Mommies Magazine

Natural Baby Skin Care: Protecting your Newborns Skin

Posted on 29. Nov, 2008 by Maria Manso.

One concern of new parents is caring for their baby’s skin. There are so many skin care products available these days, sometimes it is hard to choose the best and safest products for your newborns skin.

Consider that babies spend the first few months of their lives in the most natural surroundings – their mother’s womb. A baby’s skin is very delicate and skin care should be kept simple. Many parents are choosing to use natural organic baby skin care products as a gentle approach to help protect newborns skin against dryness and diaper rash.

Research has shown that many ingredients contained in skin care product are possibly contaminated with harsh chemicals that irritate the skin and cause unnecessary discomfort for your baby. Many skin care products contain synthetic fragrances, preservatives, artificial colors, and additives. Not only do these ingredients irritate your baby’s sensitive skin but they can also affect their health.

Look for signs of sensitive skin such as red dry, flaky patches which can be caused by harmful chemicals in skin care products and detergents. If your baby develops diaper rash, wash baby’s bottom with warm water, change diapers frequently, use a protective diaper rash ointment, and leave baby without a diaper as often as possible to expose the area to fresh air. Avoid using petroleum jelly which traps moisture against the skin.

Not all natural skin care products are created equal. Many products can state “natural” on the label and still contain harsh chemicals. When choosing natural skin care products, make it a point to read the label and look for look for products that contain natural organic healing herbs and essential oils.

Ingredients such as natural aloe, shea butter, olive oil, avocado butter, coconut butter, and natural beeswax help moisturize and act as a protective barrier on baby‘s sensitive skin.

Other ingredients such as calendula, comfrey, chamomile, and lavender helps soothe and heal baby’s skin.

Take care when using new skin care products, even natural ones. Remember that your newborn’s skin is very sensitive. Use skin care products in small amounts for the first few weeks until you are sure your baby has no sensitivities to the ingredients.

A little research and some common sense will help you make the right natural skin care choices for your precious new bundle of joy!

Find all your natural skin care products at Alexander’s Playroom Baby Boutique.   Natural organic baby wash, baby lotion, and diaper rash soap to help protect your baby’s skin.

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Top 10 Baby Gift Ideas

Posted on 25. Nov, 2008 by Maria Manso.

The new baby is almost here and you still haven’t figured out what gift to give the new parents. Don’t fret, these top 10 baby gift ideas will help you choose a gift that is both practical and thoughtful. Luckily most expecting parents will register a list of items they need at a baby specialty store. You should try to choose a gift from their registered list if possible.

These top 10 baby gift ideas range in price from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars:

• Baby Car Seat – This is the one item that parents must have in order to get baby home from the hospital and it is the law. Usually, the parents or grandparents buy the car seat.
• Baby Monitors – An inexpensive item but very necessary if baby sleeps in a separate bedroom. Let’s face it, new parents will be checking on baby every few minutes and needlessly tiring themselves out without one of these.  This item will give them a little peace of mind.
• Diaper Bags – A practical and stylish diaper bag is a necessity to carry all of baby’s essentials. This is a gift that keeps on giving and will be used through the toddler years.
• Night Lights / Mobiles – These simple yet effective gifts keep baby occupied and sometimes give the new parents a few moments of peace during the initial onset of parenthood.
• Bathing Supplies – It’s not easy bathing an infant especially for new parents. Baths are more easily given to baby with specialized baby bathtubs for sinks, tubs, or stand alone versions.
• Baby Sling / Baby Carrier – Anyone that has ever walked around carrying a baby all day understands how incredible this gift is. The sling/carrier allows you to keep your baby closer to you for longer than anything else. This helps create a lasting bond between parent and baby plus gives the baby a sense of security.
• Bibs / Burp Cloths – Babies can go through a lot of these very necessary items quickly. Parents simply cannot have enough bibs and burp cloths.
• Bouncy Seats / Baby Swings – Some parents don’t particularly care for these but many veteran parents swear by them. Be sure to purchase only the safest brand names for these gifts.
• Children’s Books – While babies don’t initially get into curling up with a good book, there is much evidence today that shows reading to your baby has countless benefits.
• Cleaning Service / Maid – This is a gift that anyone can give. A maid service can be hired for the new parents or you can simply donate your time. Make sure it occurs per the new parent’s schedule requirements and do a good job if doing it yourself.

Finally, the one item every new parent needs and can never have enough of is DIAPERS, DIAPERS, and more DIAPERS. Whether they are cloth or disposable, nothing is more routine and necessary than the changing of diapers. And don’t forget the wipes!

Finding unique baby gifts has just gotten a little easier!  Come visit Alexander’s Playroom Baby Boutique for a quality selection of diaper bags, baby gift baskets, and unique baby shower diaper cakes.

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What Do You Need for Baby’s First Weeks? A Baby Layette Checklist Will Help You Get the Necessities

Posted on 09. Nov, 2008 by Maria Manso.

It’s almost time for baby to arrive and panic starts to set in. You wonder how will you handle taking care of this new little person? Are you ready? Becoming a new parent can be overwhelming. Don’t worry, everything will come naturally and before you know it you will be a pro.

One of the things you can do to take the pressure off is make sure you have all the basic needs to get you through baby’s first weeks. There are so many choices of newborn baby products available these days and they are all so cute it makes it hard to choose. It can be easy to go overboard and end up with way more then you need. Using a baby layette checklist can help you get all the necessities and stay within your budget.

In case you are unsure of what a baby layette is, it is defined as a complete kit of clothing and equipment for a newborn baby. When purchasing baby items, especially clothing, keep in mind that newborns grow quickly. It is best to purchase small quantities of newborn clothing.

This baby layette checklist includes the essential items needed to get you through the first weeks:

Clothing:

• Whether you use disposable diapers or cloth diapers, you will need 10-12 per day. If you are using cloth diapers, purchase at least 2 to 3 dozen depending on how often you want to do laundry.
• 6-8 Diaper covers (for cloth diapers)
• 6-8 Pajamas and/or gowns
• 8 Onesies
• 2-3 Shirt and pants sets/dresses
• 6-8 Pairs of socks
• 2 Caps or hats
• For cold weather climates – 1 sweater, 1 coat and/or snowsuit

Bedding:

• 4-6 Receiving blankets (essential for swaddling)
• 2 Sleep sacks or wearable blankets (safer for baby to sleep)
• 3-4 Crib or bassinet sheets

Bathing/Changing:

• 2 Hooded bath towels
• 6-8 Wash cloths – if you are using wash cloths instead of disposable wipes for diaper changes then you will need at least 2 dozen wash cloths.
• 1 large box of disposable wipes
• 2 changing pads (waterproof)
• Baby shampoo / body wash – natural organic skin care is best for baby’s delicate skin
• Baby lotion – use natural organic baby lotions
• Diaper rash ointment

Feeding:

• 6-12 Bottles, depending on whether you are breast or bottle feeding
• 10-12 Burp cloths
• Formula (if bottle feeding)- start with 1 weeks supply
• Bottled drinking water or sterilized, boiled water (to mix formula)
• Breast Pads (if you are breastfeeding)
• Breast Pump (if you are breastfeeding)
• 2-3 Nursing Bras (if you are breastfeeding)

Grooming/First Aid:

• Infant nail clippers
• Thermometer
• Petroleum jelly
• Alcohol swabs (to clean baby’s belly button)

Nursery Equipment & Baby Gear:

• Crib or bassinet
• Diaper bag
• Car seat

Remember, newborns are only that little for a few short weeks, so don’t go overboard and buy everything you see. If you keep it simple and follow the baby layette checklist, you won’t go wrong.

Looking for unique baby layette needs?  Find all your bath time, clothing, and nursery decor needs at Alexander’s Playroom Baby Boutique.

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