Planning a Baby Shower

What comes to mind after hearing the four magical words,“We’re having a baby?” A baby shower,of course. Organizing a party with the expectant parents’ closest friends and family members is the perfect way of expressing “Congratulations,” or “We’re happy for you,” or “Best wishes.”

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.

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Prenatal and Pregnancy

Prenatal vitamins are one of the most important vitamins that you take through out your pregnancy.  Ideally,you should start taking prenatal vitamins when you are trying to conceive a baby.  By taking prenatal while you are trying to conceive,you are preparing your body for the challenging task that lies ahead.  Some experts believe that taking prenatal before you are pregnant might actually reduce your risk of a miscarriage after you become pregnant.

Taking prenatal before pregnancy is not always possible for some people,but taking them during pregnancy is essential.  Prenatal vitamins contain one of the most important nutrients that a new mother needs and that are folic acid or folate.  By taking in extra folic acid,you lower your chances of your baby being born with an incomplete spinal column which is known as spina bifida.  In order for your baby to be protected,it is imperative that folic acid is taken in the first four weeks of fetal development.

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Creamy Tomato Soup

Here’s one of the most common baby shower recipes:

·    Creamy Tomato Soup

Ingredients:

1 tsp vegetable oil
1 can tomato soup (condensed)
Milk
1 tbsp basil
Mozarella or croutons (for toppings)
1. Heat vegetable oil in a medium saucepan.
2. Add the tomato soup.
3. Add milk (approximately the same amount as that of the tomato soup).
4. Add basil and cook slowly on low heat (do not boil).
5. Top with a sprinkling of shredded mozzarella and croutons. Serve.
Until next post!

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Detection of Disease in the Child: Signs of Health

It is highly important that a mother should possess such information as will enable her to detect disease at its first appearance,and thus insure for her child timely medical assistance. This knowledge it will not be difficult for her to obtain. She has only to bear in mind what are the indications which constitute health,and she will at once see that all deviations from it must denote the presence of disorder,if not of actual disease. With these changes she must to a certain extent make herself acquainted.

Signs of health
The signs of health are to be found,first,in the healthy performance of the various functions of the body;the regular demands made for its supply,neither in excess or deficiency;and a similar regularity in its excretions both in quantity and appearance.

If the figure of the healthy infant is observed,something may be learnt from this. There will be perceived such an universal roundness in all parts of the child’s body,that there is no such thing as an angle to be found in the whole figure;whether the limbs are bent or straight,every line forms a portion of a circle. The limbs will feel firm and solid,and unless they are bent,the joints cannot be discovered.

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Detection of Disease in the Child: Of the Gestures

The gestures of a healthy child are all easy and natural;  but in sickness those deviations occur,  which alone will often denote the nature of the disease.

Suppose an infant to have acquired the power to support itself,  to hold its head erect;let sickness come,  its head will droop immediately,and this power will be lost,  only to be regained with the return of health;  and during the interval every posture and movement will be that of languor.

The little one that has just taught itself to run alone from chair to chair,  having two or three teeth pressing upon and irritating the gums,  will for a time be completely taken off its feet,  and perhaps lie languidly in its cot,  or on its nurse’s arm.

The legs being drawn up to the belly,  and accompanied by crying,  are proofs of disorder and pain in the bowels. Press upon this part,  and your pressure will increase the pain. Look to the secretions from the bowels themselves,  and by their unhealthy character your suspicions,  in reference to the seat of the disorder,  are at once confirmed.

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Breast Feeding Complications

Clogged milk ducts:

Clogged milk ducts can be identified as small, red tender lumps on the tissue of the breast. Clogged ducts can cause the milk to back up and lead to infection. The best way to unclog these ducts is to ensure that you've emptied as completely as possible. You should offer the clogged breast first at feeding time, then let your baby empty it as much as possible. If milk remains after the feeding, the remaining amount should be removed by hand or with a pump. You should also keep pressure off the duct by making sure your bra is not too tight.

Breast infection:

Also known as mastititis, breast infection is normally due to empty breasts completely out of milk, germs gaining entrance to the milk ducts through cracks or fissures in the nipple, and decreased immunity in the mother due to stress or inadequate nutrition. The symptoms of breast infection include severe pain or soreness, hardness of the breast, redness of the breast, heat coming from the area, swelling, or even chills.

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Detection of Disease in the Child: Of the countenance

In health the countenance of a child is expressive of serenity in mind and body;  but if the child be unwell,this expression will be changed,and in a manner which,to a certain extent,will indicate what part of the system is at fault.

The brows will be contracted,  if there is pain,  and its seat is in the head. This is frequently the very first outward sign of any thing being wrong,and will occur at the very onset of disease;  if therefore remarked at an early period,  and proper remedies used,  its notice may prevent one of the most fearful of infantile complaints “Water in the Head.”

If this sign is passed by unheeded,  and the above disease be threatened,  soon the eyes will become fixed and staring,  the head hot,  and moved uneasily from side to side upon the pillow,  or lie heavily upon the nurse’s arm,  the child will start in its sleep,  grinding its teeth,and awake alarmed and screaming,  its face will be flushed,  particularly the cheeks (as if rouged),  its hands hot,  but feet cold,  its bowels obstinately costive,  or its motions scanty,  dark-coloured,and foul.

If the lips are drawn apart,  so as to show the teeth or gums,  the seat of the pain is in the belly.  This sign,  however,  will only be present during the actual existence of suffering;  if,  therefore,  there be any doubt whether it exist,press upon the stomach,  and watch the effect on the expression of the countenance.

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Budgeted Baby Shower Supplies

The party is determined on the gender of the baby and the supplies for the occasion depend on the theme of the baby shower.

These include the following;

·    A party for any occasion can never do without balloons. These can come in various colors,sizes and shapes and are quite affordable. One can order these either online or in the nearest party store in the neighborhood and have it ready for pickup or delivery in a few days.

·    A nice looking cake is another important thing that must not be missed out for a baby shower. Just like balloons,this can be made in various colors or shapes symbolizing a cartoon character or any other thing that is the theme of the party.

·    A baby shower should always have games. When there are games,there are prizes and the host can get some gift certificates to be given away.

·    The party can be formal or it can be a casual one where people who are a bit older have a chance to act like children again. Party ware is available in various colors. One can get it at an affordable price which includes everything from the glass,to the utensils and the plate itself. Since these are disposable,one can easily get rid of it when the party is over.

·    Streamers and ribbons for the party are also an essential to fix up the venue for baby shower. These come in rolls more than 50 feet long and can be purchased at a reasonable price.

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The Drawbacks of Free Baby Shower Games

Here are some of the disadvantages about the free baby shower games.

1. Free baby shower games do not look nice.
Most people contend that the printouts of the free printable baby shower games available online are better than the free baby shower games available in the market. This is because most of the free baby shower games are just plain handouts,with no artistic creations embedded in it.

2. Most parents would appreciate it more if you will not use free baby shower games.
The value or the money is not the issue here but on how baby shower games are used or executed. Because free baby shower games usually lacks quality materials,it would be better not to include them in the party than to make it appear that the event and the preparation was just taken for granted.

3. If there were a budget,it would be better not to use free baby shower games.
If you have a budget for the baby shower as well as the games,it would be better to use the games that were designed professionally.
Besides,baby shower games are not at all expensive when compared to free baby shower games.

4.  Believe on the saying,you will get what you have paid for.
This would mean that if you have obtained a baby shower game for free,then,expect something that is not meticulously and artistically created because there are no capitals or investments used to make the creation attractive.

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Baby Shower FAQs (Part II)

Who are to be invited to the baby shower?

It depends.  If it is a work place shower,naturally you might only invite co-workers of the mommy to be.  Or if it is a family shower,invite family members.  But you may also opt to just hold one big baby shower where everyone is invited.

These days,couples showers are also becoming popular.  During a couples shower,both men and women are invited.  And surprisingly,guys enjoy baby showers as much as women do.

Be also mindful when inviting friends who have recently experienced losses or are having problems having a child.  Most may feel left out if uninvited.  What you can do is to ask them personally if they would be able to come in respect to their current situation.

And to avoid leaving out someone uninvited unintentionally,write a guest list beforehand.

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Baby Shower FAQs (Part I)

A baby is always a reason to have a celebration. Thus,there is the baby shower.

Baby showers have gained considerable popularity in the past decade.  This may be attributed to families becoming smaller;therefore each child gets more individual attention.

What is a baby shower?

A baby shower is a party thrown in honor of a couple who is expecting their firstborn.  Baby showers are held with the purpose of bestowing gifts upon the first-time mother so she’ll have the items needed by the baby on its arrival day.
Baby showers also serve as a welcoming event for a new member to the family.

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Is It Advisable to Get Free Printable Baby Shower Games?

Is It Advisable to Get Free Printable Baby Shower Games?

With the advent of the Internet,there are many concepts and ideas that can be retrieved online. In fact,even those who wanted to conduct baby shower can already get free printable baby shower games online.

Basically,these free printable baby shower games refer to the printable materials that can be downloaded from the Internet without any charge.

With these printable materials,the organizers of the party will no longer have to delve more on explaining to the audience the mechanics of the game. Plus,the games will look more presentable instead of getting some pieces of scratch paper with jumbled words and phrases that the guests will find it hard to understand.

Hence,with these printable baby shower games that can be downloaded for free,your activity will appear more coordinated and well-organized than just distributing pieces of paper to the guests to play.

Moreover,the parents would appreciate it more if they see that you take extra effort in getting printable baby shower games,even if it just for free than just get some sloppy baby shower games that can be obtained anywhere.

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Cheese Balls for Baby Shower

Here’s one of the most common baby shower recipes:

Cheese Balls

Ingredients:

½ lb cheese (cheddar or grated)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 pack cream cheese
4 oz Tabasco sauce
2 tsp onion
Chopped nuts
2 tsp catsup or chili sauce

1. Mix all ingredients together using a mixer or a food processor (the cheese should be at room temperature).

2. Empty mixed ingredients on small bowls lined with plastic wrap.

3. Refrigerate overnight.

4. To serve,remove wrap and sprinkle with nuts. Serve with assorted crackers.

Source:  Cheese Balls for Baby Shower

Baby Shower Recipes

A baby shower is a kind of party that celebrates and welcomes a new member to the family. In this tradition,expectant parents usually receive gifts or money for their expected child,which,in a way,supports the parents by helping them get the things that they need for their baby (or the things that they may not be able to afford).

Baby showers are generally held in the later stages of pregnancy (in the last 2 months,for instance). There are,however,certain cultural beliefs that make people purposefully wait for the baby to arrive before having a baby shower. Adoptive parents,at times,wait until after the adoption is final and the baby has arrived in their home.

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Baby Shower Poems Add Vibrance to Life

Poetry is such vibrant means of communicating.  It is one’s creative way of expressing emotion,intellect and aspirations.  It is filled with sentiment and mirrors the individual’s true inner being.  Such channel of expression is befitting an equally elating occasion:the anticipated arrival of a newborn.  Here are ways of incorporating poems into the momentous event,the baby shower.

Invitation Poems

Poetry about babies can give the baby shower invitation added charm.  Think of what it feels like to have a baby,the hope of anticipation and the fulfillment of birth.  Include in the poem how you’d like those wonderful feelings to be shared with the guest being invited.  Finally,to give the invitation a customized appeal,include the invitation details in the poem,carefully spreading the details,all throughout the verse,if possible.

Thank You Poems
Thank you poems are creative ways of expressing love and happiness for the future newborn.  With the upcoming occasion,there are many things to thank for:having God’s blessing in such a feeble form or having the support of family and friends while playing the waiting game.  Mom-to-be can deliver the thank you poem.  If it is a co-ed baby shower,the Dad-to-be can do the honors.
Another way of saying thank you is through the baby shower thank you card.  This is sent to all guests who gave gifts for the occasion.  Include a short rhyme on how blessed the baby is for having guardians as loving as the guest who sent the gift.  Then end by thanking them for it.

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Guest List for Baby Shower

If you are preparing a baby shower for a member of your family or friend,make sure that you have prepared the guest list ahead of time.  If possible,check with the mom-to-be to see if the guest list and the date are fine,unless you are planning a surprise party.

Sometimes,several baby showers will be held for the mm and the baby.  The co-workers,the churchwomen,and family members may prepare separate baby shower parties that the person who will organize the baby shower has to be careful about selecting the date of the baby shower party.  It is always better to coordinate with the mom-to-be.

Once you have decided on what will be the theme for the party,you may have invitations printed or search free baby shower invitations on the internet.

Of course,most of the people who organize party prefer the free baby shower invitations that they can customize at home.  This lessens the cost of printing invitation cards.  This also allows the host to edit the invitation according to preference unlike invitations that can be bought or ordered[...]

Source: Guest List for Baby Shower

The Personalized Baby Gift

by Maria Schasteen

Offering a personalized baby gift makes your gift unique and special. Not found in any store, you can give a gift of love that you’ve either crafted yourself, or special ordered for the baby.

Here are a few personalized baby gift ideas:

• A unique personalized baby gift is the baby jewelry, designed one piece at a time.
• A more traditional personalized baby gift is a sterling silver baby cup with baby’s name or initials engraved.
• Start a personalized baby book with lots of photos before and after birth. This personalized gift will be appreciated, especially when the child grows older and understands the value of his own history.
• A great all around personalized baby gift is a personalized baby blanket.
• Another unique personalized baby gift is the fabric hanging letters to decorate baby’s room. It brings color life to the room, and baby can watch his “name” dancing from the ceiling and on the walls.
• Love to crochet? Craft a little Teddy bear for him, or a soft doll for her. Baby will feel the love and consideration you put into this personalized baby gift.
• Lovely home-made baby socks or jackets can be personalized with embroidery and a monogram.

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Important Things To Remember for Baby Shower

Party Venue Set-up
As dictated by the theme, set-up the party place accordingly.  If it is a layette party, hang a clothesline all around the room and clip colored paper cutouts of baby clothes and stuffs.  For the Hollywood theme, copy the set-up by having a red carpet where guests will walk-in.

Food and Drinks
The other half of a lively party is overflowing food and drinks.  Make sure that as you finalize the number of guests, you are able to buy enough food and drink supplies for the headcount.  Buy an extra 10% more to make sure that hungry guests get their fill.  Like the games and activities list, expand this section to include details on the supplies needed for your specific menu.

Baby Shower Souvenirs
Aside from the game prizes, give your guests a thank you token for attending and participating in the baby shower.  Note that this is different from a thank you card, which will be sent to individual guests as a thank you for their gift.  Thus, guest who may not have brought gifts can still receive this baby shower souvenir.  It does not need to be expensive, especially if there are game prizes given out. Just be sure to have it in-line with your theme to complete the effect.

Celebrate the coming of a newborn in an organized fashion.  Use this checklist of baby shower supplies to plan for a successful baby shower.
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Source:  Important Things To Remember for Baby Shower

Essential Guide to Free Printable Baby Shower Invitations

Thinking of throwing a baby shower, but worried about the cost?  Don’t be… now there are free printable baby shower invitations, which you can use without eating up the budget for your baby’s future.  The Internet offers free invitations (in image format of .jpg or .bmp file extension) that you can download to your computer.  Below is a guide on how to use them.

-At the webpage, click the link to download a file or a group of files (zipped) containing the baby shower invitation design.

-With the help of a picture-viewer software, open the file.  If you downloaded a group of files, you may need to unzip them to show the individual files and choose one that is suitable for your baby shower theme.
-The common invitation card size is a fourth of a letter-sized paper.  However, most printable invitations are laid out using the full letter-sized paper for one card. Such is the case because the page is divided into four equal parts, and eventually folded to form a ¼-sized invitation card.

-Looking at the page, some layouts have a demarcation line to divide the page into the four parts.  If the one you downloaded does not have a dividing line, don’t worry, you can still assemble it easily.

-The upper left portion of the page is the front of the card.  This is where the main design of the card is placed.  You may notice it is inverted as laid out and when printed.  This is normal, as it will become upright after assembly.

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Source: Essential Guide to Free Printable Baby Shower Invitations

Ideas for Baby Shower Centerpieces

There are many things you can use for a baby shower centerpiece. The more traditional centerpieces that are usually used for baby showers are floral arrangements. You can place a selection of your favorite flowers and arrange them in a beautiful basket. If you have a theme color, or motif, you can incorporate it to the décor of your flower arrangement.

There are many different sizes and shapes of basket that you can use for your flower arrangements. The best thing about flower arrangements is that they add an element of the outdoors in your home. The freshness and beauty of these flowers would add a delicate touch to your baby shower.

If you want to make your centerpiece fun, and more delightful, you can add baby things in your floral basket such as: washcloth, soft toys, baby bottles, bears and bunnies, teething toys, small colorful socks, etc. This would fit right into the theme of the baby shower.

But if you don’t want to make your own baby shower centerpiece, you can always buy these floral centerpieces ready made. The price varies depending on what’s included in the pack. The average price of the baby shower basket is around $60. It includes an arrangement of flowers, and baby items such as: rubber ducks, soft toys, blankets, washcloth, rattles and comb & brush sets.

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Source: Ideas for Baby Shower Centerpieces