Baby Shower Planning Inspiration
I was shopping at our Babies ‘R Us store for my aunt’s baby shower and I was amazed at all the new items for baby. While looking at the new bedding styles it hit me - this is perfect inspiration for baby shower themes. Not only can you take cues from mom to be’s registry - see what colors or themes she chose - but there are so many options, colors, animals, you name it. If you are stuck for some baby shower theme ideas I suggest taking a trip to your local baby store. Personally, I think it is a better experience in person rather than online. You are bound to find some inspiration in a baby store.
5 Must Have Items for Baby
Sure, there are lots of things baby needs. Here are 5 must haves to keep baby safe while sleeping and bathing.
- A safe crib. While bassinets & cradles offer convenience in terms of keeping baby close to you or conserving space there are only voluntary safety standards that regulate them. Cribs have mandatory safety standards set by the federal government.
- A firm mattress. Decorative items such as pillows, bumper pads, blankets and toys should not be in the bed while baby is sleeping.
- Swaddling blanket or sleepsack. Keep the room at a temperature that is comfortable for you. Overdressing baby at bedtime increases the risk for SIDS.
- Pacifier - Silicone last longer. Silicone pacifiers are also better because babies could develop a sensitivity to or allergy to latex.
- Baby bath with a sling. This helps you keep your grip on baby while you wash him.
Developmental Toys
You know what they say - simpler is often better. This can be said with developmental toys. With competition rising to create toys that make your child smarter the best ones are tried and true. Forget flashing lights and lots of noise. Try stacking rings or chunky blocks. These toys are great to sharpen grabbing and hand-eye coordination by stacking the rings or blocks. Most children will be able to play with blocks or stacking rings between the ages of 8 months and 12 months. Be sure to purchase blocks or stacking rings with large pieces to avoid choking if baby puts the item in her mouth. Many companies make plush blocks or rings in beautiful colors or with stimulating mirrors, textures and designs.
Security Blanket
When my niece was a baby she loved the satin tags on blankets. She would rub this tag to soothe herself. Security blankets or stuffed animals become a coping method for everyday stresses. What could babies be stressed about? Being hungry or tired are the biggest worries for baby. There are so many soft plush and satin blankets small enough to be carried around by your little one. If you choose a plush be sure the features are sewn in so they won’t fall into baby’s mouth if she chews on the plush. You also want to make sure the plush or blanket is machine washable. This security blanket will go everywhere so it’s bound to get dirty.
Safety comes first
Each year there are 2.4 million poison incidents handled by poison incidents. Half of these incidents involve children. Almost all of the gift registries I have seen include safety items. These items are so important, yet some people feel that a larger or cuter gift would be better. You can create a beautiful gift basket filled with items to keep baby safe at home. Purchase a beautiful basket, canvas tote or other unique container. Artfully arrange safety items such as cabinet locks, stove knob covers, toilet locks, drawer locks, outlet covers, etc. There is no reason you can’t include a cute stuffed animal as well. These items are often overlooked as a gift but so important for baby’s safety.
Christina
Don’t Forget Daddy to Be!
Baby Showers are typically for mom to be. Even if a shower isn’t a “Couples” shower it doesn’t mean that dad to be isn’t present at the shower. If dad to be is at the shower try to include him - even if it is just presenting him with a daddy gift. There are lots of daddy gifts available. From t-shirts to baby sock boutonnières to daddy diaper changing toolkits the possibilities for daddy gifts are endless. You could even throw in a bottle of aspirin as a gag gift! The simple act of acknowledging daddy will be the greatest gift of all.
Christina
“Guess Who?” Baby Shower Activity
This is a fun activity that involves everyone at the shower. Decorate poster board or foam board for the baby shower. Use wrapping paper, construction paper, markers, etc. Get creative! On the invites ask your guests to bring a baby photo of themselves to the shower. Create a master list as your guests arrive - number a sheet of paper and assign each photo a number. Mark the back of each photo with a post-it of the guest’s name. You want to return the photos in the condition you received them so writing on them is not an option. Post each photo on the board with a number next to them (not on them).
When the time comes to play the game give each guest a sheet of numbered paper. You can create a decorative sheet of paper in Microsoft Word. Have guests guess who each baby is. The winner is the person who has the most correct answers.
This activity is better for smaller showers. The more guests you have the more preparation you have to do.
Christina
March of Dimes Sweetness Bears
baby Gund has partnered with the March of Dimes to create the “Sweetness Bears” collection. The March of Dimes is an non profit organization dedicated to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. They carry out this mission through research, community services, education and advocacy to save babies’ lives. March of Dimes researchers, volunteers, educators, outreach workers and advocates work together to give all babies a fighting chance against the threats to their health: prematurity, birth defects, low birthweight.
BabyShowerDepot.com carries the Sweetness Bear Rattle and Sweetness Bear Pacifier Clip. A portion of the proceeds will support the March of Dimes “Pink and Blue for Babies” initiative to ensure all babies are born healthy.
Christina