Strollers... so many!

SINGLE CAPACITY:

1. Click-It Universal Stroller
2. Jogging Stroller
1. Consider perks: Rain protection coverage; Fixed vs. pivoting front wheel; Movable sun shade; Electronic gadgets (such as pedometer); Easiness steering
3. Umbrella Stroller
1. Think of options like the size of storage areas; inclusion of movable sun shade; weight and portability if condensed into a back-pack carrier, height of steering handles, ability to lock wheels, etc.

DOUBLE CAPACITY:


The jogging and umbrella strollers are available for two children, too. Below is a neat stroller just for 2 children: 

1. Stand or Ride Stroller

What strollers do you recommend or favor?

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?

Making Meals

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

• Meal Train
  
• Meal Baby
• Take Them A Meal

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?

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 



Yummy!

2. Guessing candy with similar names as pregnancy events/milestones (such as "to conceive a child" = SKOR Candy Bar
3. Guessing Waist Measurements with Cut Ribbon
4. Tasting then Guessing Baby Foods (cover flavor labels)
5. Gathering guesses in a Baby Pool (date, weight, name, eye color, etc.)
6. Sniffing out Baby Stool in diapers using smeared chocolates like : )

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? 

August Special Events...

 World Breastfeeding Week is August 1 - 7, 2011. 
Check out the WBW 2011 Flash Mob song & lyrics!
 

Celebrate World Breastfeeding Week by attending the The Big Latch-On Event on August 6th. Registration begins at 10:00am with dozens

of prizes for mommy & child!

Babies R Us in Monroeville has three classes scheduled...  Call ahead to confirm classes 412.856.9891! Breastfeeding 101 - August 9 at 6:30pm Diaper Promotion: Changing a Squirmy Baby - August 13 from 12 - 3pm. Baby Gear - August 30 What other classes or events are coming up in the Pittsburgh Area?

June Special Events... About Babies

Did you know that your local Babies R Us Store hosts classes and showers on a monthly basis?! One of the stores in Pittsburgh is advertising the following events:

• 6/7/11: Breastfeeding 101 Workshop at 6:30pm, sponsored by Madela.
• 6/11/11: Super Baby Shower from 12 - 3pm sponsored by Huggies, Summer, Avent and Baby Einstein. This event will potentially give shower gifts to expectant mothers and friends/family are invited, too!
• 6/21/11: Gearing Up For Baby at 6:30pm, sponsored by Safety 1st.
• 6/25/11: Special Summer Outings 12 - 3pm, sponsored by Tommee Tippee.

These events provide fun opportunities to learn more about products and receive samples, too! If you're still unsure then call up a friend and ask for company to attend a generic baby shower thrown for pregnant Pittsburghers!

Please share... any other stores that offer free classes or baby showers?

Maternity & Nursing Clothes

The right column includes more links. Certain Goodwill Stores have more variety of maternity/nursing clothes than others. I found a decent selection at the thrift store in SouthSide. Also, if you register at Target then you may receive a coupon towards nursing/maternity clothes!


If you are interested in online purchases for great prices... check out maternity/nursing clothes sold online through Old Navy and Gap. Also, La Leche League, International has accessories and clothing.


Near South Hills the Sears Store has many affordable options, as does Burlington Coat Factory and Gabriel Brothers. Remember to check other thrift stores though their selection may vary... Salvation Army in South Side, and Red, White & Blue Thrift Store. **One of the cleanest & most organized thrift stores where I shopped is the St. Vincent de Paul's Thrift Store in Castle Shannon**


Another option is A Mother's Boutique in Wexford. Also, if you subscribe to mailings you will receive coupon towards a purchase. [More sophisticated and expensive options were available at Becoming Mommy, Inc. located in Squirrel Hill. Apparently the store closed in Spring 2011.] 


Apparently more locations of Macy's  are carrying a maternity department, though during my pregnancy there were none located close to our home. Another department store option is JC Penney. Remember to use coupons from mailings or internet at Kohl's, too!


By far the most helpful employees work at MotherhoodMaternity located in The Mall At Robinson.


Remember to check with family and friends for helpful hand-me-downs and recommendations for comfortable clothing. You may find other local options by viewing the Expectant Mothers Guide.


*Store Review*
The The Has Bin Consignment is a local, consignment and retail store. It is located in Bethel Park, PA.


Pros: 

•  Informative website with details such as a printable coupon & details about "Bag Sale Day."
• General quality of products
• Variety of merchandise
• Parking

Cons:SIZE OF STORE

• The advertised space for nursing is a lone, upright chair squeezed in a hallway near the bathroom, clothes racks and sole fitting room.
• There is not enough space to include your shopping cart inside of the closed fitting room.
• It is difficult navigating a shopping carriage through the overly cluttered aisles (overflowing with disheveled hangers, over-stuffed boxes, etc.)
• Some of the clothing prices were beyond "thrift" range.

Further discussion about shopping for clothes is seen here... BabyCenter - Thrift Stores in Pittsburgh