ParentDish

Baby Shower Party for Siblings

Linsey Knerl — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Just For Moms, Babies, Mommy Musts

Involve your older child with your baby shower plans. Credit: Getty Images

Clearly, the guest of honor at any baby shower party is the mother-to-be. But if the new baby will have siblings, it's important to include them in the festivities, too. Here are some great baby shower party ideas that will help older siblings get excited about their special new roles as big brothers or sisters.

Dress for the Occasion: Perhaps the easiest way to introduce siblings as new big brothers or sisters is to give them a special outfit. Custom-made T-shirts telling the world the news are not only adorable, but they can be kept for years as a memento of the special sibling baby shower. Let them know ahead of time that they will get something special to wear -- it will help them anticipate the big party.

Arrange a Meet and Greet: The new mother will have enough on her plate without having to greet all guests as they arrive to the party. Why not delegate this important chore to her older child, instead? The new big brother or sister can be tasked with standing in the doorway and giving everyone a warm "Hello!" as they walk into the room for the baby shower party. If they're old enough, they also can introduce themselves in their new role. This not only gives them a chance to feel like it's their party, but they can take pride in announcing the part they will play in the expanded family.

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DIY Baby Shower Favors

Linsey Knerl — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Babies, Decor, Mommy Musts, Gear Guides: Pregnancy

Seed packets make useful and pretty DIY baby shower favors. Credit: Getty

It's almost time for the new bundle to arrive, but first, it's time to mark the occasion with an amazing baby shower. But before you invest lots of loot in over-priced, pre-made baby shower favors that no one will remember weeks from now, why not create whimsical, homemade gifts to impress your guests? These easy to make favors are sure to have attendees buzzing.

Washcloth Lollipops: The key to these cute treats that only look good enough to eat are the baby washcloths used to make them. Pick washcloths that are super soft and brightly colored and roll them up jelly-roll style. Secure with a safety pin and wrap in cellophane before tying them onto a stick with the ribbon of your choice. For full instructions for this baby shower craft, visit Cutest Baby Shower Ideas.

Bun in the Oven: Sometimes the best baby shower favors are those you can eat. If you're a hostess with a talent for baking, these adorable desserts can make the shower extra sweet. Simply bake individual cinnamon rolls in ramekins and wrap them to go. A fantastic recipe and detailed directions are available at the Celebrations website.

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Bottle Feeding Baby on the Go

Linsey Knerl — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 08:05:00 EST

Filed under: Babies, Mommy Musts, Expert Advice: Babies

Plan ahead to feed your baby on the road. Credit: Getty

Taking a baby on the road can be a chore, especially when you have to remember to bring breakfast, lunch and dinner. But before you assume there's no easy way to transport bottles as you travel to your next destination, tackle the task of bottle feeding your baby wherever you go with these expert parenting tips from Victoria Staten.

Disposable Liners: For extra convenience in bottle feeding, a high quality disposable liner can be a lifesaver. They're especially handy when you don't have access to a way to wash your bottles. Just remember to bring as many liners as you will need prepared bottles, plus a couple extra in case of tears. It's also a good idea to bring a small trash bag for disposing off used liners.

Safe Formula Storage: Unless you're using a premixed formula (the kind you buy ready-to-drink), you'll want to keep your powder in a separate container from your bottle. While you can invest in fancy formula storage products, a simple resealable plastic baggy works just as well. For a long outing, consider pre-measuring each bottle's worth of infant formula in a separate bag. Single service formula "sticks" are also available in stores, although their cost per service is considerably higher.

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Baby Boy: Crib Bedding for Your Little Cowboy

Linsey Knerl — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 08:10:00 EST

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

Designing your baby's nursery? Cowboy up! Credit: Getty

Decorating a new baby's nursery can be an exciting time, especially if you have a unique look in mind. Cowboy themes are not only very popular for baby boy crib bedding right now, but they also have a timeless charm that keeps them relevant in any season.

Consider these cowboy crib bedding and nursery decor products for an appealing and adorable environment for your new baby boy. Yeehaw!

Vintage-Look Cowboy Crib Bedding Set: For the parent who prefers one-stop shopping, this standard cowboy crib bedding comes with a crib bumper, sheet and skirt in a fun, mix-and-match set of patterns. Baby will enjoy looking at the classic cowboys, blue chambray and brown cow print -- all lovingly adorned with old-fashioned red ticking. An optional flannel blanket is available to complete the playful look. Find the three or four-piece baby boy crib bedding ensemble from Hip and Little's online store.

Wild West Baby Boy Crib Bedding Set: If value is a top priority when purchasing nursery decor, this nine-piece cowboy crib bedding set is sure to please. It comes with everything a little cowpoke needs to live the cowboy life, including a crib comforter, crib bumper, fitted sheet, dust ruffle, diaper stacker, toy bag, decorative pillow and two window valances. With a hodge-podge of inspiring country prints, this baby boy crib bedding set is machine washable and ready for use in all standard size cribs and toddler beds.

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Baby Shower Games for Kids

Linsey Knerl — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Babies

Older kids can join in on traditional baby shower games. Credit: Ethan Miller, Getty Images

Baby shower games can be cheesy and a little over-the-top for some adults to really enjoy, but when children are in attendance, a little organized entertainment can help keep the party going. If your next baby shower is open to all ages, these fun, kid-friendly versions of more traditional baby shower activities will make the atmosphere lively.

Baby Bottle Bingo: By making up some baby-themed bingo cards ahead of time, you'll have a simple game on hand for kids of all ages. Keep the bingo squares patterned with visual icons, rather than words, so that pre-readers can get in on the fun of this baby shower game. Award prizes of small 4-ounce baby bottles filled with candy, marshmallows or organic fruit snacks to the winners (and bring plenty to hand out to the losers, too.)

Name that Baby: For this baby shower game, ask adult guests to bring baby pictures of their children who are attending. Line up all the photos on a table (with each picture numbered for reference), and have kids guess which baby photo matches which guest. In addition to lots of laughs, parents will have a chance to bond over memories.

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Baby Shower Cake Alternative: DIY Diaper Cake

Linsey Knerl — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Babies

Your baby will go through lots of diapers, so why not build a baby gift out of them? Credit: Getty

Baby shower cakes are cute and delicious, but why not consider an alternative treat that the mom-to-be can use long after the shower? Diaper cakes are becoming increasingly popular, and can be a fun way to celebrate a new birth. Our step-by-step instructions make it easy -- as a cake!

1. Gather Your Supplies. Depending on the size of your baby shower cake, you'll need varying quantities of the following. The amounts below will make a small cake:

Fifty three diapers (be sure to find out if the mother wants to use cloth or disposable)
1-inch wide roll of ribbon (matching the decor of the baby shower adds a nice touch)
Three to four large rubber bands
A baby bottle, small toy or bottle of bath product (total of three items)
Three thin, round wooden dowel rods, as tall as your cake will be
Various small toys and decorations for the finished baby shower cake

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Baby Shower Invitations: Etiquette Basics

Linsey Knerl — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Babies

Manners come into play in planning a baby shower. Credit: Corbis

You may have thought the days of complicated guest lists were over with your wedding, but baby shower invitations can be equally controversial, causing an already stressed mom-to-be to worry about who should -- and shouldn't -- be invited. Here's our advice for using proper etiquette when sending invites.

Consult the Guest of Honor. It's tradition for someone outside of the family to host the shower, but recent practice has made it acceptable for a sister, aunt or other close relative to do the honors. Regardless of how well you think you know the new mom, consult her before sending out the baby shower invitations. It's important that you include everyone that's important to her, and, likewise, skip anyone that may cause unnecessary drama for the mama.

Include Dad. If the father is in the picture (and wants to be part of the festivities), get his take on who should get a baby shower invitation, especially if the shower will be co-ed. A respected co-worker or family member that only Dad will remember may feel left out if uninvited. Fathers can be a precious resource in getting the scoop on a complete guest list.

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Baby Travel Items: Tips for Easy Packing

Linsey Knerl — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Babies

Traveling with a baby doesn't have to be stressful. Credit: Getty

Just when you've almost mastered the art of packing a diaper bag, you find yourself needing to take a long-distance trip with baby in tow. Some essential items, while bulky, just can't be left behind, but we have tips on how to take even the most cumbersome baby travel items along for a smoother ride.

1. Simplify. Some baby travel items are built to be portable, but still contain a lot of excess parts. If you find weight or bulk is a deciding factor in bringing along some of your most favored gear, consider stripping it down. Playards, for example, often come with a bevy of add-ons, such as changing tables, diaper caddies, entertainment mobiles and soothers. Leaving these removable accessories behind will not only lighten your load, they'll amount for less items to remember to bring home later.

2. Ship Ahead. Desperate to get your $400 jogging stroller to your aunt's house, but have no way of packing it into your hybrid? See about shipping it in advance of your stay. Many shipping companies not only will guarantee on-time delivery of all your baby travel items, but many retail locations will pack it up for you and arrange for return delivery -- in one stop.

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Baby Items to Store in the Diaper Bag

Linsey Knerl — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Babies

First item for the diaper bag? Duh: diapers, of course. Credit: Getty

Diaper bags are getting bigger these days, but it isn't necessary to fill them completely. Here's our list of what baby items to take with you -- and what to leave at home -- when packing baby's bag.

Diapers: What would a diaper bag be without containing the most essential of baby items? A well-stocked bag should contain no less than a half day's diaper supply, and more should be included for longer trips out and about.
Changing Pad: Consider bringing a small, portable changing pad for impromptu diapering sessions. Even many of the most family-friendly destinations won't always have a suitable surface for cleaning up your baby, making this an essential baby item.
Wipes: Whether you prefer disposables or more eco-friendly baby items, a good baby wipe is the difference between a clean change and an uncomfortable baby. Skip full-size cartons in lieu of portable "travel packs," and be sure your wipes are moist before you head out the door.

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