When designing your newborn baby’s nursery, function is just as important as aesthetics. There are a few utilitarian features that should be included in every nursery – crib, changing table, dresser, etc. – but their design and positioning are up to you. Consider tying the nursery together with a running theme.
This motif could manifest itself subtly in the form of color accents, or you might prefer to make the effect more noticeable. Don’t forget that something as simple as a baby dresser can be incorporated into your grand design scheme. If you’re going for a rugged-looking little boy’s room, a polished wooden dresser packs that manly mystique.
Research has shown that infants who are fed breast milk grow up to be stronger and healthier than formula-fed babies. Breastfeeding is a natural part of human development, but modesty and shifting cultural norms have come into play in recent years. As a result, some women are understandably reluctant about breastfeeding their babies in public places.
Nursing covers lend a modicum of privacy to what really is a private act. They also provide babies with protection from the sun and wind, which allows for uninterrupted feeding. The best nursing covers are derived from materials that are especially soft to the touch – namely eco-friendly bamboo.
If you’re a parent, you know that changing a diaper outside of the home can be a tricky endeavor. That’s because not many places are outfitted with the proper facilities needed for you to quickly and easily change the diaper. There has been a concerted effort, however, by many restaurants and institutions to add these helpful facilities. To that end, it’s growing increasingly common to see changing tables in these restrooms and areas.
A changing table can be understood as a sturdy, raised platform where you can place your baby during a diaper change. By offering a wide, flat surface raised to around waist level, the parent is offered a convenient and easy way to change diapers. In many bathrooms, these tables act like a Murphy bed, which folds up and latches into the wall. In this way, the changing table doesn’t take up any addition space unless it’s in use.
Every parent wants to save money. Especially in today’s climate, it can be difficult envisioning how you’re going to support a happy, functioning family unit. But even in dire economic times, it’s still possible to complete this daunting task. You might just have to be a little more creative about budgeting and cutting corners where possible.
One of the best ways to complete this budget crunching is with a convertible crib. These seamlessly change from a crib to a toddler bed with only a few alternations and changes. In this way, you’re essentially getting two beds for the price of one. Just make sure you choose a high quality option and put it together with care, as these beds are where your child is going to sleep. In this way, you should always ensure that they’re secure and safe.
When the Maya Wrap or any baby ring sling is first purchased and used, it takes a little bit of time to learn how to use it. When purchasing the Maya Wrap there is an instructional DVD but if you still tend to be having difficulty with putting it on properly then here are some tips that may help you. If the sling tends to be to lose and not stay tight then making a few adjustments may correct some of the Maya Wrap problems you are having. Here are three general problems that people usually have when trying to first wear the Maya Wrap Ring Sling or any other baby ring sling.
First, the Maya Wrap can not be twisted, the inside of the tail (the side next to your neck) can not be twisted at all; it needs to come across your back, hip and the top of your baby’s body without any twist. Feed the tail through the rings making sure the tail is not twisted, after feeding them through the rings put the wrap over one shoulder with the rings in the hollow of your shoulder and then place your baby into your Maya Wrap Ring Sling.
Second, to position your baby where you want them to sit you need to hold your baby up high and then tighten the tail of the sling by pulling the tail ACROSS your body, do not pull down on the tail. Then let go of your baby and they should be positioned where you want them sitting. You want to wear your baby high and snug or your back may start to hurt. Make sure your baby’s face is not really tight against your body, there needs to be a finger distance of room between your body and your baby.
Third, when putting your child into the sling their weight is what tightens the rings to hold the sling in place. If you need to tighten the sling after your baby is in the sling hold your baby up and pull the tail in front ACROSS your body, this will keep the sling positioned properly and will keep your baby snug and comfortable.
This will generally correct most Maya Wrap baby wearer problems that new parents tend to have. If you still have problems with the Maya Wrap Baby Ring Sling here are some videos to watch that may help you.
Everyone has a different decorating aesthetic. Some prefer a very traditional and proper look, while others opt for more eccentric and bold approaches. Whatever your taste, it’s sure to be reflected in your nursery. And this is as it should be. Many people feel they have to make their nursery look like all the nurseries in baby magazines, but that’s simply not the case. If you don’t find white frilled curtains and ornate scrollwork cribs appealing, don’t place them in your nursery.
Do a bit of research into decorating options for the nursery, and you’ll find that there is a world of options available. If you’re unimpressed by a standard rectangular crib, look into round cribs. If you’re put off by cutesy teddy bear stenciling, paint the nursery walls a solid color. Just remember that once a child grows up, it’s important to relinquish some of that decorating control. Once your child expresses their own personal interests, these elements should be incorporated into the bedroom—even if they conflict with your décor ideals.
One of the best made and most popular baby slings on the market is made by Maya Wrap. They make a couple of different types of baby slings but the most popular by far is the Maya Wrap Lightly Padded Baby Ring Sling. They come in a variety of different colors but the most popular colors are Black, Olive Green and Bright Stripe they are hard to keep in stock.
According to the Maya Wrap website “For 12 years, Maya Wrap baby carriers have consistently been rated the #1 must-have essential for new parents. Here’s why:
- Maya Wrap baby slings are stylish, comfortable, and fully adjustable.
- Mom-recommended, they’re all you need to simplify your day. No more lugging strollers around, fiddling with buckles or snaps, trying to nurse discreetly, juggling a baby while helping an older child… just grab your Maya Wrap and get on with your life!
Join the ‘growing’ number of savvy parents and celebrities who have declared the Maya Wrap the “baby product you can’t live without“!”
I know that Mom and Dad’s alike just love this Maya Wrap Lightly Padded Ring Sling; it comes with an instructional DVD on how to use the ring sling and hold your baby in a number of different positions. The lightly padded shoulder helps lighten the weight of your baby; making it more comfortable to hold your baby for longer periods of time.
Babywearing has become a ‘growing’ trend that Moms and Dads enjoy in keeping their little ones close. Before it was a trend, Maya Wrap recognized the benefits of keeping your baby close in a baby sling during those first impressionable years! Here are some benefits of wearing your baby in a baby sling; this is research directly from the Maya Wrap website.
Less Crying - Babies who are carried cry less on average than those that are not. Research has shown that babies who are carried cry (on average) 43% less overall and 54% less during the evening hours (1).
Smarter Babies - Babies spend more time in a “quiet, alert state” when carried - the ideal state for learning. When carried, your baby sees the world from where you do, instead of the ceiling above his crib or people’s knees from a stroller. This extra stimulation benefits brain development.
Emotional Development - Babies are able to develop a sense of security and trust when they are carried. They are more likely to be securely attached to their care-giver/s (2) and often become independent at an earlier age (3)
Physical Development - By being close to your body’s rhythms, baby “gets in rhythm” much more quickly. Research has shown how this helps newborns (especially premature babies) to adapt to life outside the womb (4).
Helps with Post Partum Depression - Babies who are not held need more verbal interaction and eye contact, just to be reassured that you’re there. Moms who may suffer from Post Partum depression will find that carrying their baby is a great way to connect with her (and provide stimulation too) without the “burden” of having to interact (5). Of course your baby is “right there” to enjoy whenever you feel like snuggling, kissing or talking. This is by no means a cure or solution for Post Partum Depression, always seek counsel from your physician first.
Eases the strain - Carrying your baby in a sling eases the strain on baby’s spine and your back!”
Let the research show that Maya Wrap baby slings can benefit you and your baby. Maya Wrap being the most popular choice because they know that they are made well and comfortable for you and your baby!
1. Hunziker, U. A. and Barr, R, G. (1986). Increased carrying reduces infant crying: a randomized controlled trial. Pediatrics, 77, 641-8.
2. Anisfeld, E., Casper, V., Nozyce, M. and Cunningham, N. (1990). Does infant carrying promote attachment? An experimental study of the effects of increased physical contact on the development of attachment. Child Development, 61, 1617-1627.
3. Whiting, J. W. M. (1981). Environmental constraints on infant care practices. In R. H. Munroe, R. L. Munroe & B. B. Whiting (Eds.), Handbook of cross-cultural human development, New York: Garland STPM Press.
4. Ludington-Hoe SM, Swinth JY. (1996). Developmental aspects of kangaroo care. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing, 25, 691-703.
5. Pelaez-Nogueras M, Field TM, Hossain Z, Pickens J. (1996). Depressed mothers’ touching increases infants’ positive affect and attention in still-face interactions. Child Development, 67, 1780-92.
(Credit: The Babywearer)
One of the best gifts that a new mom can receive is baby gifts from relatives that have passed on. These antique gifts are often family heirlooms, and there is simply something special about caring for your baby with these time-honored and time-tested gifts. Whether you’re receiving an antique crib or any other antique baby furniture, just make sure that the product is still up to snub with today’s safety standards.
Antique products can be beautiful, and they can be meaningful, but just make sure you use them only after a thorough inspection. Make sure there aren’t any jutting screws or boards that have come loose after years of use. Also make sure the paint is not lead-based. Using products that have been tested to be safe has not been a practice for that long. Even if the crib is just a couple decades old, you just have to be aware that it might pose some safety risks. If you find anything lacking with the crib, consider having it as an accent to your nursery décor but not a functional bed.
Mom and Dad as your baby begins to grow so do the amount of toys that they acquire. What is a parent to do with their toy pile as it gets bigger and bigger? A great old concept is a toy box, but do you want just an ordinary toy box or do you want one that shows the uniqueness of your child.
Do you have fond memories of the circus when you were growing up? Well you can bring that childhood memory home. Consolidating your child’s toys all into one place and have the circus memories brought into their bedroom giving them the same fond memories that you had as a child.
An elephant toy box that is retro fitted with elephants from merry-go-rounds of earlier days and configured into a toy box. These toy boxes are original meaning that no two are exactly the same; they are fun and a great place to conspicuously hide your child’s toys.
As a new parent, it’s hard to know what products are worth buying. It can seem like everywhere you turn there’s a new advertisement claiming you absolutely must have this product or that product. Some advertisers even claim that the health and happiness of your new baby depends on it. Don’t fall for those cheap tactics. Before you make any purchase, just be levelheaded about the decision. Put in some time and research, and you’re sure to find the products that are worth it and weed out those that aren’t.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that no one product can ensure the health or happiness of your kid. So just make sure every product you purchase is built safely and that it offers good value for the money. Take convertible cribs, for example. A convertible crib transitions from crib to toddler bed with the removal and adjustment of a few bars. This saves you the added expense of buying an entirely new bed when your kid reaches the toddler stage. It also saves you the time needed to purchase a new bed