New Baby Gifts

Go Green with Baby at Inhabitots!

sparklyscotty — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 23:53:56 +0000

Becoming a new parent can be overwhelming and your days (and nights) are suddenly filled with concerns that dwarf everything else. You may have been the keenest, greenest recycling machines on the block before baby, but maintaining that lifestyle while juggling the demands of a new infant can sometimes seem nigh on impossible. Cue the friendly folks at Inhabitots with plenty of advice and recommendations to help you stick to your eco-friendly lifestyle.

From sustainable nursery furniture to fair trade clothing to organic toys, they have plenty of product suggestions and reviews that can help you to meet your priorities for both your role as a new parent and a domestic eco-warrier. Best of all, their suggestions are actually useful. No over the top demands or unrealistic expectations (be honest, not matter how keen you were on being green pre-baby, did you stick to your resolution to use environmentally friendly washable cloth diapers?) They showcase a wide range of products and brands that can help you day-to-day, whether you are looking to make a small change here and there or a full-blown commitment to go green in all areas.

Whatever your eco-dilemma, Inhabitots have a tidily organized section to help you find just the product or advice that you need. Their new baby section is brimming with articles on how you can be a green Mom, and their focus on educating a new generation offers some great ways to help your baby grow up green too. And if you find yourself wondering where to turn to for a new baby gift or gadget for yourself or another new Mommy, then look no further than their Toys section, with plenty of recommendations for products that are safe for both baby and the environment.

The site is updated regularly so it is well worth bookmarking for return visits, or subscribing to their RSS feed. So head over to Inhabitots to find all kinds of ways, both big and small, to keep your new family green.

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A Six Generation Tradition

hellenwyeth — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 02:25:14 +0000

Every family has their traditions and some have lasted for as long as anyone can remember. We all have holiday and new born in the family traditions. Larger families are even familiar with the hand me down tradition but how often do you hear about hand me downs lasting 148 years? Normally you wouldn’t think any type of clothing would last that long and be in well enough shape for any one to wear, let alone even recognize what it once may have been after being passed down through even a couple children in the family.

In Michigan there is an article of clothing that has made it over the years and still gets to be passed down. It has become a family tradition that doesn’t seem to have a worry about future generations getting to take their part in it either. For every Rewalt generation of babies born into this family, the guardian of the christening gown gets it down from storage and carefully packages one of the two very old but well used tradition to have it taken to or sent via UPS with the tracking option purchased.

The family has two cherished heirloom christening gowns. The oldest one being 148 years old isn’t used as often but the other one, not being much younger at 124 years old is used frequently. Each time a baby is born in the family careful instructions are sent with the gown. This includes absolutely no ironing or washing. The guardian takes care of all that. When she gets the dress back she carefully washes them in Woolite. After they are wrapped in acid free tissue paper and stored away for the next bundle of joy to join the family and the christening gown tradition.

Classic in style the 148 year old gown is much longer that the younger. The 124 year old christening gown is shorter in length with delicate lace. The family claims that it is 100% original and there have been no alterations made to the gown. However, they do say that the christening gown is very delicate. The guardian of the gown can not stress enough the importance of being careful with the gown when she has to send it out to make it to babies born not so close to home and where the gowns are safely kept.

This gown has been used by 48 children in the family and a total of 6 generations of Rewalts. Spread between Ohio and all the way down to Florida, this gown has been the welcoming tradition for them all. I find it absolutely amazing that they have been able to keep both these gowns not only intact, but in good enough condition to send through the mail unharmed and then to be worn. With how delicate the material of these gowns have to be at this point I’d be afraid when washing it, even by hand, that it would simply unravel in my hands. The guardian of the gown must know what she’s doing to be so confident in the care of something so precious. She’s done a great job keeping the tradition alive.

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Baby Gifts Worth Spending Money On

hellenwyeth — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 23:50:21 +0000

Baby showers are a great way to help any new mom get off to a good start at welcoming their bundle of joy to the world. Classic baby gifts like onsies, rattles, blankets and stuffed animals are sweet and thoughtful but can leave the soon to be mom unprepared. Instead of the classics that everyone else always seems to show up with, try to think of things that could be needed at the most inconvenient times like in the middle of the night or the wee hours of the morning before even coffee shops are open.

For about $50 you can get mom and baby a bulk supply of diapers and wipes from Costco or bulk stores of the like. While you’re there, why not pick them up their own membership so they can also have the ease of the bulk baby products. Having the ability to buy in bulk will reduce the amount of hectic trips to the store on limited sleep for the basics.

Another group of items that soon to be moms are grateful for and most will make a habit to always keep on hand at all times is infant medicines. Infant Tylenol, Baby Motrin, Mylicon Drops and Baby Orajel. Pick up an easy to use infant thermometer to go with the medicine. You can find thermometers that are exactly like pacifiers and are easy to read and use. Colds and teething don’t exactly come on a specific schedule and new mom’s won’t always think ahead for those stressful times.

Treating colic babies can be a challenge. In addition to the Mylicone Drops a warm soothing bath can sometimes calm and relax the newborn. Give the soon to be mom a bath set for baby. Great aroma therapy bubble bath like lavender with oatmeal works wonders for both mom and baby. To go with the baby bath you can add the lavender and oatmeal lotion. A nice massage after a bath will help to finally put baby to sleep. The calming effects of the lavender will also help mom to wind down for some shut eye.

Every baby has to eat. Even if mom is planning on nursing, that doesn’t mean that baby will never have or need a bottle. Pick up some bottles with either formula or breast milk in mind. There are some great bottle sets out there that come with sterile inserts. The inserts are made to work with breast pumps so mom has the option of freezing, refrigerating or using immediately.

Bottle sets always come with nipples to use but as all moms know, they can get easily lost or ruined. Throwing in an extra pack or two is always a good idea and will be appreciated. For those that will not be using inserts, a good bottle and nipple brush are great additions too. All you need now for this gift set is a fashionable bottle dry rack. Even if it doesn’t look cute, most of them fold down for easy storage when not being used. Anything that is going to be of good use, is easy to keep clean and a snap to put out of sight is a must have for any mom.

Getting gifts or gift bags for the mom to be does not mean that you have to leave all the cute baby outfits and toys behind. That decision solely relies on you and how much you want to spend. Keep in mind that when it comes to clothes, babies grow out of them fast and mom will more likely than not have enough outfits to dress a small orphanage. Baby may not even get the opportunity to wear that outfit you just couldn’t resist. Going with the essentials you know that your gift will be appreciated, well used and it wasn’t a waste of your money.

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Not Your Typical Plush Toy

beatriz — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 13:08:09 +0000

These guys are a little weird, a little quirky, but a lot of fun. They are called Les Deglingos, check out their website for the backstory.

These unusual critters are each made with at least fifteen different fabrics of various textures and colors to enhance your child’s tactile experience.

And are they not adorable? They have cute names like Ronronos, the orange cat, and Ratos the rat with a polka-dot tie. There is no doubt any one of these guys would make a perfect gift for the growing baby, and it’s a welcome change of pace from the traditional teddy bear or fluffy bunny.

You can your own Les Deglingo online at psychobaby.com, they retail for about $42.00.

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Pumpkin Carriage Crib For Your Little Princess

beatriz — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:55:34 +0000

Turn your nursery into a fairy tale with this magical heirloom crib.

Invest in a sturdy and beautiful piece of furniture that is sure to become your next family heirloom. This gorgeously designed and crafted crib from Corsican is the perfect piece to create a classic and timeless focal point in any nursery. This Pumpkin Carriage crib is delicate and dainty and is covered in bird and vine detailing on the top.

For more than forty years, Corsican has manufactured iron furniture with a commitment to quality and attention to detail.

A delightful rendition of Cinderella’s coach, will be the perfect setting for your child’s good night dreams, for a mere $4500.

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Babies as Billboards: A disturbing new trend

beatriz — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:29:18 +0000

Do you want to know what’s really cool? Plastering your political views and beliefs all over your infant! That’s right, maybe they don’t know any better but some parents are confusing their infants for billboards. Check out these outrageous politically-themed baby tees and onesies, because you can never start the brain-washing too early.

	My mom Chose life!(I’m a Great choice) So you didn’t have an abortion? Good for you! Maybe you should’ve aborted the idea to clothe your child in this tasteless excuse of a shirt.

	My Parents Are Big Gay Liberals And clearly very stupid!

	Hammer and Sickle Because there’s nothing cuter than a baby sporting Communist propaganda.

	Baby Sarah Palin There’s nothing weird about a baby wearing a onesie with a big, creepy smiling Sarah Palin on his stomach. Perfectly normal. Notice the pasty-white baby.

	Anarchy Symbol Lawless and proud. Pipe-bomb not included.

	Pro-Woman, Anti-Sarah Palin Sarah is gonna get ya! And she’s gonna drill, baby, drill!

	Question Authority Yes! Absolutely! Teach your child exactly who’s charge, NO one!

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A Halloween costume that will make your wallet shriek

diosmio — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:45:55 +0000

What little brat girl wouldn’t want this precious mermaid costume for Halloween? Okay, so this isn’t just for Halloween, according to the website poshtots.com, this mermaid costume which is handcrafted and made especially for you is perfect for portraits, dress up play, Halloween and pageants. You can also wear it to the prom and graduation to get your $450 worth– that’s right, this costume is $450! So go ahead and show that little brat princess of yours how much you care with an over-priced exquisitely crafted costume that she’ll probably only wear once cherish forever!

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Seven Products You Won’t Find on Any Baby Gift Registry

grant — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:27:04 +0000

Digg Me!

We hope you won’t be seeing any of these products at your baby shower. One really have to wonder about the kinds of folks that are buying these gems:

	#7-Nosefrida The makers of this product are probably thinking: Hey, when they’re your own baby’s boogers, it’s not that bad! Oh, but it is!

	#6- The Daddle Spend some quality time bonding with your little one and teaching ‘em about role playing. Nothing says “use me” like an adult-sized saddle. …..this could be fun for the parents actually.

	#5- The O’Pair Fannypack For the mom that refuses to cut the chord.

	#4- The Baby Mop Kill two birds with one stone: Exercise your baby AND clean your floors. We hear Swiffer is developing their own version of this innovative product.

	#3- Baby High Heels Because it’s never too early to teach your daughter the basics of good fashion sense! These high heels will take years off the appearance of your infant by toning those chubby little thighs!

	#2- Bucktooth Baby Pacifier I don’t know how effective this device is at pacifying a baby, but I’m guessing you’ll want to keep your child away from a mirror while they’re sporting it. Nothing like a set of ugly teeth to help develop a complex at an early age.

	#1- Zacky Infant Pillow Nothing like a pair of disembodied hands to lull the little one to sleep! Call me crazy, but but this really puts the words weird and creepy into perspective. Nightmares for life anyone?

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Crafty ideas for baby gifts

beatriz — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 01:52:09 +0000

I was feeling crafty today and while looking for ideas for a gift for my new nephew I came across this really nice blog. The person who runs it posted some great photos of cards, blankets, and a bib that could be made by hand. The items are classy and practical. Any mom would be happy with a homemade gift like this.

And if you’re tired of the going to same old baby shower over and over again, consider this Danish tradition. I wish I had told my sister about it before I threw her one.

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Eco-conscious gifts for the baby

beatriz — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:00:13 +0000

If you want to give a gift that is going to get used and is friendly to the environment, consider these ideas:

Environmentally minded parents-to be will appreciate a gift from gdiapers.com. They have a great selection of Earth-friendly products as well as gift and starter kits. This is really an amazing product, gDiapers are bio-degradable, flushable, and the non-poopy diapers can even be composted. Mmmm.
And no parents want their babies in scratchy, synthetic fibers, especially when there’s other options. Check out this site that features baby clothes and other products that use organic fabrics and eco-conscious materials.
One more idea, if you want to get a library started for the little rug-rat, consider buying gently used books. It’s another way of recycling.

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