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If you have a baby in your life, whether yours or someone else’s, you know how many baby pictures are taken and deserved to be framed. But with so many types of baby picture frames, sometimes it can be overwhelming trying to find just the right frame.

To help you choose the type of baby frame that is best for you, here are the seven most popular types of baby picture frames. They are intentionally not listed in any type of order so you can decide which one is your favorite baby picture frame.

1. First Year Baby Photo Frames are designed for just that – to capture a baby’s first year of life. Usually designed to hold a wallet size picture for each month of a baby’s first year, these baby photo frames are a cherished keepsake. If you have larger baby pictures to display, you can create your own first year baby photo frame by using a mat with openings cut to the size of your pictures.

2. Baby Sonogram Frames are a terrific way to display a sonogram and the first image of your baby. Sonograms are now commonplace and are an anticipated part of a couple’s transition into parenthood. The excitement a couple feels when they first see the sonogram will resurface each time they look at the sonogram displayed in a baby sonogram frame. However, baby sonogram frames can be short lived. Once the baby is born, the sonogram frame is often replaced with a frame that can hold both the sonogram image and a baby photo.

3. Decorative Baby Picture Frames are the most common frames for displaying baby pictures. Baby picture frames are decorated with images of all types of things like baby rattles, teddy bears, bottles to name just a few. You can even find adorable baby frames in shapes like butterflies, barns, trucks and trains. Often these unique shapes are handmade solid pewter picture frames and are usually colorfully decorated with enamel. These type of baby picture frames come in a huge selection of styles, colors, finishes and sizes and usually have easel back stands for a tabletop display.

4. Baby Hospital Bracelet Frames are a unique and clever way to display a hospital ID bracelet and is sure to be another cherished item of many parents. The baby bracelet frame has a small narrow space for the bracelet and a place to hold the baby’s first picture.

5. Baby Footprint Frames are a popular way to remember how tiny your baby was at birth or to remember the adorable size of their hands or feet. With an ink print or mold of your baby’s hand print or footprint you will remember those first precious days with a baby footprint frame. Baby footprint frames can either be hung on a wall or placed on a flat surface. Be aware that you’ll need to have some patience when working with molds or ink prints because they can be messy and require more time to get a good mold or ink print.

6. Shadow Box Frames are a wonderful way to display your baby keepsakes, like a special spoon, the hospital bracelet, rattles, outfits, bibs or pictures. A shadow box frame will protect those precious baby items as well as be a great way to showcase those important items all in one place. Whether for yourself or to share with someone else, a baby shadow box frame is a safe and secure place to display those special baby keepsakes

7. Engraved Keepsake Frames make a beautiful baby gift or the perfect choice for a favorite baby picture of your own. They are usually made out of precious metals, like sterling silver, silver plate and pewter and allow you to memorialize the happy event by engraving your baby’s name, birth date, weight and length. Although the baby’s name, birth date, weight and length are the most common items to engrave, you can choose to have almost anything engraved as long as it will fit on the frame. With an engraved baby keepsake frame, it becomes a family heirloom that is passed down from generation to generation.

Now that you know the most popular baby frames, you can feel confident in selecting the perfect baby frame to showcase your little pride and joy.

Incoming search terms:

baby sonogram frame (1)

Perhaps one of the most memorable times in a couple’s life is when they become parents. This is a time to rejoice not just for the new parents but also their entire extended family as well as friends. Welcoming a tiny life into this world is a poignant moment for everyone.A Baby Shower Party is the best way of announcing that your baby is here and here to stay.

When a baby is asleep, the mother is the one who will get the most rest. For that reason, a baby mattress is very important for both you and your baby. Babies need their sleep far much more the adults, and more so because most of their growth and development occurs during that time.Let’s face it – returning back to work after maternity leave is never fun! This can be especially true if you want to continue breastfeeding and are considering pumping while on the job! Most moms worry about keeping up their milk supply and wonder how to pump quickly and discreetly while still getting their job done.

Having a baby means having to carry around more gear than seems humanly possible. Here are some great diaper bag options to make sure you can carry everything you’ll possibly need for your little one. When preparing for emergency survival situation you cannot properly prepare if you leave half your family at home. When having a survival exercise you must take each member of the family with you or your time is nothing but wasted. These family members should include small children and infants. Let’s face it should a real emergency occur these members will be with you then so don’t leave them at home with a baby sitter.

The most prominent reason that babies cry is because they are hungry. Babies eat a remarkable number of times a day and it is important to make sure they get all of the food that they crave. When your baby starts crying check to see if they are hungry by offering them some food. If they take it then your problem is solved. Typically a baby will eat 8 to 12 times a day while being breastfed and 6 to 10 times a day when being bottle fed.Busy parents always seemed to be challenged when it comes to building and developing a close relationship with their baby. If you are one of these parents, you need not worry that much any longer. There is now a solution for this kind of concern – front facing baby carrier.

Breast milk is the best food for new-born babies packed with all the essential nutrients required for their growth and overall development. No wonder doctors all over the globe vouch for the benefits of breast milk, both for the mothers and for their dear babies.It was never been to easy to travel babies either near or far distance but the joy it gives us is the thing we cannot question. Carrying the stroller always is too bulky while carrying them by bare hands were both burden for the baby and for parents. Why not consider reading my article to learn techniques in handling this things properly.

What baby gear you should not pinch pennies on. There are definite options for baby gear that call for going for the lesser brand or the less expensive option; however, there are some baby gear products that you should not skimp on. This article explains the must have products no matter what the price when it comes to the safety of your child.Baby carriers are extremely useful for busy parents. Baby Carriers keep your baby close while getting other works done. Choosing the right baby carrier for your baby is a rather difficult task as there are different types of baby carriers on the market with different styles. Read the artcles that describes the points to be remembered while selecting baby carriers.

Taking a newborn on a small day trip can be daunting for new parents. As a mother of two, I have compiled six necessities for traveling with a newborn. With a little preparation and knowledge, stepping out with baby can be a smooth trip for all.Registering for a baby can be confusing and overwhelming. However, if you keep it simple and come armed with an organized list of items you need and want, the process can go much faster.

Baby carriers provide babies with vital support, a sturdy base and comfortable space while their parent is engaged in some activities. Their comfortable space and feel puts most babies to sleep.This article offers a realistic overview of what to pack when delivering a baby at a hospital or birthing center.

The winter blues are common this time of year, and most people are planning a trip to beach to help cure their symptoms. The beach is a great place to get some sun, play in the sand, and just relax, and offers the perfect antidote to any dreary, winter feelings. But, as with any vacation, you should never go to the beach unprepared! Here are some tips on what you should plan on bringing to your next beach vacation.Proper exercise and nutrition is the key to losing the baby weight. Here are tips on getting back into your skinny jeans.

As babies grow, their spines develop very quickly. Walking with them in a baby carrier fosters great emotional bonds, but they can be hard on your back. Learn about the types of carriers that spread the load the best, and a brand that protects baby’s back as well.Having a baby is undoubtedly an exciting time. But with all the emotion and physical strain at the time of birth and just after, it is best to be well prepared with the practical things. That is where early preparation of a baby layette can be a God send.

Twin Baby Shower and Twins Baby Shower Invitations

When you are having a baby, the celebration is going to fantastic. What about when you are having two babies? If you’re the planner and determining the purpose baby shower, make sure you’re making some adjustments to ensure you’re having a twin baby shower, http://www.cards-411.com/type-baby-shower/twin-baby-shower There are lots of ways to make sure the joyous news is included in the event. Online baby shoppes definitely offer a suggestion: twin baby shower invitations, http://www.cardsshoppe.com/baby-shower-invitations/ Of course, starting with the invites is just the beginning after you determine the type baby shower to have. Here are some other ideas.

Invites for the Special Shower

Having twins is going to require more of everything: diapers, bottles, and patience. That’s why it’s important to let guests of the shower know that you’re expecting multiple babies, and the best way to do that is with the invitations twin baby shower, http://www.express-invitations.com/baby-shower-invitations/ Many sites carry a number of special shower invites just for such occasions. For example, many have some cards that show a stork bringing two babies to a new home, and cards depicting two precious babies in front of castle. On the latter card, you can even choose from cards illustrating two boys, two girls, or one of each gender. These cards are definitely going to be a great way to introduce the twin baby shower to the guests.

Decorations for Baby Shower Type

Because the parents of twins are going to need so much in terms of supplies, having a diaper cake could be a great idea. If you’re not familiar with them, there are sites that do sell them and allow you to customize them. As the name suggests, these are cake-like structures made from diapers and ribbon. The diapers are reusable after the shower that can be a huge help for new parents. Plus, you can have the cake decorated with baby items, such as rattles, pacifiers, and baby bottles. Another idea for the twins baby shower is to have two of everything, including two real cakes, two types of ice creams, two different color themes, and more. In fact, the number two could even be your theme. You’ll probably find plenty of decorating possibilities in the birthday section.

Games

After you start mailing the twin baby shower invites, you’ll probably want to begin brainstorming some ideas for games that would be appropriate for the twin theme. For starters, you could play a game where people have to identify famous twins, such as Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen. Another idea would be to ask questions about movies or television shows featuring twins, such as The Parent Trap or Escape to Witch Mountain. Since the babies will probably arrive early, you could have the guests choose a different date for their arrival. The guest who comes closest to guessing the actual birth date would win a prize. Be sure and plan the games around the baby coed shower or couples baby shower guests.

Gifts

No twin baby shower could be complete without gifts. Unfortunately for the guests, two babies are going to mean double the gifts. If the mother-to-be is registering somewhere, she should also remember this when selecting items. Although it’s not good etiquette to remind guests to purchase more than one of anything they buy, sending a specific baby invite for a twin baby shower will probably give them the hint.

Online Shopping for Type Baby Shower, http://www.cards-411.com/type-baby-shower/ Invites has its Benefits

Here are some of the MANY advantages to shopping with online baby stationery shoppes for the largest and best place to purchase online surprise baby shower invitations and announcements cards.

* Unique and Exclusive Designs Available * See Your Twin Baby Shower Invitations BEFORE You Buy with patented Instant Preview Features * Proof Emailed to You within ONE Hour, and You Can Make Unlimited Changes at No Additional Cost * Free 10 Cards and Free Shipping * Print and Ship Your Order the SAME DAY * Can Add a Photo, Picture or Logo to Any Card on the Site * Will Modify Any Card Design or Color As Requested * Will Create a Special Design Just For You

One should be very particular about choosing a baby gear or baby crib from a store. Keeping in mind the tender skin of the little one, the baby items must be chosen with great caution. Specially in India where summer prevails almost all year round, the baby items specially baby clothes must be comfortable in the first place. Now a days stores have increased their collection on baby items. Specially one can find a lot more variety in the section of fashionable outfits for baby than what it used to be in the past.

Baby Gear:

If some one is planning to buy a gift for a newborn, he or she will be flooded with options thanks to the ever increasing malls and departmental stores every where shops for baby items are abundant. One can get baby suites, baby T- Shirts, Teddy bear, other soft toys and baby gift box sets in the baby stores. The stores of the reputed shopping malls keep branded baby gear which ensures total comfort and hygiene for the babies specially new born. Cute and fashionable outfits ranging from colorful to whites and from vibrant to traditional are available at the different baby garment stores. These baby gears are available at different price ranges to suite the affordability of the buyers. If some one visits a baby store , one will be surely flattered by the huge collection of baby gear and baby items varying from body suites, booties, mittens, hats, dresses. Costumes fro baby boys and girls, swim suits, bibs, rompers etc.

Baby Crib:

Small beds or cots specially designed for the babies are called Cribs. Baby cribs are available at different stores which keep baby items. Departmental stores have a good collection of cribs for babies in different price ranges suiting the budget of different customers. The history of baby crib dates back to the period in the older times where baby beds were made of draped fabric to give the baby comfort and warmth. Then came the cradles which helped to rock the babies to sleep. With the passing days, more innovative and improved cradles came in to existence. Old cradles of the past have now changed into comfortable and fashionable cribs.

While making a purchase of a baby crib, certain things to be kept in mind. One should only buy a crib if it meets the standard Government requirement to ensure safety and security. The appropriate crib should be firm and should have a tight fitting mattress. An ideal crib frame should be at least 27 ¾ inches wide and 51 ¾ inches long. Another technical feature of an ideal baby crib is that it should be at a maximum height of 1/16” while the slats should be 2 3/8 inches away from each other at the max. Again another important feature of a baby crib should be presence of adjustable mattresses. When a baby is sleeping he or she should be placed on a high mattress. However a baby who can pull up should be laid on a lower height.

Everyone should be very particular while choosing a baby crib for their little one. This is essential because the crib is the place where a baby can be left alone for a short period of time.

Understanding your market is critical. As early as possible, before you launch your business, I encourage you to survey moms in your area to learn about their values, buying habits, and infant feeding rituals. An easy way to do this is to use an online survey tool (there are dozens out there) to create your survey. Then send an email to all the moms you know, post a notice on a local mommy message board, or send an email to an online Yahoo! Groups community that is targeted to parents.

Not only will this help you learn about your target market but it will give you valuable data that you can use when discussing your business with the local media.

Here are some of the questions and answer options that we used for the first Sprouts Baby Food survey years ago.

How old is your baby?

Which of the following best describes you?

Stay-at-home mom

Working mom

If you are a working mom, which of the following best describes your childcare support?

n/a

in-home childcare/nanny

daycare center

family member

Are you concerned about food allergies?

Yes

No

Does your baby have any food allergies?

Yes

No

FEEDING YOUR BABY

Did you breastfeed your baby?

Yes

No

How long did/do you plan to breast feed your baby?

0-3 months

4-6 months

7-9 months

10-12 months

13-18 months

19-24 months

2+ years

How old was your baby when you began feeding him/her solid foods?

3 months

4 months

5 months

6 months

7 months

8 months

9 months

10 months

11 months

12 months

Older

Why did you begin your baby on solids?

Advice from doctor

Advice from book

Advise from website/web forum

Advice from family member

Advice from another mom

Baby seemed ready

Other

Which of the following is most often your source for feeding and childcare information?

doctor

book

website/web forum

family member

other moms

Did your doctor give you enough information to help you feel confident about making feeding decisions for your baby?

Yes

No

What is the most frustrating thing about introducing new foods to your baby?

WHAT YOU FEED YOUR BABY

Which best describes the food that you most frequently give your baby?

Home-made baby food

Traditional store-bought baby food (jarred)

Organic store-bought baby food (jarred)

Organic store-bought baby food (frozen)

Pureed table foods

Catered baby food (such as Sprouts)

Do you regularly give your baby formula?

Yes

No

Never

Which of the following baby food brands do you most frequently use (please check all that apply).

n/a ‘ I don’t give my baby commercial baby food

Gerber Baby Food

Heinz Baby Food

Beech Nut Baby Food

Earth’s Best

Gerber Organic

Organic Baby

Homemade Baby

Bohemian Baby

Happy Baby

TotPots

Mom Made

Evie’s Organic Edibles

Plum Organics

Healthy Times

Bright Beginnings

If you DO NOT make your own baby food, please give us the reasons why. (check all that apply)

n/a ‘ I make my own baby food.

I think store-bought food is as good as what I could make at home.

I would like to make my own baby food but I don’t have the time.

If you DO make your own baby food, please give us the reasons why. (check all that apply)

I think that fresh is the best.

I like to choose my own ingredients.

I think that store-bought baby food contains a lot of sugars, starches, and fillers.

I don’t like that store-bought food is made to sit on store shelves for 2+ years.

Store-bought food lacks variety.

Is price a factor when feeding your baby?

No ‘ I want the best for my baby, no matter what the cost.

Not really ‘ I’ll pay more for better quality foods.

Kind of ‘ It depends. Sometimes.

Yes ‘ We are on a budget and can’t afford to spend a great deal of baby food.

Yes ‘ I just don’t believe in paying a lot for baby food.

Do you read the ingredient labels on baby food in the store?

n/a ‘ I make my own baby food.

No

Yes, always

Yes, but only for baby food

If yes, what are you looking for on the labels?

On average, how much do you pay for baby food (per jar)?

$.10 – $.49

$.50 – $.99

$1.00 – $1.49

$1.50 – $1.99

$2.00 – $2.49

$2.50 – $2.99

$3.00 ‘ more

How much would you pay for quality, freshly-made, organic baby food?

$.10 – $.49

$.50 – $.99

$1.00 – $1.49

$1.50 – $1.99

$2.00 – $2.49

$2.50 – $2.99

$3.00 ‘ more

On average, how many jars of baby food do you purchase each week?

0-5

6-10

11-15

16-20

21-25

More

RESTURANTS

Before having a baby, how many times did you eat out per month?

3-5 times per month

1-2 times per month

Once every 2 months

Other

After having a baby, how many times do you eat out per month?

3-5 times per month

1-2 times per month

Once every 2 months

Other

Since having a baby, is “kid friendliness” (kid menu, high chars, toys, etc. ) a key factor when choosing a restaurant?

Yes

No

Would you be more likely to frequent a good restaurant that had healthy, organic menu selections for your baby?

Yes

No

When dining out at a restaurant do you…..?

Bring baby food along

Feed the baby off of your plate (mashing something up)

Order something off the menu for the baby (then mash it up)

Other

Additional comments on dining out with your baby.

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baby food blogs (1)

Surprise Baby Shower – Surprise baby showers can be fun if they are the Mommy-to-Be typically enjoys such events (All About Baby Showers). If you are thinking of hosting a surprise baby shower, you must have the help of those close to the Mommy-to-Be to determine her needs and wants for the baby. The guest list will also need to be planned very carefully, checking it with a close relative or friend to ensure you haven’t left anyone out close to the Mommy-to-Be. Although the surprise baby shower is not traditional, sometimes it is nice for a second baby shower (if the Mommy-to-Be is going to have a second) to throw a surprise baby shower.

Keep in mind that surprise baby showers can be stressful for the Mommy-to-Be as well as the planners, since you need to en sure you invite the right people without asking, and pick an available time when the Mommy-to-Be and family will be around. Usually surprise baby shower is not the first baby shower, but if there are going to be multiple showers then this can be fun! No matter whether the baby shower is a surprise or not, keep in mind that it is for the mom!

A non-surprise baby shower is a safer bet, since it gives you a chance to review the guest list with the Mommy-to-Be and also allows the Mommy-to-Be to register for gifts and let the host know if there is anything particular needed for the baby. Regardless of whether the baby shower is a surprise or not, remember it is for the Mommy-to-Be! Make sure she has a comfy chair to sit in, someone to hand her gifts, her favorite food and plenty of help getting the gifts to her car and into her home. It’s her special day!

Couples Baby Shower – Baby showers have always tended to be for women, with women and about women, but times are changing. Fathers are now taking a more active role in planning for the new baby and might feel left out in the baby shower party celebrations. If you are considering a Couples Baby Shower Invitations the big consideration is to make the men feel welcome and comfortable.

You should limit the cutesy baby shower decorations for the couples baby shower, and the food shouldn’t be all dainty either. You might consider a BBQ, giant sub sandwiches, pizza or a deli style buffet. Since you are all there to have a good time, structure is much less important. You will want to have nametags with the relationship to the parents-to-be if you are mixing people who know each other with those who don’t, and make sure you have a large, special name tag for the Mommy-to-Be.

There are also appropriate gifts for the Daddy-to-Be like a “coach” t-shirt, so don’t forget about him. Baby Shower favors can be given, but give something that would be appreciated by the couple, like candles and food items which are always a good choice. Other ideas are to make cookies with baby themed cookie cutters, then frost them with the baby’s name (if known) or a question mark and the couple’s last name. You could wrap the cookies in cellophane and put them next to a cute baking favor like the baby shower rolling pin recipe cardholder. You could even put a recipe for the cookies behind the card that’s included with the favor! (What man does not love cookies!)

Couples baby shower games should be funny and easy for all guests. You can take the couples first names and determine how many baby names can be derived from the letters. A prize can be given for the funniest name and the most names devised. Always a great game is to fill baby bottles with a favorite beverage and see who can empty the bottle first. Have all of the couple baby shower guests bring their baby pictures, number them and see who can guess the most correctly.

The couples baby shower prizes should be something silly, like Nerf basketball sets or Frisbees. Don’t forget to take plenty of pictures and put someone in charge of videotaping so that the pictures and video tapes can be given to the new parents. Couples baby showers can be a great way to combine a baby shower celebration and an evening out with friends. When sending the couples baby shower invitations, be sure and indicate that it is a baby shower for couples.

Baby Showers for the second . . . or More child – Although baby showers have traditionally been for first time parents, it is becoming more common for family, friends or co-workers to have a baby shower for the second child, third child or beyond. It’s wonderful to hold babyshowers for second and third babies, since they deserve special recognition too! Parents will appreciate new clothes for the baby, particularly if they are having a different gender child from their other children.

Baby shower gifts of time are also very welcome! New moms will appreciate your assistance with household chores, a gift of babysitting or some home-cooked meals brought to her house. It’s also a great idea to give something to the parents for themselves, like tickets to a movie, a gift certificate for dinner at a restaurant or items mom can use to pamper herself, like body lotion, candles, pretty soaps or maybe even a good book of short stories. When planning these type baby showers, the safest route to take is to ask the expectant parents what items they have and what they need. When sending the Baby Shower Invitations be sure and indicate that it is a second, third, fourth child babyshower.

Baby Showers for Single Moms – Baby Showers for single moms are perfectly acceptable and always a good idea. Single moms will need extra support, and a baby shower will allow her family friends to show their support. Here, gifts of your time and energy will be ideal and appreciated.

Welcome Home Baby Shower – A welcome home baby shower is an “after the fact” baby shower of the little one being born! This baby shower is not your traditional party or baby shower, but a great way for people who could not attend the baby shower to join in the fun. The biggest drawback to a welcome home baby shower is that the new parents are usually overwhelmed with the new baby and usually want some time alone.

The welcome home baby showers are mostly held a month or two after the baby is born to give the parents time to adjust. The nice thing about welcome home baby showers is that the Mommy-to-Be can tell her host and guests what she still needs for the baby, so it is a great way for her to get all the essentials she still does not have for the new baby. When you send custom welcome home baby shower invitations, be sure to indicate that it is a welcome home baby shower. And don’t forget your matching welcome home baby shower thank you cards with the same theme as your welcome home baby shower cards.

You can view lot of printable Baby Shower Announcements, popular Baby Shower Invitations and printed Baby Shower Cards, add your personal message, along with your favorite fonts, ink color and then Preview your personalized baby card. This process allows you to see your baby card before you buy!

Once we get over the excitement of knowing a baby is on the way, we have to come down to earth and start making preparations for baby’s arrival. Most of us will have a checklist of to do things such as shopping for baby’s essentials etc. I think that one of the most important aspects of preparation is deciding who is going to look after your newborn baby. What are your options?

Looking after your baby yourself

Some questions you and your husband may have to consider

• Can you make do with one income?

• Can you work part time or work from home?

• Do you have the mindset to spend 24 hours a day with your baby?

• If this is your first baby, do you have any support with caring for your baby? This includes physical, emotional and psychological support as it is not always easy looking after a newborn baby.

If you answer yes to all the questions above than you will make a good stay at home mum. If you cannot answer yes to all the questions or after a few months of staying at home with your baby, you decide that you want to go back to work, than you will have to consider other child care options for your baby. The options for child care facilities are slightly different in Asian countries compared to Western societies

Sending baby to grandma

This may be ideal if grandma lives nearby. However many grandmas live in another town or state which means that you will only get to see your baby once a week at weekends or an even longer period if the distance is too far. I have seen many cases where the baby does not know his parents at age 1 year. If grandma is a bit elderly she may not know how to properly stimulate your baby and there is also the possibility that grandma will spoil your baby. I have children who come to my centre after spending months with grand parents who carry them all day long that they do not know how to sit or crawl at the age of 10 months. They are very clinging and refuse to be left alone except when they are sleeping. If your parents are looking after your baby do make sure that you encourage them to allow your baby to learn normal developmental activities like rolling over, crawling and exploring their environment.

Having a care giver in your home

For many parents this arrangement is very appealing as your baby will be in familiar and comfortable surroundings. You do not have to spend time sending and collecting your baby from an outside caretaker. Your baby gets one on one care and would be exposed to fewer people and germs. Your care giver may do some light housework while your baby naps which would allow you to spend quality time with your baby when you come home. In the past, it was easy to get a local mature lady to live-in as amahs but nowadays it is getting more and more difficult to do this and it is quite expensive to employ local amahs or nannies. Nowadays, many parents in Malaysia and Singapore employ foreign maids to care for their baby. I have a suspicious nature when it comes to leaving newborn babies with foreign maids who may decide to run away leaving your baby at home alone, or worse, taking your baby with her. In addition, most foreign maids do not have any experience in looking after a newborn baby. Do remember that the first 2 years of your baby’s life is eventful as he will be more prone to fever associated with immunizations, teething etc. This is also a time when he is learning a lot and if the maid cannot provide the right stimulation your baby’s development will be slightly slower.

Day care in someone else’s home

Many first-time parents choose this type of care because they believe it’s important for their child to interact with other children as well as at least one adult during the day. Normally, this type of care is provided by housewives (baby sitter) who have had children of their own so they have experience with caring for small children. Some provide a one on one care but the majority will have at least another 3 to 4 children to care for. If you are lucky you may find a fantastic baby sitter who will provide your baby with the best physical and developmental care. I find the vast majority of these baby sitters provide quite good physical care but do not know how to provide adequate stimulation for the baby’s development. Most of the babies end up watching Chinese soap operas all the time. If you send your baby to this type of baby sitters please make sure that you also provide some developmental media for your baby such as educational toys, books with pictures and educational videos so that he learns through music and singing. Some parents will only take the baby home on weekends and I personally disagree with this arrangement as I feel very strongly that you must spend some quality time every night in your own home with your baby. This will help your baby to build trust in you and for you to know everything about your own baby.

A day care center

Choosing the proper day care center for your child should be a carefully thought out and researched process. It is important to choose a center that helps your child grow and develop his skills while also having fun. There are several advantages to having your child in a daycare center. Good centers have a mix of activities that will teach different skills. Activities that lead to creativity, storytelling, dancing and singing all help your baby learn instead of just playing all day. Children also get to socialize and interact with other children which they wouldn’t get to do if they were at home with a nanny.

A few disadvantages are that the children do not have the one-on-one attention they would get if they were at home with a parent or nanny. The children are also more likely to be exposed to more germs from all the other children. The upside of this is that the children start to build their immunity earlier. While centers are usually very structured and have clear rules for parents to follow such as those regarding picking up your child, a disadvantage is that you could incur fees for picking up your child late, having to find a place for your child on holidays, or finding someone to care for your child if he or she becomes sick from a highly contagious illness and is sent home by the center.

As an operator of a child day care centre I recommend that you MUST check out the centre before you send your baby there.

• Check out the centre when there are other children around. This will let you see how the children are looked after and whether they are happy, outgoing or shy and withdrawn and how they respond to the staff members.

• Take your baby to the centre because babies are very sensitive to their environment. If you enter and your baby starts crying then the place is not for your baby. Let your baby spend some time looking around and see how he reacts to the staff members and the environment.

• Check whether it is a safe clean facility. All the areas should be clean, well lit and ventilated. There should be policies on staff hygiene and cleanliness such as hand washing, cleanliness of feeding equipment and disposal of rubbish.

• Does the centre have an open door policy i.e. do they allow unannounced visits? If they do not have this policy, they may be hiding something.

• What is the staff to baby ratio? Newborn babies require extra time compared to bigger children so the ideal ratio is 1 to 3.

• Does the centre have any daily programme to help your baby’s development?

• Any other personal questions of your own.

Whichever option you choose, the most important thing to consider is the safety, wellness and happiness of your baby and the least stress to you the parents

The first step to planning and hosting successful baby showers is to prepare the guest list, All About Baby Showers. Creating the initial baby shower guest list will assist in determining how many people will be invited to the baby shower. The number of guests invited to the baby shower is usually the biggest factor in developing your baby shower budget. It’s always a good idea to determine if the Mommy-to-Be is going to have other baby showers given by her family member or friends. Talk to the Mommy-to-Be’s family members and friends about the other baby shower dates and baby shower invitation list. Other than her immediate family members, there is no need to invite people that are attending the Mommy-to-Be’s other baby showers unless you want to. Make sure you have current addresses and phone numbers for everyone. This will allow you to use the baby shower guest list to keep track of RSVPs. Plus you can give it to the Mommy-to-Be so she will have everyone’s correct address to send personalized baby shower thank you cards.

The baby shower hostess is likely have some idea of those the Mommy-to-Be wants to invite to the baby shower, but it is always a safe bet to run the guest list by the Mommy-to-Be to ensure no one has been left off the list. If the baby shower is not for a first born, you might want to invite only those close to the Mommy-to-Be or those who have not attended previous baby showers.

Here’s a quick summary of things to remember when preparing the baby shower guests list:

a. Check with the Mommy-to-Be’s for the guest list as to who should be sent baby shower invitations

b. Ensure there are no schedule conflicts with the significant people attending, like Mommy-to-Be, her mom, her husband, if it is a couples baby shower and best friends

c. Give the baby shower invited guests enough time to purchase baby shower gifts. Custom and personalized baby shower invitations should be mailed four to six weeks before the date of the baby shower

d. The printed baby shower invitations announcements cards should include the name of the Mommy-to-Be, host, location, date, directions, phone number for emergencies, RSVP, where the Mommy-to-Be is registered, theme of the baby shower and any other pertinent information

Although guests can be invited to the baby shower by phone or e-mail, sending personalized baby shower invitations is still the most preferred way to invite the baby shower guests. Customized baby shower invitations are a great way to set the theme for the baby shower and also a reminder for the guests to keep on their bulletin board or refrigerator door. You can purchase printed baby shower invitations announcements cards and get the baby shower invitations exactly like you want with all your personal information.

When personalizing your printable baby shower invitations, be sure and include all the pertinent information: (a) Name of Mommy-to-Be and hostess; (b) Location; (c) Date and time; (d) Directions; (e) Phone Number in case of emergency; (f) RSVP; (g) Where the Mommy-to-Be is registered and (h) Theme for Baby Shower

Invite Men or Not to Invite Men to the Baby Shower – Inviting men to the baby shower depends on the type of baby shower you are planning. Guys likely will not be interested in playing traditional baby shower games and eating cutesy foods while ooohing and aaahing over a Mommy-to-Be’s tummy! Having said that, a babyshower can be a special event for Daddy-to-Be’s as well as Mommy-to-Be if they’re organized with women and men in mind.

If the baby shower party is not a surprise, be sure to check with the Mommy-to-Be as to whether the Daddy-to-Be (and his friends) would enjoy a baby shower celebration. If baby shower games are planned at your babyshower, be sure to make them “men friendly.” Have plenty of food available for your male guests. And, it would be a nice touch to include gifts that are special for the Daddy-to-Be like, an “I love my daddy” bib for the baby, a book on fathers and children or maybe a frame Dad can take to the office to display a new picture of his baby!

Do I invite a friend who recently miscarried or is dealing with infertility – In situations like these, you should err on the side of caution. Although your friend might not want to attend the baby shower because it would be too painful, she might feel even more hurt if she isn’t even invited to the baby shower. You might very discretely ask your friend if she would feel up to coming, and let her make the decision. Let her know that it is OK for her to decline the baby shower invitation if a baby shower will make her uncomfortable.

A Friend who recently Miscarried or is dealing with Infertility – In deciding whether to invite a friend who recently had a miscarriage or is dealing with infertility, it is usually better to err on the side of caution. While your friend may not want to attend the babyshower because it would be too painful, she may feel even more hurt if she isn’t invited at all. Gently ask your friend if she would feel up to coming. Assure her that it is ok for her to decline the baby shower invitation if a baby shower is just too difficult for her.

You can view lot of printable Baby Shower Announcements, Baby Shower Invitations and Baby Shower Cards, add your personal message, along with your favorite fonts, ink color and then Preview your personalized baby card. This process allows you to see your baby card before you buy!