Baby R Us: One Stop Baby Shop

If Toys ‘R Us is a company that offers various toys for kids, what does Baby R Us offer? It is not babies! Baby R Us offers baby products.

In 1996, Westbury, New York, Baby R Us opened its first store. After tremendous expansion and joining the Baby Superstore chain, Baby R Us store count has reach 218 at the beginning of 2005. What a mammoth feat for a baby store, right?

Babies R Us is considered a pioneer in retailing premier baby products. It is said to be the biggest store chain in the world that provides baby products. They have stores and online stores that assist in giving a unique and fun shopping experience for their consumers. It has a state-of-the-art baby registry service that provides more convenience when shopping for your baby’s needs. The Baby Registry service is a product of Babies R Us teaming up with Amazon.com. Parents that are expecting their baby are permitted to create an online baby registry or update a registry that was set up on one of the Babies R Us stores nationwide. What this registry rids the parent is the inconvenience of surmounting geographic barriers and presumption of which products suit your baby. All the land-based Baby R Us stores allow all purchase returns as an added feature.

Baby R Us also constantly maintains a “Top Seller List” that usually include educational baby equipment, baby books, a pregnant mom’s book, diaper accessories, comfy baby bouncer, play gyms, baby call nursery monitors, a changing pad, monitors with dual receivers, an infant car seat base, baby wraps, toddler rockers, baby swings, nursery care kits, feeding bottle set, etc.

Baby R Us online store also allows browsers to check on different brands of baby products that suit their preferences. Baby R Us also presents gift ideas to those who want to share some goodies to their little kids, nephews, nieces, granddaughter or grandsons. A gift set is always considered a hit in making parents with their babies smile with appreciation. These are often in baby gift basket forms that contain various items that deal with the parents and baby’s needs. There are also these “Parents Favorite” items and Babies R Us’ basic gift ideas that are never surmounted by novel items. Gift certificates are also available as treats to the parents-to-be. Baby R Us even added “new baby” or “pregnancy” e-card. Babies R Us online even has this resource center page that includes various buying guides, checklists, articles, advices and other information that will both benefit the parents and the baby.

Disadvantages of Free Baby Shower Games

Planning a baby shower can be a daunting task. Consequently, baby shower games, as part of the celebration, should be meticulously prepared. However, not all baby showers have games on their plans. But the fact that it is a great “ice-breaker,” many baby shower coordinators are incorporating the idea of having baby shower games in the party.

With the advent of the Internet, there are many baby shower game ideas made available online. The best thing about it is that most of the baby shower games available on the Internet are free. There are people who contend that free baby shower games are not the ideal games to be used in the baby shower.

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.

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.

If you obtained a baby shower game that is worth your money, chances are, you will have quality baby shower games to enjoy in the party.

The bottom line is that baby shower games should not be taken for granted. It does not necessarily mean that free baby shower games are really bad or is not worth using.

Planning a baby shower

Have a blast with a baby shower party.

Planning a baby shower can be really fun. Unleash your creativity. The main goal is simply to have your baby shower unforgettable and fun for everyone.

To get you started, the tips below can absolutely help you with the steps of creating that perfect baby shower party for you.

Be prepared

If you have an extravagant budget you can scout for convenient party places which can hold your guests.

Think of the perfect theme

There are hundreds of baby shower themes that you can choose from. Popular choices are teddies, cartoon themes, or balloons. The possibilities are endless.

Surprise her

To make the party more momentous, you can make a surprise baby shower for the guest of honor. Consult her close and relatives when preparing your guest list.

Impress with invitations

Match your invitations with the theme of the party itself with the theme of the party itself. Be sure that the invitations contain all vital information like date, time and sketched- up location. Be creative in designing your invitations.

Have fun with games

Your baby shower would definitely be a hit if you have enthusiastic participation from the guests. Remember to buy prices for the winners.

Feast on good food

You can either decide to cook food for your guests, order from a nearby fast food or restaurant or hire professional caterers. Jazz up and decorate

Make your venues appealing by adding items that go with your baby shower theme like balloons or toys. Flowers will make good centerpiece or cute baby accessories that you can purchase on specialty stores.

Coordinate gifts

Don’t you worry; your guests would appreciate it if their gifts would come unique and more usable for you and your baby.

Planning your baby shower should be a lot of fun. The excitement of doing the preparation step by step builds up as the big day comes.

Homemade Baby Shower Party Ideas

Homemade baby shower party favor ideas

When throwing a baby shower you are not obliged to give party favors to your guests. Worried that you might spend a fortune buying ready made baby shower party favors? Below are some creative ideas for baby shower party favors.

1.         Buy baby bottles, baby socks or even cloth diapers (if you can still find one) then fill it up with assorted goodies like candies and chocolates.

2.         If you bake then you can prepare cookies (choco chip, butter, sugar, oatmeal, etc.) in the form of baby bottles, baby rattles. Babies and other baby related shapes.

3.         Buy scented votive candles. Then decorate the candles with ribbons. Of course it would usually be blue if the baby is a boy and pink if the baby is a girl. The candles smell great and they would even look great when they are wrapped. Candles are an ideal party favor for any occasion since they mix very well with any theme.

4.         Graft a stem on some plant and plant them into the pot. Then put a flower in the mug or glass as if they are flower pots. This baby shower party favor would definitely be a big hit. 

5.         Baby bath items like baby soap, baby shampoo, baby oil, baby lotion, etc. can also be a big hit among your guests because they can be either used for their very own babies or for themselves if they are single. You can arrange the items in mini baskets or hampers.

6.         You could baby stuff made of fabrics like cloth diapers and bibs then paint them using craft paint. Make colorful designs such flowers, animals, insects, cartoon characters, cars, clowns, candies, etc.

There you are, six creative homemade baby shower party favor ideas that your guests will surely love. Remember, all you need is some creativity and crazy ideas to make these baby shower party favors.

The Baby Bedding Challenge

Having a baby is the most wonderful experience a woman can have as it is a fulfillment of the biological function of the female species. Feeding bottles, diaper changes, immunization records are just a few of the things the new mom has to learn quickly. According to Dr. Mark Brandenburg (http://www.baby-place.com/crib_safety.html), the number one rule to follow in choosing the right baby bedding for your precious infant is safety. The second rule says safety and the third rule emphasizes safety. We are to conclude that it is not enough to say it, it must be emphasized that baby bedding is critical for the comfort of the baby.

In his article on how to find the perfect baby bedding, it must be neither too hard nor too soft. In the past, sudden infant death syndrome or SIDS was attributed to very soft baby bedding. This happened when the baby's mattress is too soft that his nose and mouth gets covered and the air he exhales is the air he breathes.

There are a lot of styles and makes in choosing the baby's bed. And with that, it follows that the baby bedding must be a perfect fit with the chosen equipment.

The three major selections are: a bassinet, a crib or a cradle. A bassinet is an oblong-shaped basket that serves as a bed for an infant. A crib is a bed that is flanked with high side bars for a baby or young child's safety. Cribs are usually more economical since the baby can use it from infancy to two years. While a cradle is a small low bed that an infant uses that has rockers on its stand.

Bassinets are usually lacey and full of trimmings. The baby bedding must fit the bassinet so that the baby's space is enough for him or her to be able to roll from side to side. The crib is usually square, thus, mattresses can be fitted to the size of the crib. The baby bedding usually is a set of coverlet and small pillows.

Hotdog pillows can also be placed inside some moms prefer cradles so that when the baby is cranky, he or she can be rocked to be calmed down. The baby bedding for a cradle should follow the shape of it. Not much can be placed inside it since it is used mainly to rock the baby to sleep. However, one needs not the three to keep the baby safe, warm and secure. We have already established that the baby bedding should fit the sleeping equipment to avoid accidents and other untoward incidents. The most suitable material to use is cotton as it is absorbent and cool to the baby's skin. Different designs must be used to stimulate the baby's color and pattern recognition. Therefore, the baby bedding is a crucial factor in keeping the baby happy and healthy.

Ideas for a Baby Shower Theme

There are people who prepare not to select a theme when they prepare for a baby shower. However, having a baby shower theme makes the celebration more organized.

Here are some suggestions to give you an idea on how to create a theme for your baby shower.

Teddy Bears

Since the teddy bear is one of the first toys the child will own, it is nice to have a teddy bear theme. You can use medium-sized teddy bears to design the baby shower party area. It is not necessary to buy the teddy bears; you can borrow these from friends and family members. Also, you can purchase small teddy bears as party favors to give to your guests.

Stars

Stars symbolize dreams.  "A star is born," they say. You can decorate the place with stars hanging from thin strings. Diapers

This is the basic need of the newborn baby. The baby shower organizer can decorate the area with diapers, especially those with cute colors and designs. You can even prepare a diaper cake by neatly stacking the diapers together.

The organizer can also ask the guests to bring diapers as gifts. Books

Baby and kid books are good gifts for the baby. With a collection of baby books, the parents can have a small library for the baby.

You can place books on the table, or design the walls with books.  Noah's Ark

This is a good idea if the parents are expecting twins. The guests will be requested to bring a pair of gifts for the babies. Pairs of stuffed animals may be used to decorate the place.

Prince/Princess

You can adorn the place with fairy tale concepts pertaining to royalty. You can create miniature towers and castles, a garden and shining stuff fit for a royalty.

Fairy

You can include vines, arches, bees and butterflies, as well as small fairy-like decorations to create a fairy garden.

Characters

You can choose a storybook or cartoon character as a theme. 

Unique Baby Shower Gift Ideas

Selecting what to bring for a baby shower party can be a difficult task. As much as possible, never select a baby shower gift that the parents may already have. Sometimes, the baby shower invitation says what the parents would like to receive.

At times when the parents seem to have prepared well for the baby, you can select unique baby shower gifts that would serve as decorative items and remembrance.

Here are some unique baby shower gift suggestions.

Birth Announcement Plates

Some companies also offer printing the baby's picture on the plates.

Personalized Baby Blankets

These blankets come in pastel colors with different designs. These can be personalized to include the baby's name.

Pillows

Pillows can also be personalized with the baby's name.

Personalized Name Frame

If the baby's name was already chosen, you can choose a personalized name frame. This will contain the baby's name with it's meaning, usually the biblical or historic association of the name. It may also have a poem dedicating the gift to the baby or wishing the baby and the parents well.

Piggy Bank

The parents can start the baby's savings with a personalized piggy bank.  The parents may drop coins each day after the baby is born.

Baby Naming Book

If the parents still hadn't decided what name to give to the baby. Or if they are not yet sure of the baby's gender, the baby-naming book is a great gift for the baby shower.  The book contains name selections from the bible and historical figures.

Music CD

For babies, music can help them have quality sleep and boost their creativity and intelligence. This is a perfect gift for the baby and the parents.

Unique baby shower gifts - exceptional gifts for the baby shower party

Unique baby shower gifts - exceptional gifts for the baby shower party

Unique baby shower gifts add a special touch to the baby shower party. Unique baby shower gifts can be fun and creative or personal and memorable. Baby showers are meant to celebrate the impending arrival of the newborn baby into the family. Presenting them with unique baby shower gifts will certainly help make the party extra special.

Unique baby shower gifts need not be expensive. Unique baby shower gifts can be something useful that can be used once the baby is born or a lavish gift for either the parents or the baby. Expecting parents take pleasure in receiving unique baby shower gifts from family and friends during the baby shower party.

Unique baby shower gifts that are great for babies are personalized baby items. Items like baby bibs, baby blankets or burp cloths are lovingly appliquéd and personalized with a monogram of the baby's initials. There are also unique baby shower gifts for the proud parents. There are different arrangements available for the baby gift baskets. Baby gift baskets often follow a theme and are designed specifically for the baby, the mom and even the dad.

Unique baby shower gifts for dads can also be packed in a distinctive gift basket. Where to find unique baby shower gifts

Many online shopping sites offer a wide variety of unique baby shower gifts at reasonable prices. At the same time, many artists that specialize in creating unique baby shower gifts often sell their products online. Unique baby shower gifts can also be a personal creation of the gift giver for a more personal touch.

The search for unique baby shower gifts is a labor of love.

Baby Shower Invitations

A baby shower is one of the special events in the life of a mother to be shared with friends before the actual birth. Invitations should set the mood and make this occasion memorable to everyone present.

This baby shower usually happens a month or 2 in advance and making the right invitation can be just as challenging as planning the entire event.

For a girl, the theme could be a star which could highlight the future. An invitation can be shaped into a star with the nursery rhyme song inside.

For a boy, the theme could be a cowboy. An invitation can be made with the design of a cartoon character in the front and other special details inside.

An invitation can also be made depending on the season. In the summer, with the weather being a bit humid, the ideal theme will be a summer shower that comes with a lot of ice cream. The invitation can be made in the shape of an ice cream.

Just like any other invitation, it should have the name of the person to be invited, when and where the event will take place, the contact number of the one hosting the event and the gender of the baby if this is applicable.

Babies are cute, smell good, can be quiet and the noisiest at certain times. There are other ideas and themes one can think of to make the invitation a good preview of what is to come during the baby shower itself. The host can do the planning alone or brainstorm with friends in picking the right invitation then having it made by the printers. The host can find this people in the neighborhood or check online.