The experts say that there is little evidence to prove that a pregnant woman’s exposure to the chemicals involved in having a manicure or pedicure is bad for the fetus. Although the experts do not necessarily recommend it, many people find it a good thing for pregnant women to have a manicure when they are having trouble reaching the toes or clipping the nails. A lot of changes may occur during pregnancy though and one of these changes may be heightened sensitivity to smell. [Read more...]
The Proper Position to Have a Baby Boy or Baby Girl
For those who are urging to have a baby boy or a baby girl they can try so many methods or techniques that they can find in the internet or buy books. Although there are hundreds of methods out there that everybody can try, many still believe by the power of the position that a couple must do in order to have a baby boy or girl according to what they want. There is no proof that this is true but for those who have tried it and has been successful they don’t have any doubt not to believe it.
In the scientific approach the male sperm or the “Y” chromosome are fast swimmers but they can only live for 24 hours while the “X” chromosome or the female sperm move slower but they can live inside the woman’s body within 72 hours. So, if you are aiming to have a baby boy just make sure that the male sperm reaches the egg first. However, if you wish to conceive baby girl then make sure that they will be the first to reach the egg. As some of the experts say no one can really control this to happen but others strongly disagree.
For those who believe that the development of the gender of the baby is in the position on how you and your partner mate they have their own options. If you are trying to have a baby boy the position must be according to how the male sperm move. The best position will be the woman should be lying back while male is doing a maximum penetration. In order to have a better chance of having a baby boy you must have a perfect timing and the intercourse should also be closer to the ovulation.
When you are planning conceive baby girl you must deposit the sperm far from it target, which is the egg. The reason behind this belief is that the female sperm as much slower than the make sperm, so when they are release they can’t swim fast towards the egg. Since the male dies first than the female sperm you must deliver them not within 4 days of ovulation. A slower penetration will be the best way to conceive baby girl and the position will be the doggie style. All this may be true in some way but to make it effective you must have a perfect timing in order to be successful.
A Brief History of the Baby Shower
A Brief History of the Baby Shower
Would you believe the baby shower is an ancient practice?
The event known as the bridal shower in the United States is really only the latest incarnation of traditions and communal practices that has lasted for thousands of years. In fact, the friends and relatives of expecting mothers come together in all the world’s cultures.
And while the traditional American baby shower may be the most elegant and possibly the most elaborate version of this perennial get-together, it’s still just part of a larger global heritage of helping new mothers get their start.
The baby shower tradition is as old as civilization.
Even during the earliest eras of history, it was not uncommon for people in small cities and towns to donate goods and foods to families expecting children. This was done out of a sense of communal responsibility and also simple human kindness. Often times, women would donate clothing that their own children had outgrown.
In the United States, such practices were especially common on the American frontier, where fresh goods and clothes were sometimes hundreds of miles away.
The baby boom brought the baby shower to American awareness.
The years following the end of World War II saw American men and women starting families in unprecedented numbers. As more and more babies flooded American society, the arrival of a new child into the community (especially affluent suburbs) became a time for neighbors, friends, and relatives to congregate and toast the new mother. Very similar in style and structure to a birthday party, the baby shower planning was often handled by a friend or someone unrelated to the guest of honor.
Baby shower planning changed with the times.
As years passed, the baby shower idea went through its own kinds of changes. Baby showers often became less formal, hosted by a family member or close friend. The baby shower decorations often became more elaborate as well.
Baby shower invitations and centerpieces call the tune
Among the most recent yet stylish innovations are the baby shower invitations and the baby shower centerpieces. The innovations are very similar to upscale bridal invitations, but coordinate with the baby shower themes and color schemes instead.
Baby shower centerpieces range from original design elements to functional yet sizeable gifts such as baby shower diaper cakes and layette sets. The other gifts given are sometimes coordinated into a baby shower registry by the hostess, making sure that the new mother gets as many different gifts as possible to help her get ready for baby.
For the perfect baby shower gifts and party favors, be sure to visit Corner Stork Baby Gifts at http://www.cornerstorkbabygifts.com to browse through hundreds of unique baby shower favors and baby gift ideas. Be sure to visit their new baby resource center for great pregnancy, fertility, parenting and newborn advice at www.cornerstorkbabygifts.com/baby-resources.aspx.
Free Baby Shower Games
Free Baby Shower Games
by: GranMamma
Described below are many baby shower games that will spruce up any baby shower.
ABC’s
Have each person write down each letter of the alphabet. Everyone has to name something that has to do with a baby for each letter. This game should be timed for about two minutes. Whoever has the most items wins a prize.
Baby’s First Portrait
Each guest receives a paper plate and a crayon. Each person must draw a baby. When all guests are finished, vote for the best picture.
Baby Business
Buy ten to fifteen baby objects that aren’t easily identified. This can include a nose syringe, a breast pump, a teething ring, and so on. Distribute paper and pencil and ask players to try and guess what each object does. The player with the most correct answers is the winner.
Baby Food
Take about ten different baby foods and number the bottom of each bottle. Be sure to write down which baby food goes with each number. The objective is to have players guess the contents of baby food jars by sight. I guess you could do a taste contest if you really wanted to (smile) .
Baby’s name
Put the baby’s name on the top of a piece of paper. Make copies for each guest. Give the guests about one or two minutes to make as many words out of the baby’s name as they can.
Celebrity Babies
Each guest is given a list of celebrity moms and babies. Moms will be on the left, while a scrambled list of babies names will be on the right. The object is to match each celebrity mom to the name of her baby/child. Link to example sheet.
Play-dough Babies
You will need about 2 cans of play-dough for every two people. Have each player make little babies. The mother-to-be will then judge each sculpture and the winner gets a prize.
Pin the Baby in the Mommy
Make or find a big picture of a pregnant woman and another picture of a baby. This game is just like Pin the Tale on the Donkey, except you pin the baby in the mommy.
About The Author
GranMamma is the webmaster at the Baby Names Box – Where you can explore over 6,000 baby names and their meanings.
Sub-categories include Disney, J.R. Tolkien names, Fantasy and Folklore names, and many names from the literary classics. Read articles ranging from parenting and family to home and gardening. Be sure to say hi to GranMamma!
The Three Secrets To Your Best Baby Shower: Gifts, Favors, and Centerpieces
The Three Secrets To Your Best Baby Shower: Gifts, Favors, and Centerpieces
You can host a baby shower!
Baby shower planning is really just the managing of different kinds of details in order to produce an event that carries incredible sentimental value for all concerned.
You’re probably aware of the baby shower games and baby shower gifts that are a big part of the traditional American baby shower. But these days it’s important to think about baby shower favors and centerpieces as well, so your guests have the maximum presentation you can afford to give them.
Presented below is a straight-facts look at the three most important areas of the baby shower decorations – presented in a new light!
Baby shower centerpieces
Every party needs a centerpiece, so guests have something to gather around and mingle, the gifts have somewhere to go, and the decorations have a focal point. The baby shower centerpiece can be a specially arranged object d’art or something already in the baby shower meeting place (that is to say, your venue or home).
Baby shower centerpieces can also be diaper cakes or gift wagons, which provide a wealth of gifts themselves but are big enough to “anchor” a presentation. Such centerpieces are invaluable after the shower, too, because of all their help to the new mother.
Baby shower favors
It’s not enough these days for the modern baby shower hostess to entertain her guests. The fashionable hostess will also provide baby shower favors that allow guests to remember the event long after it’s over.
Like the baby shower invitations, baby shower favors ideally match the décor scheme, complimenting it at the time of the shower and representing its aesthetics forever after. Some favors highlight the shower’s specific theme, while others are simply elegant in a traditional sense. Some are also personalized, so that the baby shower is unique to its own celebration.
Baby shower gifts
Of course, the most important part of any baby shower is the gifts and presents! Of all the baby shower ideas that go into the planning, perhaps none are more considered as the right choice of gift.
But as the hostess, you can make the gifts even more unique by coordinating the gifts among the guests. Set up a gift registry, either online or by phone, so that all the guests can make sure they gift they give is unique. You’ll save the mother to be time spent returning multiple gifts and let every guest know the satisfaction of having helped the new mother make her start.
This article was brought to you by Corner Stork Baby. Visit them for a great selection baby shower favors, unique baby gifts, baby clothes, baby blankets and many more gifts including personalized gift ideas.
Planning the Perfect Baby Shower
Planning the Perfect Baby Shower
by: Adriana Copaceanu
One of the most exciting events an expecting mother looks forward to is celebrating her baby shower.
Deciding to Throw a Baby Shower
Baby showers are often thrown by a friend or family member. Formal tradition dictates that someone other than a family member throws the baby shower, but this certainly does not have to be the case and many modern women go against the grain and welcome any offers from family willing to throw a party on their and baby’s behalf.
Preparing Ahead of Time: The First Critical Steps
Planning and throwing a shower can be a cumbersome task if you go into in unprepared. It certainly does not have to be however, if you keep a few things in mind.
One of the most important considerations is planning where and when the baby shower will take place. The majority of baby showers are held before mom gives birth, but this is not always the case and certainly does not have to be. Some mothers are superstitious and prefer to have the baby shower after birth, to ensure the happy and healthy delivery of their newborn. Be sure if you are planning the happy event to check in with mom to be to ensure you plan it at a time that is comfortable for her.
Most showers are held in someone’s home other than that of the new mom. Typically the person throwing the baby shower hosts the party at their house or at an alternate location such as a park or reception hall.
Invitation List
The next step in planning a shower is figuring out who to invite. The guest list should be the responsibility of the guest of honor. Letting mom develop the invitation list will ensure that no one gets left out.
Most parties held are women-only parties, though this trend is rapidly changing. As fathers continue to become more involved in the planning for new babies, many couples are starting to hold co-ed parties that invite couples. Be sure to check in again with the guest of honor to ensure that the theme of the party matches her preferences.
Themes and Thrills
Deciding on a theme isn’t necessary, but can add fun and excitement to the party. The theme of the party for an expectant parent who is having a boy baby might be something as simple as a color, such as "green". Guests might be encouraged to bring gifts that correspond with the nursery room theme as well. Many parents for example, design baby’s room with a certain theme in mind such as ducks. Guests might consider brining items that match this idea. Even the cake and decorations can be designed to incorporate a selected topic or idea.
No baby shower would be complete without incorporating a few fun games. Deciding on games doesn’t require a degree in rocket science. One popular and traditional game involves having everyone get together in a circle and write down one piece of advice for the mom to be. Another one might have everyone right down one prediction for the new baby’s future. These cards can be collected at the end of the party and stored in baby’s memory book for review at a later date, providing a wonderful memento for mommy to be and baby.
Though it is not required, some hosts provide gag gifts for anyone participating in a game. This can be a fun way to allow mom and guests enjoy the gift giving bonanza.
One last tip to consider prior to throwing the party is finding out where an expectant mom is registered. Including this information on the invitation or having it available to give out to guests will truly help mom receive special gifts that will match her preferences for baby’s first year. One of the reasons for throwing a shower is to help new parents collect much needed items for baby’s first year.
About The Author
Adriana Copaceanu provides people with creative gift ideas that don’t blow the bank. Gift Baskets for Baby to Birthday and Beyond, are just some gift ideas you’ll find at her site: http://www.abcgiftsandbaskets.com. Want regular reminders on gift-giving? Sign up for her free monthly newsletter at http://www.abcgiftsandbaskets.com/gift-news-signup.htm
Five Ways To Serve The Perfect Baby Shower Meal
Five Ways To Serve The Perfect Baby Shower Meal
As you plan the baby shower, remember that nothing helps encourage a good time quite like serving some delicious food. Along with the baby shower games and the unwrapping of the baby shower gifts, the meal is the most important part of the whole baby shower planning.
But serving your guests the right amount of food is easier than you might expect. Just be careful to plan in advance and let your guests know what you’re serving when you send out your baby shower invitations.
A catered affair is elegantly lovely.
If you’re hosting the baby shower at your home, you can still have the catering delivered. This frees you from the cost and time investment of fixing the food itself and lends your baby shower decorations a certain prestige. On the downside, it’s often more expensive than fixing the baby shower meal itself. Of course, you may be able to negotiate a deal with the caterer as well, saving you both time and money.
How to treat guests to a home-cooked meal
Of course, few guests will turn down a home-cooked meal with all the “fixings.” Preparing everything by yourself saves money, but creates the need for a huge time investment. As a solution, you may choose to invite some of the other baby shower guests to help you cook the day or morning before the baby shower.
Invite guests to bring their own
A bring-your-own baby shower creates a straightforward baby shower dining choice that won’t break your budget as you plan the baby shower ideas and decorations. The bring-your-own approach should be mentioned on the baby shower invitations, however, and you’ll want to beautify its presentation by aligning each dish around a carefully selected baby shower centerpiece.
Serve light appetizer snacks or a dessert and coffee instead of a full meal. Your guests may likely be watching what they eat, or won’t care to have a full meal if your baby shower is held mid-afternoon. Instead, just serving light appetizers or a gourmet dessert with piping hot coffee makes an elegantly feminine alternative to a full meal. Just be sure to announce as much on the invitations.
Dress up the food with unique presentations and baby shower favors. The food will look twice as good when served on plates and with glasses that complement your design scheme. The perfect baby shower favor will also entertain guests as everyone dines. After the shower winds down, it’ll make a unique keepsake of the whole celebration.