Working in the baby industry over the last few years has really opened my eyes to the fashions and trends of this area.  One of the first companies I dealt with was a franchise baby shower company.  I was really surprised that people in this country had them; I always associated them with America having seen them on programmes such as Sex in the City.

Anyway, I realised that most things from America eventually migrate to our country, especially as much of the TV in the UK comes from America.

I always wondered whether baby showers were actually necessary, were they just a way of getting yet more gifts, another excuse for a party or were they genuinely a meeting of women who could give support and advice to their friends or family member about being a mother.

Having recently got into social network Twitter I have seen many comments from people in America, moaning that they have to go to yet another baby shower!! It doesn’t seem that they particularly enjoy these events and they have become a bit of a chore.

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A group of products that have emerged recently seem to be closely linked to the type of gifts you might take to a baby shower. One of the most amazing that I have seen are the nappy cakes, which are a set of Terry Towel nappies that are bound together to make what looks like  a wedding cake with several tiers.  The other one is baby clothes rolled up and wrapped to look like individual flowers, which are then wrapped into what looks like a beautiful bouquet.  It isn’t until you look closely that you can see that it is clothing.

The third one is huge novelty cakes that can be made in any shape, so you could have a Moses basket, a teddy bear or a cot.  There is a programme on at the moment called the Ace of Cakes; it’s about an American company who make huge novelty cakes made to order.

They are all amazing and beautiful products, but in the back of my mind I can’t help thinking that it is very over the top and materialistic.

I am really torn about my feelings towards baby showers and I guess as I have never actually been to one, I can’t really have an accurate opinion.  One thing though is for sure, it is only a matter a time before they are here in the UK with a vengeance and everyone who is expecting a baby will have one!  I imagine that it will bring with it all sorts of new companies and products designed as gifts or services, like catering or organisation, which are directed at this new market.  If you are looking for a new idea for a business, baby showers might be exactly the right way to go and you may be ahead of the game in this new market.

I have children myself and I write about products and tips which are useful to parents, they cover making life less fuss and more fun, saving time and getting out and about with young babies and children.  Some of my articles are interesting but they try to have a bit of fun and laughter about them.
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When it comes to having a child, every moment counts. It doesn’t matter whether it’s the development of the baby in the mummy’s tummy, or having to prepare clothing for the newborns day of arrival, there is always something happening and in need of preparation during the first 9 months of your child’s development. Whether it’s your first child or your tenth though, there are things you need to acquire and prepare for that should already be in place by the time you take your newborn home from the hospital. Planning ahead is ideal to playing catch-up, because when the baby is here, one of the last things you really want to have to do is have to scurry around town trying to find the things you should have already bought for your baby’s needs. Being prepared will leave you with a sense of comfort that brings incomparable joy, compared to those that wait until the last minute.

When preparing for a baby there are various things that you typically want to purchase. First of all, you want to make sure you have hygiene items and clothing. Nappies, baby powder, thermometer and bottles are all hygiene items that you will typically need. As far as clothing goes, mittens, shirts, pants, booties, socks and hats are all applicable. There are some larger considerations to take into account as well though.

You’ll need sleeping space for your baby, either a crib, hammock or something that will give them their own space. A Moses basket (or bassinet) is truly ideal. It provides a safe, relaxing environment for your baby that’s free from disturbance. Small babies are particularly fond of these because they are small and give them a sense of security, as if in the womb. It’s also believed that by using these you can help avoid “sudden infant death syndrome”. Though there has been no one particular cause found for SID, it is strongly believed based on studies that soft bedding may well be a factor in it and a Moses bed is designed in mind with all your baby needs.

In addition to the hygiene items, the clothes and the bedding for your baby, you’re also going to need a stroller. There are baby packs that you can strap on and carry your baby around in as you shop and move around town, but getting around with your baby in these can eventually be a gruelling task for some mums. Especially if you’re not used to having to carry additional loads. There are some amazing strollers that can fulfil your need though and make travelling a dream.

Some of these strollers (or pushchairs) come in some pretty hip colours, and even some pretty stylish designs. From zebra print fabrics to vogue style designs, today’s strollers are one of a parent’s best-friend, especially if you’re one that’s often out and about. Take a look for some with a fleecy baby’s nest, cup-holders, harness pads, ventilated rain-cover, shopping baskets and carry handles. Adding one of these to your final list of baby items is just like adding icing to the cake.

Strollers and Pushchairs
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helping a premature baby reach development baby milestones normally reached from 0-6 months plus a look at delayed developmet.

(As a guide Always remember if your baby was  born 2 months premature then its normal development will only be reached 2 month later than a baby that went to full term. its very dangerous to compare the development of a premature baby to that of a friend of family’s baby that went to full term 38-42 weeks gestation yet born on the same day).

Physical skills helping a premature baby reach development baby milestones large motor skills involving major parts of the body, small fine motor skills hand eye co-ordination.

The first few weeks are sleeping and growing time.Getting premature baby into a good routine is a possitive step in parenting a newborn baby. Regular feeding pattern sleeping pattern.The premature baby may need to adjust to any medication, milk feeds etc and can catch colds very easily. The premature baby can be more prone to getting infections.If baby does not have any physical needs or disability that stops play the following activites are good to promote a baby’s good muscle tone during the first few months.

A cot musical wind up mobile put baby in moses basket then into the cot and let baby watch and listen  fixing eyes on an object, it will help develop eye movements and focusing vision on objects close by.
Placing baby on your shoulder position encourges baby to develop strong neck muscles and lead to supporting the head feely as baby gets stronger.playing peek aboo will get your baby to look at you and smiling occurs from 6 weeks old.Its important to talk to baby at every opportunity to face baby towards you face and enjoy conversation even if it sounds wishy washy baby talk. Baby soon will start to respond to you make coo and ahh noices in return.
As baby becomes more alert during the day a kick and play blanket is good to help baby get used to knowing he/she has hands,can wriggle,kick legs feely vibrating soft toys are good as over time baby will try to bat the toy,touch and feel objects pass toys from one hand to another and eventually turn from tummy to back and from back to tummy.Rolling over.
leaving baby in one position all day is’nt good as baby can develop a condition called flat head syndrome.
Toys- ones that make sounds to develop good hearing, rattles,musical wind up toys,kick and play bouncy chairs with toy rail,toy gym that baby can play under toys keys baby can learn to graps,teething rings.

 Baby milestones Emotional and social development in the premature baby
.As we have already covered physical skills,today we give you an insight into the Social and Emotional skills. A premature baby needs you the parents from day one to help him or her to reach those first early child developmental milestones.

Social and Emotional baby milestones for a premature baby.

A newborn or premature baby relies on its parents to meet its every need. It Crys yet doesn’t understand why.Baby feels hungry or distressed in some way and crying is the only way of letting you know its needs. A parent has to get to know and interperate those needs even if it may seem you try everything such as nappy changes, feeding, cuddles then sleep to eventually determine Ah yes that has finally made baby settle.Gradually it becomes more easier for you to determine what Baby needs as each cry seems a little different.A baby recognises your voice and can  be soothed easly as you communicate with baby in the soft tones of your voice.Singing lullabyes or nursery rhymes whilst rocking bbay to sleep.Creating that loving environement for baby.Its important to talk to baby cuddle and give the love  a baby needs compared to stress arguments that baby can hear between some adults. A baby can sence feelings and pick up on an anxious parent.

Leaving baby in a pram or cot all day whilst a parent plays on Pc games or face book isnt good.Baby needs the social interaction of other adults even siblings at this early newborn -6 months stage. You will especially notice this at 6 weeks Plus with a first smile from baby  the coos and ahhs those first sounds are a good indication that baby is coming along developmental wise in these areas.

providing your premature baby with enough stimuli to encourage Intellectual development reaching those early baby milestones

Introducing play activities to promote baby to babble, talk, communicate. promote learning through the  5 sences which are Sight,Sound,Taste,Touch Smell.

If a premature baby was born very early on say 23-28 weeks brain injuries causing any long term effects are not always picked up on at birth.Its only when baby doesnt start to reach the developmental milestones that a mum starts to notice these things and so refers them onto the health visitor any concerns. Baby may develop poor muscle tone,may feed poorly as in cases such as  cerebral palsy.Monitoring baby over a longer length of time may prove that eventually everything gets back to normal. With care, and health check ups baby can get any specialist help when the health practitioners decide the time is right to make more necessary assessments or long term  effects of being premature ie Sight Problems .

What can you do to encourage your baby to talk and promote hearing . To say those first sounds such as ooh aww coos smiles etc. You need to chat to baby in soothe tones of voice, look at baby making eye to eye contact, tickle baby when baby is alert more times of the day and have fun without causing baby to get upset. (ie Sometimes daddy’s get carried away and want to throw baby up in the air).making brumm noices on babys tummy so baby can feel the vibrations and hear the sounds you are making. Pulling raspberry sounds with your mouth baby will eventually start to chuckle with delight.Singing,lullaby rocking baby gently ,reading stories ,hearing the sound of a comforting voice.

prematuure baby milestones encouraging play through the 5 Sences.

provide soft texture rattles,that crinkle,feel soft to the touch,rolling toys with musical sounds Encourageing bay to focus with the eyes to see and reach and become interested in things that move.Plus when baby gets around 6m and becomes more interested in toys provide toys that baby can explore without being a chocking hazzard.When you feel baby is ready to start solid foods its a good way to introduce different flavours for baby to taste, to smell home good food cooking . Do not use ready meals as they contain salt which can kill babies.

Qualified Baby +Early Years specialist.T.D.L.B D32+D33 Assessor.Proprietor of Cheeky Chums the Premature Baby Clothes SuperStore.  http://cheekychumsonline.co.uk http://cheekychums.wordpress.com , http://prematurebaby.info
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As parents, we want nothing for our babies but safety and comfort. In addition, you need to consider several things for the nursery room, please keep in mind that it is also important to consider our existing nursery furniture and décor. The basic needs of a baby in a room is the baby crib bedding. If you are having a hard time looking for the right one for little baby and the one that will be a great complement to your nursery room interiors and decors, Gingham Baby Crib Bedding is definitely worth checking. They offer a variety of beddings for girls, boys, and neutral. They also have a wide of variety to choose from and you surely will find one that suits best for your baby or to your nursery room.

Beddings from Gingham are generally warm and creates cozy ambiance. They also normally come in light and warm color of stripes or check.
Alphabet Soup Bedding Set – this cool and cozy bedding set for your baby is a four piece set with printed pattern of animals and letters. Using orange gingham, the Alphabet Soup Bedding set consist of a sheet, quilt, bumper, and dust ruffle. This bedding set will works perfect when purchased along with the other Alphabet Soup Musical Nursery items like Musical Mobile, Wall Hanging, Lamp Base and Shade, Lamp Shade, Hamper, and Appliquéd Sherpa Blanket to name a few.

Gingham Moses Basket – this Gingham Nursery product is another warm and cozy item for your baby’s nursery room. Comes with a hood, the Gingham Moses Basket has a stylish removable machine washable liner making it easy to clean. Bring s portable basket, the Gingham Moses Basket is ideal especially if you love traveling or picnic a lot. The hood can also be removed if desired and installed to shade your baby. This one of a kind basket is ideal for newly born babies until they reach the weight of 15 pounds or 6.8 kilograms or until your baby is able to push up or roll over unassisted. It can never be a problem when your baby outgrows the Gingham Moses Basket because you can have it as your storage for stuffed animals, linens, and the like.

To find other Gingham products, you can checkout our website gingham nursery. For other modern kid products, you can check out here: baby toddler products.
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A hammock can be described as a gigantic sling made of some fabric that is fastened at each end to poles or on two trees. A <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);” href=”http://www.baby-hammock.org.uk”>baby hammock</a> is similar just smaller. An infant hammock is designed for an infant to sleep in comfortably. These have developed quite a following much akin to a cult following because of the utility it has for parents and infant care givers alike.

Everyone that has used a baby hammock will agree that the infant has a very good night’s rest and the mother does too. When a child is placed In a net cot, as it is also called, will almost never wake or stir in her or his sleep. The hanging cot ensures that the infant is ricked or swayed to sleep almost as soon as it is placed in the cot.

This is also known as a net cot that is made to either be suspended from the ceiling or be suspended from tow posts on the ground. In fact it can be suspended from any sturdy posts. A futon mattress is placed in the hammock to make it more comfortable and keep the child from waking.  The <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);” href=”http://www.baby-hammock.org.uk/amazonas-koala-baby-hammock-and-stand/”>Amazonas Koala Baby Hammock And Stand</a> is a fantastic alternative to any cot or moses basket and is the best place on earth for new arrivals.

Contrary to popular belief, a baby hammock is not very similar to one made for an adult. They do seem to be very similar at first glance. However, these devices have been carefully designed to cater to a infant’s special needs. These have been created so that an infant, when placed in it, will slumber all the way through the night.

When buying a baby hammock it should be thoroughly tested depending on the size and weight of the child. Do not go on the specifications of the manufacturer it is your responsibility to ensure that you are buying a canvas bed that your child will be safe in even without constant supervision. The quality should also be good enough for the device to last a lifetime, or for a few years at least.

While a lot of us will rather not admit it but there is a phenomenon called cot death. This reality has got to be faced and dealt with. Parents have been known to lose their infants due to a lot of factors that relate to cot deaths. This can be chocking on toys, suffocating on bed clothes or falling out of the cot. A lot of infants are known to have died while sleeping on their stomachs. In a net cot a child cannot turn onto its side or stomach.

Make sure that it is made from natural material. The infant will most probably develop an allergy to artificial fibers. Natural material is also hardy and can be cleaned better. The material should be able to take the baby’s weight without too much strain. It should also be sturdy enough to withstand the wear and tear of the clips and springs that will be attached to it when it is suspended.

Not only is the net cot very sturdy it is also very safe and comfortable, which ensures a restful nights sleep for the baby and the mother. The swaying action of the cot that is suspended from the ceiling or from posts makes for playful swinging ricking the infant to sleep quite fast indeed.

Looking to find the best deal on a baby hammock, then visit www.baby-hammock.org.uk to find the best advice on baby hammocks for you.
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With the birth of my second child soon approaching it is time to make the final assessment of our items on hand. Which items are guaranteed to be used? Which items can wait until we learn this baby’s temperament? Using the experience of my son’s early days I have come to the conclusion that less is necessary than the media and society would have you believe.

One thing you cannot go without –- ever — is a car seat. Hospitals will not allow you to leave with your child until they have checked that your car seat is properly installed in the vehicle that is bringing you home. Even if you Do not own a car you will need a car seat: friends and family will surely be willing to drive you and your child.

The next most important item is a nursing pillow. Not only will a nursing pillow help you nurse your infant in comfort, it will also be something you can use to help develop your child’s physical strength if you incorporate it into the tummy-time that doctors recommend be a part of each day. This is one item that you will definitely get your money’s worth.  Do not forget to grab a few nursing bras while you’re at the store.

Although most people have a crib ready for their baby while still in-utero, I think it’s uncommon for newborns to spend the night away from their mother and father. A more practical solution for the early days would be a co-sleeper (an extension to the parent’s bed specially designed to ensure the safety of the infant while keeping her within reach to make nursing easy) or even a bassinet or Moses Basket.

Although a great thing to have on hand, make sure you choose your stroller according to your particular lifestyle. Some families will use their stroller daily, and will need a sturdy stroller that can withstand the abuse. If your lifestyle will have you using a stroller less frequently, look at umbrella strollers which will allow you to keep one on hand without spending a lot for an item that will get infrequent use.

Our society views pacifiers as a norm, but are not always a good idea. Not only can using pacifiers inhibit nursing patterns from developing properly, but can also be seen as a quick fix for a crying child. Newborns cry for a number of different reasons, and although the pacifier will most likely quiet her there is no guarantee that it will be fulfilling her wishes or emotional needs. When used properly, pacifiers can be an appropriate addition to other soothing methods, just remember to remain aware that your infant’s needs are varied.

Every family is unique, and that should be taken into account when shopping for your family’s newest member. Always educate yourself to the possible benefits and drawbacks of a product before you make your purchase. Do not ever feel like you need something just because your neighbor has something similar, and feel free to outfit your home with any item you feel will make your life simpler. The simpler your life is the more you will enjoy your child.

Michelle Patelle, stay-at-home mother and writer, hopes that nursing mothers will investigate their choices at sites such as http://babylovesyourmilk.com, which has information about hospital breast pumps and other breast pump reviews.

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