Showing posts with label Pregnant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pregnant. Show all posts

Friday, February 3, 2012

Recommended Furniture

After a girlfriend asked me about necessary furniture for her child-to-be, I was inspired to create a chronicle list of furniture. Here it goes...
  1. Rocking or gliding chair: used during pregnancy and beyond.
  2. Bassinet: Safely holds baby while asleep in our room. We used a bassinet 3 - 4 months.
  3. *Boppy pillow: used since birth. One of our postpartum nurses recommended the use of pillow while seated (as a cushion) and episiotomy site is still healing. The pillow also served as a prop, secure holder for naps, neck support for caregivers, etc.
  4. *Sling: a must have for babies
  5. Swing: we used a mechanical one until month 6 because of decreased interest. The swing outdoors is still being used!
  6. Crib: Safely holds baby while resting and sleeping in child's room. We began to use around 4 months after birth. 
  7. Bumpo chair
  8. Jumping devise: we trusted a stand-alone device better than the "above the door" contraptions
  9. Kicking Coaster 
  10. Baby gate
  11. Walking toy
  12. Butterfly chair
  13. Vehicle for children 
  14. See saw
  15. Play furniture: kitchen, tool set, art easle, etc.: 
  16. Toddler's Recliner
  17. Ottoman: contain soft corners and versatile storage
  18. Toddler bed
  19. Stepping Stool
  20. Potty Chair
* = though technically not furniture, they securely hold children

Items that are furniture related that did not make the list, include...


  1. Mobile: though they add an element to decorating, our child was not entertained by them)
  2. Diaper Genie
P.S. A post later this month will focus on strollers!

What would you add or remove from the list?

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Making Meals

Perhaps you have heard several offers while being pregnant, to receive meals postpartum? A quick search online yielded these, organizational sites.



Joining one of these websites could help lessen the load of coordinating meals... both on the receiving and giving sides. 

I thought of meal options to give a family:

  • Pot pie
  • Soup or stew
  • Casserole
  • Salad
  • Quiche
  • Pasta
  • Healthy, fresh sides of fruits and/or vegetables 
How were your experiences using websites to coordinate meals? What other meals do you suggest giving?

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Celebrate... REGISTERING & RECEIVING A Baby Shower or Sprinkle

We were blessed to have several showers thrown for us while we were expecting our first child. 
    Selecting a registry is an exciting process and here are some details that I learned during my experiences that might help you...

    1. Compare which store provides biggest percentage off for "completing your registry." This will save a lot of money if you do not receive all of your registered gifts, and you will purchase the remaining items with your money/giftcards.
    2. Some stores provide incentives or gift bags. For example, Target gave us a tote bag with generous coupons, samples, etc. 
    3. Review the easiness of the registry system's technology in the store and at home. In our case, Burlington Coat Factory's Baby Depot offered stellar prices overall, yet had broken/archaically slow computers in their store so it was difficult to update registry in person.



    Remember to think proactively when registering and requesting gifts such as...
    1. Night light
    2. Poddy chair
    3. Step stool
    4. Baby gate
    5. Outlet covers/safety kit
    6. Teething toys
    7. Sippy cups
    8. Utensils & plate wear
    9. Infant to toddler car seat
    10. Strollers
    11. Baby baths
    12. Tub faucet covers
    13. Pacifiers
    14. Toiletries (q-tips, bath soap, lotion, Orajel, etc.)
    15. Storage trays for food or breast milk
    16. Baby gates
    17. Teething Feeder 
    18. High chair
    19. Slings
    20. Nursing wear, accessories
    21. Teething necklace
    22. Reflective mirror (used within automobiles)
    23. Bicycle trailer
    24. Jogging stroller
    Share your favorite shower gifts, registry tips, and more...

      Celebrate... HOSTING & ATTENDING Baby Sprinkle/Shower

      In hosting or organizing a celebration, remember to:


      1. Include the registry stores on the printed invitation or E-vite
      2. Document gifts while being opened at the party, then give organized list to expecting mother (to help with thank you notes)



      Think of these SHOWER ALTERNATIVES...
      1. Someone I know attended a shower where instead of giving a greeting card with gift, the mother-to-be requested a children's book! This is a great way to begin or expand the children's library.
      2. If the expecting mother/couple already has children then host a sprinkle, instead! One Baby Sprinkle I attended had a theme of diapers/wipes. Even if the family will use green diapers, some brands can be pricey to purchase the starter set or diaper service... consider this!
      Fun ideas for DECORATIONS include:
      1. Baby's Breath Flowers
      2. Balloons
      3. Stuffed Animals (which turn become more gifts for the baby... make sure they are machine washable)
      4. Toys (thinking again of baby gifts after the party!)
      Ideas for FAVORS..
      1. Candy
      2. Candles
      3. Cookies
      4. Cookie Cutter shapes
      5. Toiletries
      6. Bottle of bubbles
      7. Copies of CDs with personalized lullabies or children's songs
      8. Baked goods... cinnamon buns, miniature loaves (idea of a "bun in the oven")

      Here is a list of ideas for GAMES:

      Paper diapers made from Construction Paper
      1. Pinning The Diaper 
      2. Skor Milk Chocolate Crisp Butter Toffee Candy Bar, 1.4-Ounce Bars (Pack of 36)
        Yummy!
      3. Guessing candy with similar names as pregnancy events/milestones (such as "to conceive a child" = SKOR Candy Bar
      4. Guessing Waist Measurements with Cut Ribbon
      5. Tasting then Guessing Baby Foods (cover flavor labels)
      6. Gathering guesses in a Baby Pool (date, weight, name, eye color, etc.)
      7. Sniffing out Baby Stool in diapers using smeared chocolates likeKit Kat Snack Size Bars, 10.78-Ounce Packages (Pack of 6) : )
      Giving GIFTS like these, can always be used...
      1. Unscented Laundry detergent
      2. Diapers
      3. Wipes
      4. Kleenex
      5. Burp cloths
      6. Bibs
      7. Bubbles
      8. Coupons for diapers, wipes, baby toiletries, etc.
      9. Hand sanitizer
      What other alternatives, decorations, favors and/or games do you recommend; did you enjoy receiving? 

      Saturday, August 6, 2011

      Pet Adoption

      We adopted a dog through the Western PA Humane Society. After viewing the available pets online and visiting a few times for individual interviews we made our selection. Our chosen dog scored well on all of the various tests that were administered.


      If you are considering having a pet, we decided to adopt a dog while we were pregnant. The staff at the shelter were very cognizant of our baby's planned arrival & were helpful in truthfully recommending and  leading us to a safe & friendly canine.


      In order to prepare our dog for our child's arrival to our home, we attempted to familiarize it with the scents of our baby's lotion and toys. For example one of our family members introduced our dog to a baby's hat that was worn in the hospital before we were discharged to return home. From the beginning we allowed our dog to be curious and always supervised the two of them together. After all, our dog is an animal so our child's squeal or movements could startle! We gave our dog toys that would not closely resemble our child's toys or stuffed animals. Obedience classes helped us to learn how to better handle our dog, too.


      What have been your experiences with pets... did you add a pet to your family during pregnancy or shortly after?

      Saturday, July 23, 2011

      Considering Doulas

      Have you heard of caring professionals such as doulas who provide care during pregnancy, the birthing process and postpartum?


      If you you have time and the funds to consider hiring a doula, then check out these sites for more details. 
      Unfortunately I learned about doulas too late for my first child. Hopefully these sites will help you learn more and select a supportive professional to help you and your baby.

      Other sites that you would recommend? How were your experiences with a doula... before/during/after your child[ren]'s birth[s]?