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Celebrating Your Babies First Birthday

From Winnie the Pooh, Barbie, Teletubbies and Dora The Explorer, your babies first birthday party is a very special time to celebrate and lots of memories to hold forever. But attempting to make the party a fun one for you and your guests can be very hard if you are not experienced in this area.

A theme to the day is not necessary but would be extremely beneficial to any party plans you have, as with a theme everything from the food and invitations to the party products and party decoration would be much simpler to arrange and buy. The themes chosen at the top of this article are often favourites among this age group but there are many other thoughts splashed around the internet and party shops.

The party supplies based on your chosen theme normally consist of banners and balloons (which of course are kept out of the babies reach) photos of the birthday baby in various places, maybe with amusing captions for the adults humour and baby books and toys to keep the small ones entertained.

Games for tiny tots are usually what they would do at their play classes or with their friends. These would be activities such as cutting and sticking with glitter, sequins, feathers and of course an apron, dancing where the adults would place on a cd with baby songs or one filled with favourites that the babies (and parents) could have a excellent boogie to, bubbles with a bubble machine to see who can pop the most or the small birthday boy/girls parents could set up an obstacle course, ball pit or foam shapes and let their children go wild!

Party food should not all be unhealthy as these are very young bodies that are being fed. Other than the huge 1st birthday cake try to keep to healthy snacks such as veggie sticks with dips, cheese or ham sandwiches, juices, and meat products like sausage rolls and egg balls.

Its always excellent to be prepared with lots of babies at a party so always have things at hand such as plenty of napkins and baby wipes, spare bibs and clothes, a place for needed naps and even extra dummies and bottles if you feel like they may be needed. The mothers of course should bring all these but there may be one who was rushed and has forgotten. Anything to make the birthday a pleased and memorable one.

Planning the Birth of your Baby- a Few Helpful Tips

From plotting out and crafting the nursery, to ordering the perfect birth announcement, every expecting parent can certainly use a hand during one of the most overwhelming times of life. The only thing that’s for certain is that the baby is coming when he or she wants to, not when you want him or her to, so you need to plot accordingly. Organizing your home before a baby arrives is just one pointer for expectant parents, as trying to sort through clothing, toys and gifts after your small one comes home is enough to send anyone over the edge. Here are a few more helpful tips for plotting the birth of your baby:

–Make lists for absolutely everything, including recipients of birth announcements, shopping items and things to do. Not only will this help to clear your mind, but also it’s perfect to have handy when friends and family drop by or call to see what they can do to help!

–Lower your standards for a clean house for at least the first year. There is no way that your home can be as clean after a baby is born as it was before. Sure, you’ll need to make sure the dishes are done, bottles are clean and everyone in the family has clean clothes to wear, but other than that, you’ll have to realize that you can’t do everything. Baby comes first, parents come second, and the cleanliness of the house is way down in the double digits (up to a point—of course, cleanliness still matters).

–Have disposable cameras in every room…you never know when baby will do something truly adorable. Remember- a photo is worth a thousand words!

–Make baby areas in each major room. Have a supply of diapers, baby wipes, towels, blankets, a snack or two for mom/dad (and a bottle of water), as well as any portable feeding supplies ready in all areas of your home. This way, if baby needs a diaper change, you don’t have to go all the way to the nursery. If baby falls asleep while being held, a blanket is always nearby.

–When ordering birth announcements, have the envelopes shipped to your home ahead of time. This way, you can write out all of the addresses and attach the proper postage before baby comes. The better birth announcement printing companies offer this service and will “hold” your design until all of the technical numbers are in (birth weight, length, date and time). This should be part of your criteria when searching for the best printer to handle this vital task.

–One more point in regards to birth announcements: adding a photo will make your announcement even more memorable, but you might want to wait a few weeks before taking such an vital photograph. After about 14 days pass, a baby will take on more of a definitive and recognizable look. Taking the photo now (high-resolution digital prints the best) is sure to make your birth announcement one that’s treasured for generations to come.

What is Organic Baby Care?

Babies today are born into a world where they will be bombarded with chemicals which they are ill equipped to deal with. In fact, the process starts before birth, with the mother’s diet likely to be laced with a chemical concoction the human immune system is not fully designed to handle. Add to that the polluted air she breathes and water she drinks, and the deadly drugs she may be taking, that innocent baby is brought into a world that is immediately hostile to their health. But, there is much a parent can do to minimize the effect of that chemical invasion, and one of those is to use organic baby care wherever possible.

What is Organic Baby Care?

There is no globally accepted definition of organic, although some countries have tried to establish enforceable standards. For simplicity, let us say that organic products should not have been grown or developed with the use of pesticides, herbicides, or artificial fertilizers, and have not been genetically modified in any way.

Organic baby care, then, is to bring up a baby using as many organically grown products as possible. Most parents would want to extend that to include as many eco-friendly products as well. So, what sort of “organic” products can play a part in your baby’s development.

Organic Baby Food

Ideally, feeding your baby organic foods should start while she is still in the womb. What the baby’s mother eats and drinks, breathes and has injected into her affect the quality of the baby’s sustenance before birth, and in the breast milk after birth. A mother who lives on organic food as far as possible will get her baby off to a excellent start.

Once the baby comes off breast milk to solids, it is vital to keep as much control over her food as possible. It is very simple to avoid processed and canned food, whose origins you know small about, and may contain contaminants not only in the food itself but the lining of the can. Wherever possible use organic foods and chemical free juices and water in order to give the baby a excellent start in life so far as nourishment goes. If possible, follow the advice of a holistically trained professional nutritionist to find the right balance of food.

Organic Bedding & Clothing

Many parents these days seek out what they call organic bedding. It may be very hard to find, but baby bedding does exist that has been made from natural fibers that have been organically grown. But, do look for some genuine indication that the cotton or wool is organic. An item that is just labeled 100% cotton, without any organic certification, is unlikely to be organic but chemically laden. The same applies to baby clothes.

Organic Baby Accessories

There are many baby accessories that can be eco-friendly or even organic. Organic baby wipes and diapers are now quite easily available, and they are items that parents need every day for their baby. Using organic bio-degradable diapers can be a fantastic benefit to the environment compared to using the ancient style disposables. Many children’s toys are made of natural materials rather than plastics, and even organic teethers, made from 100% cotton, can be found if you search hard enough.

While it may not be possible in this day and age to bring up a completely organic baby, you do at least have the chance to minimize the chemical intake of your children. With trends as they are, more products will be developed as time passes, making your task that much simpler.

Some Gifts Ideas for Baby Shower

Baby showers are thrown for the main purpose of bestowing well wishes and gifts upon a couple that is having their first child. Usually, gifts come in the form of baby items that the baby will need on its arrival.

With the popularity of baby gift registries today, looking for that perfect gift that the baby will need and the couple will truly appreciate has become simple. But for those will-be parents who did not sign up for a gift registry, or if you want to choose a baby gift on your own, this list of baby shower gift thoughts may truly be helpful.

1. Disposable Diapers

Diapers may not be the most fancy gift to give for a baby shower. But this would certainly be the most thoughtful and most appreciated.

Diapers are expensive and babies will use them up very quickly. The new parents will appreciate them. Even those parents who opt to use cloth diapers may also find disposable diapers useful when traveling.

A tip when buying diapers, pick the larger size ones instead of newborn diapers. After all, babies nowadays grow very quick and the newborn-size diapers may not be useful for very long. And while you are at it, why not thrown in some baby wipes as well.

2. Bottles and Pacifiers

Babies may sometimes be picky on bottles and pacifiers. Some babies prefer to use only a particular brand or shape for these items.

If the parents-to-be have specified in the baby registry a brand or shape of bottles, nipples, and pacifiers, these items may be a safe choice for a baby shower gift. Otherwise, just steer clear from these baby items.

3. Baby Clothes

Choose larger sized baby clothes instead of the newborn sizes. Babies grow quickly.

If you could figure out, know the baby’s gender and the season when the baby is due so you can pick clothes for the baby’s gender, and just right for the season.

4. Toys for Baby

Give the gift of fun baby toys. You may buy toys for older babies that the baby can use when it grows a bit older. But just to be safe, stick to the toys for kids aged 3 and under.

5. Knowledge for Baby

Boost baby’s brainpower with educational baby items. Choose a classic baby book, educational videos, music CDs.

For educational videos, Brainy Baby and Baby Einstein DVDs are highly recommended.

As for books, a selection of your own favorite books from childhood would be a fantastic gift thought. Choose books with bright and bold pictures, and those new interactive boys that feature counting or touching.

6. Bath time Goodies

The baby will need to be always squeaky clean. A nice selection of baby bathroom essentials would be very thoughtful. 

Pick up some cute baby puppets that may also double as scrubbing tools. Bubble bath with a soothing lavender scent will make bath time an entertaining experience for both the baby and parents.

A hooded towel and some sweet smelling baby cologne or lotion is also suitable bath time goodies gifts.

Baby shower gifts need not only be for the baby. It is also thoughtful to get the parents to be something. 

Those are just some nice baby shower gift thoughts of baby items to welcome the cute small bundle of joy into the family. But if all else fails, you may also consider getting the new parents gift checques so they can just buy the items that they need but were not received at the baby shower.

New Baby Essentials: What to Buy for Your New Baby

Congrats! You are pregnant and you are excited! With that excitement comes a lot of questions. Among those questions are what the necessities should be for your new baby.

MyCutiePieBaby.com offers you a list of essentials for your new baby.

Car Seat – this is a must.

Onesies – You will need about 10, make sure to buy some various sizes. Our son was just under 7lbs when he was born and newborn sizes were to huge for him.

Socks – About 4-5 pairs

Sleepers with the hands built in so your precious baby doesn’t scratch her face.

Baby Wipes

Baby Diapers – Either cloth or disposable whatever works best for you!

Nasal Sucker

Receiving Blankets – About 6-7

Sweater or Snowsuit if it is cold

Crib or Co-Sleeper

Hats and Jacket – If it’s cold outside you will want to protect your baby from the cold.

Changing Table – Some parents opt to not use a changing table while others find it a necessity. Changing Tables can be fantastic if you are small on space as they provide extra storage for diapers, baby wipes, etc.

A Baby Swing may be soothing for your new baby. Baby Swings come equipt with lullabies and other soothing sounds.

A Changing Pad. A changing pad is vital if you shopping with your baby and if you need to change her.

Breastpump – If you choose to breastfeed your baby or if you are returning to work you may want to invest in a breastpump. Breastpumps come in both manual and electric styles so make sure to choose one that is convenient for you.

Baby Bottles - Whether you choose to breastfeed or formula feed it is a excellent thought to buy several baby bottles as they can also be used to store breastmilk or formula.

Protect Your Baby From Diaper Rash

Diapers let parents take their babies out without having to worry about them dirtying their clothes. They are comfortable for both the parents and the tots. But some times, this can backfire. Baby’s soft bottom is then converted into irritating swamp. Babies weep and their bottoms itch. But the excellent news is that most of the times, the rash clears up within a day. But in certain cases, it can linger on for a few days. This can keep your child irritated for days on end. But you can follow some simple home remedies and keep away the rash,

Here are some simple tips that can avoid or treat the diaper rash:

• Use gel disposable diapers: If you choose the disposable diapers, choose the diapers with the latest absorbent gelling material. These diapers remove the dampness away from the skin than the other types of diapers. They also keep the skin’s pH level more acidic, thus decreasing the chances of suffering from diaper rashes. All the leading brands of diapers have this gelling material.

• Wash the cloth diapers with vinegar: If you choose to go in for reusable cloth diapers, rinse them in vinegar at the time of wash to change the pH and reduce the chances of diaper rash. Add a quarter cup of plain white kitchen vinegar to each load of diapers during the final rinse cycle of the wash. Avoid using the fabric softeners during the washing of the diapers because they place a coating on the diapers that prevents them from absorbing as well,

• Apply warm cornstarch: Instead of using the modern talcum powders available for treatment of diaper rash, use cornstarch. Take cornstarch and spread it out on the baking pan and warm it in the oven at the temperature of 105 degrees Fahrenheit for about ten minutes till it is completely dry. Test the temperature first and then apply it gently to the baby’s bottom. Cornstarch is as smooth as the commercially available talcum powder but is cheaper and more effective.

• Blow dry the bottom: Keep the infected area dry and clean to speed up the healing. Do not use a towel to clean the area as it can be very abrasive. Instead use a hair dryer set on low or cool for three minutes to dry the infected area.

• Avoid using diapers: The best solution is to avoid using diapers so that the skin can air itself as much as possible to promote healing. But if it is not possible, keep the diaper under the baby when it is lying on its stomach. This can be done when it is sleeping or any other times when it is still.

• Choose paper instead of plastic: If the baby has excess leakage, which can lead to diaper rash, keep a paper towel between its skin and diaper. The paper towel helps in stopping the leakage without blocking air circulation. The drawback of plastic is that it seals the moisture thus increasing infection.

• Breastfeed the baby: Babies who have been breastfed since birth show a lower incidence and severity of diaper rash than those who have been fed baby formula. The effects of dietary influence are seen even after the babies are weaned.

• Avoid soap and baby wipes: Stop using soap and baby wipes if your child has the rash. Commercially available wipes contain alcohol that can aggravate the rash and cause more pain. Some of them can also cause the rash due to the presence of certain chemicals. Soap is very harsh on the sensitive skin and the baby should be washed without soap if it is suffering from diaper rash.

Laundry Tips For Baby Garments

Having an infant means having a large number of laundry to take care of. Here are some tips to taking care of that apparently wearisome part of the job.

Cloth diapers can turn out to be a laundry problem if you ignore to wash them as a result letting stains set in. Wash simply about 18 diapers at a time, for the reason that overfilling will not permit the diapers to get systematically clean. Always wash diapers using hot, soapy water. You may place in bleach if needed daily or even two or three washings to get rid of obstinate stains. When using bleach, wash diapers through a second and final rinse, putting in one-half cup of vinegar to the water to be certain there is no more soap or bleach residue left in the cloth diapers. Note: Using fabric softener too frequently may cause the cloth diapers to be less absorbent.

When garments are tainted with formula and stains are ignored, they tend to become permanent. No quantity of bleach or magic formula will be able eliminate them. This is why it is very vital to try to get rid of the stain as soon as possible.

To get rid of formula and other stains from baby’s garments, immerse the garments in all-fabric bleach that have enzymes. Search for it on the racks where laundry items are sold. Follow the instructions on the flipside mark for the right amounts to use. Use this kind of all-fabric bleach on a day to day basis and you will learn the garments will be cleaner. But always wash thoroughly, so the bleach doesn’t stay in baby’s garments.

Cloth diapers will be soft if you immerse them once you take them away in a solution of borax and water based to the instructions on the box. Always wash off baby stool in the toilet bowl before immersing them in the water and make sure there are no traces left.

Immersed diapers can be placed into the washer directly after you place away any excess water from the bucket into the toilet bowl. You don’t have to squeeze out or even lay a hand on the diapers; the washer can do that for you. Set the washer in a cold-rinse cycle with a small quantity of borax, and then rinse using the heavy-duty cycle in the hottest water on hand with a gentle detergent or soap. There are washers, where you have to place in a second total wash to eliminate all of the detergent out.

Making use of a diaper liner will help reduce on stains. You can pay for them or craft your own, by means of soft, washable, and reusable textile cut to fit. Or, for throwaway diaper liners, cut to size handy throwaway clean dishcloths.

Make sure to have an unwrapped bar of soap nearby the baby’s changing table. It makes a nice pin cushion and the soap let the pins slip effortlessly through the cloth diaper.

Throwaway diapers are now widely used than cloth diapers, but. Therefore you have no need to be concerned about washing or getting them cleaned. One drawback is that there are a few that have tabs that won’t fix together, so you ought to be certain you buy a disposable diaper that is well locked.

Baby wipes are also wonderful! This means no more heaps of soiled, damp washcloths to take care of each day.

Great Baby Shower Gift Ideas

1. You want to make sure that you check to see if they are registered. If this is their first child they will most likely be registered somewhere. But, if this is not their first pregnancy then there may not be that registry to fall back on.
2. If you do not have a lot of extra money to spend on a gift then you may want to get together with others to get a group gift. Instead of everyone getting all in ones and a burp cloth why not pool your money together to get a cradle, high chair or a stroller.
3. If you found that cute small outfit that you want to get but it just doesn’t seem like enough then get a nice basket to place it in and garnish the basket with baby lotion, diaper ointment and a travel pack of baby wipes…things that will be used on a daily basis.
4. If the mom to be already seems to have everything then you may want to get something for her. Pamper her a small with nice lotions and bath supplies. You may want to get her a gift certificate to get that pedicure, manicure or that pregnancy massage.
5. Check to see if there is a theme to the shower or to the baby’s nursery and get things that will coordinate with the theme.
6. A personalized gift always goes a long way. And there are many unique things out there like puzzle stools with the baby’s names on them and personalized shelves to store other small trinkets on.
7. Make your own gifts. You could knit a blanket or sew a very unique outfit. Or if you are crafty then you may want to make a diaper cake and decorate it according to the theme of the shower.
8. Make a baby coupon book. Place together a coupon book for the parents for services you will give them. For example, coupons for a babysitter for a date night or a Saturday cleaning service coupon…you can be really creative with this one.
9. Plant a tree or donate to a charity in the baby’s name. Or better yet…buy a nice tree for the parents to plant in their yard when the baby is born.
10. A nice camera or video camera makes for a fantastic gift along with scrapbooks and keepsake boxes.
11. You can never go incorrect with diapers – 2 packs of diapers cost around $50 – so this is a fantastic gift to give!

Taking Great Newborn Baby Photos – Top 8 Picture Taking Mistakes And How to Avoid Them

Of course, you’re taking tons of photos of your newborn baby.  It doesn’t matter whether your snapshots are blurry, overexposed or grainy to you because each picture captures a moment in your precious small one’s life.  But whether you’re choosing to send photo birth announcements,  present the grandparents with a framed portrait, or give someone a personalized gift containing the image of your small angel, there comes a time when you want your photographs to be fantastic.

What stands in your way of taking wonderful photos of your newborn baby?  Here are the top eight mistakes and what you can do to avoid them.

Mistake 1 – Using flash.  Not only can a bright flash hurt your newborn’s delicate eyes, it can also startle your angel and make him cranky.   

Instead – turn the flash off.  Find a room where there is lots of natural light. But don’t pose the baby directly in front of a window, because the background will be very bright, but his face will be dark.  Check to make sure that his face is not covered with shadows.  He should seem bathed in soft light.

Mistake 2 – Choosing the incorrect background.  Grandma’s bright patchwork quilt may be a family heirloom, but it’s too busy for a newborn portrait.

Instead – Reckon soft.  A rumpled, pastel solid color blanket is an ideal backdrop on which to place your baby.  Position it so that it takes up the entire background in your camera’s viewfinder.  As an alternative, you can have someone hold your child upright, with the pastel blanket draped over part of them as a background.

Mistake 3 – Dressing your newborn in a distracting outfit.  Bright patterns, stripes, checks, plaid, and dark colors can overwhelm the photo and take the attention off your baby.

Instead – Choose comfortable clothes with plain, simple, soft colors.  This way, your small angel will be the focus of the photo, and not what he’s wearing.

Mistake 4 – Picking the incorrect time to take photographs.  If you’re baby is fussy, cranky, tired or hungry, you will not get a excellent picture, no matter how hard you try.

Instead – Wait until after he has napped and been fed.  A rested, pleased infant is much more cooperative.  As an alternative, try taking photos when your baby is sleeping.  There is nothing more peaceful or adorable than a newborn who is sound asleep.  A sleeping child makes a very cute picture and he’s very simple to photograph.

Mistake 5 – Not doing a last minute model check.  Stray bits of food (and worse) can easily end up on your baby’s face, spoiling the perfect picture.

Instead – Carefully look over your small one right before you start clicking away, armed with a baby wipe, to make sure he’s camera ready.

Mistake 6 – Taking a photo with huge brother or sister holding the baby in his or her arms.  An older, larger child can overpower a tiny infant in the picture, making your small one practically disappear.

Instead – Try taking pictures with the older sibling’s face close to the baby’s face.  The older child could rest next to your newborn, both propped up by pillows.  Or he could turn away from the camera to look at the small one or place a kiss on his cheek.   This makes for a more balanced photo.

Mistake 7 – Rushing to get the perfect photo during the first few days after your baby is born.    If you have chose to send photo birth announcements, for example, you may feel pressured to get them out straight away.  But even the most gorgeous babies have temporary imperfections right after birth.

Instead – Wait for a week or two.  Your child’s appearance will improve dramatically, and his personality will start to show through his face.

Mistake 8 – Assuming you just captured the perfect shot, because it looked so excellent on the LCD screen in playback mode on your digital camera.  It’s hard to adequately determine clarity and brightness of your photo while it is still in your camera, even if you zoom in to see the details.

Instead – Upload your memory card to the computer and examine the pictures on your monitor.  Or have them printed as 4×6 snapshots.  Before you order a poster sized prints, check them for sharpness and exposure.   Make sure you take lots of snapshots, so if this particular one doesn’t live up to your expectations, you’ll have other options.

Taking fantastic baby photos, suitable for more than framing, is within everyone’s grasp.  You don’t have to take your newborn to a professional studio to get outstanding results.  Just avoid these common mistakes, use a steady hand, and take plenty of pictures.  And soon you’ll be hearing those oohs and ahhs over the wonderful photographs you’ve taken of your gorgeous new child.

Baby Pack & Go – innovative iPhone packing application!

Available over the Internet, this application represents an efficient solution to our day-to-day problems, allowing for the simple making of a baby packing checklist. This way, you can be absolutely certain that you have packed everything your baby needs, without forgetting some of the most vital things at home.

Babies need diapers, fresh baby wipes and bottle feeders. In fact, they need a lot of things that need to be carried around when traveling. This is where the latest iPhone packing application comes in, making things a lot simpler and helping us feel prepared. By organizing a travel packing list, you will finally have peace of mind and feel more inclined towards having fun. This application has been designed with the purpose of helping parents but also caregivers, a vacation packing list helping them get everything ready.

As soon as you install this application on your phone, you will certainly be convinced of its functionality. This iPhone packing application is extremely to use, representing a highly efficient tool when it comes to making a baby packing list and organizing your busy family life. If you are going on a trip and you’ve chose to take the bay with you, then you should certainly consider this tool for a baby packing checklist. These lists are quite simple to organize and they save a lot of time on trip management. The travel packing list can include all the necessary items for your baby or toddler, thus eliminating all the stress and hassle commonly associated with such preparations. You should also keep in mind that the vacation packing list can be customized in any way you desire, new items being easily added later on.

We don’t know how much your baby need a toddler packing list on the phone, but you (as a parent) you can certainly benefit from its existence. You can organize, as it was already mentioned, a complete baby packing list that includes all the necessary items that your baby needs. This way, you can quickly prepare for any upcoming trips, without feeling nervous that you might leave something essential behind. The iPhone packing application also allows users to edit the lists organized, with specific or new items being easily selected from the list. In fact, multiple custom lists can be made effortlessly.

Many of the things that modern technology has brought have made our lives simpler. The same goes for the iPhone packing application that allows parents and caregivers to compile a baby packing list. One of the most fascinating things about the baby packing checklist is that it can be customized with photos, all sorts of fascinating colors on the background and music to make the whole thing even more appealing. You have complete liberty to choose the items that are going to represent your vacation packing list but make sure you do not forget to select the essentials!