Bathing your baby

Bathing your baby Make bath time enjoyable for your baby by being safe, prepared, and nurturing. Babies love the feel of water (lots of splashing!) and the feel of skin-to-skin touch. Speak to your baby in soft, happy tones to make him feel relaxed and comfortable. Safety Reminders In the first few days, newborns should be sponge-bathed. Sit your baby on a soft towel and wipe your baby with warm...

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Traditional Baby Shower Gifts

Cathy Cripps

TRADITIONAL GIFTS In this section, you will find some of the more traditional gifts. Keep in mind that you can alter any one of these to be more creative or personal.

Gift Baskets

Gift baskets are something you can buy or make. If you want to save a little money, purchase a nice, inexpensive basket from Wal-Mart, Target, Kmart, or other retail chains and then fill it with items like baby powder, lotion, diaper cream, washcloths, bibs, sleepers, bottles, teething ring, pacifiers, and so on.

For a nice, added touch, purchase a second basket for the parents. In this basket, add some crackers and cheese with sparkling grape juice, Godiva chocolates, bubble bath, gourmet coffee, homemade cookies or muffins, two movie tickets, and so on.

Knitting

Beautifully, hand knitted blankets, bonnets, jackets, and other gifts are always a welcomed gift. With this type of baby gift, it is apparent that the person put tremendous time and effort into making something special, something warm and cherished.

Shoe Bronzing

This continues to be a cherished tradition. Bronzed shoes could be given as a certificate for the couple to have done after the birth of the baby or this makes an excellent gift for adopted babies.

Today, more than 14 million baby shoes have been bronzed. While only shoes were bronzed at one time, today other baby items can be bronzed to include stuffed animals, pacifiers, baby bottles, etc.

First Tooth Holder

A timeless, silver-plated first tooth holder is something the soon-to-be parents would love. These holders can be engraved with the baby’s initials or name and some have a nice Plexiglas hinged lid to protect the precious tooth.

An alternative to this is the “First Curl” holder for the baby’s first haircut, as seen in the photograph to the right. Picture Frames

Couples always love cute picture frames, perfect for showing off the newest member of the family. You will find every design imaginable such as a pewter frame with a Noah’s Ark motif, ceramic frames with tiny bunnies or ducks, crystal frames, etc. With this type of gift, the theme of the nursery can be matched perfectly.

“Piggy” Bank

Although you could stay with tradition and go with a little piggy like the one shown, baby banks are available in all shapes, sizes, and designs. Something made from pewter or silver looks beautiful and will last for years, making it the perfect keepsake.

The opportunities for gifts are endless. The main thing is to think about what the parents will need for their newborn baby. Babies go through tons of diapers, crib sheets, bibs, sleepers, and socks so you would always be safe with any of these items.

About the author: Cathy is the Owner of Baby Shower Moments and the author of Baby Shower Moments A to Z Guide. If you are looking for traditional baby shower ideas pay Cathy a visit.


Bathing a Slippery Baby

I have a certain way I like to bathe my babies. I put out a quilt I made and then set the tub, complete with cloth covered baby propping tool on it. Then I set out a baby towel next to that on the right and on the left I have a tub of baby appropriate warmed water, scooping cup, baby bath and two washcloths. Some may think this is overdoing it but it becomes a nice bonding time for the babies and I. I take my time and they like the warm water. Of course this is easier for the baby over 2 months than the newborn. I don't think the newborns take too kindly to my stripping them down and then propping...

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Hearty Homemade Soups for Babies and Toddlers

Hearty soups make great meals for babies and toddlers. These soups combine meat and vegetables into one easy meal, they are inexpensive to make, and they freeze well for later meals. Beef Stew 1 3 c. flour 1 1 2 lb. stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes 2 tbsp. vegetable oil 3 c. water 4 medium potatoes 3 medium carrots Coat meat with flour and brown in oil. Place all ingredients in crock pot and cook on low all day. Other vegetables like green beans or peas can also be added. Split Pea Soup 3 c. split peas, rinsed 1 c. ham, cut into small cubes 1 medium carrot, cut into small cubes 7 c. water...

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