Making Your Baby’s Christmas a Special Memory

It’s November already. There is a new baby in your life now. You may be thinking to yourself, “Christmas is just around the corner. What am I going to do to make this Christmas a special memory for the new baby in my life?” You may be a new mommy, daddy, grandparent, uncle, aunt, godparent, brother, sister, friend of the family or a caring relative. In either case choosing the right gift for a new baby may present a challenge. Today the baby in your life may be too young to know the difference between Christmas and any other day. But, your baby will soon grow up, and for the rest of his/her life get satisfaction and pleasure from his or her first well chosen Christmas memorabilia.

To address this same concern, I recently shared the following list of ten ways to ensure pleasant memories are made for your baby with another audience. I hope you will find it helpful also:

1. Personalized Items -- Have an engraver, embroiderer or artist place your personal reminder on the item of your choice. Some possibilities are: Piggy banks, clocks, blankets, furniture, toys, cups and almost any other item.
2. Consider a stuffed animals – They make great companions, especially for a baby without playmates at home, and may be kept for years.
3. Make a home video – Start a film library for your baby.
4. Select a great book - Your baby will soon know it is his/her personal property. You will most likely be getting one later anyway to give him/her an early start at reading.
5. Make pictures – Start a photo album for your baby.
6. Have a family Portrait painted – Allow your baby to see herself as a part of the family.
7. Start a personal Christmas collection for your baby – These may be items your baby will identify as his/hers and when big enough use to help decorate the home for Christmas.
8. Choose baby clothing with words to show it is your baby's first Christmas.
9. Get a jogging stroller –What we do with our baby is often more memorable that what we give to them. A good baby jogger allows your baby to participate in mommy and/or daddy’s jogging or walking exercises and will be a cherished memory. This is normally for babies six-months old and older and may be used until they weigh about 40 pounds.
10. Choose a Bike Trailer – Same as number 9 above.
    

Memorabilia can become special treasures that your baby may keep to adulthood and pass on to his/her own children or younger siblings. Therefore durability and quality should be considerations when making choices for your baby’s special Christmas. The cheap gift may not survive long enough to create a lasting memory.

These are just a few ideas to get you started thinking of ways to make this Christmas an extra special memory for the new baby in your life. For more ideas visit http://www.babystoregiftshop.com/.

Selecting Your Baby’s High Chair

Recently I wrote about my wife and my experience buying a crib for our new grandbaby’s first visit. The other item we were soon to need was a high chair. The big question became, how to select a high chair? Our number one concern was the safety of our grandbaby. We were sure the specifications and safety standards had changed since we last were in the market for a high chair. We wanted a good product. Since the baby would only be with us a few times before he was too big for a high chair, we didn’t want to spend too much for it.

Choosing a high chair for your baby is one of the most important furniture-buying selections you will make. Since your baby could be using the high chair at least three times a day until one or two years of age, when he/she moves to the table with mommy and daddy, it makes sense to spend the time to make the right choice. Researching the subject, I learn when selecting a high chair there are a number of things to consider before making a purchase.

You will want a model that will be stable, sturdy, can take kicking and being knocked around. You will also want it to take the spills and cleaning that may go on for one of two years.

The many high chairs on the market will vary greatly in terms of durability, features, quality and style. So how are we to know which high chair will have the features we need? Some features to consider are:

• Crotch post - To keep your baby from slipping under the tray and out the chair a post should be attached to the seat or tray.
• Foldability - If you want this feature make sure the system automatically engages when the chair is opened. Make sure the system is designed to prevent accidental folding while in use.
• Safety belt - The safety belt should hold your baby securely and comfortably.
• Seat adjustments - Seats can recline or move up and down.
• Toys - An option your baby may enjoy is a toy attached to the tray. This is optional. You can buy a toy separately and attach it yourself.
• Tray - The tray should be lightweight and capable of being taken off with one hand or swings to the side when not in use.
• Upholstry - A seat cover with a pattern is less likely to show dirt than a solid one. Be aware that the vinyl will clean up easier than the cloth.
• Wheels - Wheels make it easy to move the chair around. They also allow the chair to move when you put the tray on and off. Look for lock on the wheel. Locks will make the wheel more enjoyable.

While shopping for or immediately after receiving your high chair, while the return police is still in effect:

• Operate the seat’s safety harness to make sure it works properly and is easy to use.
• Make sure all the parts, especially the small ones, are included.
• Go through all the possible adjustments to make sure they are available if needed.
• Examine the entire exterior for rough or sharp spots that could scratch your baby.
• To the best of your ability, make sure the upholstery is durable and will last.
• Test the padding for comfort.
• If the high chair has wheels, make sure they lock properly. Wheel may make it easier to move around.
• Make sure the high chair is easy to fold and put away.
• Make sure it has a crotch post to prevent the baby from slipping down too far in the chair.
• Check the tray to see if it is easy to handle with one hand while the baby is in the other.

Whether you purchase you high chair from the local store, mail order of from the Internet, it will make sense to make these checks.

High chairs come in three general ranges:

• Basic high chairs – This group is normally priced under $70.00. They are normally simple, compact and generally work well.
• Mid-price high chairs – The price range for the mid-range high chair is from $70.00 to $150.00. They are normally sturdier and have a few more features than the basic models.
• High-end high chairs – The high-end high chairs are in the price range of $150 and above.

These high chairs tend to have extra features. Customers have reported more responsive customer service from the companies offering these high chairs.

The mid-priced models seems to provide the best value and are likely to have the safety and comfort features most will want for their baby. In all cases it is best to buy a chair that was recently made and certified to meet the current safety standards.

Selecting Your Baby's Crib

When my wife and I became grandparent we were excited about having our new grandbaby visit. Buying a crib was one of the first activities to go on our list of things to do. The big question became, how to select a crib? Our number one concern was the safety of our grandbaby. So we wanted a good product. Since the baby would only be with us a few times before he was too big for a crib, we didn’t want to spend too much for the crib.

Choosing a crib for your baby is one of the most important furniture-buying selections you will make. Since your baby could be using the crib until two or three years of age, when he/she moves to a larger bed, it makes sense to spend the time to make the right choice. Make sure it is safe and strong. Researching the subject, I learn when selecting a crib there are a number of things to consider before making a purchase.

With the abundance supply of older cribs, in antique and use furniture stored, you may ask should I get an old or new crib? If you choose an old crib, double check the crib to make sure it is safe. Cribs made after 1985 are required by law to meet specific safety standards. Slats or bars on a crib should not be more than 2 3/8 inch apart. This is to prevent the baby’s head from getting trapped. Make sure there are no other defects or design flaws that would put your baby in danger. Be mindful of the paint that was used on the older cribs. Lead may be in the paint of older cribs posing a health threat to your baby. Should you decide to use an antique or older crib, it might make sense to have it refinished.

November 2005 issue of ConsumerReport.org recommends against buying a “pre-owned” crib at a yard sale, thrifty shop, or online. The reason for that recommendation is that they may not meet current safety standards.

It is a challenge to select a new baby crib. There are so many to choose from. But there are basically only four types:
Standard – rectangular shaped with either one of two drop-down sides.
Canopy – has a post at each of the four corners, which hold up a metal frame on which you can put a fabric canopy.
Convertible – converts from a standard crib to a toddler bed and then a day or full size bed.
Round – Round shaped. They usually have a single drop side.

Cribs are available in these price ranges:

Economy cribs – price range $100 - $150. Prices are lower because manufactures use cheaper materials. They may be perfectly adequate.

Mid-priced cribs – price range $150 - $450. These models are sturdier and more decorative than economy models.

High-end cribs – price range $450 and above. Many are imported from Europe and have hand-rubbed, glazed, or burnished finishes. You’ll see sleigh style with curved end boards and hand-painted detailed, as well as some models handcrafted from wrought iron.

Recommendations
I found the best advice is to follow ComsumerReport.Org recommends, “Buy unused, made after 1999, and Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certified or certified to meet the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) voluntary standards (ASTM F-1169 and ASTM F-996). Click here to read more of the ConsumerReport.org November 2005 report.

Accelerating Baby’s Learning Rate With Toys

David Rakison, a psychologist at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh seems to agree that babies start the learning process early. “The ‘smart baby’ camp believes that babies learn quickly.” “They do math—[simple] addition and subtraction—within the first 6 months,” he says.

Having studied a number of journal and thesis written on how babies learn in addition personal experiences and observations, I have concluded it’s the environment. There is much scientist must still discovering about how the baby’s brain functions. But, regardless of how the brain function the lessons babies learn are provided by the environment they are in. It is generally agreed that learning begins in the womb and continues throughout childhood. Their environment includes all the objects they can see and touch and all the sounds they hear. They use all of their senses in the learning process. Babies are always learning.

Caretakers and parent are most valuable part of the environment. “Infants are learning how thing move around in the world by watching their caretakers do actions and then deciding which things are like those objects, based on having the same parts. Then, they model the action,” Rakison says. There are other researchers who argue babies take their time and slowly learn what they need to know. My personal experiences support the Rakison’s position.

Every parent wants to see his or her child get off to a fast start when it comes to learning and brain development. Knowing basic information about how babies learn allow parent to establish the proper learning and development environment for their baby. The parent is baby’s first playmate—the one who provides a safe environment for baby to explore, play and interact with to provide fun and interest. Babies will also go through a discovery period when they will entertain themselves with their body parts—fingers, toes, hands, legs and feet.

To further contribute to babies development and learning there are thousands of educational toys available. The challenge parent, educators, and childcare providers face is choosing the from among so many toys the ones that provide a balance of learning techniques, are age appropriate, and are entertaining. Until it is time for your child to go to school, the responsibility to stimulate and satisfy baby’s desire to learn falls on the parent. Some of the things to consider when choosing your baby’s toys follow:

• Auditory and musical toys stimulate logical thinking and imagery (ex. Farm Friends Stacker)
• Varied colors and patterns provide visual stimulation. (ex. Galt Valour Playmat)
• Motor play toys are used to encourage hand/eye coordination and manipulative skills (ex. Galt Farm Friends Mobile).
• To encourage matching skills, manual dexterity, early counting skills, stimulate memory, how baby picture things, and problem solving skills; building blocks, activity boxes or puzzles are good choices. Puzzles should be simple enough for baby to grasp and manipulate.

Parents, relatives and friends, recognizing the value of good children toys that encourages and stimulates growth and development, will search for these qualities in their future purchases. It is easy to know when you have chosen the right toy. The child will return to it time and time again getting pleasure on each occasion and you will also notice the development. It is BabyGiftShop.Com aim to supply such toys. They are carefully designed to meet each stage of the growing child's development.

Starting babies off with the right toys will not only bring them years of pleasure but encourage early growth and development that give them an early advantage in life that will benefit them for a lifetime.

Something To Know Before Selecting Your Baby Stroller

Taking your new baby for a walk through the park, a jog along your favorite trail or a leisure walk through the community contribute greatly to the pleasure of having a new baby. This pleasure is possible because of the stroller. A baby stroller is one of the most important items you will ever choose for the baby in your life. As a parent you may want to have more than one, a traditional stroller for the every day use and a lighter-weight one for traveling. If you take walks or jog, you may want to have a more rugged stroller for jogging.

How do you choose the right stroller for you and your baby? First, I suggest you decide how you will use the stroller. Will you use it for everyday things around home? Will you take baby along for long walks, a jog from time to time or will you travel and need to put the stroller in and out of your vehicle often. You may want to consider the surface of the sidewalks and curbs you will be negotiating with your baby stroller. Answers to these questions will equip you with the right question to ask about your stroller.

Next you will want to know the stroller types. My own study to answer these questions included a review of a report on strollers by ConsumerReports.org. This report gives and describes the stroller types as following:

Traditional Strollers (Click here to see an example.)

These have the conventional design. Unless used with an infant car seat, they are generally not suitable for babies younger than six months.

Pros: They are often fairly lightweight and convenient to handle.

Cons: The heavier models are difficult to carry on publication transportation or use in buildings with escalators. And you will need a car seat.

Umbrella Strollers (Click here to see an example.)

These are similar to traditional strollers, but with narrow, curved handles. They offer lightweight, compact, basic transportation.

Pros: Lightweight, compact, ideal for quick trips and errands or travel.

Cons: You still need a car seat, and this type of stroller typically can’t be used for an infant (younger than six months).

Travel Systems

This type is a stroller and infant-car-seat combo for newborns through toddlers. The car seat fits in the stroller. When the baby outgrows the car seat, usually at about 22 pounds, the stroller is used alone.

Pros: Allows adults to move a sleeping baby undisturbed from the car to the stroller.

Cons: You’ll need to buy a new convertible car seat when the baby outgrows the infant seat.

Jogging Strollers (Click here to see an example.)

Jogger strollers, a subtype of the all-terrain category, are for jogging or running with mom or dad. (Few all-terrain strollers can be used for jogging; read the manual or check the box, or visit the store or manufacturer’s website for recommended uses.)

Pros: Also good for off-road use.

Cons: Not suitable for babies younger than six months. Can be unstable when the rear wheels are lifted over a curb.

All-Terrain Strollers (Click here to see one type)

All-terrain strollers are traditional or three-wheeled models with heavy-duty suspension or air-filled tires, good for jaunts on and off the sidewalk. Three or four wheeled strollers with air-filled tires and a rugged, sporty look are meant to appeal to men. This type is intended for off-road use, such as trail walking, but just as often is found on city or suburban streets.

Pros: Long, high handlebars can give extra foot and legroom for adults pushing the stroller.

Cons: Can be large and heavy; often don’t fold completely. Because of that, they are not practical for everyday use. Also not suited for jogging, unless the manufacturer specifies.

Double Strollers (Click here to see an example).

Some models seat children side-by-side; tandems seat one child behind the other or face-to-face. Some can accommodate newborns in infant car seats.

Pros: The only way to push two children is in one stroller.

Cons: This type is heavier and harder to maneuver than single strollers. Side-by-side models fold more compactly than tandems and are somewhat easier to push, but can’t be used with infant car seats.

Seat-Carrier Frames

These are lightweight, empty frames designed to roll an infant car seat around, using it as the carriage.

Pros: Inexpensive and convenient.

Cons: Both the car seat and the frame must be replaced once the child outgrow the seat.

Armed with this information you can compare your need to the description of the stroller types and make a better decision about the stroller for that special baby in your life.

John H. English is the chief operating officer of BabyStoreGiftShop.Com. His contact information is available at http://www.babystoregiftshop.com/.