Realizing that a woman is about to become a mom is an exciting phase in one’s life. As with all joys and excitements, sharing it with the people closest to that person can make the feeling more meaningful. This is the reason why friends and relatives often hold baby showers – to share the joys being a new mom. If you are the one holding a baby shower, one of the ways you can make it more fun is to have a number of games. Here are some baby shower games ideas for your friends and family to enjoy.

Coming up with baby shower games ideas might seem like a daunting task. To make it less so, one of the things you have to keep in mind is that you, as the organizer, should take into consideration the age of the guests. It is also pays to consider the personality of the guests who would be coming over. Keep in mind that some people prefer mind games over those that require physical strength or agility. If possible, encourage the male guests to join in on the fun. This can easily be achieved by having the soon-to-be Dad participate himself on the games.

While waiting for all the guests to arrive, you can keep those who are already in busy by displaying a big baby bottle containing jelly beans. Have the guests guess how many jelly beans there are. The one who gets the closest item wins a special baby shower party favor. You can also have the guests bring a baby picture of themselves. Collect all of these and assign a number. Have the guests write down on a piece of paper who they think the babies in the picture were. Keep in mind, though, that these can only work if all the guests know each other.

The previous set of games is usually done by individuals. Team games are another baby shower games ideas. You can pair up the guests and have them play the cotton ball scoop game. All you have to do is blindfold the guests, give them a spoon and then, when it’s their turn,  have them scoop all the cotton balls that they can from one bowl and then transfer it to another bowl. Since all the guests could feel is the weight of the spoon, all the spectators would have a fun time watching the other guests outdo each other without really knowing if they are getting ahead or not.

The “Try Not to Say Baby” is another one of those great baby shower games ideas. First, you hand out baby pins to all of the guests. They would need to pin it on their clothes during the entire party. The aim of the game is to catch anyone mentioning the word, “baby”. When this happens, the person who heard the word “baby” being said would need to confiscate the pin. The winner is the one who has the most number of pins.

These baby shower games ideas are meant for fun, laughter, and enjoyment for everyone in the family. The baby shower is a chance for the family to experience the happiness and blessing of having a newborn child. With these tips and ideas, you can be sure that this experience will be a memorable one.

Edie Mindell writes for SimplyUniqueBabyGifts.com. Visit the site for trendy unique baby gift baskets and baby shower favors for your event.
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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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