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Baby: Baby Shower – the Welcoming Committee on Board

Finding out your pregnant is the best news of all. Well, second to hearing the grand proposal of a lifetime. After a successful wedding ceremony, hearing that your love has borne fruit is the icing on the cake. For first time expecting mothers, it is a difficult and herculean task to search and look for all the right stuff and equipment the baby will need. Moms-to-be need to list down all the things the baby would need at the soonest possible time so that little by little, each item can already be purchased and readied for the baby’s arrival. But there is another easy way to almost have it all, without getting too much headache over it. The solution is to hold a baby shower party! The only headache mom-to-be would have is the menu she would have to prepare on that day and that is easier for her.

Now the burden of searching and looking for baby stuff is passed on to the invitees. But another concern is raised. How will the baby shower go about? The best answer there is, is to have a theme that would guide the flow of the baby shower. There are several ways of choosing and deciding on a theme. Do you want it to be based on color? In case you already know the gender of the baby, pink or blue is used to universally represent a baby girl or a baby boy. Or baby items such as a pacifier or a baby bottle? How about character-themed baby shower such as the Sesame Street, Power Puff Girls, Dexter’s Laboratory or the Looney Tunes? It could also be a time-of-the-day baby shower whereby each invitee is tasked to bring something the baby would need or use during that time of the day.

From ‘best-baby-gift-guide’, it suggests wonderful baby shower gift ideas such as a baby gift basket, a layette gift set, vital baby equipment, beautiful baby linen, a baby massage set, or a baby gift certificate. Each gift idea is unique. For the baby gift basket, some ideas they suggest is to create your own baby gift basket or go for the classical clothing baby gift basket where you can never go wrong. You can also go for monogrammed baby gift baskets, fun baby basket, mother and baby basket, gift basket for twins, or a pampering baby gift basket. They also have different suggestions for baby girl and baby boys. For the complete descriptions for each item, just visit their website and read on to find fantastic baby gift ideas.

Once the baby shower is finished, take stock of what is already there and not. For those items still missing from your list, make the necessary arrangements to have it readily available once the baby arrives.

Just some last few tips for a successful baby shower: hold it four to six weeks before the due date, establish a theme, write down the guest list, set the tone and size of the baby shower, plan the games, plan the menu, create baby shower party favors, and last but not the least, set the time and location, if it will not be held in your residence. Remember, baby showers are a fun way to welcome the baby that would be coming soon enough.

Parenting, Breastfeeding, Mother, Formulas, Baby Feeding

Formulas:

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies under 12 months of age should be fed either breastmilk or infant formula. No other type of milk provides all of the nutrients in the right amounts to support optimal growth. Formula companies use human milk as a standard and produce a product, usually based on cows’ milk, which contains proteins, fats and carbohydrates in a proportion that is close to human milk. Then they add vitamins, minerals and other ingredients to bring the final product as close to human milk as possible. As ongoing research reveals factors in mothers’ milk that were previously not known, the drug companies that manufacture infant formula add them, and advertise the product as being “new” or “improved.” Some recent additions are ARA and DHA. Read labels carefully to know what is in the brand you purchase. When you choose a formula for your baby, it is usually best to start with one that is milk-based, since these are tolerated by most babies and are lower in cost than the specialized formulas. If your baby does not tolerate his formula, consult your pediatrician about which one to try next. While soy based formulas contain all of the nutrients needed to sustain growth, they also contain phytoestrogens that may affect a baby’s growth and development, and they hinder the absorption of zinc and calcium. According to an FDA paper, the AAP states “Healthy full-term infants should be given soy formula only when medically necessary.” (http://www.fda.gov/Fdac/features/596_baby.html) Specialized formulas for allergic babies are more expensive, and should be used on the recommendation of a pediatrician.

Bottles:

If your formula feed your baby, you will need bottles, nipples (teats), and a bottle brush for effective cleaning. There are many types and styles of bottles available, and what you choose depends upon your preference.

Bottles with disposable liners are fairly easy to use and easy to clean, but they are more expensive than other types because the liners have to be purchased throughout the months that your baby uses a bottle. Plastic bottles are lightweight, and most are easy to clean with hot soapy water and a brush. In recent months, news articles have warned about possible dangers from the leaching of a chemical called bisphenol A or BPA into milk from the plastic when bottles are heated, and also from the linings of the can the formula comes in. Although the FDA states that plastic bottles do not present a hazard to babies, you might want to research the different brands to see which are considered safer before purchasing bottles for your baby. A google search turned up lists of brands which are BPA free.

Different babies do better with different types of nipples. You should choose those with a slow flow at first, especially for a very young baby. If the milk flows too fast the baby may choke, or take in too much air. Be sure to replace nipples that become worn so that they do not break during a feeding. At times a baby who is teething may chew on the nipple and cause tiny pieces to come off, so inspect them on a regular basis.

Formula Preparation:

Infant formula comes in three forms: ready to feed, concentrate, and powder. Ready to feed formula is the easiest to use. It can be stored at room temperature until the can is opened, and is fed to the baby directly as it comes from the can. It is, however, expensive compared to the other types. Both other forms of formula must be mixed with water before feeding. It is very important to read the directions on the can to be sure that you add exactly the right amount of water so that the milk the baby receives is neither too dilute (which could lead to malnutrition) nor too concentrated (which could be hard on the baby’s kidneys). Some pediatricians (and the World Health Organization) recommend boiling all water prior to using it for a baby. Other doctors feel that it is OK to use water directly from the tap as long as it has been proven safe for drinking. If you are not sure, ask your pediatrician. Powdered formula is not sterile, and in recent months, reports have warned about the potential contamination of some such formulas with Enterobacter sakazakii, a bacteria that can cause infections in all ages, but newborns (under 1 month of age) and premature babies are at greatest risk. The World Health Organization recommends that formula given to these infants be ready to feed, or concentrate. If powdered formula must be used for a newborn, it should be prepared with boiling water or heated almost to boiling, then cooled before feeding to kill the bacteria if it is present. Once it is prepared, the formula should be refrigerated or kept cold with ice packs until the baby is fed. Discard any unused milk left in the bottle after feeding, since bacteria multiply quickly in warmed milk. Heating baby bottles in the microwave is not recommended because “hot spots” that can scald a baby may occur. If you do use a microwave, be sure to shake the bottle thoroughly to mix the formula completely. (Never microwave expressed breastmilk because that would kill some of the living cells that protect the baby from illness.)

Feeding the Baby:

Feeding time is very important in terms of your baby’s emotional and social well-being. You should always hold your baby in your arms when giving him a bottle, and cuddle him close. This is a good time to talk to your baby, look into his eyes, and watch him smile and interact with you. His head should be slightly elevated because most bottle nipples flow fast enough to choke a baby who is lying flat when he swallows. When feeding a newborn, stop and try to burp the baby every ounce or so. As baby grows, he can take in larger amounts without burping. Ask your pediatrician how much formula to feed your baby. Don’t force him to finish a bottle if he stops drinking and acts full. Most babies know how much they need, and overfeeding can predispose him to obesity later on. Never prop a bottle because of the danger of choking, and don’t put your baby to bed with a bottle. Milk that remains on his teeth during the night will promote tooth decay.

However your baby is fed, feeding time should be very comfortable and enjoyable for both of you.

Top Baby Gift Baskets For The Newest Member Of The Family

Baby gift baskets are a great way to congratulate the parents, whether it be their 5th child or their first, and, of course, to welcome the newborn into the big world. Baby gift baskets have come a long way since about twenty years ago. Big companies have come out with all sorts of different-themed gift baskets that are practical and convenient. Here are some of the most popular baby gift baskets:

All Star Baby Boy Gift Basket

This is one of those classic baby gift baskets for little boys, complete with an adorable puppy and sports-themed layette items – the works. The gift basket is wrapped in tulle with ribbons, and includes Baby’s First Puppy, Sports Booties, Sports Onesie, Sports T-shirt, All Star Bib, 3 Wash Cloths, Cotton Hat, All Star Wrist Rattles, Sports Pants, and your choice of Sports Frame.

Baby Einstein On The Farm Gift Basket

This lovely basket isn’t actually a basket, but a cool little wagon stuffed with fun farm friends. Entertain your baby with the Baby McDonald on the Farm DVD and Playtime Music CD and introduce her to the wonderful sounds that animals make with the nesting puzzle. The basket also includes a Radio Flyer Wagon, Assorted Farm Plush, Plush Cow, Baby Einstein Musical Pop-Up Book, Duck Terry Hooded Towel, Large Farm Bib, and Baby Einstein Farm Teether Book.

Baby Einstein Space Adventure Gift Basket

Although, it’s not really a basket, this is ‘The Basket’ to give if you want the baby to earn a love for learning. There will be no dull moments with the Radio Flyer Rocket – and the stuff that come with it. The rocket alone will keep the baby entertained with flashing lights and cool astronaut sounds.

Older siblings can also share with the Baby Einstein educational toys. There’s a Jane Expedition Baby Einstein Board Book, a Baby Einstein World Traveler Toy, a cute Baby Einstein Puppet, and Baby Galileo Music CD which features classical music by Chopin, Mozart, and Tchaikovsky, and Baby Galileo Discovering the Sky DVD which introduces your baby and your toddlers to the world of the sun, moon, stars, and clouds.

Baby Einstein Touch and Discover Deluxe Gift Basket

This is one of those baby gift baskets you give out if you want to make a lasting impression on your recipient. This impressive set is complete with all the Baby Einstein products to guide the baby’s journey of discovery – Touch & Discover Giant Board Book, Nature Discovery Cards, Baby Einstein Animal Discovery Washmitt, Baby’s First Moves DVD, Baby Einstein Link Set, Baby Einstein Touch & Feel Rattle, Baby Einstein Plush Caterpillar Ring Rattle, and Baby Newton Touch and Discover Palstuffed into a classic keepsake tin bucket.

Fattamano Baby Gift Basket

Baby gift baskets by this brand is a favorite among celebrities so it might come a little expensive. But the luxurious, plush products are sure to excite the mom and are all worth the price. Everything is imported from Germany and is made from 100% cotton faux shearling. You get a super soft Fattamano blanket, booties, jacket, hat, a plush teddy bear, sepia roses photo frame, stuffed in a fresh hatbox that can be used as a keepsake box for the babies’ belongings.