Booties and Caps: Every layette comes with some booties and caps. Socks are also a must have in the layette. Baby booties and socks often get lost in the laundry never to be seen again so multiple pairs are necessary to keep baby covered at all times. Caps protect baby from losing valuable warmth from his head so a few caps are an essential to every layette.

Bibs: While baby may not drool much in the beginning, it will come! Once baby does start to drool it may seem like he will not stop. Bibs will keep baby dry on his neck and chest so that the skin does not get irritated from the moisture. Feeding bibs are also an essential part of an infant layette as they will help to protect baby's clothes from messes. A feeding bib is typically larger in size than a teething bib and is only meant for use during feeding time while a teething bib can be left on baby throughout the day.

Bath Accessories: Every layette should include some common bath essentials such as washcloths and towels. Little hooded towels that wrap perfectly around baby's head after a bath will help to keep him warm while you get him all dried off. A baby washcloth is smaller and softer than the typical washcloths that adults use so a few of these are essential to a layette as well.

Blankets: Receiving blankets are a dime a dozen during the first few weeks that a baby is home from the hospital. Babies love to be swaddled in a receiving blanket and the time spent in these blankets causes the need for multiples. If one blanket gets dirty it is essential to have another one on hand right away so 4-6 of these cozy yet lightweight blankets should do just fine. There are so many varieties and patterns available in receiving blankets that the layette theme or color should be easy to coordinate.

Creative and Unique Baby Shower Gifts for Baby and Mom: How to Create a Homemade Baby Wagon of Love with Bundles of Fun and Joy

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These Baby Shower Gifts Are Cute, Creative, and Fun to Give


Are you invited to a baby shower and want to give a creative baby shower gift? Trying to find a creative baby shower gift can get difficult, because you have to think outside the box. What will the mother-to be think? Will this gift be appropriate for the new baby? Is this gift in my price budget? Most pregnant mothers who have a baby shower are usually registered at one of their favorite stores, but that does not mean you must obey by that. A baby registry is just a way to give people some ideas on what the expectant mother needs or likes. Usually when there is a baby registry the best items always seem to go first. Not all of us can buy the baby gift right away which leaves your choices limited. Why not create your own baby shower gift? You can make your baby shower gift as creative as you want. I would suggest making a homemade baby wagon of love.

Creating your own baby wagon for a baby shower is fun, cute, creative, and will defiantly make your guests go "Ooh" & "Awe" over this special homemade baby gift. Homemade baby gifts are always the best choice, because you can make them in your spare time, comes from the heart, don't have to worry about the baby registry, and saves you money. So what is a homemade baby wagon of love? A homemade baby wagon of love consists of bundles of joy and fun for the precious little boy or girl to enjoy when they are born like rattles blankets, blocks, teething rings, bath time items etc. You can make this baby wagon for a girl by using Pink, Blue for a boy, or use Green or Yellow if not sure of gender.

Items needed to create your homemade baby wagon of love:

Red wagon (Radio Flyer has a great wide variety to choose from. Prices can range anywhere from $20- $150 depending on your price budget. Make sure the wagon is big enough to fit all the baby shower gifts.

White paint to write baby's name or a creative saying

Paintbrush

Soft plush toys, rattles, bibs, books, peek- a - boo mirror, teether, bath time items, diapers, jars of baby food, bottles and blocks. There is so many possibilities here use your creativity. You can go with a theme for the boy like Harley Davidson or NFL and the girl Precious Moments or Disney. To make this baby wagon more special add a gift for mom. You can give her something simple like a coupon for free babysitting, baby boy or girl nursery frame set, Lamaze tub time for mommy and baby, baby boy or girl gift basket charm, spa gift certificate or something simple like a pair of personalized booties.

Big Pink, Blue, Green, or Yellow bow to place in front of wagon

Receiving blankets to place on the bottom of baby wagon before you fill it up

Cellophane to cover the baby items

Colored ribbon

Start with the White paint and create your baby saying or name on the wagon. While this is drying gather up all the items that need to be placed into this adorable and creative baby wagon of love. Once the paint is dried place the blankets into the wagon laying flat. Then carefully place each item into the wagon. Once you have all the items into the baby wagon cover it with cellophane. Twist the cellophane at the top secure with ribbon and a bow. Now place a big bow on the side of the wagon. Your baby wagon is now created with bundles of love for mom and baby to enjoy.

Now if that's not creative enough for you I have other creative baby shower gift ideas you might be interested in.

Mommy's baby view Brown bear car mirror- This cool item will give moms complete security while driving, and can be used as a baby crib mirror. Item can be find at The Corner Stork or other retailers on-line for $29.95

Tot CPR class- This gift is very helpful and could possibly be the best gift of all. God forbid if something happens to your child this class may save their life. Prices vary depending on the area you live in.

Give a gift of charity- You can donate a certain money amount to a charity and have the baby's name placed onto a sidewalk, or street sign in honor of them.

The main key is to be creative and have fun. Try thinking outside the box maybe instead of the popular diaper cake make the mother to be a diaper wreath. If you want unique and creative ideas you must do the opposite of what others do.

Best Gifts for Expectant Fathers that Will Last a Lifetime

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Diaper bags and caps that say "Daddy in training," how much can the man in your life really want such things when he learns that he is about to be a father, particularly for the first time. While sort of cute and shower-friendly, any real man would look to these gifts as largely something that no man should be seen wearing. While baby gifts are meant to make life easier, they aren't necessarily much fun, and they sort of smack in the face of a man's need to provide something to his children which is slightly more enduring than a "daddy's diaper dootie tool belt." With that in mind, ladies, here are a few gifts for your dad to be that are just a bit more special.

Every child wants their father to read them a bedtime story. Not only does it allow father and child to be close with each other after a long day apart, but to spend a little time together escaping into a world of dreams and fantasy. Also, reading to a child during the first years of its life fosters a love of learning which the child never forgets, even long into adulthood. Until recently, The Franklin Mint produced a series of classic books which are now available through Ebay. You can start with the fables of Hans Christian Anderson, then the Jungle books by Kipling, and Alice in Wonderland. While a baby, the sound of your voice is more important by far than the pictures in a book. Begin buying the classics one per month and until your baby is ready to start pointing out pictures and naming things, give them a taste of the best stories ever told.

Give him a watch the day the baby is born. Make it a classic. Rather than a battery-powered watch, a watch as special as this should have a special movement. Citizen watches makes some of the most beautiful watches available on the market today, and you can get watches with power sources as diverse as solar power and motion powered. The $475 Citizen Calibre 3100 is as beautifully crafted a watch as it is possible to have for under a thousand dollars, and will certainly make for a great wedding gift for a son a few years down the road Too much emphasis is placed on the replacability of everything in our lives, from watches to books to spouses. While it may not always be possible to make everything last a lifetime and make for a treasured heirloom, it can be possible to have just one or two things which can be passed down to children or grandchildren. The gifts you give to the father of your children should be given with the love of knowing that what you give will be cherished for a lifetime. Make it worthwhile; make it more than a diaper bag. Make it a lifetime.

Baby Shower Gifts for the Dad to Be

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5 Great Baby Shower Gifts for Dad


Baby shower gifts are usually geared toward the mother and the baby. Most times guests seem to forget to buy baby shower gifts for the dad to be. Baby shower gifts for dad are a great way to include the dad to be in the festivities. Sometimes baby shower gifts for the dad to be are even cheaper than what you would buy for the baby or the mother, so you win too.

Baby shower gifts for dad should take into consideration that most dads like a few things baby and then they have had enough. For many new dads the idea of a house full of baby is a nightmare. Baby shower gifts for the dad to be should take this into consideration. When shopping for baby shower gifts for dad, the best baby shower gifts for the dad to be will not be too "babyish" or "girly." Baby shower gifts for dad should be items that dad can use to interact with the baby and have fun. Steer clear of diaper changing items and feeding when it comes to buying baby shower gifts for the dad to be. Most new dads are either afraid of diaper changes and feeding or just do not find it exciting so these types of baby shower gifts should be left for the mom.

Baby Shower Gifts for the Dad to Be: Snuggly: Most new dads love the idea of a snuggly. The snuggly baby carrier is one of the most asked for baby shower gifts for dad. Dads like the idea of being able to hang out with the baby without having to worry about holding him just right or dropping him. When shopping for baby shower gifts for the dad to be a snuggly is a great gift for around $20.

Baby Shower Gifts for the Dad to Be: Sports Jerseys: Baby shower gifts for dad are a breeze when the dad to be likes sports. Buy a pair of matching sports jerseys for the dad to be and the new baby. Even if the new baby is going to be a girl sports jerseys can make great baby shower gifts for dad. Most dads will love to put their little girl in a matching sports jersey once in a while.

Baby Shower Gifts for the Dad to Be: Cigars: Baby shower gifts for dad would not be complete without a box of cigars for once the baby is born. Of all the baby shower gifts for dad, a box of cigars is probably the most manly gift of all. A full box of "It's a Boy" or "It's a Girl" cigars is one of the many baby shower gifts for the dad to be that will surely be remembered for years to come.

Baby Shower Gifts for the Dad to Be: Jogging Stroller: If you aren't on a tight budget when shopping for baby sower gifts for dad then a great gift for dad is a jogging stroller. The active dad will love to be able to take the baby out while he goes for a jog. This is one of those baby shower gifts for dad that is great for the mom too. Not only can mom enjoy the jogging stroller, she can also enjoy some alone time when dad uses the stroller.

Baby Shower Gifts for the Dad to Be: Camcorder: Baby shower gifts for dad aren't all cheap. Dads are usually the ones taking the pictures when it comes to the delivery and the days following the birth of the baby. Because of this, one of the best baby shower gifts for dad is a camcorder. If dad doesn't already have one of these high tech gadgets then its a must have when it comes to buying baby shower gifts for the dad to be.

Baby Shower Gift Ideas for a Mom Who Plans to Breastfeed

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Breastfeeding Gifts Perfect for a Baby Shower


If you are attending a baby shower for a mom who is planning to breastfeed, there are many great gifts that will help encourage her as she chooses the best source of nutrition for her baby. The first few weeks of breastfeeding can be daunting and difficult for some mothers and sometimes the discouragement causes moms to quit altogether. These baby shower gifts for breastfeeding moms will keep her encouraged and help her succeed with breastfeeding.

Nursing Pads. If you've never breastfed a baby before then you don't realize the importance of nursing pads. These reusable cotton or disposable round disks are inserted into the bra to catch leaks throughout the day. Leaking is inevitable when you are breastfeeding but you can stave off embarrassment and premature laundry by using nursing pads. Several nice sets of washable nursing pads make great baby shower gifts for a mom who plans to breastfeed.

Boppy Pillow. The Boppy is a wonderful shower gift for any mom, but particularly for a mom who is breastfeeding. The Boppy is very helpful with breastfeeding as well as several other tasks with a newborn and with an infant.

Nipple Cream. In the early days of breastfeeding a woman's nipples may crack and get very sore. Nipple cream, a safe lanolin cream, can help with the pain and discomfort. A set of baby washes and creams, as well as some nipple cream, makes a great baby shower gift for a mom who plans to breastfeed.

Breast Pump. A breast pump can be very expensive, particularly if you need a double electric pump. Small manual breast pumps are quite affordable, however, and may be very useful for a breastfeeding mom. Single manual breast pumps, such as the Medela Harmony, are great for moms who are staying home with their babies and only need to pump for the occasional night out. Single manual breast pumps are also great for moms that need to be away from their baby because you can pump on one breast while the baby nurses on the other. A breast pump will be a much appreciated baby shower gift for a mom who plans to breastfeed.

Nursing wraps or covers. Nursing in public is a near necessity when you are solely breastfeeding your baby. If the mom you know wants to maintain her modesty considering buying her a nursing wrap as a baby shower gift. These wraps allow you to stay out in public, or with friends and family, while still nursing your baby.

Nursing Friend Bra Reminder Clip. These cute little clips are a great baby shower gift for moms who plan to breastfeed. The clips simply attach to the mother's bra strap. When she nurses on one side she leaves the clip there until the next feeding. That way when it's time to feed again, she won't forget which breast she used last time. This simple little gift is a great baby shower gift for a mom who plans to breastfeed.

Nursing Bras. Many new moms are so worried about saving money for their little bundle of joy that they deal with regular bras throughout their time breastfeeding. Nursing bras offer so much convenience. If you know the mom-to-be well and can predict a bra size consider getting her some nursing bras for a baby shower gift. Or you could get her a gift card for a maternity clothing store which sells nursing bras so she could pick out her own.

Nursing gowns. Overnight is certainly a time that a breastfeeding mom wants to be able to feed quickly and easily. Nursing gowns, which have built in slips for easy access to the breast, are a great baby shower gift for any mom who is going to breastfeed.

Support the mom-to-be in your life that plans on breastfeeding with these great baby shower gifts just for breastfeeding moms.