Thursday, October 27, 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Portal Articles Free PLR Private Label Rights
|
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Baby Shower Cakes: Tips For Selecting A Great Cake
Baby Shower Cakes: Tips For Selecting A Great Cake
Word Count:
576
Summary:
Planning and preparing for a baby shower can be a big chore. There are many, many things that need to be done leading up to the big day, this article will provide some helpful advice for a particularly important part of the baby shower planning process... choosing a cake.
For the party, you will think about what decorations to use on the place, what will be the program, what games to have, what baby shower favors to give, and, what to serve.
During the baby shower part...
Keywords:
Baby Shower Cakes: Tips for Selecting a Great Cake
Article Body:
Planning and preparing for a baby shower can be a big chore. There are many, many things that need to be done leading up to the big day, this article will provide some helpful advice for a particularly important part of the baby shower planning process... choosing a cake.
For the party, you will think about what decorations to use on the place, what will be the program, what games to have, what baby shower favors to give, and, what to serve.
During the baby shower party, the table centerpiece is most likely to be a baby shower cake. The baby shower cake cannot be similar to the cake that can just be bought from the local bakeshop.
It is better if you or one of the guests baked the baby shower cake. Doing so will also assure you that the cake that will be served as a table centerpiece is in accordance with the theme that you have conceptualized.
Of course, preordering the cake will also be fine as long as you give enough time for the cake to be prepared and that you have discussed with the person who will prepare the cake the concept of the baby shower party and how you would like the cake to look.
However, if you have some baking skills, or if you can follow instructions from cookbooks well, it is advantageous to prepare the cake yourself. You can use your creativity for the design and you can always ask for help from friends. Needless to mention, it is also less costly.
To prepare the baby shower cake, check online for tried and tested recipes and designs. You can also choose the flavor of the baby shower cake.
Usually, the designs and shapes of baby shower cakes are nursery items. These are flowers, birds, butterflies, baby-shaped, toys and other kid stuff. The most common icing colors are yellow, pink, blue, green and white.
In addition, if you have scheduled the baby shower after the baby was born, you can also ask for the baby's picture and have professional cake decorators create and edible cake design using the baby's picture.
Another idea for the baby shower cake is to use diapers. That's right – diapers. Of course, this cake is not for the guests to enjoy. However, the mom will definitely appreciate it if there is already a stack of diapers prepared for the baby.
To prepare a diaper cake, all you need to do is carefully stack rolled diapers into several levels (having three levels is suggested). You may use laces and ribbons to keep the diapers in place. However, make sure that you did not tie the diapers too tightly together to prevent them from being deformed. Deformed diapers will be useless and will just end up in the garbage bin.
The diaper cake can also be placed as a table centerpiece. If you still prefer to have a real cake for the baby shower, you can bake or order a simple cake from the bakeshop.
After preparing the table centerpiece, you need to combine it with good baby shower food. Most of the time, snacks, tea, desserts and punches are served. You can also have some barbecues and grilled foods, in case you have invited some male guests. The dads can bond and have some conversation while attending to the grills. This way, everyone can participate in welcoming the new member of the family.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Baby Shower Cakes - More Than Just Dessert
Baby Shower Cakes - More Than Just Dessert
Word Count:
576
Summary:
A cake which not only serves as dessert but also as a beautiful decoration or centerpiece is one of the most important contributions you can make to a baby shower. Here are some ideas for baby shower cakes that are sure to thrill the guests and parents-to-be.
Keywords:
baby shower, baby shower cakes, baby shower gifts, baby shower invitations, baby shower clip art, baby shower decorations, baby shower themes, baby shower recipes, baby shower favors, baby shower
Article Body:
A baby shower is a way for family and friends to celebrate the expected arrival of a new baby with the parents-to-be. It is a joyous occasion and fun for all! But hosting a great baby shower takes some real planning. A very important part of the planning process is the cake. Every baby shower needs a cake, but the cake can serve as more than just a dessert--it can also double as a decoration, even a centerpiece!
Most baby showers have a theme, and the entire party is based on that theme. The cake is no exception and should also follow whatever theme you've chosen. If you're talented and can bake and decorate a cake (or know someone who can), you may want to have a home-made cake. Or you can order one from a bakery, making sure you place your order in plenty of time for the shower.
Once you've decided whether it will be home-made or store-bought, you will need to decide what type of cake to have. There are many different varieties of baby shower cakes to choose from. Some of them are listed below:
· Angelfood cake
· Butter cake
· Butterfly cake
· Carrot cake
· Cheesecake
· Chocolate cake
· Chiffon cake
· Cupcake
· Devil's food cake
· Fruit cake
· Gingerbread
· Ice cream cake
· Mooncake
· Pineapple upside down cake
· Pound cake
· Spice cake
· Sponge cake
Then there's the filling to consider:
· more icing
· different flavors of fruit preserves
· pudding
· custard
· whipped cream
· jams
· peanut butter
· pure chocolate
Not only should you consider what type of cake to have but also how you might be able to decorate the cake in a way that will make the baby shower celebration more special. Here are some ideas:
1. Belly Cake. One great idea is to design a baby shower cake and make it look like a pregnant belly. This can be done by placing a circular cake in front of a rectangular cake and frosting them together to resemble that of a pregnant belly.
2. Toy Blocks Cake. Another idea is to design a baby shower cake and make it look like children's toy blocks (either one large block or 3 to 4 smaller blocks). Toy block cakes can be further enhanced by surrounding them with candies or little toy cars.
3. An Autograph Cake. This is a great idea where "Congratulations" is the only word on the cake, leaving room for each of the guests to "sign" their own name in icing. A picture of the cake is taken when everyone has signed it, making a great keepsake for the parents-to-be.
4. A Character Cake. The cake can be made in the form of a character, such as Pooh Bear.
5. A Baby Bib Cake. Another idea similar to the character cake, but the cake looks like a baby bib.
There are so many different things you can do with a baby shower cake. Here are just a few other suggestions for cake shapes:
Baby Buggy
Baby Booties
Bassinet
Baby Bottle
Noah's Ark
There's also a "diaper" cake. But watch out--it's really made of diapers and not edible!
Of course, you can also experiment with creative ideas of your own, or check out the cake design book at your local grocery store or bakery for ideas. Remember that the 'goal' is not only to make a yummy dessert, but also a great centerpiece or decoration that will stand out in the memories of the parents-to-be. But don't forget, stick to the baby shower theme!
Baby Shower Cakes - How to Buy or Make Wonderful Baby Cakes that Surprise Your Guests
Baby Shower Cakes - How to Buy or Make Wonderful Baby Cakes that Surprise Your Guests
Word Count:
404
Summary:
We provide you everything about baby shower cakes and baby cakes from planning tips to buying guidelines and how to make your own baby shower cakes.
Keywords:
baby shower cakes,baby cakes,cakes
Article Body:
How can you have a complete baby shower without baby shower cakes?
A baby cake is more than a moist, yummy confection to eat. You can use it as a wonderful baby shower centerpiece to make a special party setting that every guest can share and enjoy.
Also turn the baby shower cake baking into a funny baby shower game if you want to make a special and memorable moment that the mom-to-be can cherish for a long time.
What if you're looking for something that can do triple duties for your baby shower? A Diaper Cake decorated with all kinds of baby items is your best choice - it's not edible!
Keep the guidelines below in your mind. You'll find that have the bakery design cakes for you is just a snap.
1. Set your party theme and budget, it will help you focus on what you really need.
2. Check out 4 or 5 bakeries (at least). Look at their cake pictures and ask for a sample-taste.
3. Make a decision on the cake that most fits your need. Tell the baker how many people will attend your party so they don't make the wrong size. (A standard round cake serves approximately eight to ten people. An 11 x 9 x 2 inch sheet cake serves up to fifteen people.)
4. Tell the baker which day and what time the shower will start. ( you should order the cake a minimum of one week in advance of the shower.
5. Pay a 50 percent deposit. Ask the bakery to deliver the cake directly to your shower location (again, don't forget to tell them the date and time!).
Instead of the traditional baby cakes, try baking a batch of baby cupcakes which guests can frost and decorate.
You can even try the idea of an Autograph Cake - it's a sheet cake only have a standard "Congratulations!" inscription on it and the rest are left plain. Guests were asked to sign their names on the cake when they arrive.
And imagine a cake with the mommy's photo or a classic pooh poster on it! The only thing you need to do is to choose one photo of the mom-to-be or any graphics related to your shower theme. The bakery will blow up the photo and decorate around it for you - it looks great and inexpensive!
No matter what you're looking for, put your heart and energy into the cake planning, the ideas are endless.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Baby Shower Cakes - Guaranteed To Tickle Your Fancy
Baby Shower Cakes - Guaranteed To Tickle Your Fancy
Word Count:
562
Summary:
Why babies need attention in other ways. A Baby Shower Party is the best way of announcing that your baby is here and here to stay.
Keywords:
Baby Showers Cakes,baby party,baby shower gifts,bakery cake,baby cakes,planning a party,
Article Body:
The most important thing not to be forgotten at a baby shower party to make it a success is to remember the reason behind the get together and that being is baby.
What is a baby shower, well let me tell you it is an occasion to celebrate the newest edition to the family. Originally baby showers were intended for first-borns, but in the modern world baby shower parties are practised for every baby born into the family and why not every baby deserves just as much attention as any other.
Baby showers normally have close relatives at hand tending to all the planning alongside mum/dad to be. Remember there are some cultures and religious beliefs that believe certain things like parties or belongings to baby brought into the home before the birth is considered unlucky.
Alias names for Baby showers as such have come under titles like Daddys shower, Men-only party for dads-to-be, Diaper showers or baby sprinkles, whatever this is all about welcoming the new baby. Guests invited to babys party bestow and shower gifts, hence the name baby showers. Not forgetting Grandmas shower where party guests bring baby items such as collapsible cribs and changing pads these gifts stay at the home of the grandparents, need I say any more. This is most probably where the famous saying comes in left holding the baby, well thats what grandparents are for.
Parents love a theme behind there baby shower party and why not something to get excited over secondly to that of the birth of baby. Essential needs to get the party into full swing include games the feast and presents and last but not least the cake which at a baby showers party is considered not complete unless this bakers confection is present.
To make your babys day extra special why not bake your own cake, dont worry if you have no experience in this department ready made mixtures for cakes are available with recipe instructions made easy to follow. The hardest part about baking your own is choosing the flavour. Butter cake/ Chiffon cake/ Cupcake/Chocolate cake/ Cheesecake/ Fruit cake/ Carrot cakes are just a few to mention.
A good idea is to bake the main cake of your choice with a couple of others that differ in ingredients. Good and simple choices and inviting to the taste bud is the Butterfly cake/ Gingerbread/ Spice cake/ Sponge cake, the list is endless. Remember this is your babys shower party so you get to choose.
Specially selected baby shower cake ideas
1. Why not try the belly cake a cake designed to look like that of a pregnant belly You can do this by placing a round cake in front of a square cake then sprinkle icing sugar over them both thus resembling that of a rounded belly.
2. Then we have the popular Toy Blocks Cake. Another fabulous idea that goes down well at baby shower parties, bake the cake to look like childrens toy blocks (one large block accompanied by 3 to 4 smaller blocks). Enhance the Toy block cakes by surrounding them with candies or little novelty toys. Make sure these are removed when eating.
The cake centre piece will stand out in the memories of the parents-to-be but never near as much as to why the reason behind why the cake stands there in the first place.
Congratulations.
Baby Shower Cakes
Baby Shower Cakes
Word Count:
303
Summary:
Baby showers are an exciting way to welcome a baby into the world and are great occasions for the parents-to-be to receive the blessings of all their well wishers. Generally given by friends and co-workers, baby showers are much more than just parties. They provide a chance for the guests to get together and maybe even meet the new baby if the baby is already born.
Keywords:
Baby Shower Cakes, Baby Shower Decorations, Baby Shower Favors, Baby Shower Games
Article Body:
Baby showers are an exciting way to welcome a baby into the world and are great occasions for the parents-to-be to receive the blessings of all their well wishers. Generally given by friends and co-workers, baby showers are much more than just parties. They provide a chance for the guests to get together and maybe even meet the new baby if the baby is already born.
Baby shower cakes are also known as diaper cakes or just baby cakes. Unlike regular cakes, these are made of several baby items like diapers, bibs, pacifiers, bottles, shoes, socks, and toys that new parents will need for the baby. Baby shower cakes look just like conventional cakes but they are far from edible!
Baby shower cakes are decorated to suit the theme of the party. The size of the cake can also differ according to the kinds of gifts it contains. They can be one, two, three, or even four-tiered. They can be placed as a center piece at the party and later taken home by the mom-to-be as a gift.
Baby shower cakes can be based on several themes like, teddy bears, duckies, baby booties, baby bottles, storks, nursery rhymes, or fairy tales to make them look cute and adorable. The rest of the gifts can be based on the theme of the baby shower cake.
There are special stores that make and sell baby shower cakes. There are also several websites on the internet that offer advice for decorating baby shower cakes. These sites also make and sell baby cakes as per the personalized requirements of the customers. Another way to get ideas for baby shower cakes is to attend a few baby showers or to ask a few people who have had a baby shower or arranged one. Ideas are sure to shower.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Baby Shower And Motherhood Celebration
Baby Shower And Motherhood Celebration
Word Count:
556
Summary:
A baby shower is a good way to welcome an expecting woman to motherhood. It doesn't even matter whether the baby shower that is being celebrated is the mother's first or not. Baby showers are fun events especially for women, and women no matter the age love girl parties.
Baby shower events are not as stiff today as tradition dictated. Anyone can participate in a baby shower unlike before when only non-relatives can. What is important is someone cared enough to initiate th...
Keywords:
baby shower
Article Body:
A baby shower is a good way to welcome an expecting woman to motherhood. It doesn't even matter whether the baby shower that is being celebrated is the mother's first or not. Baby showers are fun events especially for women, and women no matter the age love girl parties.
Baby shower events are not as stiff today as tradition dictated. Anyone can participate in a baby shower unlike before when only non-relatives can. What is important is someone cared enough to initiate the shower except of course the mother.
A baby shower is a celebration of motherhood as well as celebrating birth and fertility. And so a baby shower should pose no restrictions. Anyone can initiate it. Close friends, a sister or even a group of people so long as they want to share the fun and responsibilities in hosting the event.
The best people to be invited to baby shower parties are those that are in the expectant mother's list. The best way to kick the invitations off is through the good old-fashioned hand written messages. E-mails and other electronic devices can be used invite guests but handwritten messages are the best medium to set the tone of the party. If the celebration were not for a first born, it would be safer to invite only the soon-to-be-mothers and those that haven't attended a baby shower yet.
Traditionally, males are not invited to baby shower parties but in today's more open interaction, there could be males who would genuinely want to experience what baby showers are. If so, have them in but prepare food for them other than the traditional artsy cutesy food. There are just tastes that males would always prefer. The games also have to be designed so that the male guests do not remain spectators and observers during the entire celebration.
The ideal date to hold a baby shower is about one to two months before the baby arrives. This is also a good lead-time for the expecting mother to shop around for items for the infant that has been missed in the gift giving. Baby showers are best held in the mothers' house or backyard but it can also be just as fine in any function hall and the church's fellowship area.
One of the most lively and exciting parts in the baby shower party is during gift giving. This can be made more exciting if each guest has a theme for her present. Gift baskets are popular and can easily be themed. Bathtubs, linen, infant accessory baskets, toy bins, hampers, name it, theming can easily be done and in a more creative way. While baby showers are dedicated to motherhood, it would also be a good idea to give gifts to the baby that fathers would appreciate like bibs and linen with an "I love my dad" on it.
It will be presumed that second time mothers would require less baby gear. If that is so, gifts for the mother will also be appropriate like gift checks, and nursing accessories.
Baby showers are great ways to express affinity and friendship. Everyone appreciates kind and well-intentioned thoughts. Parents all over the world are flattered when their children are appreciated. Baby showers are one of the events that anyone can use to rekindle bonds and relationships.
Baby Shower - Planning For A Baby Shower
Baby Shower - Planning For A Baby Shower
Word Count:
355
Summary:
Informative baby shower planning article giving tips on how to plan for a baby shower
Keywords:
baby shower planning, baby shower planning tips, planning for a baby shower, baby shower
Article Body:
Who doesn't get excited when a baby is on its way? Aside from their caring mothers, everyone in the family gets that certain thrill. Welcoming yet another being in this beautiful world comes with a certain joy. So how else can you celebrate a soon-to-be-child arrival? Have a blast with a baby shower party.
Planning a baby shower can be really fun. You can create your own party as you wish. You can either go traditional or put a little humor to your event. You can choose whatever theme you want. 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
Plan ahead of time. It is best to hold baby showers either on the seventh or eighth month of pregnancy.
Look for a perfect location.
You can opt to have your house or the backyard as your event area. If you have an extravagant budget you can scout for convenient party places which can hold your guests.
Set the right date and time
Be sure to check out your guests' availability, from there schedule where most of your expected guests can be free. Set a date that could easily fit to their other engagements.
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
Send out invitations at least three weeks before the event. 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.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Baby Safety Tips
Baby Safety Tips
Word Count:
610
Summary:
Keeping your baby safe is one of the biggest concerns for all parents. There are many things we take for granted, but are hazards to your baby. Your home is not ready for the baby until you do some things to make it safe, especially if they are beginning to crawl or walk. Don't find out what is dangerous the hard way. Here are some tips to remember. This list is incomplete as each home is different, but hopefully, these tips will get you started in the right direction.
Keywords:
baby,babies,diaper,feeding,shower,gift,breastfeeding,illness,potty,training,child,names,safety,toys,food
Article Body:
Keeping your baby safe is one of the biggest concerns for all parents. There are many things we take for granted, but are hazards to your baby. Your home is not ready for the baby until you do some things to make it safe, especially if they are beginning to crawl or walk. Don't find out what is dangerous the hard way. Here are some tips to remember. This list is incomplete as each home is different, but hopefully, these tips will get you started in the right direction.
Your Purse; Babies love to play with the things found in a purse, whether yours or a guests. Some of these things can be very dangerous to your baby, like medications, nail files, pens, cosmetics and other small objects.
Cleaning your home; Of course, you should make sure all cleaning products are out of reach of the baby when they are stored, but also keep this in mind as you are using them. It's very easy to get busy cleaning and turn your back, just long enough for them to get into something dangerous. Use the sink instead of a mop bucket. Your baby can drown in a small amount of water, not to mention what is in the water may be harmful to them.
Furniture; Make sure none of your furniture lamps, or decorations are easily tipped over. Keep their high chair away from walls and other surfaces they can use for leverage to push it, possibly tipping it over. No furniture that has chipping or peeling paint should be allowed in the house with your baby.
Check out the rooms of your house often and remember to check them from your baby's point of view. Get down on the floor to look for possible hazards.
A lot of Moms, especially those who breastfeed, like to have their baby sleep in the bed with them. There are some safety tips to keep in mind when doing this as well.
1. Don't put them into an adult bed alone to sleep. They can crawl to an edge and fall off. They can become trapped between the headboard and the bed or the wall. They can also suffocate in soft bedding.
2. Babies should be put to sleep on their back, not on their stomach. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome may have something to do with placing babies on their stomachs to sleep, according to the "Back To Sleep Campaign".
3. Don't use pillows, comforters, and thick quilts or blankets for babies under 1 year old. They stand a chance of suffocating themselves. Securely fitting crib sheets are the safe way to go.
4. Make sure your baby cannot fall out of bed. Bed railing is a useful item to have or having your bed with one side to the wall. The baby should sleep between the mother and the bed rail, not between two parents.
5. Make sure your bed has a firm surface. Never let your baby sleep on a featherbed, beanbag, waterbed, deep mattress, or other too-soft surface.
6. If you are under the influence of alcohol or medication that makes you groggy, do not put your baby to sleep in your bed. If you are groggy, you pose a danger to your baby.
7. Too many pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals can increase your baby's risk of strangulation or suffocation.
8. Never fall asleep on a couch, sofa, or overstuffed chair with your baby. They can get wedged between the cushions and suffocate.
9. Don't stuff too many bodies into a bed with a small baby. If you share sleep with more than one child, adequate space is necessary for both comfort and safety.
Baby Safety Showers--Not Just Fun and Games!
Baby Safety Showers--Not Just Fun and Games!
Word Count:
1043
Summary:
If you're looking for a creative and different way to honor new moms- and dads-to-be and help them get ready for their baby, consider throwing a baby safety shower instead of the usual "blankets and snugglies" shower. This article also includes Baby Safety Guidelines.
Keywords:
baby,baby safety,baby shower,baby showers,infant safety,SIDS,baby gifts,preventing baby injuries,child safety
Article Body:
If you're looking for a creative and different way to honor new moms- and dads-to-be and help them get ready for their baby, consider throwing a baby safety shower instead of the usual "blankets and snugglies" shower.
Traditional baby showers are great fun and they offer new parents an opportunity to prepare their "nests" for the arrival of a new baby. Usually a baby shower is intended to give new parents a leg up in acquiring essential items like baby clothing, bath supplies, bottles or nursing equipment, toys and games, and special blankets or other treasures like silver cups. I've always viewed baby showers as one of the best ways that a community can come together around the birth of a new child. It reminds me of one of the best aspects of the "old days" when a town, village, or neighborhood considered the birth and caring for a new child its responsibility, too.
A baby safety shower is in keeping with these old communitarian traditions. It's more than just fun and games, it's really a learning experience for the whole community where all the activities revolve around baby and home safety. Parents and caregivers certainly have a great time, but they also leave with a higher awareness of ways to keep their new babies safe at home.
The shower's theme may focus on a variety of safety issues (see the Baby Safety Checklist below), including child-proofing one's home, nutrition or health. Also, you can arrange a baby safety shower for as many people as you can fit in your party space. At bigger safety showers, all of the moms and dads in attendance--not just the couple being honored--can visit a variety of exhibits where safety-savvy parents illustrate home safety information with games, puzzles, songs, prizes, and other activities. At smaller showers, it might work better to have one person lead the group in discussions and safety games.
Usually baby showers involve a collection of family and friends of the new parents, but safety showers are also a good way to create and promote partnerships within the broader community. By offering, for example, to distribute baby products donated by local stores, or by providing information from local community health service providers, you can enhance your ties with the local business community and build your relationships with local health and social service organizations. All this creates goodwill in your community and it provides your invited parents with welcome information, products, and services.
Use your creativity to create a baby safety shower for your personal situation. The key to throwing a safety shower that will be rewarding for all involved is providing important safety information in a festive and inviting setting. So--have fun, and learn about the all-important matter of better safety practices for your household.
BABY SAFETY CHECKLIST
The guidelines below were developed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. It's important to remember that, while these standards are based on sound principles, certain parents may disagree with some of them. For example, the bedroom guidelines state that a baby should never sleep in the same bed as an adult. However, from the Attachment Parenting perspective, sleeping with one's baby is considered an important aspect of bonding and is even believed to possibly lower the incidence of SIDS. Therefore, I recommend using the following guidelines as just that, guidelines, which should be examined carefully in light of your own views and beliefs about baby care giving. Always consult your pediatrician if in doubt of the best way to proceed.
Baby Safety Checklist
In the bedroom:
Put your baby to sleep on her back in a crib with a firm, flat mattress and no soft bedding underneath her. Follow this advice to reduce the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). To prevent suffocation, never put babies to sleep on adult beds.
Make sure your baby's crib is sturdy and has no loose or missing hardware. This will prevent babies suffocating or strangling by becoming trapped between broken crib parts.
Never place your baby's crib or furniture near window blind or curtain cords. This will prevent babies from strangling on the loop of the cord. To prevent falls, keep children away from windows.
In the bathroom:
Keep medicines and cleaning products in containers with safety caps and locked away from children. This will prevent children from being poisoned.
Always check bath water temperature with your wrist or elbow before putting your baby in to bathe. This will prevent burns to a baby's delicate skin.
Never, ever, leave your child alone in the bathtub or near any water. This will prevent children from drowning. In addition, keep children away from all standing water, including water in toilets, 5-gallon buckets, and pools.
In the kitchen:
Don't leave your baby alone in a highchair; always use all safety straps. This will prevent injuries and deaths from the baby climbing out, falling, or sliding under the tray. Be sure to use safety straps in strollers and baby swings.
Use your stove's back burners and keep pot handles turned to the back of the stove. This will prevent deaths and injuries from burns. In addition, keep children away from tablecloths, so they can't pull down hot foods or liquids on themselves.
Lock household cleaning products, knives, matches, and plastic bags away from children. This will prevent poisonings, bleeding injuries, burns, and suffocation.
In other living areas:
Install smoke detectors on each floor of your home, especially near sleeping areas; change the batteries each year. This will prevent deaths and injuries from fires.
Use safety gates to block stairways and safety plugs to cover electrical outlets. This will prevent injuries from falls and electric shocks.
Keep all small objects, including tiny toys and balloons, away from young children. This will prevent choking and possible death.
Additional Information and Resources
If you would like more information about baby safety or about how to organize a baby safety shower, including specific tips on planning, organizing, and coordinating one, please write to the Office of Information and Public Affairs, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, DC 20207. The article above was adapted from a report prepared by the Product Safety Commission.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Baby’s Room on a Budget
Baby's Room on a Budget
Word Count:
368
Summary:
Here are some suggestions that will keep baby safe and comfortable and not cost a fortune.
Keywords:
furniture, home furniture, baby furniture, baby safety
Article Body:
So you're expecting a new little bundle of joy. Congratulations! You've cleared out the small bedroom near yours and you're ready to set up your baby's room. Here are some suggestions that will keep baby safe and comfortable and not cost a fortune.
Safety is the number one factor in a baby's room. Check out the safety guidelines before buying or borrowing a crib (see Baby Crib Safety Checklist). Use your money to buy things that will last at least a few years, such as a crib that converts to a toddler bed and a small dresser. You may choose to use a cradle in the early months and keep it by your bed, but eventually you will need a crib.
Other baby furniture includes a changing table and a high chair. And don't forget a comfortable rocking chair (with arms) for late-night feedings or to rock-a-bye baby a fussy infant to sleep.
In setting up the room, make sure everything you'll need will be close at hand, so you never have to leave baby alone — even for just a moment! — on the changing table.
One of the biggest expenses in fixing up a nursery is the labor, so the best way to save money is to do it yourself! Refinish and paint (lead-free!) furniture, sew curtains (you can use cute baby print sheets), and get grandma to knit baby blankets. Paint the walls in light shades (with washable paint) in a color that will "grow" with the child. If you love wallpaper but can't imagine doing a whole room yourself, trying decorating with a wallpaper border on painted walls or stencil a design around the windows, ceiling and doors. The room can look "done" by a decorator if you coordinate wallpaper and fabrics for a wall hanging, quilt, and window coverings.
If friends will be throwing you a baby shower, register for some things to decorate the room, such as bedding, crib accessories (bumper pads, mobiles), and bright colored toys or stuffed animals.
Use baskets, drawers, and shelves to store toys, clothing, and other infant essentials. Expand storage space by putting shelves or a small dresser in the closet.