Posted by TinyTotties on August 02 2012
"Back in the day" it was unheard of to throw your own baby shower. But that was then, and this is now! More and more expectant mothers have begun hosting their own baby showers for a variety of reasons, replacing old rules with fun events that celebrate baby-to-be.
If you’ve made the decision to host your own baby shower, here are a few tips for having a time you’ll remember forever.
Keep it casual: Instead of the traditional baby shower complete with silly games and formal rules, consider having a more casual get-together. Invite a small group of girls to a restaurant for dinner. Or have dinner at your place, where you can show off your nursery and relax in the comfort of your own home. Even better: make it a spa night!
Consider the guys: Many of today’s dads-to-be want to be part of the special day too. Throw a co-ed cookout or BBQ that reads more like a party than a baby shower. Keep it loose, with a minimum of organized activities (aside from the gift opening!), and have a blast! Another idea worth considering: it’s becoming increasingly popular for guys to have “diaper poker parties” where each player arrives with a pack of diapers as their entry into the game.
Make it a "meet the baby" party: Some new parents – especially those who have already had one child - opt out of the pre-baby showers and parties altogether and instead host a party after the baby is born. This gives friends and family a chance to meet your little bundle of joy, and often guests will call ahead to see what you still need for the baby. If you are concerned that it will be seen as tacky to throw your own shower before the baby is born, this might be a great option for you!
Whatever type of event you decide to have in celebration of your baby, be sure to relax and have fun!
Posted by TinyTotties on August 02 2012
A beach vacation typically brings fun and relaxation, free of stress and worries. Add a baby into the mix without preparation, and you can have the exact opposite result! These tried and true essentials can help you have a great and memorable time at the beach with your new baby.
Portable playpen: Playpens provide an elevated, sand-free space for your baby to enjoy the sights or take a nap. Lightweight and portable, some even come with wheels to allow for easy transport.
Umbrella or shade tent: You might enjoy basking in the sun all afternoon, but with a baby in the mix shade is essential. Bring a portable beach umbrella or shade tent so your baby can stay cool and play in the shade.
Fresh water bucket: After your baby has enjoyed the ocean and sand, he can be pretty grubby. Have a small, shallow tub or bucket on hand to fill with fresh water. A quick dip will clean away sand and surf, and make your baby ready for nap-time or snacks. Related tip: baby powder has been shown to remove extra sand too!
Clothing and accessories: It’s all about protection: Flip flops to protect feet from the hot sand, sunglasses to cut down on glare and hats to keep head and ears from burning. Put it together with a few cute outfit changes and you’re all set!
Toys: Make sure to have plenty on hand to keep your baby occupied and happy. Think beyond sand buckets and rakes (but bring those too!) and bring plenty of toys that are easy to clean up after sand-time is over.
Plastic bags: Bring one bag for trash like used diapers, wipes and snack packages, and another for wet swimsuits and towels.
Other essentials: sunscreen, snacks, swim diapers & wipes!
With a little extra planning, your baby’s first beach vacation can be as easy as the ocean breeze!
Posted by TinyTotties on August 01 2012
A fun and easy way to enhance the overall design of your baby’s nursery is through the creative use of color. Take some inspiration from this year’s hot colors:
Tangerine: Designers have taken a fancy to bold, fresh colors like tangerine (tangerine tango was predicted by Pantone to be 2012’s color of the year), and you can make this color your own! Since it’s bright, try incorporating this fabulous color into your baby’s nursery as an accent, using it on a bold painted border or accessories like pillows and lampshades. When paired with white, tangerine really pops and adds a cheery element to the nursery. Light blue is also a great complement to this fun color-of-the-moment.
Orange: A little less bold than tangerine, orange is the epitome of sunshine and adds a kick of color to any decor. Pair it with pink in a chic crib bedding combo matched with fun accents like lamps and rugs, or use it with white to add a crisp, fresh feel to your baby’s nursery. Surprisingly, orange works well with a variety of colors for both boys’ and girls’ nurseries. Try it with blue or green and see why this color is such a design superstar!
Muted Blue and Green: Shades of ocean-washed colors can set a peaceful, easy mood in your nursery. Surround your baby with the calm, muted hues of blue and green, which convey a vintage feel that is so popular right now.
Yellow: For a modern, soothing take on this popular nursery color, try a less intense tone (think hard-boiled egg yellow) and replace the typical white walls and accents with shades of grey. This scheme works well with both traditional and contemporary furnishings and design.
Here’s hoping you have a great time selecting the perfect color scheme for your baby’s nursery!