ParentDish

Baby Diaper Cake: Alternative Centerpiece

Holly Quinn — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 16:37:00 EST

Filed under: Just For Moms, Babies, Gear Guides: Babies

Diaper Cakewalk offers themed diaper cake centerpieces. Credit: Diapercakewalk.com

Few baby shower gifts are as mundane -- or as needed -- as diapers. But with a little creative presentation, you can give the useful gift and help decorate the baby shower at the same time.

Baby diaper cakes are a fun baby shower centerpiece alternative. As decorative as an elaborate floral centerpiece, but much longer lasting, the largest diaper cake centerpieces are made with 100 or more usable diapers, often embellished with baby accessories such as stuffed animals, receiving blankets and toiletries.

Designs geared to the style of the mom are popular. It is Mom, after all, who will be looking at and enjoying the "cake" at her shower. Baby diaper cakes with boy and girl themes are common designs for those who prefer traditional baby color schemes.

If the mother-to-be has a favorite hobby or collection, a profession she is especially successful in or a very definable style, work it into the design of the baby diaper cake. For example, a mom who is a big baseball fan would get a kick out of a diaper cake in her team colors. A toy gavel would be a fun "cake topper" for a mom who is a judge. Or, for an extra celebratory DIY diaper cake, try Chris Jordan's diaper cake, which uses a bottle of champagne as the base for a hidden surprise.

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Baby Gear Brands Reviews

Holly Quinn — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 06:20:00 EST

Filed under: Babies, Baby Essentials, Shopping, Gear Guides: Babies

Research to find your way through a sea of strollers. Credit: AFP / Getty Images

Expecting a new baby can bring about all kinds of feelings: nervousness, elation and, all too often, total confusion over what you need and which best baby gear brands are the best.

Is there really a big difference between high chairs? Should you buy the most expensive car seat? Does it matter which stroller you choose? Your friends and family may insist they know which baby gear brands are best, but, although your loved ones may know a thing or two, it's always a good idea to do some searching of your own.

A good place to start: baby gear reviews. But where to begin? Here are three sites that give different types of baby gear reviews you may find useful:

Consumer Reports: The long-running nonprofit consumer advocacy magazine has a team of objective experts who put all sorts of consumer products, including different baby gear brands, to the test. The results are provided in side-by-side comparisons that are some of the most trusted product reviews you will find anywhere.

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Baby Shower Food for Vegetarians

Holly Quinn — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 08:10:00 EST

Filed under: Babies, Mommy Musts

Crudite platters are lovey and yummy. Credit: Getty

Planning a baby shower that features vegetarian food might seem daunting if you're not used to coming up with meatless party menus. But vegetarian baby shower food can be quite easy to prepare.

Whether you're looking for a few ideas to add to the spread for vegetarian guests, or you plan to serve an entirely vegetarian baby shower menu, there are lots of elegant and delicious options. In fact, non-vegetarians probably won't even notice that none of these recipes contain meat or fish.

Light done right: Dainty finger foods and baby showers just seem to go together, and it's easy to create vegetarian versions. Try Herb & Cheese Diamonds -- toasted finger sandwiches with port wine cheese, mascarpone, watercress, fresh herbs and tomato -- a baby shower food idea from Holidash.

Epicurian Vegan offers an all-vegan (without dairy or any other animal products) menu of baby shower food that includes creamy Cucumber Sandwiches with seasoned Tofutti cream cheese and vegan mayo. Bruschetta, the Italian appetizer of chopped tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil and balsamic vinegar over a lightly toasted baguette, is simple and vegetarian, and adding mozzarella cheese is optional.

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Designer Baby Clothes for Less

Holly Quinn — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 10:07:00 EST

Filed under: Babies, Fashion

Ooh! Do you think that comes in my size? Credit: Brooke Fasani, Corbis

If there's anything more fun than shopping for yourself, it's shopping for your baby. But while some of the designer baby clothes out there are beyond adorable, they're also beyond expensive.

A pair of classic designer shoes that will last you forever -- or a Kate Spade diaper bag -- might be justifiable for an occasional splurge, but a baby outfit that will fit for a few months to a year, tops? Sorry, for must of us, that's simply off the map financially.

But there's no reason your baby's style needs to suffer. Since the wearability window is so short, designer baby clothes often can be found secondhand, but barely worn. And while consignment stores and thrift shops certainly can be treasure troves for local brick-and-mortar shopping, with sale and online consignment sites popping up as fast your your baby's feet seem to be growing, you also can treasure-hunt online for designer baby clothes, both gently used and brand new.

Here's a look at some baby fashion favorites.

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Christening Invitations: Online Resources

Holly Quinn — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 10:04:00 EST

Filed under: Babies, Religion & Spirituality

Invite family and friends to your baby's christening with sweet invitations. Credit: Getty

The baptism, or christening, of a baby often is the first major milestone in the life of a child in many Christian families and, like other milestones, is shared with friends and family.

There's much to plan and celebrate, but new parents don't have a lot of time to spend shopping for the perfect christening invitations. Online providers make things easy, though. Whether traditional or modern, there is a christening invitation available that's just right for your baby, no matter your budget.

Here are some of our favorite designs.

Royal in Blue: The Regal Monogram christening invitation from tiny*prints is an eye-catching navy blue card with white type, including a lovely monogram featuring your baby's first initial. Pricing ranges between about $1 and $2 per invitation, depending on quantity. Tiny*prints offers a direct mailing option for a fee, and parents can even manage RSVPs on the company's site -- both welcome extra features for busy new parents.

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