Pregnant

Creating a Baby Registry: What You REALLY Need

lba-admin — Fri, 31 Jan 2020 14:06:31 +0000

Creating a Baby Registry: What You REALLY Need

lba-admin Fri, 01/31/2020 - 09:06

Don’t fall for all the hyped up items; stick with the tried and true to make your life easier

Well-meaning family, friends and colleagues often want to gift parents-to-be and new parents sentimental baby items that can be treasured for years and even passed on to the next generation. The truth, however, is that the people involved in a newborn’s first few weeks of life really just want one thing: sleep.

And diapers. But we’ll get to that in a moment.

A newborn baby doesn’t need books or toys just yet, nor does a newborn need formal outfits or even shoes. They can’t walk anywhere, for one, and the first month of life will be a repeating cycle of feedings, naps, diaper changes and, for the parents, laundry. For these reasons, new parents should consider sticking to the basics when creating a baby registry to ensure they get items they really need and will use.

Here are essential baby items that will help everyone persevere through those first few weeks.

The clothing basics

Onesies, particularly those with zippers, and bodysuits will be a new parent’s best friends, and the great news is that they often come in packs. Opt to include 10 newborn-sized bodysuits and five newborn-sized onesies on the registry, as well as at least 10 three-month-sized bodysuits and five three-month-sized onesies. There’s no telling how big your baby will be when he or she is born, or how fast they’ll grow, so this will help everyone be prepared for different possibilities.

The right furniture

Fact: babies need a lot of furniture. A crib (don’t forget to include a mattress pad and at least three fitted sheets!), a changing table and a dresser are all crucial. If there’s limited space in the baby’s room or area, there are plenty of useful changing table and dresser combinations. A rocking chair or glider, preferably one with a matching ottoman, will make feedings comfortable for you at all hours of the day and night.

Diaper-changing supplies

Newborns can go through a lot of diapers, which is why no baby registry is complete without three boxes of newborn-sized diapers and, in preparation for possible quick growth, two boxes of Size 1 diapers. Wipes, diaper cream and a changing station for that changing table are all a must. Remember: organization will make those middle-of-the-night diaper changes and feedings as efficient as they can be!

Baby on-the-go

A rocking swing will provide the little one with a soothing place to rest while parents do things around the house. (Like laundry.) Since parents will need to bring their baby to pediatrician appointments, registering for a diaper bag—and always keeping said diaper bag packed with the essentials—will come in handy when everyone needs to leave the house in a jiffy!

Baby hygiene

After a certain amount of time (and under a pediatrician’s guidance), parents will start bathing their baby. (But not every day!) Instead of worrying about separate items such as shampoo and soap, parents should opt for a large bottle of a shampoo and body wash combination. Also important are baby lotion, baby oil, baby laundry detergent, washcloths and hooded towels, plus a baby nail file to literally keep the edge off of those (surprisingly sharp!) nails.

On the hygiene note, babies will spit up and drool quite a bit, which is why there is no such thing as too many receiving blankets or bibs. There should be at least 20 on the registry, as this versatile item can double as a burp cloth and later serve as an actual blanket.

And don’t forget about mama!

A new mom needs all of the help she can get, which is why items aimed at maternal health and wellness should absolutely be included on a baby registry. From nursing bras to special creams and lotions to cooling pads to breast pumps and related accessories, there are many ways to make a mother’s life easier after delivery.

Remember: When planning their registry, new parents and parents-to-be should focus on items that will be most useful during their baby’s first few months. Family and friends and acquaintances will likely continue to bring gifts on a regular basis after the baby is born, which is why expectant parents should stick to the basics and not worry about fancy frills.

10 Infancy Books Every Parent Should Read

lba-admin — Fri, 23 Aug 2019 17:50:10 +0000

10 Infancy Books Every Parent Should Read

lba-admin Fri, 08/23/2019 - 13:50

Whether they’re humorous or helpful, there’s something on this list for all parents of infants.

If this is your first time as a parent, you might be feeling as if you don’t know where to begin. How do I get my baby to sleep? When is it safe to bring bring my little girl out in public? There’s a great deal of infant-parenting advice and literature out there and whether much of it is worth reading can often depend upon whom you ask!

Ultimately, you’ll rightfully adopt any tips and tricks you think will work best for you and your family. In the meantime, it doesn’t hurt to check out a variety of books filled with advice to help you get through—and even enjoy—the thrills and spills of your baby’s infancy.

From books filled with sleep advice to humorous books that will give you a good laugh, here are 10 parenting books every parent of an infant should read.

Baby 411: Clear Answers & Smart Advice for Your Baby’s First Year by Dr. Ari Brown and Denise Fields

Get your highlighter ready! This book is filled with plenty of basic advice to help new parents navigate their infant’s first year of life. The book goes into topics such as picking a pediatrician, first aid, nutrition and more. There are also tips on how to soothe a fussy baby. Who wouldn’t want to take a peek at that?

Nurture: A Modern Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, Early Motherhood and Trusting Yourself and Your Body by Erica Chidi Cohen

Still pregnant? This book is a good choice for moms-to-be who want to take a more mindful approach—or as much of a mindful approach as they can—to giving birth and having a newborn at home. The book includes mindfulness exercises, recipes for mom and birthing tips. New moms—and new parents in general—will likely appreciate any zen they can get!

Bringing Up Bébé: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting by Pamela Druckerman

The author, an American journalist and mother living and raising her children in Paris, wondered why French moms always seem so content and chill. She struck out to discover the secret to parenting-while-French and Bringing Up Bébé was, well, born. The book goes into a wide range of baby- and child-related topics, from encouraging good eating habits to getting your little one to sleep through the night. Druckerman also goes into French motherhood ideals and even how French moms prioritize maintaining their pre-baby identities.

The Fourth Trimester: A Postpartum Guide to Healing Your Body, Balancing Your Emotions, and Restoring Your Vitality by Kimberly Ann Johnson

Moms who enjoy a more holistic approach to life might especially delight in this book. The book includes tips on how to exercise safely after giving birth and how to deal with postpartum emotions. The book also goes into maintaining your relationship with your partner after pregnancy.

The Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp

All babies cry, but if your baby is a crier then this might be the book for you! The book goes into what is referred to as a baby’s Calming Reflex, the Fourth Trimester and the Cuddle Cure, among other topics. Bottom line: It’s about soothing your child, which can help just about any parent of an infant.

Cribsheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting by Emily Oster

Written by an economist - and mother of two - this book takes a hard look at advice aimed at pregnant women and new parents. Oster, who also wrote the book “Expecting Better,” aims to debunk myths around topics such as breastfeeding and sleep training.

Understanding Infants by Gigi Schweikert

Do you work in the infant care field? Written by Lightbridge Academy, President & Chief Operating Officer, this professional guide gives tips on working in the world of early child care. How do you decipher where a baby is tired, hungry or just needs a hug? There are plenty of tips on responding to infant cues, which should prove useful for anyone in regular contact with tiny humans.

Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Mac Weissbluth, M.D.

What parent doesn’t want their child to be a good sleeper? This book goes into the many different aspects of sleeping for both babies and small children, from naps to sleep cycles to bedwetting to nightmares.

Baby Sign Language Basics: Early Communication for Hearing Babies and Toddlers by Monta Z. Briant

Interested in teaching your baby some—or a lot of—sign language? This book contains more than 300 American Sign Language (ASL) signs, so it can help you get off to a great start. The third edition even includes a video signing dictionary.

#IMomSoHard by Kristin Hensley and Jen Smedley

Based on the authors’ web series, the book takes a humorous—and strictly non-judgmental—look at motherhood and is designed to remind all mothers that they are not alone. With chapters such as “Body After Baby So Hard” and “Lose My Mind So Hard,” this read ensures that moms of children of all ages will surely find something to make them laugh.