Guide to Easy, Affordable Baby Shower Decorations

by Jessika Ryder

Great baby shower decorations are more about using your imagination than your pocketbook! You can create a wonderful party mood with simple, high-impact arrangements. This article details some of the best ideas for baby shower decorations.

Use balloons artfully

Balloons make it feel like a party! Always have balloons at your events. Here's a money-saver tip -- your local 99¢ store will usually have balloons at a much lower price than most party stores.

A basic use of balloons is to create color spots around the room or area where you're holding the baby shower. Tie a bunch of helium balloons to an anchor. Use baby items like booties, soft toys or baby bottles filled with water as anchors. Always use an odd number of balloons in a bunch.

If you have multiple tables, get a few baby items like shampoo, lotions, bottles, diaper packs, wipes, refill packs, baby formula packs, soft toys, etc and place them in the center of each table. Tie a bunch of balloons to them. Each table now has a color spot.

If you have large gifts like strollers or cribs, tie balloons to them to create a special look. Choose balloon colors according to the sex of the baby. If that's not known, use both pink and blue balloons.

Use balloons to decorate mommy's chair. Tie balloons in bunches to her "throne" and treat her like royalty! Also add streamers, satin bows and ribbons to her chair to give it a special look.

If you're using a specific table for gifts, make sure it has several balloon bunches floating over it. That helps to create a focal point for the gifts.

How to use tubs and umbrellas for baby showers decorations

Use baby tubs as a punch bowl. Get one of those tubs that look like a whale. Fill it with clear punch and put in a small rubber ducky. The tub makes a wonderful present for mom-to-be after the shower.

Here's another way to use the tub -- fill it with individually wrapped presents. That can include diapers, shampoos, lotions, washcloths, etc. For an added effect, put some balloons into the tub too -- they will look like floating bubbles! And fix a rubber ducky atop one of the balloons using ribbons.

You know what's a perfect fit for any baby shower? Umbrellas. After all, it's a shower, right? Here's how you can use them.

Collect several different umbrellas from your home. Open them up, fix streamers in various colors (not just pink and blue, though those are fine too) to the umbrellas. Next, fix the umbrellas so that they hang upside down from the ceiling, and the colored streamers flutter above your heads. This makes a great sight!

You can also fill up umbrellas with balloons or even yarn in pastel colors. Hang them upside down at strategic points.

More baby shower decorations that enchant

Here's a centerpiece idea that's perfect for these celebrations -- baby shower cakes. Not sure what those are? Baby shower cakes (also called diaper cakes) are essentially diapers arranged in multiple tiers to look like a cake, with many small baby products tucked into them. They're very eye-catching gifts, just right for baby showers. Place one on a table as a centerpiece.

Here's how to make your tables more appealing. Place small boxes of different heights on them. Drape baby items like receiving blankets over them. Your tables will end up with a more interesting look and feel thanks to varying levels.

Spice up your tables by sprinkling confetti on them that says "It's a boy" or "It's a girl." If the baby's sex is not known, use both.

Instead of piling gifts onto tables, try using a large item like a stroller or a baby crib to display gifts. This is just right for a baby shower!

Another tried and tested idea is to string a clothesline across the room. Use wooden clothespins to hang cute baby items from the line. Use diapers, baby clothing, booties, socks, bibs, hats, toys and other such items. These products make excellent gifts to mom-to-be after the shower.

Alternatively, hang disposable diapers on the clothesline and using permanent marker, spell out the baby's name. If the name is not known yet, just write 'BABY SHOWER'. Clotheslines with names and baby items on them are quite common at showers, yet they invariably become a conversation piece -- they look quite cute!

If you're having a baby shower around Christmas, try this one. Buy an artificial Christmas tree and decorate it with little baby items. Like diapers, clothes, booties, socks, small bottles of lotions and so on. Use twinkle lights as well. This is a wonderful centerpiece for the room.

You can even do miniature trees on each table, similarly decorated. It creates a lovely effect.

There are no limits to the number of ways you can create dazzling baby shower decorations. Combine the above ideas, add your own twist and create an unforgettable shower!

Chinese Pregnancy

by Wong Yee Lee

Chinese Pregnancy

Traditionally in China, when once people got married, they would immediately get ready for having a baby. That is why symbolic things such as dolls or lotus seeds would be put on the beds of the newly weds on their wedding day so as to bring in the meaning of having a baby as soon as possible.

When once a married woman becomes pregnant, things for the baby will start to be prepared. Prams, cot, baby clothes, etc will be readily prepared to welcome the arrival of the new born.

From now on, the health of the mother is of utmost importance. Therefore, the mother should reduce her workload, eat healthily, and employ prenatal education. Prenatal education has come into being for over 2000 years in China. It was believed that a good pregnant mother should eat only meat which was cut only in square cubes, sit only on properly built chairs, walk unswingingly, talk softly, etc. By doing so, the foetus would be able to learn the most valued virtues. Although in present days the above mentioned practice is no longer common, pregnant women in China still behave very carefully so as not to do anything which affects the foetus. Still now most people believe that the structure of the house or flat should not be changed while a woman in the house is pregnant since it will cause the foetus no good but harm.

The first month after giving birth The first month after giving birth is very important for a mother. She needs the most rest and the best nutrition. Otherwise, her body will not be able to recover and can easily get ill. In this month, she can't go outdoors, can't be exposed to wind, can't wash with cold water, can't drink cold water, can't read books etc. However, if a mother really has to wash herself, she should do so by using water boiled with dried ginger skin. In some places in China, a mother must not wash her hair because otherwise she will get a chronic headache.

Compared to the west, western women can leave home after a week of giving birth and can go to work after two weeks. It is unimaginable in China.

In China, after giving birth, a woman should eat plenty of fish soup and pig knuckle soup. The pig knuckle soup is boiled for a long time with ingredients such as a lot ginger, eggs, pig knuckles in plenty of sweet black vinegar. It is believed that this soup can compensate for the loss of calcium and other nutrients needed by the body. It is a tradition to give out and share such soup to friends and relatives but one can only do so twelve days after the baby is born. Chicken is also ideal for meals after giving birth. In order to help a mother to recover from giving birth, it is recommended that she should eat rice cooked with ginger daily since it can enhance all bodily circulation. Apart from the above, it is also a tradition that after the baby has been born for one lunar month, eggs dyed red should be given to friends and relatives. However, anything salty should be avoided since it will hinder the production of breast milk of a mother.

It is only after the baby has weaned then the mother can start considering controlling her body weight.

Some practices may seem quite unimaginable. However, they are still practiced in most places in China. Even in Hong Kong, women would follow the above traditions as long as family expectations are involved.

Baby Shower Gift Baskets: Tips And Ideas

by Jennifer Adair

Personalizing a baby's gift is an excellent idea, making the gift distinct and special and grows into a cherished token through the years. When giving or making a gift sooner, before the baby's due, you are faced with a problem, that is, you are not yet certain of the name and the birth date. An option to consider is by giving a gift certificate for an etching or engraving design along with your gift. This way, when the wonderful day arrives, the parents can take your gift and have it personalized.

Choices for personalized gifts are baby cups, picture frame, jewelry or a cutlery set. There are wide selections of items that can be personalized; all you have to do is look.

A blanket for baby embroidered with the baby's name alongside the name's meaning would make an excellent gift for both mom and baby.

Your labor of love gift basket

Gift baskets are very popular today and indeed a wonderful idea which can either be purchased made-to-order or ready-made. Or, you can do it yourself by putting together all baby items that you like for the baby. Here's how you can make one:

1. Know first the size of the basket that you will use. A very large basket may be difficult to fill, so a medium sized is recommended. Usually, craft stores sell baskets of different sizes, shapes and colors. Shredded tissue paper and raffia make great fillers to be layered at the basket's bottom, alongside with baby towels and blankets.

2. If you do have a large basket, you can easily fill it up by choosing bigger items as well, such as crib comforters, stuffed bunny or teddy, pillows or crib bumpers.

3. Take into consideration the baby's gender, what really the baby needs. For a first baby, there will be many things that he will need. Having to look at a baby registry if the mom to be has one, can help a lot, since you will know what the baby really needs. If there is none, you could always ask the mom what else she needs for the baby.

4. Consider having a theme. You can load the basket with everything pink for a baby girl or everything blue for a baby boy, or everything having a "pooh" or a dinosaur design. A bedtime theme basket filled with story books, music CD, blankets, pillows, pajama, musical crib mobile and a teddy bear can be a wonderful idea. Be creative and let your imagination soar.

5. Another way of being creative is instead of using a basket, a baby tub, a diaper bag, a small laundry basket or a trunk can also be used.

6. For a tub, you can fill it with baby bathing accessories, such as soaps, towels, bubble bath, powder, baby shampoo, lotion and bath rubber toys.

7. For the trunk, you can fill it with baby's keepsake book, monogrammed items, receiving blankets, heirloom items, a picture frame and an inspirational book all about mom and baby. You can also place a little inspirational note containing all your wishes for the baby. This will add a more personal touch to your gift.

8. For the laundry basket, you can fill it with cute slippers, diapers, baby comb and brush, booties, and baby clothes.

Baby Clothes Online

by sairohinikumar

Shopping online! Internet indeed is basking in the limelight considering the fact that it gives parents more options when it comes to finding and purchasing clothes and other items for their babies than ever before.

How about Hassles? How about long check-out lines? How about Traffics? And, how about not finding the right clothes for your baby even after those time-consuming, manual searches? This is why online shopping is emerging fast as a channel to bring the products right in front of you, with thousands to choose from. Indeed, the Internet has become an exciting tool that puts vast information just a click away.

Moreover, with the surging competitions amongst the online retailers, good deals, convenience, and choice abound on the Internet. But before you use what the sites has to offer, be "cyber" smart to make the most of your online experience.

Choices and offers at your disposal Discounts: Interestingly, some of the best discount stores that sell baby clothes are some of the best online retailers. Each online retailer offers direct sales from their web site, and they have pretty almost everything you could need in terms of baby clothing, and offer it all at prices that won't burn a hole through your pocket. Designer Baby Clothes: Designers are going online at last! From Chic Baby clothing to punk and trendy wears, online shopping offers you much beyond your travel experiences to the outlets. Just Browse! With literally hundreds of websites offering baby clothes at all price ranges and designed to meet all specifications, just keep browsing -compare pricings, and just pick your choice. Follow these principles while baby clothes online

· Keep a tab on the kind of material and the quality the online retailer is offering. · Consider unisex clothes even if you are buying a baby cloth before the baby's actual birth. This is the beat part of a baby's cloth. · Make the most of online offers. Online offers are much below the other offers made by physical retailers because online retailers need not maintain an outlet to showcase their merchandise. Since they are not spending in maintaining a physical outlet, they can offer you products much cheaper. · Consider the pros and cons of the baby cloth features. You might not end up disappointed upon delivery of the product.

Follow these basic rules while shopping online for your baby clothes This guideline is not only for shopping your baby's clothes, but for you to consider while shopping for any merchandize online: Use a secure server and browser with industry security standards before you enter credit card information online; research the target site and verify the companies for authentication through contact information such as business name, address and telephone numbers; avoid using debit cards and consider calling up to take in your orders instead; and print out information on your order when you place it and keep the copies.

More Games for a Baby Shower

by Mary Arnold

This is a companion article including several more games for baby showers which I've found to be entertaining for guests in my extensive experience hosting baby showers. As I mentioned in my previous article, having games for your guests to play at the baby shower helps break the ice among those who aren't acquainted and is a great way to make your shower exciting and fun.

1} Piggy Bank Game. Fill a small piggy bank with quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies, keeping a tally of how many coins it takes to fill up the piggy bank. At the baby shower, pass the piggy around to all your guests and ask them to write down how many coins they believe are in the piggy bank. The closest person to the actual amount of coins wins a small prize. You can present the piggy bank to the mother-to-be after the game is finished.

2) What's in the Bag? For this game, you'll need ten brown paper lunch bags, ten small baby items (for example: diaper, comb, travel size powder, bib, four ounce bottle, nasal aspirator, etc.). Write the numbers one through ten on the bags and place a baby item inside each one, stapling or taping the bags shut. Give your guests pens and pads of paper and then pass around the bag labeled number one. Tell them they must feel what's in the bag and then write down what they believe the item to be. Continue passing around the bags until each guest has had the chance to examine them and guess what they think is in the bags. The one with the most items guessed correcly wins a prize.

3) Baby Food Game. To further test your guests' deductive abilities, purchase ten different types of baby food and remove the labels, replacing the labels with a number one through ten. Make sure you record what each numbered baby food jar contains. Buy at least a few jars of food that are similar in color, like peas and spinach. Give each guest paper, pen, paper plate, and a spoon. Pass around the number one jar and tell the guest to put a spoonful on their plates. They must try to guess what type of baby food is in each jar, using their sight, smell, and taste. Don't make them taste it if they don't want to, as I've known many people to resist doing so. The person who guesses the most correctly wins.

4) Memory Game. To play this game, you'll need to assemble a number of small baby items, however many you wish to purchase. Some suggestions are: travel baby powder, travel baby bath, travel baby shampoo, travel baby lotion, diaper, small package of baby wipes, thermometer, nasal aspirator, baby spoon and fork, diaper shirt, nail clippers, hooded towel and washcloth, bib, lap pad, diaper pin, etc. Place all these items in a baby bathtub (or on a tray, if you prefer). Keep the bathtub or tray covered until it's time to play, then asks your guests to gather around it. Give them one minute to look at the items and attempt to memorize them. After one minute, cover it back up and have your guests write down all the items they can remember. The one with the most correct wins a small prize. If you like, you can then give the mother-to-be the bathtub full of goodies.

Prizes. I've been to some showers in which the prize that is won from the games is something baby-related which is then given to the mother-to-be. I like the idea of doing that, but I also think the game winners should receive a prize gift also. So I usually do both; the game winner receives a gift for herself and one to give to the expectant mother. These are always something small, like a bottle and nipple brush, nail clipper set, plastic bottle, baby powder - things that the mother will need but aren't usually given as shower presents.

Whether you decide to give two prize gifts, or just one for the expectant mother or one for the game winner, these games will provide much merriment and entertainment for your shower guests.

How Disney Is Baby Friendly

by Gregg Hall

Disneyland is a place for everyone, and at Disneyland, they have thought of everything - including the babies. The Disneyland Baby Center is located on Main Street, behind the Plaza Inn. This is not a babysitting service. Instead, it is a place where you can attend to your babies needs.

There are several characters present in this area, and their purpose there is not only to amuse your baby, but also to help you attend to your baby's needs. This area has rockers, where you can rock and breast feed your baby. No men are allowed in this room, but they are allowed in other rooms within the Baby Center. You can warm a bottle or a jar of food, and clean bottles as necessary. Baby changing tables are available, and the entire center is very clean and comfortable. There are even smaller toilets for children who are being potty trained.

You can also purchase emergency baby supplies at the Baby Center. Diapers cost about a dollar each, and several different types of formula and baby food are kept in supply, although the selections are limited. This is Disneyland's way of making sure that the needs of every guest - no matter how small they may be - are attended to.

As a parent, you already know that you don't want to have to carry your child around in your arms all day. You couldn't possibly make it through the day! You also can't expect your child to walk all day long. The obvious choice is to have a way to transport your child - without wearing you or the child completely out.

Strollers are not only welcome at Disneyland, they are highly recommended. In fact, Disneyland rents strollers for a reasonable fee. Strollers can be rented for less than $10 for the day, and you can get a huge discount on a second stroller if it is needed. The strollers are clean and well-maintained, but they do all look alike. Tie something on the stroller, such as a brightly colored ribbon, to help identify it from all of the other strollers in the park.

Never leave your child unattended in the stroller, and never leave any material items of any value in the stroller either. Even if you bring your own stroller, you should have some easy way to identify it - there will be other strollers that look just like it at Disneyland.

Massage For Infants And Children

by Kevin Pederson

Massage benefits individuals of all age groups and different conditions. Touch is as important to any infants and kids like eating and sleeping. Massaging involves loving, gentle stroking or kneading by a parent or caregiver on various parts of a child's body like the face, head, arms, shoulders, neck, hands, back, legs and feet.

Use of oils on the body of your precious little ones to soothe, relax and heal affirms a strong, close bond conveying a comforting sense of trust and security.

Early infant massage enhances the development of the nervous system and stimulates all other systems of the body. It improves circulation, respiration, aids digestion and eases elimination of wastes from the body. It also makes your little one less prone to gas and colic ailments. Massage of baby in its growing years prepares the body for sitting, standing and walking.

Massage is a wonderful stress buster for children who are prone to all kind of stress. Like a child starting a school in a new area, health, fights amongst parents, exams or peer pressure, etc produce emotional, physical and mental stress. Massage reduces stress hormones and heals the body.

Each child responds differently to massage. Some may squirm, cry, or some might just appear more relaxed and calm and also fall asleep.

There is no fixed time to massage your baby. Find a time suitable for you and your baby. Some enjoy in the morning after their feed, some in the afternoon before or after their naps. Massage before bedtime can put a cranky baby to sleep peacefully. Follow the massage with a warm bath.

While giving a massage, sit straight either on the floor or on the bed or stand before the table. The room is warm enough as your little one can shiver when undressed. The place where you massage you baby should be quiet and away from distractions of all kinds.

Lay your child on soft surface like thick set of towels so it may not hurt it self when it wriggles or squirms. Keep aside towel, pair of wash cloths, clean diaper and baby clothes for use after the massage.

Oils are good for lubrication, helping your hand glide smoothly over your baby's soft and rather delicate skin. Small babies have a habit of putting their hand or fingers in their mouth all the time, so it's ideal to use oil that is of good quality. Use cold pressed (oils extracted by means of pressure) or unscented oils. Alternatively you can use baby oils produced by many companies which specialize in baby products. Grape seed oil has nice texture, apricot and almond oils are smooth, light and easily absorbable into the body. To massage your babies, use coconut oil in summers and mustard oil in winter.

How to Choose a Diaper Bag

by Jackie G. Maxwell

Even though it's a popular shower gift, you may want to choose a specific type of diaper bag, either because you've learned through experience what works and what doesn't, or your friends and relatives have given you tips on what to look for or avoid.

It's pretty elementary to figure that you're going to need room. Lots and lots of room. For little things, babies at times seem to need an endless supply of items that you may not have space to carry.

When looking for a diaper bag, space is going to be your first consideration, but that doesn't mean you have to totally give up the stylish or "designer" look. Remember though, that the character-theme or licensed diaper bags often cost more simply for the name. But if you are really taken with a delightful character diaper bag, and just have to have it, put it aside for occasions when its capacity is appropriate. These are often smaller bags, but will still hold some spare diapers, an extra soother, bottle, and baby wipes for short trips like doctor visits, or errands.

For an afternoon at someone else's house, or an extended day of errands, and even an overnight trip, you're looking at a really large bag. And few items designated as diaper bags, seem to measure up to mothers' needs and expectations. There simply aren't enough pockets to keep things totally organized for longer trips where more items are needed.

Some parents solve that dilemma by purchasing duffle bags, or a top of the line backpack. The duffle bags will have some outside pockets, and occasionally, zippered inside pockets as well, along with plenty of interior room for changes of clothes and other supplies.

Backpacks with outside and inside pockets can be very handy for both organization, and convenience. They can be worn over the shoulders, freeing up your hands, or some come with an alternative strap for carrying on one shoulder.

The key is to choose a diaper bag that suits your needs, as you see them. And if necessary, choose two! That way, you have convenience, space, and no worry about whether your one bag is going to do fore very occasion.

Are Baby Blankets Dangerous?

by Michael Barrows

Baby blankets - beautiful, soft, cuddly, warm and comforting. Yes all of these - but also possibly deadly. This may sound alarming, but its true. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), studies have shown that up to one-third of the babies who die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) each year might actually have suffocated after being placed on soft bedding. Other information indicates that babies are at increased risk for SIDS if their heads get covered by soft bedding while they sleep; babies have been found dead with their heads covered by the bedding, even while they were sleeping on their backs.

I'm sorry if this sounds really frightening. But don't worry! - new parents are constantly fed a diet of very alarming statistics on child-rearing, that can make them begin to get really paranoid, but in fact its usually not as bad as it sounds - actually much of it is common sense. In this case, baby blankets and baby bedding are really perfectly safe if you just follow a few sensible recommendations, as laid down in 1999 by the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD).

1. For babies less than one year old, make sure they sleep on their backs in a crib with a firm, tight-fitting mattress. Get rid of all soft bedding such as quilts, pillows, and assorted stuffed toys and soft products. It always looks lovely to have a crib full of soft toys and cushions, but it is potentially deadly.

2. Use baby clothes designed for sleeping in instead of a blanket.

3. If you do use a blanket, select a thin one. Place your baby so the feet can reach the foot of the crib and then tuck in the blanket or sheet around the crib mattress only as far up as your baby's chest. Ensure the head remains uncovered while sleeping.

Major retailers and the CPSC have been working together for several years to promote these safe practices, so all you have to do is follow the guidelines and you - and your baby - should be fine. As babies get older it's perfectly fine to start using heavier baby blankets and lots of other lovely baby bedding, so don't be afraid!

But what is the best type of baby bedding? Well it's the one that guarantees maximum baby bedding safety, warmth and coziness to your baby. The best fabric to use is 100 percent cotton, or some other type of natural fibre, but any fabric which is a soft material and - most essential - non-toxic. There are many types of bedding top choose from nowadays that are soft, smooth, and pleasant smelling with attractive and eye pleasing colors.

Remember, baby blankets come in many types, including quilts, duvets, and comforters. They also have different thicknesses construction and fill material. There are lots of choices available, but whatever choice you make, the first choice is safety.

Baby Shower Gifts

As a host, you need to consider the people that will be on the invitation list. Sometimes, finances are tight and buying gifts are tough. You have a couple of options. First, you could set the tone on the invitations advising that while gifts are appreciated, they are not mandatory. This way, people know they can attend the shower but not feel embarrassed if they come without a gift.

Another option is to purchase a few extra, inexpensive but nice gifts from the funds collected. As the host, if you know someone is one a tight budget, you could tactfully let them know that you had extra gifts purchased so if they need one, they are certainly more than welcome simply to take one to give the couple. This way, that individual could choose a gift to give without feeling bad.

SIBLING GIFTS

For siblings, a new baby in the home can be a stressful and insecure time. After all, they are used to getting all the attention and now, everyone who comes to the door is offering something to the new baby, completely looking past them. To ensure siblings are included, we would highly recommend the following:

Always speak to the sibling before making over the baby...

The sibling will know what is going on while the baby has no idea. Therefore, when you enter the home or place of the baby shower, take just a moment to greet the child. Instead of saying, "Do you like your new sister/brother" put the focus on them. Something as simple as, "How are you, you look so cute! I bet you are the best big sister/brother in the world." You would be amazed at how such a small gesture can make such a big impact. Not only is the child getting the recognition needed but also, the parents appreciate this since they too understand the insecurities occurring with the sibling.

Bring a small, inexpensive gift for the sibling...

Although the purpose of the shower is to celebrate the life of the newborn baby, a small $2 gift is important. You can take a plain brown lunch bag, draw pictures or paste cartoons or stickers on it, and inside, add a granola bar, a coloring book and crayons, book, toy car, etc. All these items are inexpensive and can make the baby shower more enjoyable for the sibling.

Cathy lives in Gold Coast Australia, has two children aged 3 and 5 and has been hosting baby showers for friends and family for many years. Cathy is the Author of Baby Shower Moments A to Z Baby Shower Guide and also the owner of www.babyshowermoments.com where you will find information relating to Baby Showers. Visit us here Baby Shower Ideas or Baby Shower Invitations.

Baby Clothes: 7 Money Saving Shopping Tips for New Parent

by Wanda Lam

Perhaps the biggest problem with baby clothes is that they don't last. Not because they wear out, but because your baby quickly out grows them.

It's important to plan your baby clothes shopping around the growth of your baby. If you don't, you could be wasting money.

Keep in mind these seven tips while you plan your baby clothes shopping:

1. Wear a Larger Size

People say babies grow fast, and they're right about that. You'll be wasting money if you buy perfect fitting clothes because they'll soon be too small. Buying a larger size will extend the amount of time your baby can wear them.

2. Make a Weather Prediction

Stop and think for a moment about clothes labels that state size in terms of a baby's age, such as 12 or 18 months. Then ask this question: "When my baby is X months old, what will the weather or temperature be like?" Get the answer to this question correct and you'll buy clothes that not only fit, but also will be appropriate for the season.

3. Find Easy To Put On Outfits

Sometimes you'll struggle to dress your baby into an outfit you want him to wear. Outfits that come in several pieces, button from behind or pull over the head may require more of your patience and time. Outfits that come in one piece, open in the front, have zippers, or snap buttons should be easier to deal with.

4. Have Enough for Emergencies

Food can drop on your baby's clothes while you're feeding him. If your baby becomes sick, he might throw-up on his outfit. When a messy accident occurs, you'll need a clean set of clothes ready for your baby to wear.

5. Save at The Clearance Racks

You can save a bundle at the clearance racks. Almost every type of store has these. In addition, if you wait for a big sale you can save even more. Some stores will also markdown the clearance item further at the cash register.

6. Accept Hand Me Downs

Your family and friends may want to give you their children's baby clothes. They may have new clothes that their baby didn't have a chance to wear. If you decide to accept what they are willing to give, you'll save yourself some money, especially if they have clothing you would have bought.

7. Exchange Old Clothes for Cash

Sell the clothes your baby no longer fits into on eBay. eBay is just an example. There are many other ways to trade your old clothes for cash. You may not make as much as you had originally paid for them, however, you'll at least earn some of your money back.

Summary

If getting the most use out of the clothes you buy for your child is important to you, then the seven tips in this article should help you accomplish this. Take these ideas with you the next time you go baby clothes shopping. You'll feel good about the clothes you buy for your baby and the money you're going to save.

Wanda Lam, a working mom, will show you how to save as much as 80% on name brand children clothes, shoes, accessories and more. Visit Baby Clothes Store to discover the bargains just waiting for new parents like you.

Boy clothes

by John White

When it comes to finding the perfect outfit for your son's needs, finding can be difficult, but finding the right place to get if from is much harder. There are simply too many clothing stores out there today for the comparison shopper. We could easily spend days and weeks searching through stores for the right boy clothing at the right prices. You could make this search a great deal easier by simply searching online for your clothing. Online clothing stores are easier than ever to search through.

If you're expecting a baby boy soon, you now have to face the wonderfully annoying task of buying clothing for him. Though they will spend the majority of time their first few months sleeping and crying, there are few parents who can actually resist the temptation of buying at least a few cute outfits for the rest of their children. It doesn't matter if you are looking for anything from jumpers to sailor outfits; parents can find excellent boys' clothes in several different varieties and types of themes to dress up their children, which is often an option that is preferred for taking professional baby pictures.

Thanks to tradition, you're most likely going to receive lots of outfits in different shades of blue when it comes to boys. I think this is simply odd. You should not think, however, that this is the only color in which you can find baby clothing for boys. You can find jumpers and other outfits in almost all other colors as well, so that they become exposed to different colors other than thinking everything should be blue.

No baby's wardrobe would be complete without several pairs of pajamas added into it. Many of these tend to feature patterns with different types animals covering both the pants and shirts. For cold winter months, you might want to consider getting your baby a set of long johns to keep him warm as well. If you have a favorite sports team, there's nothing that looks cuter than in having your toddler wearing a team's uniform with a matching hat sitting on his father's shoulders on the day of a great game. The fact is that boy clothes are getting more and more diverse through the years and the choices are endless. Why not comparison shop online and get the best deals too?

Suitable Clothing for Children

by Ivar Rudi

During Infancy. Infants are very susceptible of the impressions of cold; a proper regard, therefore, to a suitable clothing of the body, is imperative to their enjoyment of health. Unfortunately, an opinion is prevalent in society, that the tender child has naturally a great power of generating heat and resisting cold; and from this popular error has arisen the most fatal results. This opinion has been much strengthened by the insidious manner in which cold operates on the frame, the injurious effects not being always manifest during or immediately after its application, so that but too frequently the fatal result is traced to a wrong source, or the infant sinks under the action of an unknown cause.

The power of generating heat in warm-blooded animals is at its minimum at birth, and increases successively to adult age; young animals, instead of being warmer than adults, are generally a degree or two colder, and part with their heat more readily; facts which cannot be too generally known. They show how absurd must be the folly of that system of "hardening" the constitution (to which reference has been before made), which induces the parent to plunge the tender and delicate child into the cold bath at all seasons of the year, and freely expose it to the cold, cutting currents of an easterly wind, with the lightest clothing.

The principles which ought to guide a parent in clothing her infant are as follows:

The material and quantity of the clothes should be such as to preserve a sufficient proportion of warmth to the body, regulated therefore by the season of the year, and the delicacy or strength of the infant's constitution. In effecting this, however, the parent must guard against the too common practice of enveloping the child in innumerable folds of warm clothing, and keeping it constantly confined to very hot and close rooms; thus running into the opposite extreme to that to which I have just alluded: for nothing tends so much to enfeeble the constitution, to induce disease, and render the skin highly susceptible to the impression of cold; and thus to produce those very ailments which it is the chief intention to guard against.

In their make they should be so arranged as to put no restrictions to the free movements of all parts of the child's body; and so loose and easy as to permit the insensible perspiration to have a free exit, instead of being confined to and absorbed by the clothes, and held in contact with the skin, till it gives rise to irritation.

In their quality they should be such as not to irritate the delicate skin of the child. In infancy, therefore, flannel is rather too rough, but is desirable as the child grows older, as it gives a gentle stimulus to the skin, and maintains health.

In its construction the dress should be so simple as to admit of being quickly put on, since dressing is irksome to the infant, causing it to cry, and exciting as much mental irritation as it is capable of feeling. Pins should be wholly dispensed with, their use being hazardous through the carelessness of nurses, and even through the ordinary movements of the infant itself.

The clothing must be changed daily. It is eminently conducive to good health that a complete change of dress should be made every day. If this is not done, washing will, in a great measure, fail in its object, especially in insuring freedom from skin diseases.

During childhood.

The clothing of the child should possess the same properties as that of infancy. It should afford due warmth, be of such materials as do not irritate the skin, and so made as to occasion no unnatural constriction.

In reference to due warmth, it may be well again to repeat, that too little clothing is frequently productive of the most sudden attacks of active disease; and that children who are thus exposed with thin clothing in a climate so variable as ours are the frequent subjects of croup, and other dangerous affections of the air- passages and lungs. On the other hand, it must not be forgotten, that too warm clothing is a source of disease, sometimes even of the same diseases which originate in exposure to cold, and often renders the frame more susceptible of the impressions of cold, especially of cold air taken into the lungs. Regulate the clothing, then, according to the season; resume the winter dress early; lay it aside late; for it is in spring and autumn that the vicissitudes in our climate are greatest, and congestive and inflammatory complaints most common.

With regard to material (as was before observed), the skin will at this age bear flannel next to it; and it is now not only proper, but necessary. It may be put off with advantage during the night, and cotton maybe substituted during the summer, the flannel being resumed early in the autumn. If from very great delicacy of constitution it proves too irritating to the skin, fine fleecy hosiery will in general be easily endured, and will greatly conduce to the preservation of health.

It is highly important that the clothes of the boy should be so made that no restraints shall be put on the movements of the body or limbs, nor injurious pressure made on his waist or chest. All his muscles ought to have full liberty to act, as their free exercise promotes both their growth and activity, and thus insures the regularity and efficiency of the several functions to which these muscles are subservient.

The same remarks apply with equal force to the dress of the girl; and happily, during childhood, at least, no distinction is made in this matter between the sexes. Not so, however, when the girl is about to emerge from this period of life; a system of dress is then adopted which has the most pernicious effects upon her health, and the development of the body, the employment of tight stays, which impede the free and full action of the respiratory organs, being only one of the many restrictions and injurious practices from which in latter years they are thus doomed to suffer so severely.

Tom Baby

by Ed Daily

So what's the latest Tom baby news?

Well Tom baby seemed to go on a European shopping spree for newly born Suri during the premier of Mission Impossible III. He was showered with Burberry baby clothes during an MTV interview in London, he cut short his engagements to go shopping in Paris and in Rome he told reporters "My mission impossible was to be here today," as he picked up a teddy thrown from the crowds. So is Tom baby.... and baby back at home decorating the nursery or what? It's all gone pretty quiet on the Tom baby front.

We wish Tom, baby Suri and Katie Holmes all the best. If you've heard anything please let us know. Tom baby pictures would be very welcome before Hello buy the exclusive!

How To Pick Best Baby Gifts for New Baby

by Giftlet.com

So someone you know had a little baby recently, and now you need to find them baby gifts. If you don't know what kind of gifts you should get for a new baby and the parents, we have lots of ideas! Our ideas will help you get great gifts for the baby and the proud new parents. Here are our recommendations for baby gifts:

- Personalized baby pillows. Cute baby pillow is a keepsake that the parents, baby and other family members will treasure forever. Get the pillow personalized as well - it can be personalized with baby name, birthday, etc.

- Baby picture frames. Who takes the most number of pictures? That's right, the new parents do that, they take lots of pictures. And it's not just when they bring the baby home from the hospital - they continue taking pictures of the baby's firsts - first smile, first time the baby crawls, first step, etc. And they need lots of picture frames for those pictures.

Give the parents a personalized baby picture frame, something they can use right now to proudly display the latest baby pictures.

- Baby blankets. This is something that the baby needs, and will use for a long time. Sometimes kids use their baby blankets even after they stop being babies. Now you can personalize baby blankets with baby names, and you can find them in lots of different colors, made from many different fabrics.

- Baby jewelry for Moms. Mothers love jewelry, and baby jewelry always has special meaning. Since baby jewelry can be personalized with Mother's and Baby's names, this is a keepsake the Mother will surely treasure forever. There are many bracelets, rings and necklaces online that can be personalized with the baby's name.

- Personalized baby clothes. How about some cute baby clothes for the little one? Give them baby clothing - they need lots of clothing anyway, and personalized clothing always has a special meaning. If you can sew, it will be very cool for you to create the personalized clothes yourself. Otherwise, check out what is offered at different clothing web sites online.

Congratulations on the new bundle of joy in your family, or among your friends. We hope that these gift recommendations will help you pick the perfect personalized baby gift for the little one.

Hugs N Kisses Children's Boutique

by Dorian Jones

Lipstik If you have a little girl, you will absolutely love clothing by Lipstik. This trendy designer clothing line is geared towards the feminine styles that little girls love. If your child wants to feel like a princess every day, then you must browse through our collection of girls' apparel by Lipstik. This label also includes the English Roses Collection, which was developed in collaboration with Madonna, based on her book, The English Roses. We sell dresses with ruffles, capris with lace, tee shirts with beading, and a host of other adorable ensembles.

If your little girl loves anything pink, then she will delight in the Lipstik line, as many of these pieces come in vibrant shades of pink. Dresses come tiered, with layers upon layers of soft ruffles. Does your little girl feel more comfortable in pants than in skirts and dresses? Well, we sell a host of funky pant-sets that come in adorable styles that cater to a girl's sense of fun and fantasy. At www.HugsnKissesboutique.com, we believe that consumers should have access to the best children's clothing labels, without having to travel far and wide. Our online site is a work in progress, and we strive to constantly update our selections according to the latest fashions.

Lipstik is one of our most popular labels, and for good reason. The clothing is well made and durable, and the designs are whimsical and fresh. You don't have to worry about beads falling off or ribbons coming loose, as great attention is paid to detail and craftsmanship. Lipstik for Girls The English Roses collection has become a big hit, as this line of girls' apparel is both romantic and feminine. Fabric designs are soft and contain a host of flirty colors that girls tend to love. If your little girl wants to dress up every day, then Lipstik is the brand of clothing for her. Let us know if you have any trouble finding what you are looking for, and we will gladly assist you. We can be reached at 609-485-0038, should you have any questions

Is Your Baby Necessarily Need Shoes?

by Diana Claire

When you came up with such question, what will be your answer? You understand that your baby always in your arm and your baby cannot walk yet. So, what the need of shoes for your baby?

Don't get confuse. Your baby is growing. She has different stages of growth; of course she needs different stages of baby shoes. Although some would say that letting your baby barefoot is okay, but still you need something to cover her feet. Your baby should have shoes to keep her feet warm such as soft-sole baby shoes which are made of light and flexible cloth that provides an extra layer of warmth.

There are three categories of soft-sole baby shoes for your kid which include smooth leather sole, suede leather sole and rubber sole. All are made for your baby from the early age up to a few months. These types of baby shoes are made resembling your baby being barefoot. It serve to protect the foot from cold, dirt, glass, uneven surfaces, tree roots, gravel, wooden decks, rocks etc. Many medical experts agree that barefoot is best, but not practical when standing, pulling up, cruising or walking.

You might find moccasins as an example of soft-sole baby shoes. Moccasins are nothing more than leather sewn around the foot. The moccasin has absolutely no structure to get in the way of the foot doing what it wants to do naturally. Moccasins have either smooth leather or suede leather bottoms which are sewn to the leather top part.

As your baby begins to be more active, the shoes change a little. You need more appropriate shoes for this age which are much sturdy. At this stage, there are so many styles of baby shoes. You can find for your baby girl or boy. The shoes also serve as protections while your baby already crawling or scooting.

The next stage of your baby's shoes development is when your baby begins to walk. Shoes are important apparel for your baby. The style of the shoe is not as important as the protection and guidance a baby gets from those shoes. When the baby reaches the walking stage, it is probably time to spend a little more on a shoe that will support baby and protect his feet well.

When your child is getting bigger, you have to find more proper shoes that could protect your child feet from dangerous stuffs. In the first three years, your child feet undergo the most rapid growth and the average will grow several sizes. In fact, children's feet are not fully formed until their teens.

You must understand that size are different from manufacturer to manufacturer, shoe sizes will often vary from brand to brand. Leather is the most popular material for children's shoes because it lets air in while keeping moisture out, meaning feet stay cool and dry in most conditions. This is important because a child's foot perspires twice as much as an adult's. And since kids are tougher on shoes than adults, leather is also more popular than other materials because of its durability qualities.

So, it shows that since your baby born until your kid gets bigger, shoes always been important mean to protect their feet.

Losing Pregnancy Weight

by Tony Robinson

Losing weight after pregnancy presents a special type of problem. At no other time in a woman's life is she likely to gain as much weight in as short a period. And after having a baby, especially your first baby, life changes drastically. You might find it hard to make time to exercise. If you're nursing, you can't restrict calories. It seems as though many of the usual avenues to losing weight have been cut off.

Though experts recommend that a woman gain no more than about 27 pounds during pregnancy, for some of us, that's easier said than done. Some women report that they gained weight during pregnancy regardless of how carefully they controlled their eating, even if they made a point of exercising. Some pregnancies just seem to demand weight gain - interestingly, this seems to be particularly true of women who are naturally thinner than average to begin with. For a naturally 'skinny' woman to gain what might seem to be a huge amount of weight - sometimes up to sixty or even seventy pounds - during pregnancy seems to be a rather common phenomenon. Pregnancy seems to change the way that food is metabolized and fat is stored. The amount of weight you gain during pregnancy may even be genetic.

Of course, pregnancy food cravings also have something to do with it! We've all heard of some of the bizarre cravings that pregnant women can get, but in fact, most crave the nutrients they need the most. It's not uncommon for a woman who is normally a vegetarian to have strong cravings for meat while she is pregnant, for instance. These are cravings you can and should give in to, because your body is telling you what it needs.

Some women also find that they need to eat during the first trimester, because it keeps morning sickness at bay. 'Morning sickness' is actually a bit of a misnomer, as it can happen at any time of day or night. It tends to happen the most when your stomach is empty and your blood sugar is low. Some women pack on the pounds during these first few months of pregnancy just to keep from feeling sick all the time.

So, for one reason or another, many women find that it's very difficult or impossible to control their weight gain during pregnancy. That's not to say that you shouldn't try, of course, but if you know that you're eating healthy foods and the weight is coming on regardless, let it. You'll do more harm than good by trying to diet during pregnancy. As long as you aren't binging or eating unhealthy foods, rest assured that your body has its own wisdom and you are gaining weight because you need to.

Though only about ten or fifteen pounds are lost during delivery, there are plenty of opportunities to lose weight after the baby is born. For one thing, if you give it a month or so, you might find that most of the weight disappears on its own during nursing. In fact, that's one of the reasons why women are programmed to gain weight during pregnancy - after the baby's born, you need that extra weight. It all gets converted to milk to feed your baby. In fact, nursing full time burns about 500 calories a day - the same as a good workout. At that rate, you could lose a pound a week without even trying.

That having been said, there may come a time when you do have to put some effort into losing those last few pounds. After your baby is weaned, that natural means of weight loss isn't there anymore. It's time to start adding some workouts to your daily schedule. If you don't have the opportunity to exercise without the baby, take him along - that's why jogging strollers were invented. Or boost your calorie burning by carrying your baby in a front or back carrier while you go for a walk or hike. The babies love it, and for you, it's like carrying a constantly increasing weight around with your for hours at a time - great for burning fat.

After you have a baby, you may feel as though the baby has taken over your entire existence. It doesn't have to be that way. Take the time to reclaim your body and your time, and you'll have more energy to take on the hectic schedule of a new mother.

Looking for a Special Baby Gift?

by Craig Thornburrow

When you want a really special baby gift consider embroidered baby gifts. Embroidered baby gifts are so nice that they often become family heirlooms.

First of all if you want to find embroidered baby gifts you will have many choices. Look for embroidered baby gifts for boys and girls. You will be able to buy embroidered baby gifts of clothing in newborn sizes and also for babies up to about a year old.

Embroidered baby gifts of clothing may include dresses, gowns, overalls, t-shirts and pajamas. These embroidered baby gifts are often made by hand and the quality is usually excellent. You may even find sweaters, shoes, hats and bibs that feature embroidery.

If you would rather have embroidered baby gifts that are not clothing you will have other choices. There are super-soft embroidered baby blankets on the market. You may also want to look for diaper bags or bedding for the crib.

Now that you have some great ideas for embroidered baby gifts you have to figure out where to find these beautiful gifts. There are businesses that will embroider most items for you. Just purchase the gift and you can have it embroidered.

You can also find embroidered baby gifts in catalogues or at specialty stores. There are baby boutiques that carry embroidered baby gifts. If you would like to make the gift really special you can embroider the baby gift yourself.

For the best selection of embroidered baby gifts look at online sites. When you shop online you will be exposed to thousands of items. Many of these embroidered baby gifts will not be available in catalogues or at stores. It's easy to order embroidered baby items online, too.

Embroidered baby gifts are among the nicest gifts you can choose. Look for embroidered baby gifts if you are looking for a really lovely gift.

New Baby Shopping List

by Kara Kelso

New Baby Shopping List by Kara Kelso http://www.momsmarketonline.com

Being pregnate with your first child is a stressful enough time without having to worry about if you have all the items you need for when you bring that little one home. Use the following check list to put your mind at ease:

1. Crib & accessories

Cribs are an obvious item, but sometimes forgotten are the accessories that go inside it. You can easily pick up all bedding when you purchase your crib. Used items can be purchased on eBay: http://www.momsmarketonline.com/baby-ebay.html or new at Buddy Blankets or Zuzu's Place.

2. Clothes

Plan to have several sleepers, onsies, and regular outfits. Don't forget socks! New baby clothes can be purchased at Unique Baby Boutique, and used clothes at eBay or Carrie's Kiddie Closet.

3. Diapers

Be sure to weigh your options between cloth diapers and disposables. Cloth diapers can be purchased at Mrs. MacADoos and several other online baby stores.

4. Baby wipes

Again weigh the options between disposable and reusable. Reusable wipes can be purchased at Natural Home.

5. Baby powder

Non-talc is the best for your baby's sensitive skin. Look for non-talc baby powder at any natural baby store.

6. Diaper bag

Generally given to you at the hospital, but you may wish to have a larger one and more personalised.

7. Bottles

Even if breastfeeding, you will still want to pick up bottles and a breast pump. Breast pumps can be found at Unique Baby Boutique or at local department stores.

8. Baby Bath Tubs

Can be purchased used at eBay, or new at local department stores.

9.Bath products

Check labels and be sure to buy the most gentle soap possible to avoid skin problems. Natural soaps can be purchased at Natural Home, Baby Blossoms, A Family Affair, and other baby stores.

10. Car seat

Used car seats can be found on eBay, or new at your local department store. Make sure you buy an infant car seat first, not one designed for a toddler.

These are just basic items which are a necessity. You may also want to think about purchasing the following:

~ Stroller ~ Swing ~ Walker ~ Play Pen ~ Pacifiers ~ Toys ~ Sun screen in summer months

Perfect Baby Shower Idea List for Necessity Type Baby Gifts

by Randy Wilson

Perfect Baby shower idea lists for necessity type baby gifts. By necessity type baby gifts, I mean items which every expecting mother needs. These items are usually reasonably priced, and easy to find.

These are necessities parents can never have enough of. But then again, they may have many of these other items already.

So you might want to ask the mother to be if she has the item/s you are going to bring. Or just ask for a list of items she needs. I am sure she will be happy to provide you with such a list.

Also remember the guests will probably need a list such as this. It would be a nice gesture to include this list in the baby shower invitations. This will give them what they need for a baby shower idea gift item.

To help you decide about a baby shower idea, you are provided a list of items below. These would all be considered as baby necessity baby gifts.

Glance through the list for a baby shower idea or two. You should be able to find something that would translate into a suitable gift.

Perfect Baby Shower Idea List For Basic Necessity Baby Gifts:

* baby booties
* baby bottles
* baby caps
* baby clothes
* baby hangers
* baby hats
* baby mittens
* baby nail clippers
* baby outfits
* baby powder
* baby powder (cornstarch)
* baby quilt
* baby shampoo
* baby scissors
* baby sleepers
* baby soap
* baby socks
* baby thermometer
* baby towels
* baby toys
* baby undershirts
* bibs
* bottle cozy
* cloth diaper
* Crib blankets
* crib bumpers
* crib sheets
* crib toys
* decorative switchplate cover
* diapers
* diaper bag
* diaper pail
* diaper pail disinfectant
* diaper pail liners
* diaper pins
* diaper rash cream
* disposable diapers
* doorknob covers
* drawer locks
* fancy diaper pins
* feeding spoon/bent spoon
* first aid kit
* hair jewelry
* hooded towel
* humidifier
* infant and baby care book
* infant seat
* insulated bottle carrier
* lap pad
* medicine dropper
* medicine spoon
* nasal aspirator
* outlet plugs
* plastic pants
* rattles
* receiving blankets
* scooper bowl
* shock-guards
* stroller bag
* tights
* tipper cup
* toothbrush
* tweezers
* vaporizer

Retro Baby Clothing

by Kirsten Hawkins

If it was cool when you were a kid, it's cool for your kids!

Baby clothing is quite a bit different today than it was when you were an infant. From the designer styles of Baby Dior and Baby Phat to the bizarre offerings of the alternative baby clothing market, there's now something for every parent to adorn her children with in an effort to transfer a bit of her own personality onto her offspring. One of the latest trends in baby fashions is the "retro" look in baby wear.

Retro baby clothing indicates baby sized tees and "Onesies" that have been printed or screened with images of pop culture past. In many cases the pictures are of icons from before even the parents' time, making it cool to be the most obscure. Interested parties are not likely to find these offerings at the local Wal-Mart but will instead have to order them online. Fortunately for those interested in giving their children a little piece of the past to wear on their chests, there is no shortage of those sites available.

The most complete and probably best known of these sites is The Retro Baby. Perusing the offerings of the site is like a walk down memory lane for anyone who is in their thirties or has a keen fix on the pop-culture of the 1980s. Designs available here include television references like The A Team, ALF, CHiPs, and Dallas (the Dallas print will be instantly familiar to anyone who remembers the summer that America was wondering who shot J.R.) as well as older images from shows that the parents of today watched in reruns while growing up: Barbara Eden in her silky outfit from I Dream of Jeanie and Clayton Moore in his blue Texas Ranger outfit complete with black mask from The Lone Ranger. Prices for these printed "Onesies" are a bit steep at $14.95 ($16.95 for toddler-sized tees) considering the baby will grow out of them completely in a few months' time, but even the most stoic of thirty-somethings will have to admit that they are getting a certain dose of cool for their cash.

Retro doesn't just mean pop culture references, however. Several clothiers are offering styles that are a clear throwback to those worn by kids in the fifties, sixties, and seventies. One such company, Cakewalk Baby, offers flower print designs reminiscent of the post-hippie era of the late seventies; a time when PC meant petty cash, Elvis Presley was still with us, and no one knew what a video game or MTV was. A website called Milena Bee offers these designs and more and is definitely worth a look.

Whether you want to put stills of Bruce Lee from Enter the Dragon or flowery designs from an era gone by on your baby's body, retro baby clothes may be just what you need to show the world that your baby is cooler than cool. Look hard enough and you may be able to find a tee shirt that says "I'm the Fonz" or "Frankie Say Relax.

Premature Birth - Relieving a Mother's Guilt

by Linda Dague

Parents begin the journey of pregnancy with excitement, anxiety, and denial that anything bad could happen to their baby. For parents the experience of having a preterm infant the emotional roller coaster that ensues can be long and toiling. Many mothers first reaction is "what did I do to cause this"?

There are many causes of preterm delivery. Sometimes preterm birth can be caused by the mother's lifestyle choices during the pregnancy such as drugs, alcohol, poor diet, poor prenatal care, smoking, and physical stress. However, most incidences of preterm birth are not caused by the mother's lack of care to herself or her unborn child. This can include a hormone imbalance, an infection, chronic illness, an abnormality of the uterus, or any number of problems. The research though, does indicate a higher percentage of premature births to women over 35, under 19, and carrying multiple fetuses. Statistics show certain regions of the United States have a higher percentage of premature births then other states, for which the cause in unknown. The medical community has struggled to determine exactly what causes preterm birth. With the help and donations to organizations such as the March of Dimes (http://www.marchofdimes.com), the search continues.

Premature infants have different and more critical needs than a full term infant. They lack the body fat to maintain their body temperature. As temperature control is vital to their survival, they will be placed in an incubator to keep them warm. This decreases the chance of infection and limits water loss. Premature infants also have high-energy requirements because of their greater growth rate. Heat loss from the skin raises this energy need. They may have a yellow skin tone and eyes (jaundice) and fewer red blood cells to carry precious oxygen to the tissues (anemia).

They may have feeding problems and irregular breathing (apnea). As their skin is rice paper thin, you can see the blood veins. This is why their sensitivity is manifested and careful control of what lays against their skin must be very soft and comforting. The infant may have to spend weeks or sometimes months in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

With the proper medical support and growth, the infant will normally be able to function on its own. Before being discharged from the NICU the infant must be able to maintain their body temperature in an open crib, take all feedings from a bottle or breast without supplemental tubing, and be steadily gaining weight. Some infants though, will be discharged from the hospital requiring the continued use of a heart monitor and/or oxygen.

According to the March of Dimes Peristats (http://www.marchofdimes.com/peristats/pdflib/195/99.pdf) over 9,596 babies are born preterm every week.

Manufacturers have overlooked the specialized needs of the premature infant. Each time the infant moves or pulls at their tubing and wires the heart monitor may sound an alarm. This requires immediately ensuring the infant is not in trouble or disturbing the infant by undressing the infant to reposition the belt. The number one complaint of parents is the clothing on the market labeled as preemie still must be rolled and tucked and the necessary wires are draped all over the infant. The manufactured clothing on the market today does not address these needs. In desperation to find small clothing, some parents will resort to Cabbage Patch clothing or doll clothing. These types of clothing should never be put on a preemie. Look inside these clothes - they are made with stiff nylon thread, prickly lace around the cuffs or neckline, the seams are very abrasive, and are made with very course material. The reason infants cry when you put this type of clothing on them is because it is like barbed wire against their delicate skin.

So how do you ensure your infant maintains vital body heat, protect delicate skin, and contain all the lead wires? ANNA'S, LLC (http://www.annaspreemie.com) has manufactured a clothing line that incorporates all of these vital requirements. Their patented sleepers come in six styles to fit your baby's needs. The patented design has a flap in the front of the garment that allows access to the heart monitor so the baby does not have to be undressed (helps to maintain body temperature) and the baby is disturbed less. The flap Velcro's closed so there are no hard snaps to add weight to the garment (protects the delicate skin). Loops on the side of the garment hold all wires together and out of the way of little hands (less pulling of wires reduces the need to reposition them and fewer false alarms). Their specialty bib Velcro's to the garment so there are no dangerous strings to tie around the baby's neck. In addition, each garment is made from 100% Peruvian combed cotton to achieve the highest level of softness possible. They understand that parents have a very difficult time finding or cannot find accessories for the tiniest of babies. Their website is a one-stop shop that carries clothing, diapers for infants up to 6 pounds, the Wee Soothie pacifier that is used in hospitals, and much more.

Planning Your Baby's Layette

by Kirsten Hawkins

Even if you've done it all before, bringing a baby home from the hospital takes a lot of preparation. The last thing you'll want to do in those first few days after the baby arrives is run around to pick up any little necessitates that you forgot. Getting everything bought, borrowed or found and tucked away before the magical day can give you a feeling of accomplishment - and set your mind at ease that you've got everything you need.

If you're buying on a budget, there are some great low-cost sources for all of baby's needs - and considering how fast your newborn angel will outgrow those layette items, you'll want to take advantage of every cost-cutter that you can.

Shop the second's stores

Just like adult clothing, baby clothes manufacturers sometimes goof just a little. In most cases, the missed stitch or not-quite-perfect seam isn't anything that will affect wear. You can save as much as 70% off department store prices if you pick up baby layette items at your local job lots or discount department store.

Buy a size ahead in sleepers and footsies

Most babies barely spend a month in 0-3 month sizes. Reserve the smallest size for special occasion clothing - like coming home from the hospital, and skip right to the 3-6 month size for any fitted clothing. For the same reason, stick to comfy, stretchy cotton and terry knits for one piece footie jammies. They'll fit much longer.

Lay in a good stock of Swee'pea gowns.

Drawstring bottom nighties are just about the most convenient single item for baby at home. When baby needs changing, just pull up, change and pull back down.

A pack of birdseye diapers make the best burp rags

Even if you decide to use disposable diapers, buy one pack of cotton birdseye diapers. They can't be beat as burp rags to lay over your shoulder or lap when you're pat-pat-patting the baby to bring up any air bubbles in the tummy.

Shop yard sales

Newborn layette items are nearly always gently used. Most babies just aren't in them long enough to do a lot of damage. A stop at your local Salvation Army thrift store can buy you a whole layette's worth of crib sheets, receiving blankets, baby onesies and baby tees for less than $5.

Launder everything before the baby is born

Use a mild laundry soap like Dreft or Ivory Snow to wash away any remnants of dyes, chemicals or starches. Babies have notoriously delicate skin. If you'll feel better giving any used items a good bleaching, make sure that you put it all through a second clear rinse to wash away any lingering traces of bleach.

Quality DOES count in ways you don't expect. Do buy name brands that feature finished seams - French or enclosed seams are even better. It's not that your newborn cherub will put a lot of wear on those seams - it's that flat, enclosed seams will be far kinder to baby's delicate skin.

Shop wisely, and you'll get everything you need for baby's homecoming with a minimal investment of cash.