What You Need For Your New Nursery

nursery furniture

What should you expect while getting ready for a baby? When you are pregnant, it’s not just your body that changes. Your life, your emotions, and even your intentions change forever. But then also you have the changes you need to make at home for the baby too. So, it’s a great idea to think about pulling together their nursery as early as you can. However, what do you need for this? There are so many essential things with the most basic being a crib and a dresser. However, you also need different types of pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, music pieces and more! Let’s take a look at what you might need.

Tips Before You Get Started

As parents, the first room of the house your baby will see is their nursery. It’s important to make it a safe space that they can grow into without any worry or disturbance. So, you need to be sure that you’re creating the best space.

When you are looking for bedroom furniture for your baby, there are a few factors that you should consider. You want to make sure that it’s stylish and functional so your child doesn’t feel confined in their new room. You also want to make sure that it fits within your home decor so it’ll be used beyond just one child. And you also need to look at your finances and see what you can afford to do.

You’ve probably heard of the saying “you get what you pay for.” But at some point, you might be inclined to spend a little more on your baby furniture. Here are some general considerations when buying furniture for your new baby.
– Set a budget
– Decide on style of your nursery
– Consider the age of your baby before buying

Picking A Crib To Buy

Many parents may not be aware of the importance of choosing a crib for their child. It is an essential piece of furniture that will serve as their baby’s sanctuary for the next couple years. It offers safety and security to babies and they should always sleep in a safe place. Moreover, it is also crucial to choose one that has the right color scheme and design suitable for your family’s personal preferences.

When shopping for a crib, think about things like convenience, budget, safety, aesthetics, and ease of use as you ensure your infant stays protected from harm while they sleep at night. The first crib will be more expensive than a cot bed, but you can save some money by buying a new mattress that fits into the crib. For this, you need to know what size is a crib mattress so you get it right. Buying a crib or mattress online is a good idea when you are in the process of buying multiple items, but it is important to do your research. You should check prices at different stores in your area before you buy online.

When you are buying a new crib, the first thing that you need to do is decide on what type of bedding you want it to have. The most common are organic cotton sheets, which are soft and comfortable. If you really want to save money on your purchase, try using two twin sheets for the top and bottom of your baby’s bed.

Choosing a Nursery Dresser

A nursery dresser is a piece of furniture that is usually found in the nursery of a baby or young child. It comes in various sizes, shapes, colors, and designs to complement your child’s room. The best way to choose the perfect nursery dressers for your baby or young child is to consider the size of the room where they will be placed.

With the stylish and modern nursery dressers, there is no doubt that you will make your child’s nook look like a sophisticated and timeless place. But before you buy one of these adorable pieces of furniture, there are some things you need to consider. While some people might want to match their nursery dresser with their existing furniture set, others may want to purchase an entirely new set of pieces for their baby. So it’s important to decide what you want.

Buying a nursery dresser can be an intimidating task. But here are a few buying tips to bear in mind.
– Look for safety features like safety rails and anti-tip devices.
– Make sure the dresser has a sturdy frame to support all of your baby’s weight.
– Pick out storage space for diapers, wipes, and diaper bags.
– Consider buying multiple dressers in different sizes to accommodate your growing family.

IVF Calculations: How To Calculate Pregnancy Weeks After IVF

One of the first questions a parent-to-be will ask after discovering they are pregnant is ‘when is my baby due?’ And this is the same for IVF parents as it is for those who fall pregnant naturally. But while the due date for a natural pregnancy is based on the menstrual cycle, for IVF it is normally based on what is known as the ‘embryonic age’. 

Here’s all you need to know about IVF calculations and how to calculate pregnancy weeks after IVF. 

Due date based on menstrual age

The average gestation for a pregnancy is generally taken to be 280 days, or 40 weeks. For a natural pregnancy, the pregnancy weeks are taken from the start of a woman’s last period, assuming she ovulated 14 days later. This gives an estimated due date for the baby based on the menstrual age and is the guide most obstetricians work to. 

Due date based on embryonic age

However, when it comes to calculating the due date for a pregnancy that is the result of IVF treatment, things need to be done a little differently as you don’t always know the date of your last period. But what you do have is a more organised calendar in terms of ovulation, egg retrieval and implantation. And it is all of this information, plus the general recognition of a 280-day pregnancy gestation, that is used. 

Calculating a due date after IVF

As IVF – or in vitro fertilisation – occurs outside of the body and in a lab, it is actually possible to know exactly when the egg was fertilised, which can also be translated as the date a woman conceived. However, this is not the start date when calculating the due date of an IVF pregnancy.

Due dates for an IVF pregnancy are actually based on the date the embryo was transferred back into the uterus.  So, working with the 280-day gestation period, plus the 14-day ovulation period and the day you had the embryo transferred, you can work out your baby’s expected due date.

Here is an example: your embryo was transferred on day 5 after IVF, which means your baby’s due date will be 261 days later. 

There are also numerous online calculators which can help you work out your IVF pregnancy calendar. 

Due dates are not set in stone

As well as doing the calculations based on the embryonic age to work out your expected IVF pregnancy due date, your fertility clinic will also closely monitor your pregnancy to ensure the foetus is developing as it should and is reaching its key gestation phases.

However, when it comes to any pregnancy, the anticipated due date is not set in stone, and this also applies to IVF. Premature labour is also a risk of an IVF-assisted conception, particularly with a multiple pregnancy. And more sluggish levels of the hormone progesterone can also mean you may give birth earlier than your calculated due date. 

So, the take-away on IVF calculations is that they are intended as a formulated guide, and your fertility specialist will also work closely with you to assess and monitor your pregnancy’s progress, right up to the birth.

Dr. Brown’s New Plant Based Skin Care Line

Dr. Brown’s has launched a brand new, plant-based Skin Care line to hydrate sensitive baby skin. All lotions and creams are hypoallergenic, free from petroleum jelly, parabens, phthalates, and sulfates, and cruelty free.

Two new products in the Baby Care line help solve common issues for newborns and babies, including safely and easily dispensing liquid medicine and helping prevent and treat colic.

Skin Care

o   Natural Baby Lightweight Lotion

o   Natural Baby Vitamin Cream

o   Natural Baby Diaper Cream

Baby Care

o   Pacidose Liquid Medicine Dispenser

  • Dr. Brown’s Pacidose is a fuss-free pacifier medicine dispenser for liquid medicine. The hospital-grade syringe pushes medicine through the pacifier, bypasses baby’s taste buds, and helps prevent baby from spitting it out.

o   Gripebelt Colic Swaddling Belt

  • The doctor designed Dr. Brown’s Gripebelt helps naturally soothe upset stomachs in babies and kids. Using a heated clay pack inside a safe swaddling belt, it soothes pain associated with colic and gas. Simply warm the clay pack in the microwave and secure the adjustable band to gently compress baby’s belly.

No matter what you need for your baby, this is a good place to start if he or she is uncomfortable. Hopefully these products will give you and your baby the relief you are looking for.

Hubble Connected Peekaboo Baby Monitor

No, not THAT Hubble- but still great for watching! Keep an eye on what you love most with whatever version of Hubble + Monitor that you prefer.

“Hubble is the Mobile App & Smart Platform that supports Motorola home cameras, baby monitors & audio products, providing powerful AI features in a secure and easy to use solution.
With Hubble and your Motorola camera, you can stay close to what matters most. Magic.”

Hubble Connected powers many Motorola products keeping you close to what matters most. Now equipped with a mobile application, Hubble Connected makes life fluid giving you access to color, live video and sound coverage of your children and grandchildren from anywhere in the world.

Given the current situation and working from home and social distancing, it has become increasingly difficult to remain focused on both work and our families. The quarantine and shelter-in-place is keeping many grandparents separated from their grandchildren in hopes to maintain health. The Hubble Connected app reduces physical distance by providing eyes and ears for the grandparents to check in on their loved ones from anywhere with their mobile devices or tablets.

Parents and grandparents can also capture and save special moments by manually recording video footage for safe keeping or to share with family maintaining social distancing while multitasking. Listen, watch, and even sing or read a bedtime story without needing to step foot in the nursery and keep them safe from exposure.

With Hubble, families can stay connected during this time while still staying safe and social distancing. At this time families aren’t visiting each other right, and there is fear of putting loved ones at risk. Not to mention, you need to keep an eye on the baby when you aren’t in the same room as he or she (or they!) is.

Baby Items for Your Little Ones

Have a new little one at home?  These are challenging times to be stuck at home (literally) with a new baby- here are some items that might be helpful to you both.

Comotomo | Teether

  • The four prongs feature baby fingers (all babies love biting fingers!) and are just long enough to reach back molars, but sensibly sized to prevent choking.

  • The silicone material is not only non-toxic but the perfect blend of soft and chewy!

  • Dishwasher safe!

  • Age: 3-24 months

  • MSRP: $6.99 | BuyBuyBaby

White Leaf | Organic Baby Food Blends – Pouches

  • Healthy soil = Healthy food. White Leaf Provisions is a family run business bringing the first 100% regeneratively farmed, Biodynamic®, Organic & GMO-Free baby food line to market in the US.

  • Flavors: Mango, Carrot, Banana & Pear; Apple, Sweet Potato & Beet; Pear, Banana & Kiwi; Carrot, Sweet Potato, Pea

  • Age: 6 months – Hungry Adults, with the exception of the Pear, Banana & Kiwi, which is 8 months – Hungry Adults

  • MSRP: $17.94 for a 6 pack, Buy Links: White Leaf

Precidio | Snack in the Box

BP imaging (Bochsler Photo Imaging)

The coolest snack container, featuring two separate chambers that are now shorter for those little hands. Each holds 6 ounces of your favorite dry snack and keep food from being crushed or mushed on the go. Also available in drink version.

  • Features two Tritan 6 ounce chambers and pop-up lids for easy pouring

  • BPA and Phthalate Free

  • MSRP: $9.99;

  • Drinkinthebox.com

Tub Buddies/Edushape

With bubble-shaped heads and friendly faces, Tub Buddies are the floating trio that keeps busy babies entertained for a relaxing tub time activity.

MSRP: $10.99

Age: 6 months+

Choosing The Right Clothes for Your Baby

When a family is expecting a baby, there is always confusion and excitement in equal measures. Confusion is more when it’s the first baby, and not even the most detailed baby guide could prepare anyone for what comes after pregnancy. No one knows exactly what to buy and when, and sometimes new parents end up buying all the wrong items. Baby clothes are some of the essentials that are least understood – parents may buy outfits just because they look cute without any real consideration to factors such as size, comfort and safety. Here are some of the most important factors you should consider first before purchasing any clothing for your baby: 

FABRIC

The fabric that makes up our baby’s clothes is important as it will determine how comfortable, durable and safe they are. Seeing as a newborn’s skin is very sensitive, you should go for very soft fabrics with a smooth surface. Natural wool and silk are ideal contrary to synthetic fibres. The fabric should also both handwashing and washing machine friendly. This ensures that they retain their quality each time they are washed and don’t shrink or expand randomly. Also, be sure to check if your baby has allergic reactions to any materials, and steer clear from them.

PRICE

Baby clothes can be an all-in-one package that is of high-quality and still be pocket friendly. However, it is crucial to never compromise the quality over price due to the baby’s sensitive nature, in as much as you would want to cut costs. There is a variety of clothes to choose from, and it is advisable to browse extensively to get the best deals before making the actual purchase. The internet has become one of the best platforms to do your shopping because you’ll get reviews and feedbacks from the many clients who have purchased clothes from different stores.

STYLE

While this is not necessarily an essential factor, it is worth noting that pictures have become the in-thing with baby accounts on popular social media platforms increasing every day. Popular babies are rich babies, and they aren’t popular for nothing. You can always get good quality pictures anytime and anywhere, but your baby’s style will always be the most noticeable factor. Even if you just want to share with your loved ones or to simply keep them as memories before the child grows up, a good taste of style and fashion will make them even more memorable. Your baby can look stylish in the trendiest of outfits and still be comfortable. Well-designed baby clothes of high quality can be even be passed down to younger siblings when the baby outgrows them. It is advisable to shop for unisex clothes as it tends to make it easier to sell them, give them away or pass them down.

FUNCTIONALITY AND SAFETY

Newborns spend most of their time sleeping. You should, therefore, choose clothes that are more suited for sleeping in terms of comfort and safety. Onesies, for instance, are perfect as they cover the baby neck to toe to keep them warm without the need to keep adjusting them. Simple onesies don’t pose any suffocation or choking hazards.

You should also consider purchasing clothes that are easy to change, considering the messy nature of babies. They need to change their clothes a couple of times every day, so the clothes should be easy to remove and put on without unnecessary difficulty. This will make sure that you spend a minimum amount of time dressing and undressing them. 

Regarding safety, please consider flame-resistant sleepwear to protect the baby from burns. Garments without drawstrings around the neck area should also be useful in minimizing the risk of strangulation. 

SIZE

The worst thing that could happen to you after buying baby clothes is finding out that they don’t fit. Babies grow at a considerable rate. They can outgrow their outfits weeks, and others in just a few days. Before you make any purchases, you should ensure you know your baby’s exact size and can easily convert it to whichever measurements that are being used. If you are not sure how to go about that, please seek help from the store attendant if you are shopping in a physical store, or use the help page for an online seller.

Babies should have enough room to move and wiggle around for the sake of their safety and comfort as they sleep or play. If they are too large, the baby risks suffocation and even tripping if they are old enough to walk. Clothes that are too small are uncomfortable, restrict movement and also create safety issues. For instance, the neckline may be too tight and could cause difficulties in breathing, leading to possible strangulation. Very loose necklines tend to look baggy and less stylish, and may also lead to suffocation.

SEASON

Seasons change throughout the year, and the weather is never constantly hot or cold. Parents should have a clear plan to get the appropriate dressing according to the weather and climatic factors in their location. You should always focus on clothes that can be utilized immediately, depending on the weather changes. Summer should comprise of light clothes with loose knitting for sufficient aeration and temperature regulation. Tightly knit clothes could overheat the baby in hot weather and lead to severe effects. Warm and slightly heavy clothes should be stocked up for the colder seasons to help the baby retain heat.

Shopping for baby clothes can be just as much fun as it can be a nightmare. The best way to go about it is to have a good understanding of exactly what your baby needs. Ask yourself questions using the factors listed above for a clear picture of what you should be looking out for. Also, remember that at the end of the day, your baby’s safety and comfort will always beat price and style. It will be perfect to get all four in one but you should never compromise your baby’s safety to save a few coins. Happy hunting!

Top Mother’s Day Ideas For Mummies-To-Be

Expecting a baby? Congratulations! This is guaranteed to be the most magical, precious and utterly terrifying time of your life. You will face myriad challenges, but none of those challenges will outweigh the love and joy that your child will bring to you. As Mother’s Day approaches, here are our favourite Mother’s Day gifts for mums to be

Memorable Card

You don’t become a parent the moment you see your baby, you don’t even become a parent the day that your baby is conceived. You are officially a parent the second that you make that decision that you are ready to welcome that new addition to your family. 

For many, the journey from making that decision and actually having a baby or child living with them can be a long and painful one. So, cherish every step in the journey. There’s no better way to do this than with a mummy-to-be card to mum from bump/baby. 

Memories Book

Document the journey through parenthood with a beautiful memory book, the perfect Mother’s Day gift! From the first scan or photo to first Mother’s Day, steps, words – every precious memory can be recorded for years to come. (don’t make the mistake of thinking that you will remember everything; one day, they’ll ask what their first was and if you don’t write it down, you will definitely have to make it up). 

Mummy Pamper Pack

Most parents know very well that life never be the same again. And for mums, they know that their body won’t every truly be theirs again, either. Fill a pamper pack with her favourite things: books, candles, bubble bath, a miniature of her favourite tipple (one won’t hurt) and her favourite chocolate because, take our word for it, in a couple of years’ time, she isn’t going to get a look in on her own chocolate treats!

Fine Dining

Make the most of your last Mother’s Day as expectant parents, rather than actual parents, with an extravagant final hurrah. Go to a beautiful restaurant, take a trip away. This is your last opportunity to focus on the two of you for a while, so make sure that you enjoy every moment before your keenly waited arrival turns up and changes everything (for the better, we promise). 

Baby Shopping!

If you thought you had seen everything there was to see in the shopping world, you probably thought wrong. Having a child adds a whole new dimension to shopping and, no matter what your feelings normally are about retail therapy, you will probably love shopping for the newest member of your family. 

Buggies, clothes, toys, books, technology – there is so much out there, more innovations and cute designs than you ever dreamed of in your wildest imaginings! So, celebrate Mother’s Day with some baby-centric retail therapy and a decadent lunch, of course. 

Massage or Spa Day

As you prepare for the wonderful world of parenthood, the biggest adaptation, yet one that comes naturally to most parents, is the realisation that you won’t come first for at least the next 15 years. A massage or spa day is the perfect, indulgent treat where mum – or both- parents-to-be can relax and take care of themselves before they officially become parents. 

Families come in all shapes and sizes. The most important thing is that you love and cherish each other, and take time to show one another that you care.

What Is The Best Place For A Humidifier In A Baby’s Room?

There are many important things to consider when you are creating a baby’s room. Obviously, you want to make sure that you are creating the safest possible environment. To help with this, many parents choose to use a humidifier. This will allow you to control the amount of water vapor in the air. By keeping these levels in check, you will be able to prevent conditions like dry skin. You might also be able to help the baby breathe easier, by lubricating the nasal passages. However, to make sure that you get the maximum benefits, you need to position the humidifier carefully. To help you do this, we are going to share several useful tips. These have been based on extensive research. Three of the most useful websites have been shared below. 

  • https://www.livestrong.com/article/197018-how-to-use-a-humidifier-in-a-babys-room/
  • https://houseweather.org/best-humidifier-for-baby/
  • https://www.thespruce.com/humidifier-fast-facts-1908170

Choose The Right Height

The right height to use might depend on the type of humidifier that you choose to purchase. For example, you might want to place it on a small table. This will allow it to get better access to air circulation. In some cases, you need to consider placing it in an area that will limit the amount of property damage that can occur. For example, a more humid environment might impact on the carpets or flooring. This can increase the chances that mold or bacterial infections will occur. For this reason, you might want to place a towel under the device. In addition, you might want to avoid placing it near the walls. In some cases, the humidifier can spray up minerals. This can leave white marks on the walls. You can help prevent this by using distilled water. 

Consider Where It’s Needed The Most

You might also want to think about where the humidifier will provide the most benefits. To figure this out, you might want to use a device that measures the humidity. This will tell you which parts of the room have the lowest amounts of water vapor. By placing the device there, you will be able to improve the overall humidity. In addition, you might want to think about why you have purchased the humidifier. For example, if you want to use it to lubricate the nasal passages of your child, helping them breathe easier, you might want to place it closer to the bed. 

Your Child’s Age

You might also need to think about how old your child is. This will affect how active they are. For example, if they are able to walk around, you will have to make sure that they are protected from accidental injury. This means choosing a location where they won’t be able to knock the humidifier over. Some of these devices can be heavy, causing potential injury is they fall on top of your child. Choosing a safe position is especially important for warm mist humidifiers. These can spray hot steam, made by heating water. If accidentally knocked on their side, this hot water can come out, potentially burning your child. 

The Type Of Humidifier

There are multiple different types of humidifiers available on the market. Each of these has a slightly different method of adding moisture to the air. To ensure that you get the maximum benefits, you will need to consider the way the humidifier works. This will help inform the best positioning. For example, in some cases, an ultrasonic humidifier can release white dust. This is because of nutrients in the water. However, if ingested, this dust can create potential health problems. For this reason, you would have to place this is an area where the dust couldn’t be blown into the cot. Alternatively, you will need to make that warm mist or steam humidifiers are kept out of a child’s reach. This includes securing any cords which they might be tempted to pull. For these reasons, it might be wise to consider placing the humidifier several feet away from the bed.

Convenience

There are multiple maintenance activities that you will need to perform when you own a humidifier. For example, you might need to re-fill the tanks or change the filters. You will need to do these activities fairly frequently. For this reason, you might want to pick a location that will give you easy access to the humidifier. This often means placing it on a table, so you don’t need to bend over to pick the device up. Also, placing it into a metal tray will help you catch and remove excess moisture. This will reduce the amount of cleaning that you need to do. 

Avoid The Sunlight

The humidifier is designed to release water vapor into the air. This will allow you to create a more comfortable environment. However, it will also make it easier for bacteria and allergens to become established. There are a few things you can do to prevent this. First, you should avoid placing it in the sunlight. This can make it easier for airborne particulates, like mold spores, to become established. In addition, you will have to clean the device more frequently. Finally, you should make sure to choose a device that features a hygrometer. This records the amount of moisture in the air. When it gets too high, the device turns off. This will keep the room at a comfortable temperature while reducing the chances of bacterial growth. 

Noise

You might also want to think about the amount of noise that the device will produce. While some babies might find the low mechanical noise of a humidifier comforting, others might find that it makes them harder to get to sleep. By placing some distance between the bed and the humidifier, the amount of noise that it produces will become less important. If your baby is more sensitive to noise, you should check the product specifications. This will display how noisy the device will be, in decibels (dB). Then, you will be able to compare multiple devices to find the quietest model. 

Area Covered

Finally, different size humidifiers are designed to cover different areas. This will give you an indication of how close it will need to be for it to have any effect. If you are in doubt about the capacity of your humidifier, you should check the owner’s manual. If you haven’t purchased the humidifier yet, this is one of the most important areas for you to consider when making your decision. You will need to measure the size of your room. This will let you know what humidifier size you will need to select. Generally, the larger and more powerful the humidifier, the more expensive the price will become.

Conclusion

There are multiple things that expectant parents will need to consider. However, one of the most important is creating the best environment for their child. To do this, you will need to control the amount of humidity in the room. This will help protect your child’s health. To get the maximum benefits, you need to place this device correctly. So, pick the best place to put the humidifier in your babies’ room and make sure that they are kept happy and healthy as they develop.