Activity Gyms

Interactive toys for your infant are great at developing their motor skills and can create a special bond between a mom and new baby. Baby activity gyms are ideal for newborns and can help your infant progress as they mature. Most of the gyms come with baby gym mats that have an assortment of shapes, designs and colors to stimulate their senses. The mats are comfy and plush, so you can teach your infant tummy time, rolling over and activities on their stomach to help build their neck muscles. The activity gyms also are equipped with an assortment of interactive toys and sounds to help develop their motor skills.

An overhanging toy bar gathers their interest and helps them learn to grasp and reach for the toys. The child-safe mirror stimulates their visual development and is great for games of peek-a-boo. Other amenities included in an activity gym can include soothing sounds, music and vibrant lights.

Baby Play Yard

Baby play yards are the latest gadgetry many mothers find that they can’t do without. The play yards are ideal for moms who need a moment to check on dinner, pay some bills, or do some other work. It’s also a great way for your infant to learn how to play on their own. Many of the play yards come with an assortment of interactive toys and activities to help keep your child entertained and happy. They can also come equipped with a changing table and compartments ideal for storing diapers, baby lotions, wipes and a change of clothes. Play yards are also portable and can move from room to room or easily transport to grandma’s house. Their plush interior makes a perfect crib for overnight sleeping and naps.

Jogging Stroller

As the weather begins to warm, you’ll be able to take your infant out for some fresh air. Building memorable moments together with a run in the park can be a scenic and fun experience for both you and your infant. The top-rated designs give the strollers a smoother ride and less bounce, so you know that your infant will be safe and secure. They also come with an iBaby Sound System, so you and your baby can share music as you glide along. Other amazing features include the speed and distance odometer. This unique gauge is ideal for moms breaking back into their exercise routine and need to know how far and fast that they are moving. It also comes with a handy cup holder and plenty of storage capacity for beverages, diapers, wipes and other essentials.

Welcoming a baby into the world is a cause for joy and celebration. The above gifts are sure to help build a special bond and cherished memories between a new mom and infant.

Author’s Bio

Writing about gifts that new moms will enjoy and find useful is important to freelancer Audra Feuer. She knows how vital it is for a new baby to be interactive, and thinks that baby gym mats are great shower gifts as they encourage healthy development.

Going Green

Moms to be are increasingly going green — and not with envy. Nope, they are just living by the motto to “reduce, reuse, recycle!” Baby shower can be as green as they like. If the mom-to-be requests a green shower, the shower hostess should try to find secondhand or borrowed decorations.

Expecting mothers can request that guests gift them “gently used” items as gifts. Chances are, guests have hand-me-downs from their own kids that are still it great condition. They can also find some at Goodwill or other thrift or secondhand stores. Alternatively, they can also choose to give a gift card to one of these stores—and that $20 will go a lot further at a thrift store than a popular commercial chain. Be careful, though; some things are safer to buy new, such as car seats and pacifiers. The folks at www.looklovesend.com recommend putting all of your expectations out to your guests first, and also being open to feedback.

Boy/Girl Surprise

If a mom-to-be is an adventurous type who’s into surprises, this could be the shower for her! Instead of finding out her baby’s gender at an ultrasound appointment, the discovery can be made at a big party where she’ll be surrounded by loving family and friends. Plus, this is pretty easy to pull off. The expecting mother should have her technician, instead of telling her the baby’s gender, write it down on a card and seal it in an envelope. This can be passed to the shower hostess, who can arrange for the big reveal.

A great way to announce the surprise is to have a cake that is neutral on the outside, but for the middle layer of frosting has either pink or blue frosting. Have the mother cut into the cake and reveal if it will be a girl or a boy. Or the hostess can let the other guests know the baby’s gender and ask them to bring gifts specific to the gender but wrapped in neutral paper. Then there’s an added element of excitement to unwrapping gifts!

Father’s Fiesta

Why not give the dad-to-be a chance to party, too? While he may not be into sitting around with his friends adoring tiny outfits, eating cupcakes and gossiping, you can plan a party that’s more his speed. It can really make him feel like a baby is something that he gets to celebrate, too. See if he’d like a “Father’s Fiesta,” which could be an opportunity for his friends to come and congratulate him and squeeze in some guy time before the baby arrives. A Mexican theme with chips and salsa, cigars and cerveza would be perfect. The father to be can sit around, drink some beer and play some poker or video games. If guys want to bring gifts, make it a no-brainer — ask them to bring diapers and simply drop them at the door.

Most of the fun baby shower ideas can also work as baby announcement parties too. Send out your birth announcement cards, and have fun!

They are considered super sexy and even comfortable to wear, which is one of the best features of maternity clothes in general. Whether you’re entering week 8 pregnancy or week 16, you’ll be glad to know that style has never been sexier in maternity fashions. Looking good while feeling comfortable is the aspiration for 2011 fashions and lots of designers have nailed that aspect perfectly.

Some women start to worry about all of their body changes and their appearance being altered around week 8 pregnancy, the perfect time to go shopping. With all of the new trends and funky styles that are now available, looking chic while being pregnant is no longer something to fret over. Some of the hottest looks and styles for pregnant moms are listed here for your review before you hit the shops.

Chambray Skirts

An inexpensive addition to your wardrobe is the chambray skirt. It goes with multiple tops, has a wide, stretchy waistband for growing room, and features a ruffled-circle design for femininity. Above-the-knee and super cute, it can be coupled with a beaded tee or a silky camisole. Chambray skirts will undoubtedly become an item on the list of the top maternity clothes of 2011.

Capri Pants

These pants are slated to become one of the top maternity clothes for spring. Capri pants can go from casual to dressy by simply changing your shoes or top. Mix and match capris with short sleeves or no sleeves, a simple tank top, or three-quarter length sleeves to look perfect for any occasion.

Leggings

Making their way out of the 80s and into the top maternity fashions of 2011 are the stretchy pants called leggings. They can be worn with almost anything you choose from a long tee to a short dress.

Tunics

Tunic tops will be one of the most versatile pieces in your maternity wardrobe. Many different looks can be achieved with a tunic, from hugging your beautiful body to loosely accentuating it. They come in various material choices and designs. From casual to dressy, you can opt for the popular men’s shirt styles to the simple little tank look. This top fashion can be an excellent choice for skirts, business slacks, Capri pants or leggings.

Floral and Colourful Dresses

Sleeveless, cap sleeve or spaghetti strap dresses for spring can include long or short lengths. The popular long, maxi dress is one of the top maternity clothing choices for 2011 thus far with optional floral prints or solid colours. An empire cut waist literally exudes femininity and style. Some feature high, round necklines and some entail a drop V, though they are all super sexy for spring. A low scoop back and an elastic bubble hem are two designs creating excitement for a more sensual look of pregnancy.

Floral designs give you that springtime feeling as soon as you put them on, whether you are around week 8 pregnancy or farther along. Which of these fashions will you be wearing in 2011?

Author’s Bio

Christina Jenkins (fondly known as Jenkies) is a stay at home mom who has recently turned to blogging on her favorite topics to keep her sanity in this new era of her life. She’s extremely interested in design, blogging and tech. Her Twitter is @OhJenkies

Consider breastfeeding your baby.  First and foremost, breastfeeding has many healthy benefits for your baby.  Secondly, doing so can actually help you to lose weight faster.  Women who breastfeed often lose more weight in a shorter amount of time after pregnancy than women who do not breastfeed.  You will be able to burn off more calories when breastfeeding since you will continue to share nutrients with your baby.  And it takes energy from your body (and thus burn more calories) to provide your baby with milk.

You must also eat a healthy and well-balanced diet if you are breastfeeding.  Having a good diet will make it easier and more likely that you will start to lose weight.  You should also avoid foods that are high in fat or sugar while you are breastfeeding.  This is just another thing that can help you to drop pounds.

Plan healthy meals ahead of time.  You should plan out your meals for the week.  This will help you to ensure that you are planing meals that are healthy and that will make it easier for you to shed extra pounds.  If you take the time to plan out meals, it will make it easier for you to find the time to actually prepare these meals.  You might even want to prepare some of your meals or parts of your meals in advance so that you have the time for healthy meals.

Make time to be active even when you are tired with the new baby.  It is important to always look for ways to stay active whether it be working out to an aerobics video or taking the baby for a walk.  You cannot stop exercising after you have a baby.  Get together with some other moms to find some fun ways to stay fit even when you have kids.

Take some time for you even though it is difficult to do so.  It is harder than ever to take a few minutes for yourself each day.  However, it is important that you take a few minutes to de-stress each day.  If you are under less stress, you are less likely to overeat.  Your body will be better able to metabolize your meals each day if you are under less stress.

The important thing to do after having a baby is to still take some time for yourself.  You need to take good care of yourself so you can remain healthy while also dropping those extra pounds.  With some effort and dedication you can become thin again in a relatively short amount of time.  Just take your time to be healthy so that you do not lose too much weight too soon after pregnancy.

Author’s Bio

This article was contributed by Sandra Stevens. When she’s not reading or flying kites, Sandra writes about careers in nursing on her CNA Training help blog.

These are our tips to help you have a truly unforgettable holiday – in a good way!

Travel in comfort

No matter if you are traveling by airplane, car, train, or bus, pregnancy will probably throw in some unexpected surprises. Calculate the length of the journey, and consider the conditions. Every mode of transport comes with its very own set of pros and cons. Air travel, for instance, has the advantage of being the fastest way to get around. Toilets are readily available on planes too, something you can’t say for your car! On the other hand, flying increases the risk of varicose veins, and there is a lot of waiting around at the airport before your flight too. Whatever you think is the most comfortable way to travel, go with that!

Get a good hotel

Comfort is at least as important during your stay as it is while you travel! Now is not the time for cheap hostels or camping. Get a good hotel that is comfortable with king sized beds, and with a spa on the premises if at all possible. Pregnancy signs like insomnia and back pain are bad enough without uncomfortable rooms or tents.

Be well-equipped

Wherever you go, take a change of clothes with you. Morning sickness can rear its ugly head at any time during your journey, and you never know when you will need another outfit. While exploring your destination always make sure to take drinking water with you, especially if you are going somewhere warm. Carry your relevant medical documents and identity papers at all times as well, and look into local hospitals or doctors before you travel, just in case.

Know what to avoid

Some popular holiday destinations require travel vaccinations that are not safe for pregnant women, so those countries are obviously out of the running. Also avoid lying in the hot sun for long periods of time, as this can cause the baby’s temperature to rise to dangerous levels. Skiing or other active holidays that carry a real danger of breaking bones are also not the most wonderful idea when you are expecting a baby.

Until you’ve experienced pregnancy yourself, you won’t understand the journey one goes through.  If you’re someone that is struggling due to the changes of pregnancy, here are a few things you can do to boost your self confidence, and to feel beautiful once again.

Rest: First of all, you need to make sure you’re getting at least 8 hours of sleep each night.  Let your body relax, and give your baby the rest it needs.

Diet: A healthy diet is essential if you want a healthy baby and pregnancy.  Not to mention, when you eat the right foods and get the vitamins you need, your body will function properly and give you that healthy glow.

Exercise: When we finish a good exercise the feeling is great.  We feel accomplished, healthier already, and more energized.  Not only is exercising good for your body and your mind, it helps keep your weight where it’s supposed to be and increases your chances of a healthier pregnancy.

Clothing: Take the time to buy some cute maternity clothes.  When we have clothes that fit us nicely and flatter us we have a lot more confidence in the way we look.  You’ll feel beautiful and happy you took the time to do some shopping.

Pamper: Pregnancy is a long journey.  Each trimester is different, and each woman experiences different symptoms.  Take time to pamper yourself so that you can relax and feel good during your pregnancy.  Whether you get a facial done, a pedicure or your hair coloured, take time to feel good about yourself.

It is important that even though your body is going through several changes that you remember the prize at the end.  Keep yourself excited, happy, and focused on the positive things instead of the negative!  Once you feel yourself wandering to the negative side, call up a friend or family member and get in a good talk!

Author’s Bio

This is a guest post written by Lauren Dzuris.  Lauren runs FindMyCarSeat, a Car Seat website that helps soon to be parents find the right car seat for their child, while giving them tips and advice on everything from pregnancy to caring for your baby.

Go Natural

One of the first tricks in pregnancy moisturization is going natural. Your body is reacting to everything that comes into your system at this point, often in unusual ways. Acne, rashes, itching, tightness, and sudden flaking can often be alleviated by switching to a more organic moisturizer.

Some of the top choices for all natural ingredients for moisturizers during pregnancy include shea butter, olive oil, aloe vera, and Vitamin E. Read labels carefully for additives. Be aware of fragrances also, as pregnancy can make your skin more sensitive to scent elements.

Think Extra Rich

While your face may be generating more oil as your hormone levels fluctuate, the rest of your body can end up drier. This is especially true in areas where you are expanding rapidly – which includes ankles, knees, thighs, and glutes as well as the stomach area. As a result, you will need to increase the richness of your moisture products to keep your skin flexible and comfortable throughout your pregnancy.

Cover Every Inch

Before your pregnancy, you may have a basic moisturization routine that hits your main dry areas. Since your skin can change in unexpected ways during pregnancy, you may find that areas you’ve never struggled with before suddenly are issues. For this reason, you need to alter your moisture routine during pregnancy to include every inch of your skin. This will help you keep your whole body comfortable, balanced, and happy throughout your pregnancy.

Of course, folic acid is extremely important to expectant mothers.  Sufficient folic acid before conception and in the early months of pregnancy can help prevent neural tube defects, such as spina bifida.  Folic acid can be found in dark, leafy greens like kale and spinach, and in orange juice and enriched grains. You can replace the lettuce you usually use for things like sandwiches or salads with some spinach and get additional folic acid that way, and of course, it’s pretty easy to drink a glass of orange juice with breakfast (provided you don’t have morning sickness!)

When you’re pregnant, you’re in the business of building tiny little bones.  You want those bones to grow to be as big and strong as possible, so getting plenty of calcium is very important.  Calcium can be found in foods such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and the ever-popular ice cream (yes—I am saying you need to eat ice cream!)   Yogurt is a good choice during pregnancy because it also contains bacteria that can help ward off the yeast infections that become more problematic during pregnancy.  Greek yogurt is thick and creamy and has twice the protein of regular yogurt.  If dairy isn’t your thing, you can also get calcium from plant sources like broccoli and acorn squash.

To keep your own energy levels up, it’s a good idea to get plenty of protein.  Protein is used in the development of new cells, both yours and your baby’s.   Protein can be found in dairy products (and you get calcium, to boot), lean meats, beans and eggs.  You can boil several eggs at the beginning of the week and take them with you as an on-the-go snack.

Breakfast cereal, whole grains and fruits and vegetables can give your body the fiber it needs during pregnancy.  Constipation is a common problem for expectant mothers, and fiber can help prevent this.

Add some folic acid, calcium, protein and fiber to your diet now, and both you and your baby will reap the benefits.