New babies need lots of things: diapers, wipes, strollers and highchairs. They need booties, blankets, sippy-cups, and piles of clothes. But of all the things they need, the onesie is the most indispensable. Onesies are truly God’s gift to new mothers. Anyone at a loss for what gift to bring to a baby shower, should consider buying a onesie as a gift.

A onesie is simply a tiny baby t-shirt cut long enough to fasten with a set of snaps at the crotch. The name comes from the fact that they are one piece, not two. They are usually made from soft cotton, like most undershirts, and come in hundreds of adorable colors and prints. What makes onesies so wonderful is their versatility. Babies can literally wear them all year long. In the summer, when it’s hot, a diaper and a onesie is all a baby needs. Baby is completely dressed, but her arms and legs are bare and cool. In the winter, the onesie makes the perfect undergarment with any outfit, keeping baby cozy and warm. They come with long sleeves, too, so simply adding a little pair of pants, makes a complete outfit. In a pinch, a onesie can also substitute for pajamas or a swim suit.

The other beautiful thing about onesies, is that they eliminate one layer of clothing. Newborn babies are so tiny and fragile. Sometimes they seem to simply swim in all the clothes we put on them. The onesie solves the problem… Read the rest

The easiest way to bathe a newborn that cannot hold its own head up yet is in a baby bathtub purchased at the store. Fill it about a quarter to half full with warm water. You don’t want it hot, luke warm is fine. Undress the baby once the tub is ready.

Set the baby down slowly and easily in the water, keeping one of your hands/arms under the baby’s head to support it and keep it above the water. Using your other hand, gently wash the baby with a very soft cloth and a small amount of baby soap if you like. Start with the feet and work your way up, washing the head last. Body heat is lost through the head quicker than anywhere else, so always do baby’s head last to prevent it from becoming chilled.

Once your baby has been washed and rinsed off, carefully lift it from the tub with both hands, and lay into a soft towel and pat the skin dry. Baby skin can be very delicate and soft, so don’t rub vigorously, soft patting works just fine. Using a lotion specially made for baby’s sensitive skin is a good idea to keep their skin soft and moisturized and prevent it from drying and becoming itchy. Dress the baby immediately, or swaddle tightly to keep warm!

You can find many baby bathing products in lavender scents especially for bedtime. Lavender is known to be a very calming and soothing scent for babies,… Read the rest

Most babies outgrow newborn clothing within the first month and are ready for 0-3 month sized clothes. Since they are still not doing much besides sleeping, their clothing will stay clean most of the time. This is a good size to buy used because it usually looks like new.

The next size is the one where you will start using more outfits. They will start eating solids and making messes, requiring clothing changes. As they get older, they will be more active, which will make it harder for you to get things done. One way to make things easier on you is by having extra outfits so that you don’t have to do laundry as often.

Listing clothing in your registry in older sizes is a practical way to get more clothes that you will need and use. There are some items that you will need more of such as nightwear and socks. Onesies are a popular baby item for most parents because they keep your baby warm and can be worn day or night. They can be worn alone in warm weather or under other clothes when it’s cold.

While it’s tempting to buy frilly dresses for girls and fancy outfits for boys, they are not practical and are often uncomfortable for the baby. Once they start trying to move around, that kind of clothing can hamper them. Save it for photos and choose comfortable clothes for every day.

Knowing how to find clothing for less money is… Read the rest

Finding Baby Coupons

Online: Since you are reading this, you have the ability to find many baby coupons on the internet and print them out in a matter of minutes. Bookmark the sites of the major coupon distributors and check back monthly for new baby coupons. One thing to note, with internet coupons, is that you can often print two coupons from each computer. If you find an excellent coupon, hit your browsers ‘back’ button and print it again. If you have multiple computers in your home, or office, print more from those computers.

Magazines & Newspapers: Sunday newspapers are an excellent source of coupons and nearly every week you’ll find coupons for some kind of baby product. You can buy newspapers or ask for the inserts at your local library, restaurants and from friends. Chances are, you are also reading one of any number of magazines geared towards parenting. You’ll find a few, often high value, coupons in each issue. If you aren’t a subscriber, you might be able to get complimentary copies from your doctor’s office or find free or cheap subscription rates online.

Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck with Baby Coupons

The best way to use baby coupons is to pair them with store sales. Great bargains can be had on diapers, formula, and bath soap at some of the major national drugstore chains. If you have some time, especially if you are expecting your first baby, invest some time in learning the ropes of… Read the rest

When preparing the crib that your baby will sleep in, there are many accessories available to soothe, amuse, and educate your child.

Many parents opt for musical mobiles for cribs to hang above their baby’s sleeping area. But what is the purpose of the mobile and does it add to the quality of your child’s crib? There are a few great reasons why the musical mobile can be an invaluable addition to any baby’s crib or bassinet.

Soothing:

The musical mobile is a crib accessory that may be incorporated into your child’s sleep ritual. Babies love to be talked to, read to, sung to, or gently patted as they fall asleep. This extra affection at nap or bedtime helps to soothe your baby to help them fall asleep faster and deeper. When a tired parent is too exhausted to sing or talk to their baby they can turn on the musical mobile for some extra assistance in creating this important ritual in falling asleep.

Additionally, watching the round and round motion of the mobile makes the baby sleepy. Playing this mobile at sleep time helps to create an ambiance of comfort and familiarity that is important in establishing healthy sleep patterns for your baby.

Learning through Baby Music:

Music is one of the sounds babies like. When shopping for a musical mobile, try to find one that has a tune that is pleasing to you as well as you will be listening to this tune hundreds, perhaps thousands, of… Read the rest

     Babies spend up to 18 hours a day sleeping, so choosing a good crib mattress ranks as one of the most important purchases a parent will make. A quality baby mattress may make the difference between a good night’s rest and a wakeful, uncomfortable night for both you and your baby. Comfort issues, however, pale in comparison to concerns about your child’s safety. Before purchasing a mattress, consider firmness, size and mattress components in order to provide a safe, comfortable sleep for your baby.

Buy a correctly sized mattress. If you can fit two fingers between the mattress and crib, the mattress is too small. Larger gaps present suffocation risks. Since most crib mattresses and cribs measure 51 5/8 inches by 27 1/4 inches, size shouldn’t present a problem unless you have a homemade crib.

Buy a firm mattress, whether you choose one with innerspring coils or a less expensive foam mattress. Both types will provide a safe sleeping environment for your child provided they are of good quality. Mattresses that are too soft may increase the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Squeeze a foam mattress to make sure it springs back quickly. Some parents prefer foam because it weighs less and makes bed changing easier. If you do opt for innerspring coils, note that Consumer Reports recommends mattresses with 135 to 150 coils and a wire gauge of 15.5 or lower.

Some parents opt for mattresses made of organic materials, often wool… Read the rest

For many years, a rocking chair for a baby has been a common sight in a nursery. Not surprisingly, a lot of new moms spend time and effort trying to find the perfect rocking chair to place in the nursery. Rocking chairs are constructed out of various types of wood and they come in a variety of colors. Some rocking chairs feature intricate design work while others are plainer in appearance. A rocking chair for a baby can complement the décor of a nursery and even reflect a little of a mother’s personality. Undoubtedly, a rocking chair is an attractive furniture item in a nursery, but it also serves a new mom and her child in other ways.

First, a rocking chair for a baby room is an ideal place for mom and baby to bond. For example, a mom may sit in the rocking chair when she goes in to feed the baby during the night. The gentle movement of the rocking chair can soothe the baby and help him or her to focus on mom. Also, a mother is able to look into the eyes of her baby and whisper to them. After feeding, mom and baby can relax in the rocking chair while listening to soft music. On some evenings, a mom may want to share a favorite book with her baby while sitting in the rocking chair. In short, a rocking chair in a baby nursery is a comfortable setting where mom and baby can… Read the rest

A diaper changing table is a must-have for new mothers. It is essential for mothers to choose a baby changing table that will keep your baby from falling. Having supplies within arm’s reach is handy, too. When changing a baby’s diaper, the most important consideration is the baby’s safety, but you’ll want to take your own comfort into account as well. Babies go through 2,000 diapers in the first year of their life, and if baby changing areas are at the wrong height, that can put a strain on your back and knees.

The best baby changing areas are tables that have barriers on all four sides and a safety strap, to ensure your baby won’t suffer an injury from falling. Never assume your baby is too young to wriggle off the table. Even with older babies, some simply resist having their diapers changed. A security belt offers a measure of protection, although you should never step away from the baby changing table, even for a moment.

The most convenient tables are those that have shelves, baskets or drawers where you can store diapers, wipes and ointments. Make sure the changing pad protects against wetness – most pads have vinyl covers that can be wiped clean with soap and water. You may wish to purchase an additional cover for your baby’s comfort, one made of a washable fabric like cotton or terry-cloth. Eco-conscious moms can find covers made with organic cotton.

For your own comfort, choose a table that… Read the rest

It doesn’t take long for parents to discover that new babies need a long list of basic items. Along with blankets, diapers, toys, and clothing a baby needs a place to sleep. Babies, especially newborns, sleep a great deal of the time so sleeping accommodations are important. There are a few options for new moms to consider when it comes to where a baby sleeps.

Many new mothers enjoy having a cradle for the baby to nap in. Baby cradles are found in stores that specialize in baby furniture or in a department store that carries baby beds. Baby cradles are usually a little smaller than a full size crib. Some cradles rock gently to calm a baby and help him or her to fall asleep. Many moms place a cradle in a living room or other quiet area where they can see the baby as he or she takes a nap. Furthermore, most cradles can be moved fairly easily to different locations in a home. In short, a cradle is an ideal place for a baby to enjoy a nap during the day.

A baby bassinet is another option for a baby’s sleep time. Many mothers enjoy the elegant appearance of a bassinet. Many bassinets have skirting as well as a canopy with matching colors and fabric. Like cradles, some bassinets can be rocked gently as the baby sleeps inside. Other bassinets have wheels on them to help parents make a baby comfortable during a stay… Read the rest