Baby Gift Ideas: 2007

1. The Best Baby Gift Ever Is Just A Click Away!

Tired of searching for that perfect baby gift for someone special? Fear no more! Here is the rundown on where and how to have the most perfect baby gift of all time plus baby shower party ideas. As I have searched the world wide web for the best sites that would answer your need, here are the more user-friendly sites that I find to give the best baby gift ideas around.

As with Linus in Peanuts, a baby blanket is a perfect baby shower gift to give that is full of love and thoughtfulness. Having it personalized is even nicer. For those with more formal tastes and preferences, monogrammed baby linen would give that sense of tradition. A great site for all your baby blanket needs is www.lovelynblankets.com. While those with eclectic tastes and full of adventurous spirit, baby shower gift baskets, wall art for the nursery room and personalized baby gift items, are just some of the baby gift ideas that you could give.

Baby gift baskets come in all shapes and sizes and they speak of your thoughtfulness for putting it all together. A baby gift basket is so unique because you can personalize it, make it a blue or pink basket depending on the gender of the baby, you can make a gourmet basket, or a food baby basket or even a baby bath gift basket. If you go to www.101giftbasketideas.com you'll discover lot's of unique and wonderful baby gift basket ideas.

To plan the perfect baby shower, you might consider it worthwhile investing in The Baby Shower Kit. It takes you on a journey with each step, from selecting a venue, choosing a theme, creating invitations, setting up a registry, preparing and serving food, how to organise games and much, much more. You'll become closer to your guest of honor because the more you know about her style, tastes, and dreams, the more spectacular and memorable your baby shower will be. You'll have all the information on how to make a great success of your baby shower party if you care to visit www.babyshowerkit.com.

Maybe your just looking for baby shower game ideas. If this is the case then why not try www.babyshowergamesdirect.com. There are over 40 games to get you started plus some excellent bonuses thrown in for good measure.

Another good site that you can visit is www.babyshowers.info where they list all the possible things and other necessary equipment that the baby might possibly need. This site narrows down your choices since it would constrain you to search for items that are within your budget for those budget conscious spenders. Each item is under a heading such as clothing, nursery, bedding, meal time, play time, keepsake, jewelry and other items. If you have the funds, why not start the baby in a starter savings account? The receiving parents would surely appreciate this baby gift that would start their baby in his or her million dollar goal at 12 years old!

A click at www.enactwi.org for those who are into the environment or into organic stuff suggest some baby gift ideas you can give as they are easy to make since the materials used are very accessible in stores and groceries.

Visit www.kiddiegiftidea.com to find an extensive choice of baby gift stuff that you can never go wrong with. Its product index extends to more than two pages to view all of its offering so there are a lot of items to choose from.

Baby gifts are the best when the gift-giver pours love and attention into giving that very special baby gift. For a more personalised gift visit www.diygiftpackage.com. It is not that difficult to look and search for baby gifts as some would think. It is just a matter of creativity and time to think what the baby might need or use in the future. There are other web sites and web links that you can visit and find other good ideas for that perfect baby gift to give away. There are also web blogs of parents that provide not only gift ideas but other concerns regarding on how to take care of your baby better.

2. Baby Crying 101

A baby cries the most during their first three months. Though the amount of crying steadily increases, the crying time period may vary from an hour to most of the day and this could still be considered within normal range. Like, whoah, right? Babies are also known as howling tear factories.

Some think that a baby cries more during the afternoon, accounting it to the anxiousness of the mother or the stressed out mood of the father after coming home from work. But the most accepted assumption now, is that babies have this automatic screening ability they use to shut off all the noise that may stimulate some response from them, so they could get enough rest. But in the long run, this filter weakens and totally disappears, during the approximate age of six weeks. This, then, makes a baby very sensitive to the external factors such as noise, movements, etc. And these generally elicit a reaction from a baby and the only way they know how to communicate is through crying.

There are many reasons why a baby succumbs to crying. Deciphering these reasons is the major feat a parent must surmount. Here are some of the things your sweetsome baby is trying to make you understand through crying.

1) Hunger. Yes, your attention-hungry baby is craving to let you know that their tummy is grumbling. This is the most common reason for a baby to cry, especially, during the early months. The pattern of the hunger howl could be characterized as being persistent, demanding and almost rhythmical. But that rhythm is not at any rate close to becoming musical, of course.

2) Boredom. What can I say? Aren't these babies just plain spoiled? Crying because of boredom, errr, I'd find that a bit more twisted or weird if it's with an adult that is. But babies are really built like this. Crying is their way of telling you, "Hey get me a life here!" Aside from attention and food, consequently, babies need a lot of stimulation. And when they don't get this, you get your waaaaaahhhhhhhhh!!! The trick is to know when to pick the baby up and play with them and when not to. It is important to know that stimulation is one of the major necessities of an infant and it wouldn't hurt to provide them with some. This boredom cry is said to be rhythmical and full of sobs and moans.

3) Discomfort. Pain is another precursor of the baby's crying. Who won't cry when in pain, right? Babies are known to endure the most excruciating discomfort they could undergo. They are little, vulnerable beings that need to be attended to when injured or when in an inconvenient situation. This cry could be more persistent, louder and more demanding. Shrieking and screaming, those are words that better describe the crying pattern roused by pain.

4) Disturbance; surely, howling will proceed just when they're about to sleep or are already fast asleep and suddenly get surprised by some noise, or movement. An illness that causes discomfort to a baby may also be the reason for a baby bursting into a fit of tears.

3. One Baby Bash Coming Up!!!!

Birthdays are one of the most important events in our lives. This day signifies our arrival in the world and the celebration of it is a commemmoration of that first time we ever came into the world. Most especially for our precious baby.

Here are some tips to get that baby bash on a roll and be the talk of baby land for a week or so. One,preparation of the baby bash is extremely important! Create a theme that you would like to follow. Would you like your baby bash to be a sci-fi adventure? Or would you want your baby bash to be a costume party? Whatever you decide, the baby bash needs to be well-thought out to keep it organized.

The baby bash depends on the age of the baby. For one to two year olds, clowns would do so that he or she can facilitate the party, since the most important guests would be the little children. Magic shows and puppetry would be sufficient to keep the children interested and satisfied. While for two years old and older, since by this time, they are already mobile and have learned to walk, a costume party would be the solution to keep the kids happy. Balloons to keep them preoccupied, cotton candy to keep them busy and lots and lots of kiddie food.

Second, sending out the invites. It seems that babies are conversational pieces. Thus, your network of friends increase since you meet other moms and dads who have babies near your baby's age group. They can become your buddies, swapping babysitting time when you need to unwind and relax. Their kids are your guests in the baby bash and not the parents. Thus, the baby bash must be geared towards the kid's enjoyment.

Third, preparation of the food. Since this is a kiddie party, finger foods should comprise most of your menu. Kids easily tire of food and so small portions must be served for them. If possible, separate the food for the parents with the kids, if the parents were invited of course.

Sometimes, a baby bash becomes an adult get-together when there are no other babies that could be invited.

Whatever you have decided what the baby bash must be like, keep in mind that the baby's comfort is most important. Sometimes, there are babies who are afraid of clowns. You must have an alternative activity in mind in case this happens.

Fourth, post baby bash activities. After all the food, the favors and trimmings gone, it is time to clean up. The most convenient way to finish all the food left is to ask mothers to take home a portion of the food served. This not only minimizes food spoilage, it would also keep the kids occupied during the drive home, in case they start asking for food. Because there are kids who play all throughout the party and do not pay attention to the food. But once they have settled down, usually during the ride home, then they start to feel hunger pangs. Thus, you would be helping parents keep the kids behaved.

The baby bash need not be a strenuous and nerve-racking activity that moms would rather not plan for. It should be as enjoyable for the parents as well.

4. The Way with Baby Names

Choosing a baby name for your child is almost like choosing their identity. Ever heard about the association of a person’s name with their personality? That’s how our names really work. A name moulds a person’s identity like a cookie-cutter. So, better get that best baby name for your son or daughter. Read on for some tips on how to provide that best baby name for your little angel.

1. Stop it already with the dictates of your family’s tradition. Choosing the right baby name does not have to always rely on what your elderly relatives deem to be the best baby name. It is your baby’s name, not theirs. So, better act like it. Once your baby is born he/she will be stuck with that baby name for life. That means it’s not wise to just settle for any baby name that will suit your grandma’s or auntie’s taste.

2. Take a look at a picture of his future. You don’t want your baby to be always called with a monicker that will forever ridicule him/her or will allow his/her playmates to make a big laughingstock out of them, right? Research the meaning of the baby name you are thinking of giving to your baby. Don’t consider Beelzebub as a prospective baby name just because you heard it from a TV show and you find it cute. Don’t use Rodelfa just because a certain Mexican TV show’s hunky lead actor is called Rodolfo. Just plainly saying yes to your gutfeel, thinking of the people that pop into your head upon hearing somebody spout a certain name, trying to follow a fad by naming your baby a certain celebrity’s (sometimes notorious) or NOT THINKING AT ALL in giving your precious one his/her baby name are huge no-nos!

3. Consider reading the initials of the baby name you are planning to give your baby. Make sure they don’t stand for anything funny, disturbing or utterly stupid. Christine Sue Irving? What will happen on the next episode? Alvin Stephen Stuart? He’ll surely remember not to get near any hole. Fran Ursula Catherine Klein? Uh-oh! See? Can you imagine the situation you may put your child into when he/she grows up?

4. Go check your family tree once and for all. Some still can’t get away from tradition regarding baby name decisions, especially when they have a special bond with a certain family member so they want that person’s name to be a part of their baby’s name. If your planning to still follow the tradition of putting a part of your elder relatives’ names on your baby’s name, you have to know whether anybody else in your family uses that name too. You don’t want to confuse people when they’re calling a name that’s owned by two. Ask around.

5. Don’t go for overkill. Being too creative thinking of a baby name can backfire. Examples are too unique spellings. It will be hard for the kid to keep on spelling his or her name to people who only know the common spelling of such name.

6. Decide with your partner in coming up with the best baby name for your sweet baby. It wouldn’t be nice to be always blamed when people ask who chose that awful baby name, right? Okay, kidding aside. Sharing on this kind of decision-making is a good way of furthering your bond as a couple, not to mention the possibility of coming up with a better baby name. Remember that the “two heads are better than one” thought also applies to dealing with the troubles of finding the most suitable baby name for your baby.

Happy baby naming!

5. The Baby Bedding Challenge

Having a baby is the most wonderful experience a woman can have as it is a fulfillment of the biological function of the female species. After the birth process, the real work begins. Feeding bottles, diaper changes and immunization records are just a few of the things the new mom has to learn quickly. And one important thing to consider in the arrival of the baby is the kind of baby bedding he or she will use. According to Dr. Mark Brandenburg (http://www.baby-place.com/crib_safety.html), the number one rule to follow in choosing the right baby bedding for your precious infant is safety. The second rule is safety and the third rule emphasizes safety.

In his article on how to find the perfect baby bedding, he says it must be neither too hard nor too soft. In the past, sudden infant death syndrome or SIDS was attributed to very soft baby bedding. This happens when the baby's mattress is too soft and thier nose and mouth gets covered. A baby could then be at risk of re-breathing their own exhaled air that is high in carbon dioxide and low in oxygen, leading to extreme drowsiness, coma or even death.

There are a lot of styles and makes in choosing the baby's bed. And with that, it follows that the baby bedding must be a perfect fit with the chosen equipment. The three major selections are: a bassinet, a crib or a cradle. What differentiates one from the other? A bassinet is an oblong-shaped basket that serves as a bed for an infant. But sometimes, round bassinets are also available. A crib is a bed that is flanked with high side bars for a baby or young child's safety. Cribs are usually more economical since the baby can use it from infancy to two years. While a cradle is a small low bed that an infant uses that has rockers on its stand. In all these, the material used to make the equipment should alert and signal to the mom how much safety precautions are needed.

Bassinets are usually lacey and full of trimmings. The baby bedding must fit the bassinet so that the baby's space is enough for them to be able to roll from side to side. The crib is usually square, thus, mattresses can be fitted to the size of the crib. The baby bedding usually is a set of coverlet and small pillows. Hotdog pillows can also be placed inside. However, the pillows should not be more than two or three lest the baby can stand on them and could fall over. The cradle can come in various sizes and shapes. Some moms prefer cradles so that when the baby is cranky, he or she can be rocked to be calmed down. The baby bedding for a cradle should follow the shape of it. Not much can be placed inside it since it is used mainly to rock the baby to sleep. However, one need not the three to keep the baby safe, warm and secure. One will do and this would depend on the parent's preference. The most preferred would be the crib since it can be used for a long time.

Now that we've covered the basic equipment, how do we furnish it with baby bedding? We have already established that the baby bedding should fit the sleeping equipment to avoid accidents and other untoward incidents. The most suitable material to use is cotton as it is absorbent and cool to the baby's skin. Different designs must be used to stimulate the baby's color and pattern recognition. Therefore, the baby bedding is a crucial factor in keeping the baby happy and healthy.