Babys First Year

Personalized Natural Toy Box Bench Contain that clutter! This solid wood toy box is one of a kind. Constructed of strong durable hardwood, this spacious box has ample room for storing all sorts of toys. Front is cut out to keep little fingers from getting smashed. Hinged lid provides a great seat when closed and easily lifts for access. Adult assembly required. Sample shows our Sports Design. We personalize back piece. Measures 28”w x 24”h x 14”d	Our Best Table and Chairs This round table and two chairs is the perfect place for your child’s creative activities and crafts. Made of durable rubberwood, this set is built to last. Customize with your choice of hand-painted design and personalization on the chairs. Table measures 21″ high x 26″ in diameter. Chairs measure 24″X12″X12″(the seat is 13″ high) Available in natural wood only. Adult assembly required – hardware and instructions included.
Personalized Lift Top Toy Box A place for space – Canadian made, this spacious toy box is a great keeper for all those playthings when not in use. Lid has safety opening and slow-to-close hinges. Adult assembly, requires a square drill bit or wrench. Box dimensions – 32″x15 3/4″x15 1/4″. Sample shows Jungle Animals in primary colors.	Personalized White Toy Box Bench Contain that clutter! This sturdy white laminate toy box is one of a kind. Made strong and durable, this spacious box has ample room for storing all sorts of toys. Hinge lid doubles as a seat when closed. Front is cut out to prevent little fingers from getting smashed. Adult assembly required. Sample shows our Princess Design. Measures 28”w x 24”h x 14”d
Round Table and Chairs	Personalized Bookshelf
Personalized Open Top Toy Box	Large Fixed Step Stool
Personalized Time Out Chair	Deluxe Rocking Chair

Baby Furniture hand painted baby furniture, painted baby furniture, personalized baby furniture

Decorating your baby’s room is one of the most important things you can do while waiting for your little one to arrive. Not only will it give you hours of peaceful, quiet thoughts about your baby, it will also help your baby’s development once he or she arrives.

For boys, you can choose nautical, cars & trucks, sports, firefighter, etc.

For girls, themes like flower power, butterflies, dollhouses, angels, sunshine, tea party, etc. would be just perfect.

And if you don’t know yet the gender of your baby, but want to have it ready in time, you can always go with the themes that are universal: bugs and bees, animal farm, Noah’s Ark, Jungle Safari, Teddy Bears, popular characters (Curious George, Snoopy, Betty Boop, Dr. Seuss), Rain forest, and more.

Now, once you picked your theme, you need to get your items together to decorate the room. Start by painting the room, then look for a nice crib and locate a bedding set that matches your theme.

Create a focal point for the room: this can be either the crib or a display shelf, a wall mural, or a play area matching your theme. Your chosen focal point should really reinforce your theme.

You can also get some accessories for the nursery, and you should be all set.

Here are some resources for some of the different themes suggested above:

Decorating the Baby Nursery when you don’t know the Baby’s Gender – while it can be a challenge to decorate your new baby’s room when you have decided not to find out the gender of your baby during pregnancy, you have choices!

Baby Nursery decorating baby's room

A baby sling provides a safe and secure way to tote baby around without taking up extra space, and also promotes a calmer happier baby!

Most newborns love to be held and comforted for hours on end. Use of a baby sling will help new mothers accomplish this task yet still remain mobile. In a majority of countries outside of the United States, babies are hauled around in baby slings for the majority of the day. Some moms even nurse their babies while they are carrying them around in a baby sling.

MAYA WRAP ring sling babywearing baby carrier EUC Large

Maya Lightly Padded Baby Sling/Carrier Blue&Brown Strip

There are several different varieties of infant carriers on the market. Selecting the one that is right for you will depend on several different factors. One is the age of your infant. Some baby slings are designed with newborns in mind, while others are better suited for toddlers. Some offer more head support while others allow baby to move about slightly more freely.

A baby sling will allow you the opportunity to maintain constant contact with your infant, thus further strengthening the bond between mom and baby. Studies have shown that babies who are carried around for longer periods of time generally cry less and are more content. In many countries where babies are carried for a longer part of the day, colic is virtually non-existent. Carrying your infant around in a baby sling also allows more time for learning, as visual alertness and quite alertness often increase as a result of carrier usage.

One of the more popular types of baby sling is the pouch sling, also referred to as the tube of pocket sling, where baby is carried in a semi-prone position. This type of sling often fits around one arm, with baby hanging at about stomach level. There are other types of slings that mom or dad can wear like a backpack, with baby nestled in either facing in or facing out.

Use of a baby sling is often more convenient that trying to carry baby around in her car seat. A baby sling also provides a neat way to carry your baby around if you don’t want to pack a bulky stroller. Slings can be sued to tote your baby around while shopping, going for a walk and even vacuuming about the house.

Keep in mind that there are weight limits on some slings, often children over 35 pounds are too heavy to be carried around. Some tips for wearing a baby sling include the following:

• Always keep one hand on your baby when bending over or moving abruptly, to prevent your baby from mistakenly falling out
• Be aware of your movements when using a baby sling; remember that babies can be bumped by doorways or sharp corners, always be aware that your babies head or limbs might extend outside of the framework of your baby sling
• Though baby slings are useful for accomplishing a variety of tasks, it is not recommended that you wear your baby in a carrier while cooking. The risk of hot substances splashing on baby is too great.
• Remember that older children might figure out how to climb out of their carriers, be certain that you utilize an age appropriate baby sling at all times.
• A baby sling should not be used in lieu of a car seat or other infant protection device

Proper use of a baby sling can provide mom and baby with a fun and convenient mode of transport. There is definitely a variety of baby carrier available to meet every parent’s unique needs and styling preferences.

NEW Vera Bradley Cambridge Cargo Sling Baby Bag Tote

BRAND NEW Organic Cotton wrap style baby sling carrier

NEW Chicco Infant Carrier Sling black front facing baby

BRAND NEW Baby K'Tan K Tan baby SLING Infant Carrier

BRAND NEW Baby K'Tan K Tan baby SLING Infant Carrier

BRAND NEW Baby K'Tan K Tan baby SLING Infant Carrier

BRAND NEW Baby K'Tan K Tan baby SLING Infant Carrier

Baby Care baby carrier, infant carrier

Important Safety and Styling Features for Baby Cribs

Baby Cribs are the feature item in any baby’s nursery. Most parents can get away with keeping their newborn in a bassinet for the first few weeks of life; eventually however, all parents will have to invest in some type of baby crib to ensure their newborn’s safety during the early years.

The number of different crib types available can often be overwhelming. There are sleigh, convertible, mini, wooden and rocking cribs to name just a few. Some of the most popular baby cribs are those that convert into a toddler bed.

The number of different crib types available can often be overwhelming. There are sleigh, convertible, mini, wooden and rocking cribs to name a few. Some of the most popular baby cribs are those that convert into a toddler bed. Buying this type of crib is an economical decision allowing baby to use the same bedding for years to come.

Other types of convertible baby cribs allow the crib to be attached next to the parent’s bedside for co-sleeping arrangements. This style of crib is often a popular choice among attachment parenting supporters, who believe that baby is better off sleeping with mom and dad for the first few months of life.

Some of the newest version baby cribs have the capability of rocking your newborn to sleep. This can be an exceptional plus when trying to get a colicky baby to sleep. Keep in mind however, when considering this style of crib that eventually baby will outgrow the rocking crib and have to move to an ordinary bed. The transition might be a little disconcerting at first. Babies develop habits early on, and a baby who learns how to fall asleep with rocking will likely require some type of soothing mechanism in order to fall asleep in the years to come.

Baby Nursery baby crib safety, rocking crib

Baby blankets are very important for your baby. They not only keep him cozy, but they can become good friends that keep them company.

Do you remember having a favorite blanket as a child? Do you remember taking it everywhere? Your little one will thrive with a soft, fuzzy, warm blanket created specially for a newborn. You can find blankets with Disney characters, ducks, butterflies, flowers, and a lot of other designs. You can even find a personalized baby blanket which can have her name imprinted on it.

A modern necessity. Pamper your baby with this beautiful faux suede and fur blanket. The absolute softest blanket you have ever felt! Front pouch warms cold hands and hides little one’s favorite treasure. Melbourne pouch blankets coordinate with the striped Savannah baby bag collection. Features: -S…Read More

Baby Bella Maya White Baby Blanket with Ruffles

Wrap your baby in this warm and cozy blanket. It’s exquisite detailing sets it apart from any other blanket on the market. Soft to the touch, and easy to clean, this gorgeous blanket is the perfect accessory to your child’s bed. Whether you are looking for a special baby blanket for your little one,…Read More

Baby Bella Maya Mink Two Tone Baby Blanket with Trim

Wrap your baby in this warm and cozy blanket. It’s exquisite detailing sets it apart from any other blanket on the market. Soft to the touch, and easy to clean, this gorgeous blanket is the perfect accessory to your child’s bed. Whether you are looking for a special baby blanket for your little one,…Read More

Hoohobbers Personalized Receiving Blanket with Optional Bib and Burp Cloth

This receiving blanket is extra soft and cuddly because of its double-sided 100% cotton fabric. The designer fabric outside is backed in soft, plush flannel. Personalize your little one’s blanket for an even more adorable look. The gift set includes a matching bib and burp cloth. Features: -Age newborn…Read More

Baby Bella Maya Two Sided Baby Blanket with Ruffles or Trim

Wrap your baby in this warm and cozy blanket. It’s exquisite detailing sets it apart from any other blanket on the market. Soft to the touch, and easy to clean, this gorgeous blanket is the perfect accessory to your child’s bed. Whether you are looking for a special baby blanket for your little one,…Read More

Hoohobbers Crib Blanket

Keep your young one warm at night with this Hoohobbers Crib Blanket. It is available in a vast array of colors and designs and is also sold as part of our crib bedding set. Choose the perfect blanket to match your baby room! Features: -Double-sided blanket -Designer fabric backed with soft, 100% cot…Read More

~ I SPY ~ Baby boy rag quilt/blanket

NEW 6P BABY BOYS CRIB BEDDING TRANSPORT QUILT SET

BABY BOY INFANT CRIB BEDDING 9p SET QUILT BUMPER SHEET

Baby Boy or Girl Blue and Brown Retro Rag Quilt Set

Baby blanket quilt handmade new boy blue faffygiraffe

BABY GIRL INFANT CRIB BEDDING 9p NURSERY QUILT SET SAGE

~ I SPY ~ Baby girl rag quilt/blanket

Pottery Barn Penelope Bird Baby Girl Rag Quilt

NEW GIRL BABY CRIB BEDDING 9pc QUILT INFANT NURSERY SET

Baby Boy or Girl Blue and Brown Retro Rag Quilt Set

Baby Nursery baby blanket gift, personalized baby blanket

New Mom…New Baby…New Debt?

Ah, there is nothing like being an expectant mom. Along with your expanding waistline comes the ever growing list of products for you and your new bundle of joy. Preparing for a new baby can be a costly experience, especially in the areas of clothing and nursery furniture. The good news is that it does not have to be!

Let’s talk about buying baby clothes…think RESALE! Every new mom gushes over the adorable clothing available for babies, but they often come with a not so adorable price. Resale clothing costs a fraction of the retail price. Buying resale clothing does not equal buying trash! Moms sell their baby’s clothing to resale stores for a variety of reasons. Babies outgrow clothes so quickly (normally before they show any wear) they simply cannot use them anymore. Many precious newborns receive more clothes than they can wear in a season (everyone loves to buy baby clothes for shower gifts–they are just too cute!) that cannot be returned and they end up in resale stores with the tags still on! If you have the time and know what you are looking for, you can find plenty of designer and brand name clothing for a steal!

Buy now…save later! There is more beauty to the changing of the seasons than just the landscape! As the temperatures change, so do the prices of baby clothing! Most stores slash the price of their clothing up to 75% by the end of the season to make room for new clothes. Take advantage of this by buying a size or two larger than your baby’s current size for him/her to wear the next year. The savings are amazing!

Another large expense when you are preparing for a new baby is furniture for the nursery. A good place to start when considering which pieces to buy is determining how much room you have to work with? Do you have a large room or do you need multipurpose furniture? A baby crib is a necessity and a given; however, you can pick and choose other nursery pieces. Combination pieces such as dresser/changing table combos are available at some stores and can save you from buying two pieces. Cribs with attached drawer space that convert to toddler beds are also available and will save you a lot of space. Thinking ahead when buying nursery furniture will save you both time and money in the future. By buying a combination piece of furniture for your baby nursery, you eliminate having to sell furniture you no longer need, as well as spending time looking for and more money on new “big kid” furniture.

Now that you have decided what to buy, it is time to shop! Once again, think resale! There are many children’s resale stores that carry pre-owned nursery furniture for 50% or more off retail. They usually have several styles to choose from in different price ranges. If you find something you like, they will usually hold it for you (if you were not really prepared to take it home) and some stores may even have lay away plans.

Another great place to buy pre-owned furniture is the classified ads in your local newspaper. Sellers usually place ads on Thursday or Friday so they can catch the weekend readers. If you find something you are interested in, call quickly! Good furniture does not last long! Make sure you ask the seller plenty of questions. It is important to know before heading out to look at furniture things like the manufacture name, the age, if they have pets (if you are buying cushioned items and allergies are an issue for your family) and the exact color (if it is not adequately described in the ad). Asking these questions may be uncomfortable, but they can save you a lot of time and gasoline looking at something you know you will not be interested in. When you do look at pre-owned furniture from the newspaper, take someone with you and know what you are looking at. Are the style and the manufacturer of the furniture worth what the seller is asking for it? Is the furniture reasonably priced for its age and condition? With a little knowledge, buying pre-owned nursery furniture can save you BIG money!

Awaiting the arrival of your new baby is an exhilarating time! Add to the excitement by saving money on quality gently worn (and sometimes new) clothing and pre-owned nursery furniture

About The Author

I am a SAHM, and former teacher, of three great kids ages seven, four and three. My family struggles with the challenges of “one income” and from this comes my passion for finding creative ways to save money. I am also the owner and creator of www.money-moms.com. susan@money-moms.com

Baby Articles

I understand that shopping for personalized baby gifts and gift baskets, baby clothing and baby layette and more, can be overwhelming, not to mention exhausting. So, here are a few resources to make your search easier.

Luxury Baby Gifts – What better way to show how much you love that brand new baby, than buying a luxurious stroller, or baby bedding, or other luxury gift?

NOJO Jungle Tales 16pcs Baby Crib Bedding Set - NEW

Glenna Jean ZOE 8 Pc Crib Nursery Bedding Set Baby NEW

Personalized Baby Gifts – Everyone loves personalized gifts, and there are almost endless choices of things that can be personalized. Read on for some great ideas.

PERSONALIZED MONOGRAMMED BURP CLOTHS BABY SHOWER GIFT 3

Custom Personalized Monogrammed Baby Diaper Bag ~ Gift

Baby Einstein Products Provide Stimulation and Learning Opportunities – Baby Einstein products are a popular choice among parents wishing to by safe videos and toys that will engage their children for years to come.

NEW* Baby Einstein Takealong Tunes Music Toy *2DAY SHIP

Baby Einstein Bendy Ball Developmental Toys Rattles NEW

Baby Einstein Teethe Bead Friends Bird Infant Toy New

*NEW* Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Baby Toddler Toy

Baby Einstein Octoplush Octopus Language Melody Toy NEW

Baby Gifts newborn gifts

Before spending a lot of money on baby nursery bedding, keep in mind the age of your baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics and several other health minded organizations recommend not having a lot of extraneous baby bedding in the cribs of infants. The risk of SIDS related deaths increases significantly when too many loose or heavy baby blankets are piled around a newborn.

Ideally a baby crib needs to be fitted for only a crib sheet and perhaps some bumpers around the railing. The jury is still out however regarding the safety of bumpers. While some books still recommend use of them for
infant cribs, others suggest that bumpers also pose a safety hazard. Be sure to consult with your baby’s pediatrician before deciding whether or not to use this piece of baby bedding.

Stuffed animals and pillows are also a no-no for baby’s first year. Again, these items might provide a choking hazard for young infants, especially those that are four months of age or under.

A variety of baby bedding is available for older babies and toddlers. Very often you’ll find bed sets with themes including Peter Pan, Strawberry Shortcake or Blue’s Clues. To complement a cute set such as this and add to the theme of baby’s bedroom, you might consider adding some flair with wallpaper and curtains or valences that match baby’s bedding. Any of these items can be found online.

One common mistake new parents make is assuming that a girl will definitely be a girl. Though the accuracy of ultrasounds is relatively high, there have been many new parents surprised when their newborn girl is born a boy! If you have purchased a great deal of pink bedding before baby’s birth, you might find yourself regretting this decision once your bouncing baby boy arrives unexpectedly.

To prevent such mishap, consider selecting colors and patterns that are neutral in nature. Various shades of green, yellow, orange and purple are wonderful choices for a new nursery, and can be used regardless of whether baby comes out a boy or a girl. Using solid colors also allows the possibility for theme changes as your baby grows older. At some point your baby will decide that a change is in order for the bedroom.

Buying neutral baby blankets will also present the opportunity that you can use the material over again if you decide to have baby number two or more.

Consider using vibrantly colored items to complement the babies theme and bedding. Infants are often intrigued by bright colors and interesting patterns. Baby might be more excited about bedtime if the possibility exists of looking at some interesting and exciting patterns and styles. A mobile might also be considered an accessory to the baby’s bedding and nursery theme, to engage your infant’s senses for hours on end. Keep in mind however if you do decide to purchase a mobile for your newborns crib, it should be removed after about the five month mark, when baby might be old enough to grab and pull down the equipment.

As your infant becomes a toddler, many new selections of baby bedding will present themselves. Consider taking your older child with you shopping to select new colors and themes.

Baby Nursery baby nursery bedding

Baby nursery on your mind lately? You’ve come to the right place: here you’ll find ideas on picking a theme for your baby’s room, as well as what are some of the essentials you need to decorate a special room for a special baby.

Baby Room and Nursery Themes - Decorating your baby’s room is one of the most important things you can do while waiting for your little one to arrive.

Popular Nursery Theme Ideas for Baby Boys – The ultrasound showed that a bouncing baby boy is on the way. Now you need to prepare a room in which he can grow and have adventures.

Popular Nursery Theme Ideas for Baby Girls – You’ve found out that your precious bundle of joy will be a girl. Pictures of pink and frills suddenly fill your head. But, decorating for a little girl doesn’t have to be limited to pink.

Baby Furniture for Frugal Families – Ideas to get you thinking frugally before rushing out to purchase furniture for your baby’s room.

Baby Nursery: Decorating Tips and Ideas – Baby nursery decorating is a lot of fun: with a little planning and creativity, you can welcome your baby in a great room.

Baby Cribs: Important Safety and Styling Features -Baby cribs are available in a number of different styles; there are certain safety features however that need to be considered before purchase.

Baby Furniture – Essential Gear for Your Little One – Confused about the endless variety of baby furniture available? Want to know what baby furniture you absolutely need? Find out everything you need to know about baby gear right here.

Baby Bedding Do’s and Don’ts – Baby bedding comes in a variety of styles, themes and colors. Learn what you must look out for when shopping for a newborns as opposed to toddlers bedding.

Baby Room Bonanza! Critical Items for Establishing a First Time Setting – Establishing a first time baby room requires the acquisition of a few key items to ensure a cozy and comfortable environment.

Baby Cribs: Important Safety and Styling Features – Baby cribs are available in a number of different styles; there are certain safety features however that need to be considered before purchase.

Baby Furniture – Essential Gear for Your Little One – Confused about the endless variety of baby furniture available? Want to know what baby furniture you absolutely need? Find out everything you need to know about baby gear right here.

Baby Room Bonanza! Critical Items for Establishing a First Time Setting – Establishing a first time baby room requires the acquisition of a few key items to ensure a cozy and comfortable environment.

Creating Good Feng Shui in Baby’s Room – By incorporating feng shui, parents are going beyond the traditional coordinated theme rooms to ensure baby has a healthy environment.

Creating a Baby Center as the Focal Point of a Nursery/Playroom – Creating a baby center allows a safe haven for your baby to play without concern for safety or boredom.

Baby Nursery baby nursery ideas

For some people the first step toward caring for an infant is learning how to care for baby animals. Much like a newborn, caring for baby animals requires an investment in time, patience and love.

Baby animals are a wonderful pet for the novice caregiver. They combine cuteness, innocence, love and need in one small and unique package. There are many considerations one should take into account before seriously considering purchasing baby animals.

Space Requirements: Baby animals are cute. Soft and snuggly, it is hard to imagine what they’ll be like when they “grow up”. Much like humans however, baby animals often require a great deal more space when they are grown. Consider your living space. Will the animal you get have to live indoors? If so, how much space to you have available for roaming. What about your outdoors? If you are considering a baby pup for example, keep in mind the larger the pup grows the more space will be required to run around and play. A small yard might be ideal for a Yorkshire terrier, but less accommodating for a border collies for example.

Temperament: Are you a mellow person or an avid outdoorsman? Keep in mind that pets have personalities too, and as your baby animal grows older, this personality is more likely to rear itself. Certain breeds are calmer than others. If you live in an apartment and consider a day of watching TV athletic and motivating, choosing a baby greyhound might not be the best option for you. Consider a hamster or parakeet instead.

Investment: Some animals require more of a time and financial investment than others. Cats for example, are known to need a great deal of grooming, and are prone to more illnesses including a particular virulent form of kitty leukemia. If you are looking for a pet that is low maintenance and doesn’t require a costly output, you might consider investing in some fish.

Family Status: Consider whether you live at home alone or have a large family. There are certain baby animals that might not be well suited in families with young children around. A high strung energetic puppy for example, might require just as much attention as a newborn or infant,
and thus might not be the best selection for a family with young children or a blossoming family.

Baby animals are wonderful additions to any family. They provide companionship, love and hours of playtime and amusement. Before purchasing a pet however, take into consideration your lifestyle, personality and housing arrangement to ensure that you acquire the best pet possible.

Baby Articles