One crucial part of any baby shower is (apologies in advance) “showering” the expectant mother with gifts. But, as a guest, how do you nail the perfect gift?! Surely mum-to-be already has bibs, books, bottles, blankets and booties? Undoubtedly you want your gift to be unique and meaningful…which can make buying the perfect baby shower gift extremely overwhelming!
If you need ideas and inspiration, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve done some serious ‘research’…ahem online shopping…and found the best baby shower gifts for 2022…
A unique keepsake that will last a lifetime is a perfect and special baby shower gift. BABYink Ink-Less Print Kits provide a safe and easy way to capture tiny newborn foot and handprints! The kits are available in pink, blue, black and grey.
BABYink also offers a number of printing kit bundles. The Linen Album with BABYink Kit is adorable and includes one of the BABYink Ink-Less Print Kits and a linen album in cream, blue or pink.
The Ink-less Print Kit (available in pink, blue or grey) are also adorable! BABYink Soft Clay Impressions provide another unique way to capture tiny hands and feet! Each kit comes with a white shadow box frame and easy to use soft air-drying clay in either pink, blue or white.
Gender-neutral gifts are a great option if the sex of the bub is still hush-hush!
These types of gifts are also fantastic if the expectant mother has shown a preference for more neutral toned colours, for example in the nursery, as opposed to the more traditional pink for a girl and blue for a boy!
Memory books and journals are a great gender-neutral gift, and also a keepsake that mum-to-be can keep forever. Baby's First Year Album features a beautiful cover. The book has plenty of space for memories, photos and milestones from pre-birth and the first year…perhaps the expectant mother could document the baby shower as her first entry with photos and messages from guests!
Milestone cards and blocks are also another great gender-neutral gift. Milestone Cotton Candy-Baby Cards-Limited Edition are so cute! The set contains 30 photo cards with everything from ‘Today I am 1 week old’ to ‘Today I smiled for the first time’! These cards are great to include in photos to capture everything bub gets up to in their first year of life!
Another great gift option are ready-made baby shower gift bundles! Gift bundles are particularly great if you are thinking of buying a group gift with friends or relatives. Young Willow Baby Shower Gift Bundles are absolutely gorgeous.
Their bundles include a range of items and there are a number of price ranges to choose from. One bundle, for example, includes a Wilson & French Moon Aztec Bodysuit, Jellycat Bashful Donkey, Nature Bubz Ice Blue Teething Toy and Young Willow’s signature gift box—so cute!
While traditionally most baby shower gifts are for bub, sometimes it’s nice to get something for mum-to-be.
A care package, such as the Silver Stork Care Packages, is amazing as often new mums don’t think of their own recovery after having a baby! The Silver Stork packages are particularly beautiful as each package, like each pregnancy and birth experience, is unique.
A spa, massage or facial voucher that mum-to-be could use before or after bub is born is also another amazing and thoughtful gift!
Hopefully now you have some ideas and feel confident to nail your baby shower gift! Remember, at the end of the day, mum-to-be will appreciate and cherish any gift that she receives!
Good luck and happy shopping!
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A well set-up and organised baby nursery will involve some preparedness. Here is a list making sure you’re organised:
You need to have a good supply of sanitary products ready to go in the nursery room, from antibacterial gel to wipes to paper towels. Make sure to also consider a sealed system for diaper disposal and heavily soiled clothing. Of course, this concern should extend to the entirety of your house. You have to be consistent with offering your baby a germ-free and healthy living space.
Having a baby means an onslaught of gifts, toys and other baby-related items. You do not want your baby to be in a crib full of clutter. Therefore, it is important to keep your baby’s items organised. You need to have drawers, cabinets and containers all labelled.
Your baby’s nursery can also be a space of early interaction and development. Hand-eye coordination and motor skills should be considered in thinking about how your baby will interact with the nursery. A playmat and hanging mobile will be useful for crawling, observing and learning. In the early weeks, keep the mobile about 30-80 cm from your baby’s eyes, and move it closer over time.
It is also important to have a calendar where you make sure the baby’s crib moves once a month. This helps your baby with visual and auditory development by experiencing light and sound from varying directions.
Now that we have gone thru the essentials of preparing and thinking about your soon-to-be baby nursery, we need to think of essential products. Basically the holy trinity of baby nursery items: furniture, bedding and accessories. We will go through a checklist of items you need to for the space as well as your newborn.
Make sure there is good air circulation. Set up a thermometer for the room.
The perfect room temperature for your baby ranges between 16 to 20 degree celsius. According to this study using fans tends to reduce risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
Have good cleaning supplies. Make sure to keep the nursery germ free and clean.
Wipes can be used on door handles and other possibly germy messes. Use good organic disinfectants. Cheque out the products from Biome for top-quality green cleaning.
This is an important step before you move into the nursery. Use a good hypoallergenic detergent and make sure the fabric is good for a new born.
For those late-night feeding or changing sessions, you do not want to be in complete brightness or darkness.
This can be placed near the crib or near the changing table. It can be a floor or table lamp. Make sure that it has an adjustable brightness control and battery powered motion sensor or baby nightlights.
Bright, all white nurseries can seem like the trend on Instagram. But remember those photos could be doctored. What every new mother knows is that your baby will not sleep if there is brightness everywhere. Up until 12 months your baby needs day sleep, a good baby nursery should have either block-out blinds, plantation shutters, dark blind or curtains to do the job. After all, it is important for your baby to sleep thru those long summer days as well.
The nursery chair will eventually become the reading chair. So pick a good comfortable one, make it an investment. You will use it to breastfeed, bottle feed or burp your baby. Remember that babies will need to be fed more than 10 times a day. So think about your comfort as a feeder, a good chair goes a long way.
Your baby will grow really quickly, and you will be accumulating a lot of stuff in the nursery while this happens. As you are setting up the nursery, keep in mind the importance of storing or displaying books, toys, clothing, rugs, etc.
For those on a budget, this table should be all about multitasking. Consider the changing station like a workstation, so if you have a good table from where you could access your supplies, water, bottles, snacks, phones etc you can make your job easier.
While newborns should not have pillows, a good pillow is important for the mom as she sits on the nursing chair.
Make sure the crib has ample supplies of sheets, blankets as well as a good waterproof mattress pad.
You can purchase a used or new crib. The mattress should snug into the crib with less than two inches around the edges so your baby does not get stuck. For a used crib, make sure the company is a good one or hasn’t been recalled. Safety is key! Also, do not put pillows or thick blankets in the crib and do not use crib bumpers.
Here are some of our favourite items to stimulate your child’s development and keep them curious while in the nursery.
The best nursery furniture brand offering high quality cots.
Aloka Sleepy Lights from My Nite Lights
Fun creative nite lights that go all the way to sleep mode.
Olli Ella Mo Ma Gliber/Armchair
A luxury nursing chair with lots of flair.
Pottery Barn for Storage, Baby Bedding and Furniture
To keep your baby safe.
Organic Baby Products from Biome
Everything from cot sheets to teethers, all organic and clean.
For recording the milestones of your baby’s growth, capture those little hands and footprints before they grow into full sized toddlers.
We hope that with this information, you can craft a playful baby nursery that will suit both mum and newborn.
]]>If you are struggling with the best products to make any new mum’s first Mother’s Day truly remarkable, we have a few ideas that should help. And also, if you are a new mother yourself… know we appreciate you. Go ahead girl, get yourself pampered.
For the new mum that loves home decor, the first Mother’s Day can be a celebration of her aesthetic passions. Below are some gift ideas that incorporate design while celebrating motherhood.
Alexa Echo $149
New mums will love this for its hands-free quality. She can focus on the baby while Alexa turns her favourite music, podcast, news, etc on or off.
Inkless Print Kits $19.95
These mess-free, non-toxic and easy-to-use multi award-winning inkless print kits perfectly capture those special little hands and footprints. Once framed, these add to the new mum’s decor. The prints come as a kit for multiple prints, celebrating motherhood’s milestones one print at a time.
Memory Books $39.95
As a record of shared memories, this book makes for a lovely and heartwarming coffee table spread.
Clay Frame Kit $24.95
Another way to capture a precious impression of your child's little hands and feet, these clay frame kits are safe, easy and beautiful keepsakes.
A new mother rarely has time for a nice hair wash, let alone make-up and primping. Skincare and beauty products are encouraging self-care gifts for the new mum. Here are our favourites.
Lips: Lanolips Multipurpose Balm Fruities Set $34.95
Lanolips balms moisturize everything from lips, cuticles to any dry skin patch. For the new mum, this fruities set is easy to use and can go into any purse.
Pick-me-up Spray: Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist $49
An organic rosewater spray that leaves skin toned, refreshed and hydrated, the new mum can use this on her skin for a refreshing pick-me-up.
Cleanser: Dr. Roebuck’s Noosa Nourishing Creme Cleanser $30
Perfect for that weird dry-oily skin condition postpartum, this gentle cleanser works well to target impurities and calm irritated skin.
Face Mask: Dr Jart+ Moist Lover Rubber Mask $17
It is super important for the new mum to hydrate, this mask will be a boon that instantly plumps and pampers her skin.
Cream: Dr. Jart Cicapair Tiger Grass Cream $72
A cream that will work on any sign of sleeplessness, this cream is the ultimate new-mum beauty gift.
Who doesn’t like to primp? These beauty products are a keepsake, something new mum can use now or later…
Sephora Gift Card
Simply load this up and let her splurge on whatever beauty product she has been dreaming of buying.
Nobody says no to a little Chanel. This palette comes in handy for emergency situations and makes a great gift for anyone who loves makeup.
Lilah B Getaway Essentials Set $207.90
This gift set includes face mist, bronzer duo, lip & cheek duo. For the new mum, Lilah B is a chance to unwind and get glamorous through clean beauty.
Lilah B Lets Face It Brush Set $195
This limited edition brush set features tools that can be used for multiple looks from day to night. Not to mention the brand is hypoallergenic, vegan and cruelty-free.
This Mother’s Day could mean time for the new mum to cherish her ambitions. If she is athletic, the following gifts are definitely something she will be passionate about.
Cooling towels $16.95
These are the best towels to beat the heat, be it during the summer or a session of hot yoga. A new mumma will appreciate the cooling effect, especially after a workout.
Vulken 4 Speed High Intensity 17” Vibrating Foam Roller Deep Tissue Massager for Muscle Recovery $139.99
The best-kept secret in ergonomics, this foam roller attacks any soreness and decreases muscle tension. For the new mum who is beginning to train, this is a keeper.
S'Well Blonde Wood Insulated Stainless Steel Bottle $69.95
A trendy bottle that keeps beverages cold for up to 24 hours and hot beverages warm for up to 12 hours, this is functional, eco-friendly, philanthropic and stylish.
For a new mother, a good nap is an almost divine intervention. This Mother’s Day, celebrating motherhood can be all about comfort and rest.
This robe is made from high-performance microfiber fabric. It gets softer with each wash and makes Mother’s Day feel truly luxurious.
Bedtime Bliss Sleep Mask $20.31
For the new mother who needs serious shut-eye, this padded mask provides the best conditions to get through that crucial REM sleep cycle.
If you are not feeling like customizing a full gift box look no further than this online services to do that for you. Send your best bundle of Mother’s Day appreciation with just a few clicks.
This is the perfect gift card you can order online for the foodie mum. It could also be a date for the new parents.
All that being said, the First Mother’s Day is all about the new mum. Not only does she deserve to be pampered, primped and cherished, but she also deserves to be celebrated.
]]>As a token of appreciation, baby shower cards go a long way in making baby and mum know how excited you are for this life-changing event.
There is no definite way to make a baby shower. They can be any colour, shape or form, and you can even make your own if you feel crafty. Most decide to simply put pen to paper and write something commemorating the spirit of the moment. It means a lot to the mum to receive messages pouring out warmth and love through words. Oftentimes, these words don’t come easy, though. A baby shower is one of those events where choosing the gift is easier than picking the right words for your card.
Your options are up to you for what to write since there’s so much to be said. It could be something funny or simple or thoughtful or cute. And then there’s the writing style to employ: is it for a girl? A boy? Maybe twins? Whatever you decide on, we are here to help you draft your baby shower wishes into the perfect baby shower card.
Just remember before you write anything that chances are your gift will be opened and passed around. It will likely be read out loud as well. You should consider this when you’re crafting your message.
That being said, here are some tips and etiquette for what to write in your baby shower card.
As you start writing your baby shower card, it is important to think about your association to the baby shower. Depending on your relationship with the mum-to-be, you have to decide whether you want the message to be informal or formal. If it is a couple’s baby shower, make sure you address both parents as well. If you are a relative, you can also address the baby directly.
Given the etiquette, addressing the baby shower message should go something like this:
Also, consider the terms with which you have been invited and the theme of the shower. These clues will help you determine whether your message needs to be formal or not.
Your role as the well-wisher can be played off through your writing style in the card. Even for those who are closest to the parents or mom-to-be, simple baby shower wishes are equally as effective.
Some examples include:
Past the more simple and formal baby shower wishes, a baby shower gift message can mention the thought that went behind your gift. If you are still struggling with deciding on a gift, we suggest looking through our catalog.
Once you have decided on the perfect gift, the baby shower gift message is easier to craft. The gift and message can also be appropriately linked to the baby shower theme.
Some examples:
Sometimes baby showers also come after a gender reveal. If the theme is associated with the baby’s gender reveal, this should give you plenty of writing fodder.
Knowing whether this is a baby shower for a boy or a girl or twins will make a great difference for which gift you pick. Additionally, you can work this knowledge into your baby shower card messages. So let’s talk about that.
Welcoming a baby boy has its own adventures and joys. Whether you are writing to the parents or to the baby, a heartfelt message comes a long way. Remember, many like to keep their baby shower cards and might even read them to their child a few years later. So if you write something more personalised, it might lead to memories years later.
Some examples:
A baby shower for a darling little baby girl is about female energy. Your wishes can be warm, nurturing, and empowering.
Some examples:
Double the blessing, twins are a happy surprise for new parents. Baby shower messages for twins, triplets or multiples celebrate and support the new parents through their exciting journey.
Some examples:
From the personalised to the funny to the formal, baby shower wishes allow you to be as creative as you like. What is of utmost importance is that the wishes are heartfelt. Hope some of our suggestions here give you to the spark needed to write a loving message to celebrate this milestone in life.
]]>A baby book should include a special ink-less print of your little one’s hands and feet, photos of them throughout their many stages, and videos of your baby’s latest achievements (such as walking, talking for the first time, and much more). A baby’s milestones may feel like they go by too quickly, but with a baby book you can stretch time a little bit, and be able to look back on these moments and cherish them.
We suggest a milestone baby journal for documenting all your child’s early development stages.
So, that being said, let’s talk about all your baby’s milestones which you’re going to want to include in your baby book, from the time they’re born to 1 year old.
In the first three months of your baby’s development, you’re going to see some drastic changes. From being a cuddling, sleeping bundle of joy at 1 month old to already smiling and forming a deep attachment to you at 3 months.
This is the period when babies first begin to improve on their movement. They become louder, trying to communicate with sounds, and desperately want your attention. Between 2-3 months, this is also when babies begin to smile for the first time which will certainly warm your heart.
During this early period in your baby’s life, getting the hands and footprints captured is most important so you can save this special time when they were at their smallest. Consider buying yourself an inexpensive and safe print kit to record your baby’s feet and hands. They come in pink, bronze, grey, black, and blue ink.
During these months, your baby will begin to be much more active. Expect the little one to slowly start rolling over, sitting up, and crawling along your floors but not without some help from mommy. You can also expect some babbling as your baby begins to form their first words, as well being more responsive to your voice.
By the way, you’re also going to start prepping your baby for solid foods soon enough.
Be sure to record your baby’s first words. Also, take plenty of photos! This is the time they’re first starting to move around so there’s so many special memories to be had here.
Since you want to capture these moments with your baby, we suggest putting together your photos with the help of milestone photo cards. These cute cards will help you easily save your memories. Each card is meant for a photo of every one of your baby’s firsts.
Your baby is becoming much more independent now. This is when the little one can roll over, sit, and crawl without mom’s help. They’re also able to eat some finger food without you feeding them.
Around this time is when your baby’s teeth first begin to make their appearance. Most importantly however, it’s also the time when your baby will begin to recognize his or her name.
A lot is happening in these three months. So, when in doubt of how to best record your baby’s milestones, take some photos! Snap some pics of your baby eating independently for the first time, being on the move, or even record a video of them babbling. Maybe even try dressing up your little one in funny clothes so you can have a laugh years from now at their cuteness.
Your baby is almost a year old! This is the time when they first start exploring their world by grabbing onto furniture to stand and move. Copying their parents, babies at this age are trying their hardest to get on their two feet, but they definitely need some help from mum! You’ll be surprised at how quickly they move around the house.
This is also the time when your baby will first begin to express attachment towards certain people and have preferences. Your baby will also be able to tell you they love you by the time they turn 1 year old. They’ll also develop their own sense of humor and the beginnings of their personality.
During this time, your baby might also finally take their first steps on their own. This is around the time when babies learn to walk. However, it depends. Some babies begin to walk after they turn 1-year old, but others much earlier.
And just like that, at 12 months old, your baby is now officially a toddler.
This is the perfect time to get your baby’s feet and hands re-printed to mark this special milestone and so you can see the difference from when they were born. Your baby is also now finally starting to get on their two feet, so take some videos and photos. Write down some thoughts. Reflect on these past 12 months as your baby now becomes a toddler. It will undoubtedly be an emotional time for you, but nonetheless an incredibly rewarding one.
Since your baby is now officially a toddler, may we suggest a little something to keep all your milestone photos neat and organized? A photo card collection has dedicated cards for photos of each of your toddler’s firsts so you can cherish these memories for decades and decades to come.
Of course, not all babies are the same. Some begin to walk or talk later than others. Some seem to have endless energy. And others love to blab all the time. The point is, that by recording your baby’s milestones, you have something that is completely yours: something to remember these special moments by with your husband, or even your child when he or she becomes much older.
Although it may seem as though your baby is growing up too fast before your eyes, maintaining a baby book is one way to slow down the clock, reflect, and cherish these special moments which make life so rewarding.
]]>If you’re reading this, you’re probably expecting a baby sometime soon. Congratulations! It’s a very special time for you and your spouse. However, now comes the decision of how you’re going to break the news to friends and family. So why not be a little bit creative?
Rather than spend money on a professional photographer (which might not even get you the final result you want), you should consider your baby announcement as your own little project.
Rather than spend money on a professional photographer (which might not even get you the final result you want), you should consider your baby announcement as your own little project.
Keep it in-house and try to organize it yourself. That way, when you tell everyone about the great news, it’ll be your personal, memorable story.
When announcing the arrival of your new bundle of joy, you should tell the people you’re closest to first. Soon-to-be grandma and grandpa deserve to be among the first to know, so don’t include them with the masses of people you’ll be announcing your baby too. Baby announcements should be fun and silly but keep in mind your audience.
Once you tell your inner circle and people you’re closest to, you can be sure that the news will spread fast through word-of-mouth because, after all, people love to gossip. As you might have guessed, there’s a hierarchy when it comes to how you tell someone about your baby.
Firstly, there’s the in-person tell; then, the phone call; an email; and finally, a simple social media share (the lowest on the rung). So, if you’re telling your parents, go see them in person: they should be getting the highest priority.
If you’re the one on the receiving end of the announcement, consider buying a special gift. One thing couples like is being gifted something that will help them to cherish the memory of the little one long after they’re born. A print kit is a delightful gift that will allow parents-to-be to imprint their baby’s feet so the memory is beloved and remembered for their entire lives. If you’re the one expecting the baby, it’s a great gift to yourself as well!
All being said, let’s look at some of the best baby announcement ideas we’ve come across during our time working with moms-to-be. These are just some that really stood out to us as something special and ones that can easily be adapted to your own creative side. There’s also plenty of other ideas available online so be sure to take a deeper look yourself.
Photo: Jillian Farnsworth Photography
We’ve seen many ideas from couples who like to reimagine their big baby announcement like a movie. Well, it’s an idea you can steal for yourself.
If you have some photoshop skills, you can easily make an interesting movie or book poster that captures an audience. Just make sure to put the date you’re due right on the bottom, which is when the “movie” or “book” comes out. It’ll always get a laugh.
We’ve seen a lot of creativity with this idea and the options are endless. You should also maybe consider getting some inspiration from famous movie posters – pick your favorite movie, look up its poster, and try to adapt it to your special baby announcement.
Photo: Brianna Polanco Photography | Instagram
Although your dog or cat may feel like having a little baby to care for already, dressing up your pet is a great way to announce that you’re expecting on social media and through photos.
For example, pick out a little shirt for your dog that reads “Big Brother/Sister” or “Baby is On the Way.” Choose a cute catch-phrase that indicates you’re expecting a new family member and get a custom shirt for your pet. It’s fun and it’s sure to get a chuckle.
Or maybe have your pet hold onto the ultrasound photo – or give them an accessory that’ll have people guessing about your baby-to-be. Either way, incorporating your pets into your baby announcement is a nice creative exercise that’ll surely get plenty of attention.
When you’re telling family members about a new baby on the way, why not surprise them with a little-handwritten note?
How about something cute like this:
“Hi mom and dad,
So we’ve been thinking...
how would you like a promotion to being grandparents?”
It’s fun, it’s sweet, and it’s innocent. On top of that, handwritten touch would make this little ‘promotional’ letter be something special to remember your announcement by.
Feel free to make your own creative cards and invites for family members telling them about the good news. There are plenty of cut-outs available online to help you craft the perfect, original message that will make your close ones smile.
If there’s a special story associated with your announcement, you may not be able to convey that in just a single image. We’ve seen couples instead opt for a four-panel “story” of sorts, which tells a little background about you being a mom-to-be.
If you have been trying to have that baby for years, and finally managed, this is that special announcement that should maybe convey that. Or maybe there’s a funny story associated with your announcement when you told your spouse. Whatever the case may be, if you have a story to tell that can’t be conveyed in a single image, consider a four-panel announcement where you have some room for a creative narrative about the special announcement.
The onesie seems to be the universal symbol for a baby. And so many couples in their announcements like to include the onesie as part of the announcement: it’s a clear message that, yes, you will be having a baby soon.
Think of your babymoon as one of the last chances for you to immerse yourself in romance before your baby. After all, you’re on your own for the time being, so why not enjoy it? Once the baby arrives, you can be sure that any romantic getaways will have to be put on hold for quite a while. A babymoon is time for you and your husband to romantically connect before your lives are forever changed.
Some couples like to go big with their babymoon, making a list of all their dream destinations. Others opt to a simpler plan, because being pregnant and on-the-move can be intimidating, especially if you have a lot on your mind. Regardless of what your plans are, just remember that a babymoon is for you to enjoy and celebrate the changes that will soon take place in your life. It’s a big moment and you deserve to treat yourself.
With that in mind, here are some tips to consider when planning on babymoon getaway.
Becoming a mother requires a lot out of you – after all, it’s a monumental step in your life. Therefore, a babymoon is the perfect time to reflect on who you are as a woman and mother. Put your perspectives in order and decide what you want for your future. How do you see your life in 10 years? – where are you now in life? Give yourself some breathing room to just think and plan accordingly.
Since the babymoon is for you and your spouse to enjoy, don’t feel pressured to go somewhere lavish. Even if it’s a simple day or two at a beach house, or somewhere close, or just taking some time off with your husband, that’s OK. You should always plan according to your needs and your budget. The last thing you want is to spend exorbitant amounts of money on a babymoon which you didn’t even enjoy. So, I know you may feel excited, but try to keep a clear head on your plans.
Although you might feel rushed to make plans and travel immediately after finding out you are pregnant, don’t. About half of all pregnant women experience some kind of morning sickness during their first trimester pregnant, and the last thing you want is to be sick during your babymoon.
We’ve read quite a few horror stories from people who decided to take their babymoon during their first trimester – with the trouble sleeping, fatigue, and occasional morning sickness nausea, let your body adjust to the changes happening in your womb for the first trimester. Holding off any babymoon plans for the second trimester is always a good idea.
A babymoon is, after all, a time for you and your partner to romantically enjoy each other’s company. So give that all the priorities you possibly can during your babymoon.
Let’s be honest: after having your child, your sex life will inevitably change. It might even be difficult to get those romantic moments in with a child who constantly needs tending to. Therefore, consider your babymoon as your last romantic getaway before the big change in your life: the baby.
The first trimester of any pregnancy is usually exhausting, and you know for sure it will be if it’s your first child. It takes a toll on your psyche and oftentimes you may just find yourself feeling tired all the time. That’s fine – but you need to recharge. You owe it to yourself. A babymoon provides you with that special time away for you to experience wanderlust, romance, and, most importantly, get yourself well-rested before you’re due.
It’s always fun to step a little bit out of your comfort zone during a babymoon. Take it as a time to spice up your life and try something a little bit different.
We’ve all got that adventurous spirit in us somewhere – so find it! We’ve read quite a few stories from soon-to-be mothers going on natural reserves, light hikes, beaches, safaris, you name it. At the very least, maybe step away from any screen time while you’re away and just focus on your surroundings. It’s your time to detox and rest, so it would be best if you laid off the electronic devices for a bit.
Babymoons are also a time when you can concretely and honestly discuss your family’s future with your spouse. What will your parenting style be like? – have you made any preparations for the baby in your home? What will your child grow up to be, and how can you and your spouse best raise them? These are hard parenting questions, but they’re worth asking. There’s no easy answers and it’s something you need to discuss in detail with your spouse.
It can even be fun to take a look at other parents during your babymoon. A little people-watching never hurt anybody, just to see how these other little rascals act around their parents. Maybe you’ll learn something about what’s in store for your own future as a mother.
These are all some friendly words of advice for any of you soon mothers-to-be who are considering their own babymoon. Frankly, it’s worth it. A babymoon will surely be one of the most memorable experiences of your life, a precursor to you being a mother. It’s your moment, so treat yourself and your spouse to something special before the baby comes on board. It’s the least you can do for yourself before becoming a mum.
]]>Babies go through an incredible number of changes during the first year of their lives. This is the time when their sense of sight, smell, taste, hearing and touch start to develop – and that too at a rapid pace.
However, this extraordinary pace only slows down as they become older, which makes learning new things during this period even more significant. This is why parents are so concerned about their baby’s growth during the first 12 months. They want to take every step to make sure their baby’s growth is unhindered. In fact, parents are willing to do everything in their power to boost their baby’s development – which explains the increasing popularity of something called baby sensory classes.
Before we dive into what baby sensory classes are, it’s important that we understand what sensory play actually means.
Sensory play consists of all those activities that stimulate any of your little one’s senses (could be sight, smell, taste, hearing, and touch). The idea behind sensory play is that stimulating a baby’s mind with various sounds, smells, tastes, sights and textures will facilitate the development of neural connections in the brain. In other words, it’s supposed to help learning and increase intelligence.
Speaking of things that are helpful…
More than 25,000 parents and babies take part in hundreds of these baby sensory classes. But what exactly are they?
Babies, like adults have an innate need to connect and learn new things. Sensory classes provide the parent and the baby with an environment where everything is designed to stimulate the senses, movement, and development of an infant. This facilitates the learning and development of babies at a very crucial stage. Some baby sensory classes even offer courses on yoga, massage, and swimming. Usually, there is a detailed lesson plan with various activities such as playing instruments, games, dancing, singing, etc.
You may be wondering what the right way to promote sensory growth is or if there is a wrong way. The truth is that the desire to learn new things comes naturally in infants. Everything from seeing your face, having their nappies changed, and even simple touches are all enough to stimulate your baby’s senses. Toys, music, games, and other children also greatly improve the quality of the learning process and makes it enjoyable for both the child and the parent!
The main purpose of a baby sensory class is to encourage sensory development through a number of carefully designed activities processes that are based on science and are well-thought out.
Sensory classes work on this principle and take it one step forward – providing babies with an incredibly wide range of sensory experiences that promote and facilitate growth of the infant’s mind.
Baby sensory classes can be pretty expensive and it makes sense to wonder if spending all this money is actually worthwhile. Not only can they can be expensive, they can also limit the parents’ ability to enjoy other parent-child activities.
The brain communicates with the help of neurons that travel via neural pathways. When your baby is exposed to new experiences, these neural pathways grow. The more a baby feels, sees, hears, and touches, the stronger these neural pathways become. All of these things lead to an improved ability to understand and learn new tasks.
Many parents are not aware of the effects that sensory play has on a child’s cognitive and motor skills. Playing with toys, games or interacting with other toddlers plays a big role in language development, cognitive growth as well as in promoting social interaction.
It’s normal for little children to get anxious, hyperactive or frustrated. In fact, it’s quite easy and can happen very often. Lucky for you, sensory play has another benefit and that is its calming effect.
Your baby will forget about crying or feeling agitated when it’s too busy watching bubbles falling down or playing with other children. You can also use this to make bath time easy by adding toys to the mix. And did I mention sensory play can also make babies sleepy? Yep, there’s your bedtime routine sorted.
When you take your little one out in the world to experience new things, you’ll notice what things they enjoy and what that they don’t. You get to learn about their feelings about different things. And even if they can’t fully comprehend their own feelings yet, these times can make up for some wonderful memories.
Needless to say, it’s also a joy to see your baby’s face when they get surprised or excited by touching or seeing or even hearing something for the first time.
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It’s a lot of fun for expecting parents to dream about the room in which their newborn is going to grow up. Think about all the fun moments that will happen, all the memories made and most importantly, think about how their little one is going to grow up in that room. So you probably want to make sure that EVERYTHING in that room is perfect. Now that task might sound a little overwhelming because of all the pressure but don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Here are 9 DIY ideas to help you get started with decorating and creating the perfect nursery for your baby.
You’re going to put a lot of things in your baby’s room so naturally, you’ll need some shelves as well. Well, how about you make some? Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a woodworking expert. These rope shelves are pretty easy to make. See for yourself:
Your baby is going to be a genius, no doubt about it. But it’s never too early learn, am I right? Your baby might not be able to read what you write just yet but these fabric covered letters are easy to make and look good on the wall – it all balances itself out. Get started with:
Let’s be honest, hot air balloons are pretty cool. There’s something calming about them. The ability to fly also instills a sense of wonder in all of us and I think your baby will love them too. Plus you can make them easily and fast. They’re great all-around!
This can be a simple and minimalistic background for your baby’s crib. It will also go wonderfully with the DIY hot air balloon we just learnt to make. It doesn’t matter where you place this mural, one thing is for sure, it’s going to look really, really good.
Designing and making the mural is a pretty straight-forward process. You’ll need a few house paints. One bucket in black and a few shades of green (or whatever colour goes with the overall theme of the room). You’ll also need graph paper, a large levelled ruler and Frog tape.
This is more than just a photo frame. Like a normal photo frame, you can put a photo of your baby inside but unlike a normal photo frame, you get to see your little one’s hand or footprint. Those adorable tiny footprints!
Don't worry, it’s completely safe and you can totally DIY. Just order the kit. It comes with a non-toxic ink-less wipe and four double sided A5 special paper to make the prints. You also get to choose from Pink, Blue, Grey, Black and Bronze Print Kit colours. Unlike the rest of the ideas in this list, this one is probably the easiest and definitely the cutest.
So what do you think? Do you feel a little less overwhelmed and more confident to start working your version of the perfect nursery? Remember, the whole point of these DIY ideas is to give you absolute control. Don’t be afraid to experiment a little. So what are you waiting for? Start decorating!
We’ve come up with 10 things you can do with your Mum this Mother’s Day–fun guaranteed!
A movie night is a great way to spend quality time with your loved ones! Once the whole family is in their pj’s, cook some popcorn, grab some bean bags and put on your Mums favourite flick…even better…make it a movie marathon with all your Mums faves!
It’s no secret that in most households Mum is the head chef…always! Surprise your Mum by cooking her favourite dinner…and cleaning up afterwards!
Every Mum loves to be pampered…and they deserve it! Light some candles, play some relaxing music, dim the lights and your at-home day spa is ready to go. For an extra bit of fun, make a ‘treatments’ menu and ask your Mum what she would like; massage, pedicure, manicure, facial…the options are endless!
There’s something so fun about setting up a tent in the backyard and camping out for the night! Give your Mum the full camping experience by roasting marshmallows and singing songs around a campfire. The best thing about backyard camping…Mum can still have a warm shower and her morning coffee!
There’s no doubt that Mums love photos of their family! You could either organise a professional photographer for the day or have an impromptu photo-shoot at home! Dress up in funny costumes and spend the day taking silly photos. At the end of the shoot, print out your Mums favourites and get them framed for her.
When was the last time your Mum got to go shopping for herself?! Probably never! Tell her to leave her wallet at home and head to your local shopping centre for a day of browsing and buying!
Mother’s Day falls in Autumn so generally the weather is still pretty beautiful. Pack up the family and head to your nearest national park or hiking trail and spend the day exploring together in the fresh air!
Games nights are always fun…although they can get competitive! Grab a bunch of your Mums favourite board games (and some snacks) and enjoy an evening of laughter.
A winery tour is a great thing to do on Mother’s Day, particularly if your Mum loves a sneaky wine (or two) and her children are adults. You could round up a group of family and friends, hire a bus and head out for a day of wine tasting and cheese platters…delicious!
Mums rarely get to spend a moment alone and sometimes all they really want is a bit of peace and quiet! Give your Mum a few hours in the morning or afternoon to do whatever she wants…suggest she takes a nap or read a book in silence…things she probably hasn’t done for years!
Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful Mums in the world!
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Mums are amazing! Not only do they carry us around inside them while we take our sweet time (nine whole months) to develop into an adorable functioning human, they also birth us (not always pleasant), feed us, clean up an absurd amount of our poo and spew (sorry) and support us through the awkward teenage phases of excessive black eyeliner and crimped hair—all the while loving us unconditionally.
Mother’s Day, which is only a few weeks away, gives us the chance to celebrate, and say thank-you to, our mums and other significant women in our lives. While undoubtedly the most important thing about Mother’s Day is spoiling the significant women in our lives—and we do, Australians spend about $2billion each year—it is also a day that can highlight the forever-changing dynamics of the modern-day family and raise discussions around the expected, and often stigmatised, roles of men and women. Traditionally in the family setting, women have raised the children and taken on domestic roles and men have been the main income providers. But, in an age of increasing gender equality, are these traditional gender roles and expectations changing?
According to the 2011 census, stay-at-home fathers represented 4% of two-parent opposite-sex families in Australia, counting for approximately 68,000 of all families. This information refers to fathers who have children ‘aged under 15 years living with him, he is not working, and he has a spouse or partner who is working some hours’ (Australian Institute of Family Studies, 2017). Although 4% may seem like quite an insignificant number, according to Lisa Conolly, Director of Family and Community Statistics at the Australian Bureau of Statistics, more dads are taking advantage of increasingly flexible working arrangements to care for their children. ‘Nowadays, around 30 percent of dads took advantage of flexible work hours to look after young children…compared with 16 percent of dads two decades ago’, she said. Ms Conolly also explained that the number of dads working from home to care for their children has ‘doubled from 7 percent to 14 percent’.
Stay-at-home dad John*, from Melbourne, is one such dad taking advantage of flexible working arrangements: ‘I am self-employed and work from home 3 days a week and I also work after hours and on weekends as my work requires. My wife works full time’. For John and his family, there were a number of factors that contributed to the decision for him to be the stay-at-home parent. ‘My wife had a great opportunity at work which meant she had to go from part-time to full-time [and we also] concluded that the part of my work away from the home was bringing in the least amount of money. We also wanted to put [our 20 month old daughter] in daycare for two days a week to socialise but didn’t necessarily want her to be there every day’.
The number of stay-at-home dads—and the interest in being a stay-at-home dad—has certainly become more common over time, however, there is often still a negative social stigma attached to the role. Often judgement comes from other mothers, leaving dads feeling isolated and without a support network. While John has found that ‘in general, people have not questioned’ his decision to be a stay-at-home dad there has been one ‘slight exception’. ‘When [my daughter] and I go to local group activities such as swimming lessons, there are already pre-formed groups that started as mother’s groups and have become friendship groups. Sometimes these can be a bit ‘cliquey’ and hard to break into’.
These perceived societal norms—mother as a carer, father as a breadwinner—can also contribute to a mother feeling guilty about her decision to re-enter the workforce as opposed to staying home to look after the children. Generally speaking, it is the belief that the bond between mother and child is far stronger than between father and child, perhaps due to experiences such as childbirth and breastfeeding and long-standing associations between femininity and nurturing. Although he is the stay-at-home parent and spends a large portion of his time with his daughter, John believes the ‘stronger bond’ still exists between mother and child. He does, however, think that the bond between himself and his daughter is ‘much stronger than it would be had I been at work full time’.
Society and family dynamics are continually changing and the emergence of the stay-at-home dad has undoubtedly challenged traditional gender roles and expectations. For John, the stereotypes around the ‘typical father’ are becoming less and less and he has found that he comes ‘into contact with many couples who do not fit the stereotypical gender roles’. John hopes that his role as a stay-at-home dad will impact positively on his daughter’s opinions of gender roles: ‘I hope that she will be brought up in a way that teachers her respect and tolerance for many different family structures’.
It is important to remember that Mother’s Day is significant, even for families with stay-at-home dads. For John and his daughter, they will be ‘spoiling mum, because she deserves it! Carrying the child, giving birth, breastfeeding—these all should be celebrated on occasions such as Mother’s Day’. Mother’s Day could also be the perfect time to talk with children about gender stereotypes and societal stigmas around gender roles. With young children, this could prove more challenging, but it could start with something as simple as celebrating milestones and birthdays with gender-neutral gifts as opposed to the stereotypical pink for girls and blue for boys! Undoubtedly, the sooner the negative social stigma stops, the more socially acceptable it will be for men to be stay-at-home dads and women to be breadwinners—change begins with a conversation!
Name changed for privacy reasons
While Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate romance, love and relationships, it often puts a lot of pressure on both men and women. There’s pressure to plan the perfect date, purchase the perfect gift (which, according to every shiny catalogue is anything from an extremely expensive diamond necklace to a fridge…!) and be the perfect partner. It can all get extremely overwhelming! For first-time parents, Valentine’s Day can be particularly tricky. Sure, your newborn is a gorgeous gift, but it’s not exactly romantic. As first-time parents you’re trying to navigate this new, exciting life—the sleepless nights and the poo explosions—all without an instruction manual. It is easy to become so engrossed in being parents that you forget that you are also a couple and that your relationship and romance is important. Lack of sleep and looking after a newborn baby 24/7 can quickly take its toll. You are both tired and tiredness can lead to irritability which can lead to arguments and resentment—certainly no recipe for romance this Valentine’s Day!
Undoubtedly your gorgeous newborn baby can be a distraction from romance on Valentine’s Day, but often there can be other contributing factors. Often in the early days a lot of pressure falls on the mother when it comes to the baby and, unfortunately, approximately 1 in 7/10 new mums, develop postnatal depression (PND). PND can develop within the first few days, and anywhere within the first twelve months, after having a baby. It can start slowly or suddenly and can range from a mild feeling of sadness to a paralyzing depression. While the exact causes of PND are not known, it is most likely that the enormous physical, emotional and social changes involved with becoming a parent are major contributors.
It’s important to note that, after having a baby, up to 80% of women may develop what is known as the ‘baby blues’. This usually surfaces three to ten days after giving birth and passes within a day or two—it is very different to postnatal depression. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can also often be confused with postnatal depression. PTSD can affect women who have had an unexpectedly difficult or traumatic childbirth and sufferers often experience flashbacks. A woman with PND tends to withdraw from everyone, including her baby. Other symptoms of postnatal depression include negative thoughts, low self-esteem and confidence, difficulty sleeping or a change in sleep patterns, anxiety and panic attacks, loss of appetite and difficulty concentrating.
Undoubtedly, PND can put an enormous strain on relationships and, interestingly, new dads can also develop PND, particularly if their partner is suffering. New dads can feel neglected and useless when the baby arrives, however partners play a vital role in PND recovery. If you are the partner of someone experiencing PND it is important for you to encourage communication and conversation. Don’t be afraid to ask family and friends for help. As a couple you can research information together and seek professional help as required—there are plenty of people who can assist including doctors, counsellors, hospitals and maternal and child health nurses. The important thing to remember is that postnatal depression, and its accompanying symptoms, will not last forever.
Dealing with postnatal depression or the challenges of a new family member can be tough, however Valentine’s Day provides a welcome distraction and a chance to remember the romantic side of your relationship. Often there’s no need for an extravagant romantic gifts, rather a small gesture or simply time spent together can be the most meaningful. Below are a few ideas to keep the love alive and make this Valentine’s Day extra special for first-time parents…
Run her a bath, light some candles and allow her an hour to relax alone.
Offer her a weekend lie in…sleep is the greatest gift when you have a newborn baby!
During the day, when you’re at work, send her a message so she knows you are thinking of her.
Jewellery or flowers are always a failsafe if you would like to get your loved one a gift.
Or maybe even a keepsake, to remind each other of the wonderful bundle of joy that they brought into the world together.
Appreciate all his efforts to help with the baby—a simple ‘thank-you’ can go a long way.
Send him a message while he’s at work telling him you love him…attach a cute picture of you and the baby.
Encourage him when it comes to the baby, don’t criticize.
Treat him to a massage.
It is important to try and spend time together as a couple, and Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse. If you can, ask a family member or friend to look after the baby for a night and book a hotel room. If that’s not possible, put your newborn to bed together and spend some time resting together watching a movie.
Don’t stress about the housework, it can wait! Romance is so important in a relationship, even when there’s a newborn baby on the scene and new challenges arise.
Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to remind each other of the reasons why you fell in love and decided to bring a beautiful baby into the world.
]]>We know that there are so many amazing milestones that occur in a child’s first few years of life—rolling, crawling, walking, talking (to name just a few)— and capturing these moments means you, and your child, have memories for life.
We spoke to gorgeous new mum Tess, from Melbourne Australia, about capturing the milestones of her baby girl Lola.
]]>Often it feels as if they grow so quickly.
One day you have a tiny snugly newborn—you blink—and suddenly there’s a chatty toddler running circles around you! Before you know it, you’re shopping for school shoes and spending Saturday morning’s perfecting ballet buns and watching soccer games!
Here at BABYink® we know that there are so many amazing milestones that occur in a child’s first few years of life—rolling, crawling, walking, talking (to name just a few)— and capturing these moments means you, and your child, have memories for life.
We spoke to gorgeous new mum Tess, from Melbourne Australia, about capturing the milestones of her baby girl Lola.
Hi Tess! How long have you been a mother for?
3 months.
Tell us a bit about your baby…
My little girl Lola Eve is 12 weeks old. She was born at 9pound 1 (4kgs) big bubba!
I think I have two very special moments with Lola. First one being when you first meet your child and they put her on my chest and she just wanted to snuggle! It was so cute and the love you have for your child after knowing them for only a moment is amazing. Second special moment is the first time she smiled at me. It just melted my heart!
Many of my special moments have been captured on my iPhone. The midwife took my phone whilst in labour with Lola and she captured some amazing memories. I’ve now just started to create a scrap book for her so she has something when she is older.
Yes, I do collect bits and pieces especially cards people have written her and have popped them away! I haven’t created anything yet, but Jarryd (my partner) and I want to ink her hands and feet and have it framed – we will see how we go!
Mostly my iPhone to be honest, whenever I think there is a moment I just quickly grab my phone and take a shot!
Why do parents think that it’s important to capture baby’s first moments?
I think it’s important to capture babies first moments because there are so many things that happen that you can forget a moment or two. Having it either written or a photograph can help bring a memory to light! And let’s be honest, it’s always nice to remember the little moments!
Hell yeah! Some of the best moments I have had with Lola have been her not so good moments – if you call them that. Eg. That first night Jarryd and I could not get Lola to sleep the whole night! She cried and cried and cried for hours, we just looked at each other and giggled and thought oh god what do we do! That was a special moment for us.
That I took the time to get to know Lola and to make sure she is happy! Jarryd and I decided we wanted to be very easy going and calm parents which we think really helped in Lola’s first few weeks because she is now a very chilled and happy baby! Also, just to make sure she is healthy!
I was so surprised with the amount of information that you received from the hospital after you give birth. We left 24 hours after Lola was born and have a midwife come and visit us at home each day for a week. Everything is so monitored these days to make sure your baby is doing what he or she should be that you never really need to worry about it. My midwife did say to me though, you the mother know your child best so trust your instinct. Best advice ever. There is no right or wrong or a manual to follow when raising a child so I believe whatever works for you, works for you!
Yes. I think the significant moments are obviously rolling, sitting, crawling, teething, first word etc. Don’t get me wrong I’m so excited about all of those milestones but I don’t really like to jump ahead because everyday spent with Lola I notice a new little thing or two she has picked up. Such as cuddling a teddy or grabbing onto my shirt when feeding her.
I don’t wish anytime away, but I can’t wait till she can talk! I think we will have some very interesting conversations.
I think the best advice I can give is yes try and capture the moment, but remember to be present at the moment as well. I think sometimes, and I’m guilty of this as well, that we try and capture the moment with a phone or camera that we forget to actually be there ourselves. So, have someone around that can capture a moment for you or live in the moment and capture it again later on. Trust me, once a baby learns something they repeat it until the new next best thing!
Also – I think it's important to upload on your social media. Social media is like a digital diary of life events and the more high-tech it's becoming the more it documents your life.
Thanks Tess!
Follow Tess on Instagram @tessaalouise
As Tess said, capturing Lola’s milestones and moments is important for her, her partner, and Lola! Undoubtedly one day Tess and Lola will giggle together at all the gorgeous moments she captured!
BABYink® offers a gorgeous range of products that can be used to capture baby’s milestone moments. From foot and hand prints to memory books, baby journals and milestone cards, there’s something for everyone!
]]>For many of us, however, making resolutions for the new year—particularly those centered around health and fitness—can be the motivation we need to get off our butts and kick some goals. When it comes to fitness, sometimes the hardest thing for mums is simply getting started. Social media, and specifically Instagram, is a great place to find inspiration when it comes to getting fit and healthy. We’ve scrolled through the gram and found a bunch of awesome fit mums to help motivate and inspire you.
These fit mums know what’s up—they know that motherhood is a tough gig but they also know that being healthy, fit and confident is key to a happier, more wholesome life!
Instagram: @chontelduncan
Chontel has over 600,000 followers on Instagram and is mum to two boys, Jeramiah
(20 months) and newborn Swayde. Her and her hubby are the creators of HIIT Australia, a gym that specializes in eight week transformations (check out some of the amazing transformations @hitt_australia). Chontel’s Instagram is a mix of workout videos, bikini pictures and baby photos. It would be easy to assume that Chontel is ‘blessed’ with an extremely athletic body but this mum works hard training five times a week at 6am!
Instagram: @ashybines
Ashy is a powerhouse in the fitness industry with almost 1 million Instagram followers. Ashy has a two-year-old son, Taj. She is well known for getting up at the crack of dawn for a fat burning walk and then hitting up her gym on the Gold Coast—all before Taj wakes up! Ashy is a savvy businesswoman with a YouTube channel, clothing label and successful health and fitness app. She is a qualified personal trainer but she is also backed by a team of health and fitness professionals so her content is really informative and amazing!
Instagram: @sophie_guidolin
Sophie has 350,000 Instagram followers and is a mum of four! She has two sons and identical twin girls. Sophie is a qualified personal trainer and nutritionist, as well as a successful fitness model. She has written five cookbooks and also developed ‘The Bod’, a 12-week exercise and nutrition program. Her and her husband also own a gym that specializes in body building and power lifting. Sophie isn’t afraid to share the lows, as well as the highs, in her life and this makes her really relatable to us mums.
Instagram: @reviejane
Revie has 150,000 followers on Instagram and is mum to toddler Lexington, with another bub on the way! Revie is a CrossFit athlete and trainer and has developed both gym and home-based fitness programs. Revie is passionate about building up women’s self-confidence and enabling them to live a lifestyle that is empowering. Her Instagram is full of gorgeous picture of her daughter and sweaty workout videos to get you motivated!
Insta: @fit_moms_of_ig
Fit Mom/Mums of Instagram has over 300,000 followers and promotes itself as a community of fit mums that support each other and stick together! The page regularly posts pictures of inspiring fit mums and plenty of workout videos for you to try! This page is great to scroll through if you are lacking motivation as it is a diverse community of mums from all different walks of life.
Honestly, we’ve barely scratched the surface when it comes to fit mums on Instagram—there are literally thousands of women sharing their health and fitness journeys. It is important to remember that Instagram, like all forms of social media, is often a ‘highlight reel’ of an individual’s life… So remember that just because these fit mums aren’t uploading pictures of poop explosions and bloated stomachs doesn’t mean that’s not part of their lives! The most important thing to remember is that YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL, no matter what shape or size. These fit mums will motivate and inspire you to be fit, healthy, confident and most importantly happy!
Photo Credit : @kerispilatesroom & @fit_moms_of_ig
]]>If you have a newborn, or it’s your baby’s first Christmas, you might be feeling even more overwhelmed about what to buy. Baby’s first Christmas is special so you want their present to be memorable—perhaps keepsakes they (or you) will hold onto forever! If it’s your baby’s first Christmas, or you are a family member or friend buying a gift, keep reading because we’ve done the hard work for you and put together a list of memorable presents you can put under the tree or in their Christmas stocking!
BABYink offers a unique product range that allows you to take baby hand and footprints with a world first ‘colour ink-less wipe’ that is safe for newborns, easy to use and, most importantly, mess-free! BABYink has a range of gorgeous customised Christmas keepsakes that are perfect for baby’s first Christmas gift. There are eight prints to choose from and each package includes 1 x High Res PDF (5x7 inch photo size) and 1 x JPEG file which you can use to print and frame the keepsake. Use baby’s handprint to form the greenery of a Christmas tree or their footprints for ‘mistletoes’—so cute! You can use foot or hand prints that you already have at home or add one of BABYink’s kits to your order! These unique keepsakes also won’t break the Christmas budget at just $25.00 (AUD) per print.
A personalised Christmas ornament is a perfect gift for baby’s first Christmas. This gift is a perfect way to start a beautiful yearly tradition in your household that will continue long into their adult lives. Ornaments can be personalised with baby’s name, their birth date or perhaps a special symbol or quote. There are countless websites that sell personalised Christmas ornaments and often your local shopping centre will have a pop-up shop open over the Christmas period that offers various hand painted baubles and ornaments.
Often family members will send money as part of a Christmas gift so a piggy bank or money box is a perfect gift to start those savings early! Piggy banks are also a great learning tool for teaching your children about money and saving. There are so many cute piggy banks and money boxes available in a range of prices but the classic pig shape is pretty irresistible!
For a gorgeous classic piggy bank check out these ones by Child to Cherish.
Surely there’s nothing cuter than a baby in festive Christmas pj’s?! Take the cuteness to another level by getting your baby’s name on a Christmas themed onesie or take the opportunity (it might be the only one you get) to dress them up like an elf or a reindeer. Many families also have a tradition of buying each other Christmas pyjamas and opening them up on Christmas Eve to sleep in—baby’s first Christmas is the perfect time to get this tradition started!
There’s something special about hanging up a stocking or laying out a sack on Christmas Eve in anticipation of Santa’s arrival. A stocking or sack is a perfect gift to celebrate baby’s first Christmas and it is something they will use year after year. Get the stocking or sack personalised with their name and fill it with plush soft toys and books—perfect!
Cotton On offers cute personalised Christmas sacks at a really reasonable price of $24.95 AUD (they have afterpay too). Check them out here
If you are stuck for ideas for a friend or relative’s baby, remember newborns need essential items like nappies and formula or something for their nursery, so don’t be afraid to shop practically—likely the parents will thank you!
The most important thing to remember is to enjoy baby’s first Christmas—take lots of photos and make happy memories. Christmas can be a stressful time of year but baby only gets one first Christmas so make it special for them and for you!
Merry Christmas!
]]>If you aren’t already taking a peek at babies on Instagram, then you really should be! There are some precious pics of babies from around the world going up right now, and we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 babies you should be following on Instagram.
This mama and family hail from South Korea, and when you visit her Instagram page, you’re greeted with adorable pictures of everyday life. Charming pics of a most adorable tot reaching milestones and doing baby things are posted daily, as well as photos of this Instagram user’s pups. It’s a truly precious glimpse into the life of a little one!
Get ready to melt. These babies have the cutest relationship! Their mum is always dressing them in trendy styles, and they’re definitely no strangers to fashion. If you want to see an Instagram page full of baby cuteness to the max, then this is the one for you!
We aren’t sure if we can handle the cuteness - can you? This blue eyed baby boy can be caught in picture-perfect poses on his mum’s Instagram page. His mama does a fabulous job of dressing him up and getting the sweetest smiles. Just look at those chunky cheeks!
Are you ready for a double dose of cuteness? This mum posts pics of her little boy and girl wearing the most precious little outfits! Somehow, she gets them in the right lighting and beautiful scenery. We don’t know how she does it, but bravo! These two have given us all the feels!
Get ready for big time adorableness! This mama gets her baby girl into awwww-inspiring poses and captures pictures that make us melt. Whether she’s riding her bike or sipping on a drink, this little one has our hearts!
Look at this cute dad! Ooo lala! We can’t get enough of both these babies big, beautiful smiles. Their eyes and puffy, kissable cheeks! Hats off to this dad, who captures sweet little moments and puts them on Instagram for us to adore!
Looking for some classic baby cuteness? This sweet little babycake exudes classic baby cuteness in a sweet little package. Her rosy cheeks and glimmering eyes get us every time. Her mama dresses her in frilly dresses and big bows to make our hearts just want to explode.
Oh my stars! This little girl must keep her mum on her toes! She’s a boisterous, lively, beautiful baby girl, from what we can tell. Her mum captures sweet moments and posts them on Instagram, and we can’t thank her enough!
Want to take a peek at a day in the life of a cute little one? Take a look at this tot in everyday life - enjoying the beach, having a meal, and just loving every moment. We adore this babies style, chubby cheeks, and contagious smile - and we think you will, too.
We’re sorry. So, so sorry. If you don’t already have baby fever, get ready. It’s coming. Chanel Nicole is Ice T and Coco’s baby girl, and her Instagram account is full of the most adorable cuteness! Her dimples, affinity for big hair bows, and impeccable style has our hearts!
We’d like to mention that these photos help one reflect on the beautiful bond that a mother shares with her baby. Mums everywhere work so hard to take care of their babies, feed them, dress them, play with them, and teach them. Some even capture sweet moments like these on film. We should never forget the amazing work that mothers do! They remind the world about the special connection between a mother and child.
Oh and we can’t forget that special Instagram father too…
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