Sunday, March 7, 2010

Baby Showers – From The Man’s Point Of View

You see articles about baby showers written by women all of the time. But why not written by a man? Don’t we need to know a thing or two about baby showers too?

My wife recently hosted a baby shower for a friend, and I was clueless on how to help her. Fortunately, I was kicked out of the house before the actual baby shower began, but I was involved with helping her set it up. Baby showers begin with selecting a location and baby shower invitations. But the actual event involves a lot more planning.

Did you know that baby showers include a cake made out of diapers? Yeah, I thought that was strange too. But apparently diaper cakes are one of the important centerpieces at baby showers these days. This isn’t an edible cake—but there are plenty of deserts to be eaten. From non-diaper cakes to appetizers to baby block-looking petit fours, it seems like there’s more than enough food to go around at a baby shower.

Of course there are usually baby shower games. These games can be kind of silly, but they’re a big hit. The women talk about funny baby experiences they’ve had and bring up embarrassing things from the mother’s past. There are hundreds of web sites devoted to various baby shower games. Do a search for “baby shower games” an you’ll be amazed and some of the games people have invented.

Gifts are a big part of baby showers. And I mean BIG! It’s amazing how many gifts are showered upon the mother-to-be. Although the mom usually registers for important baby gifts like sheets and strollers, it seems that most women want to buy cute things for the baby that aren’t on the registry. Apparently buying cute clothes and stuffed animals is more interesting than buying sheets for the crib. It makes sense, but I hear that moms-to-be hate this since what they really need are the basic supplies. The mom ends up buying all of these herself.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Baby Shower Theme - How to Find the Most Creative Baby Shower Themes that Please the Mom-to-be


So, you need a special unique baby shower theme to make your party different, huh?

A baby shower isn't just about helping parents-to-be get ready for their little arrival, but about fun, encourage and memories for years to come. Why not use an unique baby shower theme to piece together a perfect party time for every invited person?

You can type "baby shower theme ideas"("baby shower themes" or "theme party idea" and "party theme") into internet search engines, such as Google, MSN Search and Yahoo! Search. The smart spider will lead you to the most relevant web sites for those coolest theme ideas.

Also, there are tons of ideas from party handbooks and experiences you already learned from other theme based parties, such as kids' birthday parties and bridal showers.

Somehow, you can't jump out from the endless mind bogging for the best baby shower theme ideas. I guess you just get into the wrong direction.

However creative you could be, don't forget your best friend is about to be a Mommy, and this is the solely reason you want to throw her a baby shower! So chose the baby shower theme more personal to the mom-to-be, than yourself!

Before you run for the best theme idea, ask a few questions about the expecting Mommy:

* What does she like and dislike?
* Does she business like, shy, formal, friendly?
* Is the she expecting a girl, boy? Twins or More?
* How many people she'd like to invite?
* Does she plan to invite kids?
* Will she like to have her husband and other guys show up?
* Do you have a co-host? Does she have any idea?

More questions you ask the mom-to-be, more theme ideas come out with the answers themselves, automatically! And you may not be aware of this: The best baby shower theme lies somewhere in the depths of your imagination.

You can setup a ladies-only tea party in your house at a Sunday afternoon if the mom-to-be only feel comfortable when she stay with a small group of people. You can also throw a Hollywood glamour baby shower for parents-to-be who are super movie fans (so are their closest friends including you).

Or what if she is a second-time mom and her elder kids are Pooh lover? Phew, it couldn't be more exciting than having a Winnie the pooh baby shower and arranging everything in the ways that Pooh-like.

And if you're inviting the new daddy and his buddies to your party, the male guests would love to enjoy a western style BBQ in your backyard with beers and country music.

No matter how you plan the shower party, a good theme always serves as your inspiration when you're picking the location and time for your baby shower.

You can use theme based baby shower ideas run through the invitations, decorations, games and food, especially in preparing a baby shower cake to fit the party setting. When you're preparing the baby shower supplies, gifts and favors, the shower theme will practically tell you the best ideas to pick up.

In fact, baby shower theme can really make planning baby showers a snap.

Monday, November 23, 2009

BABY SHOWER SECRETS

Baby Shower Secrets

Now, anyone can throw the Baby Shower and it’s not just for the women!Men are attending showers, even having their own.It’s all about celebrating a new life, and welcoming a new baby to the world. And all babies, not just the couple’s first child, are a cause for celebration.

Traditionally, a close female friend throws the Baby Shower and invites all the women close to the mother-to-be, to shower her with gifts and well wishes for the coming baby.While this is still the idea, the etiquette has changed from generation to generation.

Proper etiquette is very specific about the Baby Shower - never should the mother-to-be’s family throw the shower, lest people think they were asking for gifts.

Traditionally, a close female friend throws the Baby Shower and invites all the women close to the mother-to-be, to shower her with gifts and well wishes for the coming baby.While this is still the idea, the etiquette has changed from generation to generation.

Now, anyone can throw the Baby Shower and it’s not just for the women!Men are attending showers, even having their own.It’s all about celebrating a new life, and welcoming a new baby to the world. And all babies, not just the couple’s first child, are a cause for celebration.

Skipping the surprise shower can really ease the planning of any Baby Shower.If it’s not a surprise,the parents-to-be can help out with the guest list and help you avoid scheduling conflicts.

Grandma and Grandpa may not be the guests of honor, but you don’t want to find out too late that the most important guests can’t attend.So check with the parents-to-be to make sure you haven't left out anyone who should be included, and lets get this party started!

Once you have a general idea of the number of guests, you’ll want to start thinking about where to have the Baby Shower. You can host at your own home, reserve tables at your favorite restaurant, rent a reception hall, picnic at a park if you’ll be including children, or if this is a small group of female friends, why not make it a day at the spa with a catered lunch?

If you’re planning to rent or reserve space for the Shower, check on these details when looking around:how many guests will this location hold,is it available on your chosen date,can you decorate prior to the shower,what is the cost,what does it include,who is responsible for clean up.

It's always a good idea to schedule the Baby Shower about two to three months in advance of mom's due date. Unless, of course, you are having the shower after the baby is born.

"Hello World, Here I Am" Showers are a popular way to ensure everyone gets to see the new baby, and you'll want to wait at least a month after the baby is born for this one.

The time of day to host the shower is personal preference, and can be used to determine appropriate food and drink. If you just don’t know, ask the mother-to-be what part of the day she usually feels her best, and go from there.

Finger foods set around the room work great and encourage guests to mingle. If you don't want to prepare the food yourself, many bakers or grocers make deli trays of vegetables, fruit, or meats and cheeses.

They're arranged beautifully for any occasion and can be a life-saver, as well as a time-saver.When choosing drinks to serve, remember to include on-alcoholic and decaffeinated alternatives.

Coordinating is the easy part, but you probably don't want to do everything by yourself on the big day. Depending on the number of guests, it's easy to get overwhelmed and miss some of those small details that mean so much.

With all your planning, don’t forget a gift for the parents-to-be. Maybe your gift to the parents-to-be will be the Baby Shower itself, but if you're looking great gift ideas, try a customized baby basket, diaper cake or something just plain adorable from the baby gift store.

Don't lose sight of what this day is all about...a celebration! So remember to relax and have fun with your planning and hosting.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

BABY SHOWER PLANNING: TIPS, ADVICE AND IDEAS FOR A SUCCESSFUL SHOWER

Baby Shower Planning: Tips, Advice, And Ideas For A Successful Shower

Planning a baby shower is the perfect way of expressing “Congratulations,” or “We’re happy for you,” or “Best wishes” when a newborn has been added to the family.

Aimed at further boosting the parents-to-be’s excitement for the future member of their family, the baby shower is usually hosted by a close friend or relative, at any time during the last months of the pregnancy.

Just like any other party, a baby shower requires careful planning to ensure that it will go as smoothly as possible, and be memorable for everyone. Although there are no rules cast in stone in preparing for a baby shower, there are some helpful tips to follow to help the host organize every aspect of the event.

1) Decide on the location.

Most baby showers are held at the parent-to-be’s house, since the expectant mother’s health needs to be considered. It is recommended for small, intimate parties, with only the closest friends and family members. Guests also tend to be more comfortable if the party’s setting is at home.

If the expectant parents love the outdoors, a barbecue party at their garden, or a local park may also be an option. Naturally, the weather must be considered – baby shower does not literally mean soaking the guests in the rain.

For less complications, the host may reserve a secluded area in a restaurant or bar. It may be more costly, but at least the decoration, food and drinks, as well as the post-party cleanup will already be taken care of.

2) Choose the party’s theme.

For easier decoration ideas, a theme may be decided upon. Consider the expectant parents’ favorite movies or hangouts. Another option is to decorate the party site by re-creating the place where they had their honeymoon, such as a cruise ship, or Paris-inspired cafĂ©.

Since the party will also be a celebration of the future baby, a childish atmosphere may also be considered. Choose cartoon characters, bright colors, and other designs depending on the baby’s gender.

3) Finalize the menu.

The party’s menu will depend upon the time of the event. In most baby showers, the host serves finger food, pastries and other baked goods for convenience. However, if the event will be held during lunch or dinner time, heavier meals will naturally be served. Alcoholic drinks may also be prepared, depending on the guests’ preference.

4) Design a fun program.

Contrary to what most people believe, a baby shower is not only limited to mingling around, gift giving, eating and drinking. Fun games may also be included, such as charades, or those which will bring back the guests’ childhood memories. Remember that the main point is to make sure everyone will have a good time, and various games will surely liven up the event.

5) Create the guest list and send out invitations.

Prepare a list of the expectant parents’ closest friends and family members. Make sure to seek their approval before sending out invitations, to avoid any embarrassing mistakes later. Bear in mind that it’s the parents’ event, and not the host’s, so their choice of people should matter the most.

Ready-made baby shower invitations are readily available in gift shops and craft stores. However, homemade invitations may also be used to provide the host’s personal touch.

Send out invitations out two to four weeks before the party to give time for the guests to fix their schedule. Baby shower invitations follow the same format as any other invitation — it indicates the date, time, place, attire preferred, gift registry, if any, the host’s contact numbers for RSVP. Just to be organized, prepare a final list of attendees a few days before the baby shower.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

A BABY SHOWER - TIME FOR CELEBRATION


A Baby Shower Really Is A Time for Celebration For Everyone

Celebrating the upcoming arrival of a new baby is exciting but at the same time, it's often a situation in which both parents can feel much anxiety. These feelings of anxiety are especially strong for first-time parents. There is so much to know and so many different items are needed to provide proper infant care.

The idea of the baby shower came about as both a special time for family and friends to be together before the baby's arrival and also to help relieve the financial burden on parents-to-be by supplying them with many of the new gadgets, furnishings and accessories they'll need once their baby arrives.

And even though today most people prefer to break out of the 'traditional' mold, when it comes to a baby shower, these events for the most part still adhere to traditional guidelines. Probably one of the biggest changes to the baby shower format is that they're no longer exclusively for women. Plenty of men make it onto today's baby shower guest list and those who are invited don't come grudgingly. While they might not play in all the baby shower games, men do enjoy the opportunity to give their regards to the expectant mother- and father-to-be.

In some cultures however, a baby shower is considered a sign of bad luck. If there's a chance the expectant mother might feel this way, be sure to check with her before proceeding with the baby shower.

In some parts of the world the baby shower is actually held after the baby is born. This makes sense since a baby shower is a celebration of the baby and guests enjoy actually seeing the one who is being celebrated. It's also easier to select gender-appropriate colors and gifts and should the gift need engraving, guests have all the delivery details they need.

Having the baby shower after the baby's birth does make sense, but it's a very busy time for new parents. Plus, many of the baby items the expectant parent(s) need are needed as soon as the baby arrives home. That's why scheduling the baby shower before the baby's birth is the more common option.

The baby shower itself is traditional and for the most part, every shower involves the same activities. Guest lists and invitations need to be created and mailed. The shower location needs to be decorated. Guests expect to be entertained so food, drink and games need to be coordinated. And because it's a special occasion, there might even be a photographer and/or videographer, musician and other special talent participating in the festivities.

A baby shower can be a big to-do with lots of little details to coordinate and every detail is going to cost money. That's why it's highly advisable for whoever is hosting the shower to put together (and stick to) a workable budget.

Pulling off a successful special event like a baby shower doesn't take special talent, it takes a well-thought out plan that includes a timeline and a budget.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

BABY R US: ONE STOP BABY SHOP

Baby R Us: One Stop Baby Shop

If Toys ‘R Us is a company that offers various toys for kids, what does Baby R Us offer? No way! It’s not babies! Baby R Us offers baby products.

In 1996, Westbury, New York, Baby R Us opened its first store. It has been immediately followed with opening six more branches on different locations at the end of the year. After tremendous expansion and joining the Baby Superstore chain, Baby R Us store count has reach 218 at the beginning of 2005. What a mammoth feat for a baby store, right?

Babies R Us is considered a pioneer in retailing premier baby products. It is said to be the biggest store chain in the world that provides baby products. They have stores and online stores that assist in giving a unique and fun shopping experience for their consumers. It has a state-of-the-art baby registry service that provides more convenience when shopping for your baby’s needs. Baby R Us also has a Mother’s room that attends to babies’ necessities.

It has an online store that contains various helpful features that include the following:

The Baby Registry service is a product of Babies R Us teaming up with Amazon.com. Parents that are expecting their baby are permitted to create an online baby registry or update a registry that was set up on one of the Babies R Us stores nationwide. What this registry rids the parents is the inconvenience of surmounting geographic barriers and presumption of which products suit your baby. This way, when your friends and relatives plan to buy your baby a gift, it won’t be that much of a hassle anymore. All that they have to do is go online, select, buy and get the gift delivered to you on time. All the land-based Baby R Us stores allow all purchase returns as an added feature.

Baby R Us also constantly maintains a “Top Seller List” that usually include educational baby equipment, baby books, a pregnant mom’s book, diaper accessories, comfy baby bouncer, play gyms, baby call nursery monitors, a changing pad, monitors with dual receivers, an infant car seat base, baby wraps, toddler rockers, baby swings, nursery care kits, feeding bottle set, etc.

Baby R Us online store also allows browsers to check on different brands of baby products that suit their preferences. The following are the categories that Baby R Us provides various brands of products on: gear, activity, toys, nursery, health and safety, specialty stores, feeding, bath and potty, and clothing and layette.

Baby R Us also presents gift ideas to those who want to share some goodies to their little kids, nephews, nieces, granddaughter or grandsons. A gift set is always considered a hit in making parents with their babies smile with appreciation. These are often in baby gift basket forms that contain various items that deal with the parents and baby’s needs. There are also these “Parents Favorite” items and Babies R Us’ basic gift ideas that are never surmounted by novel items. Gift certificates are also available as treats to the parents-to-be. Baby R Us even added “new baby” or “pregnancy” e-card. Along with this e-card, the option of an e-mail or a paper gift certificate is still offered.

Babies R Us online even has this resource center page that includes various buying guides, checklists, articles, advices and other information that will both benefit the parents and the baby.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

THE WAY WITH BABY NAMES

The Way with Baby Names

Choosing a baby name for your child is almost like choosing his identity. Ever heard about the association of a person’s name with his personality? That’s how our names really work. A name molds 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 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 of a picture of his future. You don’t want your baby to be always called with a monicker that will forever ridicule him or will allow his playmates to make a big laughingstock out of him, right? Research about the meaning of the baby name you are eyeing to give 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 pops 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 or 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 something 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 sickening situation you may put your child into when he or she grows up?

4. Go check your family tree once and for all. Some can’t still get away from some traditions regarding baby name decisions, especially when they have a special bond with a certain family member that 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 use 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 the overkill. Being too creative on thinking of a baby name can backfire, I’m telling you. 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.

Sound, appeasing relatives and friends and avoiding embarrassing initials and discovery of disgusting meanings are some of the major concerns that should be considered in your quest for the perfect baby name. You might find them a bit taxing. But in the long run, you’ll see that doing your homework will make your baby thank you when the right time comes. Happy baby naming!