From dressing them in newborn baby clothes to feeding them and all the way through to looking after their every single need, having your own baby brings unique physical and emotional challenges that you can't really appreciate until you have your own child. It is very very different than looking after other people's.
From the age of eleven I have been involved with babies. One of our neighbors had a baby girl and I used to go and play with her, watch her being fed, changed and bathed. As I became a teenager I used to baby-sit for neighbors and friends, a practice I continued until I got married.
Because of my love of babies and children I decided to take it up as a career. I started my working life training to be a pediatric nurse. Unfortunately because of family illness I was not able to finish my training. However, I still continued to take care of other people's babies and became adept at changing diapers, bathing them and giving a bottle. With all this experience you would think I would have been well prepared when I had my own first baby.
I certainly thought I knew enough to cope when I brought my daughter home from the hospital. Boy was I wrong. Yes I was capable of dealing with the practical aspects after all I'd looked after lots of very young babies over the years but what I hadn't factored in was the emotional side of things. It's easy to stay detached and cope when you don't have the responsibility of the baby twenty four seven but totally different when you are the mom and dad.
After giving birth you suddenly realize that this tiny, helpless miracle is wholly dependent on you for everything and you obviously want to make sure that you do things right. The first big hurdle comes with the first feeding time. If you are breastfeeding you have to learn how to do it right to avoid frustration for both you and your baby. But even if you are bottle feeding you have to learn how to make up the formula, and the best way to hold your baby to ensure they don't take in too much air when they are sucking.
Diaper changing is much easier these days especially if you use disposable diapers. When I had my children in the 1970s we used cloth diaper squares and even though I knew the different ways to fold them to fit the baby it somehow seemed a lot different now it was my baby. I was scared I might damage the umbilical stump or prick her with the pin, things I had never worried about before.
The same was true when it came to bathing her for the first time. I was worried I'd let her slide under the water or that I'd drop her when I was lifting her out of the bath. And was I too rough when drying her and was I making sure that she was properly dry so she wouldn't get a rash or chapped skin?
And how much harder is it to comfort a crying baby when you are tired and have no idea why she is crying having fed her, changed her, winded her and cuddled her? The more upset and frustrated you get the more that transmits through to this screaming bundle and it seems to become a vicious circle.
I am happy to say that I very soon became as competent caring for my baby as I had been when caring for other peoples children. It was far easier the second time around as you know more what to expect and you realize you are going to make mistakes but they usually turn out okay.
The feeling of wanting to be the perfect parent and get it right all the time never goes away even when your child is grown up and has a family of their own. When I look at my grown up family today and see what they have achieved I realize we did a pretty good job. And buying newborn baby clothes was the easy bit!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
More Than Baby Clothes
When I started this blog I not only wanted to focus on baby clothes and kids clothes but on other things to do with children - hence the "more" in the blog title. So here is one of the "more" postings about my experiences in looking after children.
Before I moved to the USA I owned a nursery (preschool) in the UK that took children from the age of 45 months until they started school at five years old. Parents often asked what they needed to do to prepare their child for nursery. Did they need to teach them to read, write, and recognize numbers or count? Important as these achievements are there are other skills children need to acquire before starting in a more educational setting.
Here are some of the most important things you can do to prepare your toddler for the first step to formal learning whether you are in the USA or the UK:
Before I moved to the USA I owned a nursery (preschool) in the UK that took children from the age of 45 months until they started school at five years old. Parents often asked what they needed to do to prepare their child for nursery. Did they need to teach them to read, write, and recognize numbers or count? Important as these achievements are there are other skills children need to acquire before starting in a more educational setting.
Here are some of the most important things you can do to prepare your toddler for the first step to formal learning whether you are in the USA or the UK:
- Talk to your child about what they can expect - make this fun and perhaps play a game of "let's go to preschool". The more fun your child has learning about what they are going to be doing once they start this new venture the easier it will be for them to settle.
- Visit the preschool so that they are familiar with where it is, the layout and to meet the staff and other children. After the initial visit with mom and dad I used to invite the child to come for one or two sessions (mom could leave them if they were happy to) so they got a chance to play and join in the activities.
- Make sure your child can listen to and follow simple instructions. This is a very important skill as during the course of the day they are going to have to follow the directions that the teacher gives them not only to help them learn but also for following safety procedures.
- Get your child used to sitting and listening to stories and joining in with songs and nursery rhymes.
- Teach your child to take turns. There are lots of activities where turn taking is important: in a conversation, playing games (as matching pairs, dominoes etc.) and waiting in line.
- Help them to be independent when it comes to personal care such as going to the bathroom, putting on and taking off their coat/sweater and taking off and putting on their shoes.
- Arrange for them to have play dates with children of a similar age so they get used to sharing, playing and socializing with other children.
- Make time to talk to and listen to your little one so that they are able to hold a conversation with other children and their teachers. It is also useful to teach them that it is okay to have all kinds of feelings but that there is a right and wrong way to express them.
- Be supportive of your child by praising their strengths and letting them develop at their own pace. All children are different and don't learn everything at the same age and there will be things that your child excels at and others that he's not so good at.
- Don't oversell the idea of preschool by saying things like "it'll be the best fun ever" or "there's nothing to be afraid of". Take seriously any fears and anxieties they have and reassure them.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Buying Cheap Baby Clothes And Kids Clothes Is Better Than Sacrificing Family Fun
In today’s economic downturn more and more parents are looking for ways to save money while still being able to enjoy family time with their babies and kids. Buying cheap baby clothes, cutting down on the amount of money spent on toys and clipping coupons to help with the grocery shopping bill are all measures that some families have had to adopt to help with the family budget.
But these cost cutting actions do not mean that you have to miss out on family outings. There are lots of activities you can enjoy together that are cost little or no money to enjoy.
The first thing I would suggest is to join your local library if you are not already a member. Not only will you be able to check out books to read to your child but many libraries have a range of free activities that you can join in.
For instance my local community library offers weekly preschool story sessions, baby story sessions and bedtime story sessions where the kids can go in their pajamas, take their favorite toy or blanket and cuddle up to hear someone else read a story for a change. They also get to socialize with other kids and their parents and learn to sit and listen.
My library also does a monthly family Saturday movie matinee where they show movies based on children's books. This is a great way for all the family to enjoy an inexpensive afternoon at the movies while bringing the characters of a favorite books to life. There is also a scrap booking session and a range of adult programs as well. Your library may well have other activities available so check it out.
Another suggestion is to visit a Toy Library if you have one in your area. Most toy libraries run sessions where your child and their caregiver (mom, dad, grandma or nanny) can go to play and then borrow toys to take home. Again it is a great place to help your child to learn the skills needed for later life such as interacting with other children and adults, learning to share and most important how to communicate with other children. Most toy libraries do charge a fee but I'm sure for those most in need there are some arrangements.
It is also worth checking out the bulletin boards in your local library, church, post office and grocery store for other activities that you can do with your little ones that are free or cost very little money.
Or if you are lucky enough to live near a park or a wooded area why not go on a nature walk and pack a picnic. Seeing how many different birds and animals you can see and hear is a great way to encourage your kids to use their eyes and ears and really take note of their surroundings.
You don't even need to go to the park, even in your own yard you'll be amazed at how many different sights, sounds and smells you will discover - for instance in the Fall try listening to see if you can hear a leaf drop from the tree.
Far too often in our busy lives we forget the simple pleasures in life like spending time talking to and listening to our children. Babies learn language and develop their brain from having interaction with mom and dad through conversation and play. Kids love to spend time doing things with their parents and you are the best ones to teach them about the world around them.
So even if you have to tighten your belt by buying cheap baby clothes and kid’s clothes and cutting down on trips to the movies or pizza restaurant there are plenty of other activities you can enjoy as a family. Who knows, you may all find that it's actually more enjoyable than sitting in front of the TV or computer and that as a family you learn the art of talking to each other again!
But these cost cutting actions do not mean that you have to miss out on family outings. There are lots of activities you can enjoy together that are cost little or no money to enjoy.
The first thing I would suggest is to join your local library if you are not already a member. Not only will you be able to check out books to read to your child but many libraries have a range of free activities that you can join in.
For instance my local community library offers weekly preschool story sessions, baby story sessions and bedtime story sessions where the kids can go in their pajamas, take their favorite toy or blanket and cuddle up to hear someone else read a story for a change. They also get to socialize with other kids and their parents and learn to sit and listen.
My library also does a monthly family Saturday movie matinee where they show movies based on children's books. This is a great way for all the family to enjoy an inexpensive afternoon at the movies while bringing the characters of a favorite books to life. There is also a scrap booking session and a range of adult programs as well. Your library may well have other activities available so check it out.
Another suggestion is to visit a Toy Library if you have one in your area. Most toy libraries run sessions where your child and their caregiver (mom, dad, grandma or nanny) can go to play and then borrow toys to take home. Again it is a great place to help your child to learn the skills needed for later life such as interacting with other children and adults, learning to share and most important how to communicate with other children. Most toy libraries do charge a fee but I'm sure for those most in need there are some arrangements.
It is also worth checking out the bulletin boards in your local library, church, post office and grocery store for other activities that you can do with your little ones that are free or cost very little money.
Or if you are lucky enough to live near a park or a wooded area why not go on a nature walk and pack a picnic. Seeing how many different birds and animals you can see and hear is a great way to encourage your kids to use their eyes and ears and really take note of their surroundings.
You don't even need to go to the park, even in your own yard you'll be amazed at how many different sights, sounds and smells you will discover - for instance in the Fall try listening to see if you can hear a leaf drop from the tree.
Far too often in our busy lives we forget the simple pleasures in life like spending time talking to and listening to our children. Babies learn language and develop their brain from having interaction with mom and dad through conversation and play. Kids love to spend time doing things with their parents and you are the best ones to teach them about the world around them.
So even if you have to tighten your belt by buying cheap baby clothes and kid’s clothes and cutting down on trips to the movies or pizza restaurant there are plenty of other activities you can enjoy as a family. Who knows, you may all find that it's actually more enjoyable than sitting in front of the TV or computer and that as a family you learn the art of talking to each other again!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
When Newborn Baby Clothes Are Too Big - How To Find Preemie Clothes
Finding newborn baby clothes has never been easier. From stores such as Target and Wal-Mart to designer stores like Ralph Lauren and Saks there are plenty to choose from to suit your budget. But how easy is it to find are baby clothes for the preemie baby or low birth weight baby?
I have a friend in the UK who had a preemie in the 1980s and the only store she could find premature baby clothes was in London about fifty miles away from where she lived. She visited the store and bought some clothes but they were very expensive and the choice was very limited. Fortunately she had friends and relatives who could knit and sew and they made some clothes for her son and she also bought some baby doll clothes.
With the advance in medical techniques, early babies in the industrialized countries have a greater survival rate than they did even twenty or thirty years ago. And with more and more IVF treatment there are probably more multiple births and these babies tend to have a lower birth weight. So you would expect that finding newborn baby clothes small enough for these precious little miracles would be much easier.
While some of the high street stores do carry a small range of premature baby clothes these are few and far between and it is still the case that for a greater choice you will need to go to a specialist baby store. Probably the best place to look is on the internet. There are far more outlets on line and they do not just sell preemie baby clothes but also diapers and other things you will need for your precious bundle.
Now that there are more and more realistic baby girl dolls and baby boy dolls there is a far greater selection of doll clothes that you can buy but be sure to make sure these are nice and soft without harsh seams to prevent damaging baby's delicate skin. Another alternative is to make your own clothes. Again the internet is a great source for patterns a lot of which are free.
Premature babies sleep a lot more than full term babies so for everyday wear newborn gowns or tee shirts are ideal clothes as they are comfortable and make diaper changing easy. You will obviously want a few cute outfits for those precious photos. Babies grow very quickly so in no time you will be buying cute newborn baby clothes to bring your bundle of joy home in.
I have a friend in the UK who had a preemie in the 1980s and the only store she could find premature baby clothes was in London about fifty miles away from where she lived. She visited the store and bought some clothes but they were very expensive and the choice was very limited. Fortunately she had friends and relatives who could knit and sew and they made some clothes for her son and she also bought some baby doll clothes.
With the advance in medical techniques, early babies in the industrialized countries have a greater survival rate than they did even twenty or thirty years ago. And with more and more IVF treatment there are probably more multiple births and these babies tend to have a lower birth weight. So you would expect that finding newborn baby clothes small enough for these precious little miracles would be much easier.
While some of the high street stores do carry a small range of premature baby clothes these are few and far between and it is still the case that for a greater choice you will need to go to a specialist baby store. Probably the best place to look is on the internet. There are far more outlets on line and they do not just sell preemie baby clothes but also diapers and other things you will need for your precious bundle.
Now that there are more and more realistic baby girl dolls and baby boy dolls there is a far greater selection of doll clothes that you can buy but be sure to make sure these are nice and soft without harsh seams to prevent damaging baby's delicate skin. Another alternative is to make your own clothes. Again the internet is a great source for patterns a lot of which are free.
Premature babies sleep a lot more than full term babies so for everyday wear newborn gowns or tee shirts are ideal clothes as they are comfortable and make diaper changing easy. You will obviously want a few cute outfits for those precious photos. Babies grow very quickly so in no time you will be buying cute newborn baby clothes to bring your bundle of joy home in.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Changing Baby Clothes And Changing Advice
Just like trends in baby clothes have changed over the years, so has the advice and products available to pregnant women. Even compared with thirty years ago, when I had my children, there is so much more known about what you should and should not do during your pregnancy. For instance, pregnant women were advised not to smoke when I had my children, but there was not the same advice about not drinking. Fortunately I was sick with just a few sips of alcohol from early in my first trimester so I cut it out totally until I stopped breastfeeding.
A healthy diet is obviously a must and the same was true during my pregnancies but we were not as aware of things to be avoided as today’s new moms are. Obviously far more research has been done on foods not to eat such as soft cheeses like feta, brie and goat’s cheese because of the risk of listeria or not eating under cooked or raw eggs because of the risk of salmonella or even fish such as tuna, swordfish and grouper because of the high mercury content.
We were also not made aware of the all the extra vitamins and minerals necessary to maintain mom's health as well as that of her unborn baby. Yes we knew to eat food rich in iron to prevent anemia and because it was vital to baby's growth but we were not as aware of the importance of folic acid as moms-to-be are today. Nowadays in addition to your diet there are nutritional supplements available to ensure that your body gets the vital ingredients so that you have a healthy pregnancy. There are lots of places to get information (online, books and your doctor) on what vitamins and minerals are important for you and your baby during pregnancy.
It is not just dietary advice that has changed over the years, so too have the number of products available to make pregnancy more comfortable. Maternity clothes no longer consist of just smock tops and dresses to hide your "bump" but are now modern and trendy and designed to proudly emphasize your growing stomach to the world.
But it is the availability of things like pregnancy pillows and support belts that I think I would have found a great help. The pillows look so comfortable and anything that aids restful sleep and helps relieve back ache by supporting your bump thus enabling you to find a comfortable position gets my vote. And the belts takes the pressure off your back when standing or walking.
In some ways I envy today’s moms because there is far more information available for them to help ensure they have a healthy baby and all the conveniences the twenty first century has to offer to make life easier for them both before the baby is born and afterwards. But just like millions of other women over the years we managed with the knowledge we had at the time and I am just thankful that my husband and I were blessed with two healthy children.
A healthy diet is obviously a must and the same was true during my pregnancies but we were not as aware of things to be avoided as today’s new moms are. Obviously far more research has been done on foods not to eat such as soft cheeses like feta, brie and goat’s cheese because of the risk of listeria or not eating under cooked or raw eggs because of the risk of salmonella or even fish such as tuna, swordfish and grouper because of the high mercury content.
We were also not made aware of the all the extra vitamins and minerals necessary to maintain mom's health as well as that of her unborn baby. Yes we knew to eat food rich in iron to prevent anemia and because it was vital to baby's growth but we were not as aware of the importance of folic acid as moms-to-be are today. Nowadays in addition to your diet there are nutritional supplements available to ensure that your body gets the vital ingredients so that you have a healthy pregnancy. There are lots of places to get information (online, books and your doctor) on what vitamins and minerals are important for you and your baby during pregnancy.
It is not just dietary advice that has changed over the years, so too have the number of products available to make pregnancy more comfortable. Maternity clothes no longer consist of just smock tops and dresses to hide your "bump" but are now modern and trendy and designed to proudly emphasize your growing stomach to the world.
But it is the availability of things like pregnancy pillows and support belts that I think I would have found a great help. The pillows look so comfortable and anything that aids restful sleep and helps relieve back ache by supporting your bump thus enabling you to find a comfortable position gets my vote. And the belts takes the pressure off your back when standing or walking.
In some ways I envy today’s moms because there is far more information available for them to help ensure they have a healthy baby and all the conveniences the twenty first century has to offer to make life easier for them both before the baby is born and afterwards. But just like millions of other women over the years we managed with the knowledge we had at the time and I am just thankful that my husband and I were blessed with two healthy children.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Baby Boys Clothes, Baby Girls Clothes And Getting The Best Value For Money
For most moms, baby boys clothes (or baby girl clothes!) for that newborn baby are seldom a problem. The excitement during the months leading up to the birth of your child usually means that you have time to plan and get things ready. At the same time, friends and family are almost as excited as you are - so they either buy sentimental gifts, new clothes or look through their baby's wardrobe and find baby clothes to hand on to you.
When the first few weeks have passed by, though, and your newborn baby is suddenly a lot bigger, you find that keeping up with his or her growth is a constant battle. And replacing really good and hardly-worn clothing is expensive.
So how can you minimize the costs and get the best value for money when you do need to buy new baby boys clothes or baby girls clothes? Here are some thoughts for you to keep in mind when the time comes:
When the first few weeks have passed by, though, and your newborn baby is suddenly a lot bigger, you find that keeping up with his or her growth is a constant battle. And replacing really good and hardly-worn clothing is expensive.
So how can you minimize the costs and get the best value for money when you do need to buy new baby boys clothes or baby girls clothes? Here are some thoughts for you to keep in mind when the time comes:
- First and maybe the most obvious: An excellent way to save money is to shop for baby clothes during big sales events at the stores because you can pick up some good bargains. Another good place to look is on the clearance rails which many retailers have, particularly when they are restocking for a new season.
- Always buy a larger size than your baby actually needs because babies grow so fast. Clothes that fit perfectly now are almost certainly going to be too small in a few weeks. Buying baby clothes in a larger size will extend the amount of time they will be wearable so that you will need to buy less often.
- Strange though it may sound, give some thought to the time of year before you do actually buy. If you are "buying ahead" as recommended above, think about the clothes labels that give size in terms of a baby's age, such as 9 or 12 months. Then consider what the weather or temperature will be like by the time your baby will be that many months old. This will help you to buy clothes that not only fit, but will also be suitable for the time of year.
- If you have ever struggled to get a wriggling or crying baby dressed, I am sure that you can recall the difficulty of using baby clothes with back openings or ones that go over the head and you probably agree that these are not a good idea. They also wear and tear quicker. Front opening outfits with either poppers or Velcro fastenings save you and your baby a lot of stress.
- Accept new and even used clothes (as long as the used clothes are in good condition, of course). If one of your relatives has older children, they may want to give you the baby clothes that they have finished with. These may even include new clothes that their baby didn't wear. This is a great way to save money, especially if they're things you were planning to buy yourself.
- Take a look at recovering some of the money you've spent on baby boys clothes or baby girls clothes when your child has grown too big for them. You could try to sell them at a yard sale, on eBay or maybe even a thrift shop. Sure, you're not going to get a huge amount of cash this way but at least you'll get something back.
- Not directly related to saving money, but something that can help to extend the life of your baby's clothes, is making sure that you have more than enough outfits. No matter how careful you are your baby is going to spill food down his clothes or dribble or be sick on them. If you have enough changes of clothes to deal with these messy accidents and you can avoid washing them constantly, they will last longer.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Baby & Toddler Clothes - Taking Care Of Them
Raising a family is undoubtedly one of the most difficult jobs in the world (and you can't find a user manual that tells you exactly how it works for every child!) and complexities even extend into the question of baby & toddler clothes. As science and technology has become more knowledgeable about skin allergies and sensitivities, some experts raise the question about using specialized detergents formulated exclusively for use on baby & toddler clothes and even crib sheets. But is it really necessary to go to this trouble and expense to take good care of them?
Obviously this adds yet another item to the list of expenses that parents take on when they start a family - as if it is not enough of a financial burden already. Setting up the nursery, buying a crib and a stroller in addition to the baby clothes, diapers and so on is followed by additions to the weekly budget including food, medical costs and other expenses. So how essential is it to add an extra and expensive detergent to the list?
Big companies have spent a lot of marketing money and worked very efficiently to exploit the idea that extra care is needed for baby clothes. Specialized baby clothes detergents are very similar to standard products. And often those that cause your baby's skin to become irritated could also do the same for your own skin. So why not try a detergent for the whole family that has no added coloring or perfume and is gentle?
Also remember that textile and clothing manufacturers use chemicals in preparing their clothes for final presentation out in the stores and these chemicals are known to be irritating to many people, so you should make sure that all new baby clothes and bedding are given a careful wash before you first use them. The same is true of used clothes that are given to you by your family members or your friends - a gentle wash before first putting them on your baby will minimize the risk of any rash developing. And of course a doctor or nurse should be asked to take a look at any rash that does develop.
The idea of using a specialized detergent for baby & toddler clothes has gained ground relatively recently and it was almost unknown until the last part of the twentieth century. But it is worth asking why a separate detergent is required when babies and toddlers come into contact with your clothes that are laundered in regular family detergent. Toddlers and babies are frequently held and cuddled closely, and their heads and faces touch your clothes also, don't they?
So in most cases the only articles of baby clothing that require separate washing are cloth diapers. Don't wash these with regular clothing, instead rinse them in the toilet bowl to dispose of any solid waste and then store them in a bucket with a lid on until they are ready for washing. Add in a couple of drops of tea tree oil to provide a deodorizer and disinfectant.
If you do use fabric conditioner in your laundry routine, try to make sure that you use one that is specifically prepared for sensitive skin and this should avoid irritation to your baby's skin. You can buy washing detergents that contain fabric softeners but if you are in doubt it is better to avoid them altogether.
And think carefully about how you dry your clothes. Babies and toddlers grow quickly and soon their clothes become too small - but you can minimize this problem by choosing the appropriate tumbler dryer setting. Use a low, gentle heat setting and this will limit the amount of clothing shrinkage.
Above all else, remember that modern babies are just as strong and tough as they have been for centuries - so putting their clothes in with the family laundry load is highly unlikely to cause too much harm!
Obviously this adds yet another item to the list of expenses that parents take on when they start a family - as if it is not enough of a financial burden already. Setting up the nursery, buying a crib and a stroller in addition to the baby clothes, diapers and so on is followed by additions to the weekly budget including food, medical costs and other expenses. So how essential is it to add an extra and expensive detergent to the list?
Big companies have spent a lot of marketing money and worked very efficiently to exploit the idea that extra care is needed for baby clothes. Specialized baby clothes detergents are very similar to standard products. And often those that cause your baby's skin to become irritated could also do the same for your own skin. So why not try a detergent for the whole family that has no added coloring or perfume and is gentle?
Also remember that textile and clothing manufacturers use chemicals in preparing their clothes for final presentation out in the stores and these chemicals are known to be irritating to many people, so you should make sure that all new baby clothes and bedding are given a careful wash before you first use them. The same is true of used clothes that are given to you by your family members or your friends - a gentle wash before first putting them on your baby will minimize the risk of any rash developing. And of course a doctor or nurse should be asked to take a look at any rash that does develop.
The idea of using a specialized detergent for baby & toddler clothes has gained ground relatively recently and it was almost unknown until the last part of the twentieth century. But it is worth asking why a separate detergent is required when babies and toddlers come into contact with your clothes that are laundered in regular family detergent. Toddlers and babies are frequently held and cuddled closely, and their heads and faces touch your clothes also, don't they?
So in most cases the only articles of baby clothing that require separate washing are cloth diapers. Don't wash these with regular clothing, instead rinse them in the toilet bowl to dispose of any solid waste and then store them in a bucket with a lid on until they are ready for washing. Add in a couple of drops of tea tree oil to provide a deodorizer and disinfectant.
If you do use fabric conditioner in your laundry routine, try to make sure that you use one that is specifically prepared for sensitive skin and this should avoid irritation to your baby's skin. You can buy washing detergents that contain fabric softeners but if you are in doubt it is better to avoid them altogether.
And think carefully about how you dry your clothes. Babies and toddlers grow quickly and soon their clothes become too small - but you can minimize this problem by choosing the appropriate tumbler dryer setting. Use a low, gentle heat setting and this will limit the amount of clothing shrinkage.
Above all else, remember that modern babies are just as strong and tough as they have been for centuries - so putting their clothes in with the family laundry load is highly unlikely to cause too much harm!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Baby Boy Clothes, Baby Girl Clothes and Vacations
Let's digress from the baby boy clothes and baby girl clothes subjects for a moment or two and think about a topic that's very important for all families - vacations. But when you've read every travel blog you can find, the idea of traveling off to faraway places may at first seem to be a daunting prospect, given all of the things you have to consider. It doesn't need to be, though.
Alright, there are lots of things to think about and in fact it's more than just a question of how many baby clothes to gather together. And whether you are visiting relatives or flying to some exotic paradise you need to make the experience as stress free a time for both mom and baby.
So what items are essential when traveling with a baby and do you need to take everything but the kitchen sink?
Your destination and mode of transport will have some impact on the amount you need to pack for baby. Here are some tips on some things you cannot leave home without and how to keep baby safe.
First of all, let's consider baby clothes:
One final piece of advice I would like to add - please keep babies out of the sun whenever possible. And this is worth emphasizing and repeating: sunscreen should never be used on babies younger than six months old and even infants older than six months should spend no longer than a few minutes in the sunshine. The sun will penetrate whatever baby clothes you put on them, so take lots of care.
Alright, there are lots of things to think about and in fact it's more than just a question of how many baby clothes to gather together. And whether you are visiting relatives or flying to some exotic paradise you need to make the experience as stress free a time for both mom and baby.
So what items are essential when traveling with a baby and do you need to take everything but the kitchen sink?
Your destination and mode of transport will have some impact on the amount you need to pack for baby. Here are some tips on some things you cannot leave home without and how to keep baby safe.
First of all, let's consider baby clothes:
- The amount of baby clothes you need depends on the facilities at your destination. Obviously if you are visiting relatives there will presumably be laundry facilities so you may not need to pack the baby’s entire wardrobe. If you are staying in a hotel you may need more clothes as not all hotels have laundry rooms. A lot of vacation rental homes have washing machines and tumble dryers but you would need to check this out at the time of booking.
- If you are going to a very warm, sunny climate make sure you have plenty of dark or brightly colored baby clothes that are made of closely woven fabric. These will help to block the harmful rays of the sun and protect your baby's delicate skin. Having some long sleeve garments is also advisable. Make sure you have at least one sun hat that covers the back of the neck, tops of the ears and shades the eyes. For older babies, sunglasses are a good idea.
- Your final destination and how long you are going for will determine how many diapers you need to take with you. Unless you are visiting a remote desert island chances are there will be a store where you can buy what you need.
- If you are breast feeding then you will have no need to pack formula for your baby. For those babies that are bottle fed, packing enough formula for the duration of your vacation is essential unless you know in advance that the particular brand you use is available at your destination.
- For those infants who are also on solid foods it is a good idea to try to research whether you can get their favorite varieties local to where you are staying if it is an area you are unfamiliar with.
- A sterilizer and bottle warmer are essential for your young baby. Check out the facilities at your accommodation to see if these can be provided or if you will need to take your own.
- For those families who are driving to their destination, a car seat is absolutely essential and if you are in your own vehicle you will already have one installed. For those families who are flying and maybe hiring a car on arrival, it may be less expensive to take a car seat with you rather than renting one with the car.
- Obviously when traveling with a baby, whether by car or plane a stroller is a must. If you are going somewhere sunny make sure the stroller has a canopy and maybe also a parasol to keep your baby in the shade.
- Update: we've just seen this blog that has a great baby/backpack carrier - take a look:
The Dear Dr.MOZ Baby Blog » Dadanana Baby and Toddler Backpack Carrier - Baby news, baby blogs, baby gear, and baby shower gifts!Finally you need to consider what other items are essential:
- No matter where or how you are traveling you will need to take some favorite toys and books to keep your baby amused.
- Don't forget that favorite blanky or security blanket to ensure baby settles more easily in a strange environment.
- Make sure you take any medication, especially prescription medicine, you think you may need for your little one as these may not be readily available. It is also a good idea to take a baby thermometer with you.
- Whether you are traveling by car or plane don't forget to pack your diaper bags with everything you need for the journey such as bottles, toys, pacifiers a change of clothes.
One final piece of advice I would like to add - please keep babies out of the sun whenever possible. And this is worth emphasizing and repeating: sunscreen should never be used on babies younger than six months old and even infants older than six months should spend no longer than a few minutes in the sunshine. The sun will penetrate whatever baby clothes you put on them, so take lots of care.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Newborn Baby Clothes
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One key element of the planning of course is to collect whatever newborn baby clothes will be needed for the first few weeks. And what about such things as getting the right colors - does that matter? Whether the baby is your first one or you have had previous children or even in the less common case where you are adopting a child or simply providing urgent advice to an expectant Mom who is searching for help, pre-planning is very important. Knowing the gender of the baby will help you decide what baby clothes to pack, but if you don't know, go with neutral colors until the newborn actually arrives.
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- Virtual Baby Shower: BuddhiWear Organic Clothing | Lisa Reviews - If you are looking for all organic clothing, then I have the place you need to start shopping Buddiwear Organic Clothing carries apparel for the entire family.
- Baby Clothes NORTH BEND | Organic Baby Clothes - Before I had my first child, I had not believed I would be part of a mothers group. Be that as it may, now that I have become a mother, talking to other mothers.
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There is no definitive number of clothes you need for your new baby whether they are newborn baby boy clothes or baby girl clothes. Experienced moms would suggest that practical, easily laundered baby clothes make life a lot simpler in the first few weeks. Baby clothes that are easy to put on and make diaper changing easier are good.
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- Make sure you have at least 5-10 onesies, either plain ones for use underneath pants and tops or the fancier ones as outerwear when its warmer.
- Use baby one piece sleeper suits in the first few weeks during the day - you'll need 5-10 of these.
- Baby gowns: 4 or 5 because they are invaluable when you're up in the night dealing with diaper changes. I would have made great use of these gowns when I had newborn babies.
- Bibs: 5-10, obviously to cater for the goo that newborn babies make even before they start on solid food.
- Burp cloths: lots and lots of these so that your clothes are protected and you're not constantly changing yourself as well as baby.
- 5 pairs of socks - little feet get cold even in a warm climate.
- 2 hats - it depends on the time of year your baby is born and the climate you live in as to type of hat i.e. knitted hat or sun hat.
- Keep baby warm with one baby coat, choosing the one you want that matches the season and the weather in your part of the world.
- Hooded towels: 2-3. One will keep baby snug and warm after a bath.
- Cotton mittens: 2 pairs at least, so that your new bundle of joy has less opportunity to scratch him or her self.
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Monday, March 9, 2009
Why Choose Trendy Baby Clothes?
More and more people seem to be looking for trendy baby clothes in stores and on the Internet so of course to cope with demand more and more suppliers are offering these items. There are many onesies for babies, separate tops and dresses that are not only functional but are also designed to reflect adult trends.
So why do people want their babies to have trendy baby clothes? Is it to make a fashion statement or because they want to mimic the way celebrities dress their baby? Perhaps some want their children's outfits to be miniature versions of their own. Whatever the reasons people have for choosing these clothes over more traditional ones the manufacturers and suppliers are certainly profiting from the demand.
Call me old fashioned but I actually like many of the traditional baby clothes. For instance I like the hand knitted outfits that were so popular when my own children were small. I remember knitting complete outfits like dresses, matinee coats and bonnets for my daughter and trousers, tops and hats for my son. Then there were lots of great patterns for mittens, booties and pram suits.
My Mum and many of her friends did crochet (an art I never mastered beyond being able to do a chain) so they would make beautiful crocheted garments for my daughter and lovely pram blankets for my son. For those who were gifted sewers or who had friends who could sew there were the hand made baby clothes and alright if you were not very good at sewing, like me, they did look home made but for those more skilled in the art they were able to make lovely clothes for a fraction of the cost of bought ones.
Nowadays the art of crafts such as knitting and sewing sadly seem to be dying out. This could be because we are all lead such busy lives and more and more Mums return to work after having a baby. I know I missed out on knitting for my own grandson when he was born because I was so busy at the time. It's a shame because I actually find knitting very relaxing and it also keeps your mind active. Another benefit is the fact that hand made clothes often cost less than store bought equivalent ones especially for "hand knitted".
Some people would argue that these days store bought clothes are made of materials which are softer and gentler on a baby's delicate skin and also environmentally friendly. However, you can buy natural fiber yarns and material like bamboo, cotton, soy and many more as well as the usual man made products so you can still be eco friendly.
There is also something unique about hand crafted baby clothes. You know there will never be another baby cardigan or sweater exactly the same because even if someone uses the same pattern as you chances are that the yarn will not be the same color or fiber and the material chosen for a dress will not be the same. So in choosing to make your own trendy baby clothes you can be assured that no other child will have exactly the same outfit as your baby.
Who knows maybe if more young people take up the art of knitting, crochet and sewing the next generation of trendy baby clothes will be those made at home by parents and grandparents and one thing that you can be sure of is that there will be whole lot of love in every stitch.
So why do people want their babies to have trendy baby clothes? Is it to make a fashion statement or because they want to mimic the way celebrities dress their baby? Perhaps some want their children's outfits to be miniature versions of their own. Whatever the reasons people have for choosing these clothes over more traditional ones the manufacturers and suppliers are certainly profiting from the demand.
Call me old fashioned but I actually like many of the traditional baby clothes. For instance I like the hand knitted outfits that were so popular when my own children were small. I remember knitting complete outfits like dresses, matinee coats and bonnets for my daughter and trousers, tops and hats for my son. Then there were lots of great patterns for mittens, booties and pram suits.
My Mum and many of her friends did crochet (an art I never mastered beyond being able to do a chain) so they would make beautiful crocheted garments for my daughter and lovely pram blankets for my son. For those who were gifted sewers or who had friends who could sew there were the hand made baby clothes and alright if you were not very good at sewing, like me, they did look home made but for those more skilled in the art they were able to make lovely clothes for a fraction of the cost of bought ones.
Nowadays the art of crafts such as knitting and sewing sadly seem to be dying out. This could be because we are all lead such busy lives and more and more Mums return to work after having a baby. I know I missed out on knitting for my own grandson when he was born because I was so busy at the time. It's a shame because I actually find knitting very relaxing and it also keeps your mind active. Another benefit is the fact that hand made clothes often cost less than store bought equivalent ones especially for "hand knitted".
Some people would argue that these days store bought clothes are made of materials which are softer and gentler on a baby's delicate skin and also environmentally friendly. However, you can buy natural fiber yarns and material like bamboo, cotton, soy and many more as well as the usual man made products so you can still be eco friendly.
There is also something unique about hand crafted baby clothes. You know there will never be another baby cardigan or sweater exactly the same because even if someone uses the same pattern as you chances are that the yarn will not be the same color or fiber and the material chosen for a dress will not be the same. So in choosing to make your own trendy baby clothes you can be assured that no other child will have exactly the same outfit as your baby.
Who knows maybe if more young people take up the art of knitting, crochet and sewing the next generation of trendy baby clothes will be those made at home by parents and grandparents and one thing that you can be sure of is that there will be whole lot of love in every stitch.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Baby Girl Clothes
When it comes to buying baby girl clothes the choice is almost limitless. We all coo and ooh and ah over the cute clothes that are out there in pinks, whites, pastel shades and even vibrant colors. Everyone thinks of baby girls as princesses, and rightly so, but not all little girls look right in lacy, frilly dresses even as a baby. And, when your baby gets to the active stage, at about four months old, these pretty dresses can actually prove a hindrance as they can inhibit movement
I am saying this from personal experience as I have a beautiful daughter, now grown up with a child of her own, who was definitely our princess and a beautiful baby with blonde hair and peaches and cream complexion but frilly dresses just did not look right on her. Many of you will disagree with me on this by arguing that all babies are beautiful, which they are, and all little girls look good in pretty dresses. Pretty dresses yes but not necessarily those with frills and lace on them.
Unfortunately, my daughter inherited some of my traits, in particular the fact that as my mother used to say "I didn't need to look for dirt, dirt found me" and the same could be said for my daughter. My parents had a corner shop, a Mom and Pop store I think they were called in America, which I used to work in up to the time I had my daughter. About twice a week I would put Kate in her pram (or if you're from the USA, you would call them "baby carriages" instead of baby prams) and walk about four miles to visit my parents and to proudly show off my beautiful baby to the regular customers who had known me since I was a little girl.
At five months old Kate was able to sit up on her own so I used to put the pram in the shop so she could see what was going on and interact with the customers. She would only be sitting in her pram just playing with her rattles and teethers but literally in the space of 15 minutes I would look at her and she would have grubby marks on her clothes and hands and face. Now I know she had not been given anything to eat or drink as she was never out of my sight but somehow the dirt had found her! I found that dungarees, or shorts and Tee shirts were far more practical than dresses as they were easier to wash and iron than dresses and they seemed to suit her character better.
My Mum always said she took after me because when I was little I had a best friend lived across the street and we played together all the time. Her Mum used to dress her in white lacy dresses all the time because she was the youngest of four children and all the others were boys. We used to play in the yard or in the street with our dolls doing exactly the same things but when it came time for us to go inside she would still be spotless and I would look like I'd rolled in the dirt!! I assume I must have been much like my daughter because my Mum used to buy plain, simple and easy to wash dresses for me to play in and they suited my character much better. I'm sure if jeans and dungarees had been around when I was small she would have found them far more practical for me.
There are so many cool, cute practical baby girl clothes on the market nowadays that you don't have to sacrifice style for functionality if your baby girl turns out to be a 'Tom boy" princess.
Knowing what I was like when I was a child and having a daughter of my own who from being a small baby managed to get grubby I now tend to buy pretty but practical baby girl clothes for any friends or relatives. Of course once the baby gets a few months old then I can ascertain whether frilly princess dresses are suitable or not and I love looking for them as it was something I missed out on when Kate was a baby.
I am saying this from personal experience as I have a beautiful daughter, now grown up with a child of her own, who was definitely our princess and a beautiful baby with blonde hair and peaches and cream complexion but frilly dresses just did not look right on her. Many of you will disagree with me on this by arguing that all babies are beautiful, which they are, and all little girls look good in pretty dresses. Pretty dresses yes but not necessarily those with frills and lace on them.
Unfortunately, my daughter inherited some of my traits, in particular the fact that as my mother used to say "I didn't need to look for dirt, dirt found me" and the same could be said for my daughter. My parents had a corner shop, a Mom and Pop store I think they were called in America, which I used to work in up to the time I had my daughter. About twice a week I would put Kate in her pram (or if you're from the USA, you would call them "baby carriages" instead of baby prams) and walk about four miles to visit my parents and to proudly show off my beautiful baby to the regular customers who had known me since I was a little girl.
At five months old Kate was able to sit up on her own so I used to put the pram in the shop so she could see what was going on and interact with the customers. She would only be sitting in her pram just playing with her rattles and teethers but literally in the space of 15 minutes I would look at her and she would have grubby marks on her clothes and hands and face. Now I know she had not been given anything to eat or drink as she was never out of my sight but somehow the dirt had found her! I found that dungarees, or shorts and Tee shirts were far more practical than dresses as they were easier to wash and iron than dresses and they seemed to suit her character better.
My Mum always said she took after me because when I was little I had a best friend lived across the street and we played together all the time. Her Mum used to dress her in white lacy dresses all the time because she was the youngest of four children and all the others were boys. We used to play in the yard or in the street with our dolls doing exactly the same things but when it came time for us to go inside she would still be spotless and I would look like I'd rolled in the dirt!! I assume I must have been much like my daughter because my Mum used to buy plain, simple and easy to wash dresses for me to play in and they suited my character much better. I'm sure if jeans and dungarees had been around when I was small she would have found them far more practical for me.
There are so many cool, cute practical baby girl clothes on the market nowadays that you don't have to sacrifice style for functionality if your baby girl turns out to be a 'Tom boy" princess.
Knowing what I was like when I was a child and having a daughter of my own who from being a small baby managed to get grubby I now tend to buy pretty but practical baby girl clothes for any friends or relatives. Of course once the baby gets a few months old then I can ascertain whether frilly princess dresses are suitable or not and I love looking for them as it was something I missed out on when Kate was a baby.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Newborn Baby Boys & Baby Boy Clothes
If you're lucky enough to have a newborn baby boy, what a fantastic range of baby boy clothes there are around these days and how different it is from when my son was born!
Back in the seventies in the UK when I had my children the choice of baby boy clothes was very limited, especially if you were on a tight budget like we were. Flea markets were one source of affordable clothes or there was Mothercare, a store that sold everything for mother's to be and infants up to 5 years old. The only trouble was that there was such little choice. There were plenty of footed sleepers but most of them were plain white, pale yellow, pale pink (not a color for baby boys) and occasionally pale blue but with no transfer or design on them. For summer there was the romper suit but again the choices were limited. Hand knitted coats, cardigans, hats, booties, and mittens were very common. I loved knitting baby clothes but my son also had a doting Grandma who never had a pair of knitting needles far from her side! And for really cold winter days there were the all in one snow suits.
How different things are today, there is an absolute plethora of places to buy baby boy clothes. Not only are there the usual sources like the department stores which carry a huge range of different brands but there are now more and more specialist baby stores like Baby's R Us, Carters, OshKosh B'gosh to name but a few. There are also so many sites on the internet to shop for baby clothes and you can get some really trendy stuff from any of these sources.
Having a grandson of my own I get spoiled for choice when shopping for clothes for him. I love the fact that you can now get body suits that look like polo shirts, long sleeved and short sleeved shirts for babies as young as 3 months, Jeans, joggers, camouflage trousers, khakis and twill pants for the same age group. And, check out the cool socks that are now available for babies like Trumpette socks. No longer do you have to buy boring socks when you can get socks that look like tennis shoes or ones that look like golf shoes or even camo booties. Your baby's little feet can now be warm and stylish at the same time!
Then there are all clothes that have designs on them from the Disney characters like Winnie-the-Pooh (a particular favorite of mine), jungle animals, spaceships and of course cars and trains. I have recently discovered a range of clothes from a company called Ooh La La Mama. They have a range of unique designs on their clothes which are really cool. The internet is full of different suppliers like these so check it out.
Today's parents have a seemingly infinite choice of where to buy baby clothes and also the particular style they want but there is still something to be said about the practicalities of choosing the more traditional style of baby boy clothes. For instance, in the first few months of life, clothes that are easy to wash and dry are far more practical as most babies will need more than one outfit a day especially if they are prone to throwing up. There are also those parents who don't want their baby to be a miniature adult because they grow up fast enough anyway and so they want them to look like a baby for that short time.
Whatever style you prefer, traditional or trendy baby boy clothes there is a huge choice out there.
Back in the seventies in the UK when I had my children the choice of baby boy clothes was very limited, especially if you were on a tight budget like we were. Flea markets were one source of affordable clothes or there was Mothercare, a store that sold everything for mother's to be and infants up to 5 years old. The only trouble was that there was such little choice. There were plenty of footed sleepers but most of them were plain white, pale yellow, pale pink (not a color for baby boys) and occasionally pale blue but with no transfer or design on them. For summer there was the romper suit but again the choices were limited. Hand knitted coats, cardigans, hats, booties, and mittens were very common. I loved knitting baby clothes but my son also had a doting Grandma who never had a pair of knitting needles far from her side! And for really cold winter days there were the all in one snow suits.
How different things are today, there is an absolute plethora of places to buy baby boy clothes. Not only are there the usual sources like the department stores which carry a huge range of different brands but there are now more and more specialist baby stores like Baby's R Us, Carters, OshKosh B'gosh to name but a few. There are also so many sites on the internet to shop for baby clothes and you can get some really trendy stuff from any of these sources.
Having a grandson of my own I get spoiled for choice when shopping for clothes for him. I love the fact that you can now get body suits that look like polo shirts, long sleeved and short sleeved shirts for babies as young as 3 months, Jeans, joggers, camouflage trousers, khakis and twill pants for the same age group. And, check out the cool socks that are now available for babies like Trumpette socks. No longer do you have to buy boring socks when you can get socks that look like tennis shoes or ones that look like golf shoes or even camo booties. Your baby's little feet can now be warm and stylish at the same time!
Then there are all clothes that have designs on them from the Disney characters like Winnie-the-Pooh (a particular favorite of mine), jungle animals, spaceships and of course cars and trains. I have recently discovered a range of clothes from a company called Ooh La La Mama. They have a range of unique designs on their clothes which are really cool. The internet is full of different suppliers like these so check it out.
Today's parents have a seemingly infinite choice of where to buy baby clothes and also the particular style they want but there is still something to be said about the practicalities of choosing the more traditional style of baby boy clothes. For instance, in the first few months of life, clothes that are easy to wash and dry are far more practical as most babies will need more than one outfit a day especially if they are prone to throwing up. There are also those parents who don't want their baby to be a miniature adult because they grow up fast enough anyway and so they want them to look like a baby for that short time.
Whatever style you prefer, traditional or trendy baby boy clothes there is a huge choice out there.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Cheap Baby Clothes and Recent Changes in the Law
As the recession hits harder parents are finding it increasingly difficult to find cheap baby clothes. A mainstay for those on limited budgets used to be Thrift stores, Goodwill and yard sales but the new law designed to keep lead contaminated products away from children means that for many these options are no longer available .
In February 2009 the new law restricting the amount of lead allowed in children's products came into effect. The new requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) document says
This new regulation has had a devastating effect on Thrift and Goodwill Stores across the nation. Many have taken not just all of their baby and children's products off the shelves but also all the baby clothes and kids clothes in case there is lead in the zips, buttons or printed designs. Millions of articles are being sent to land fills as obviously no one wants to face prosecution. The loss of revenue these stores face could force many of them to close down and for charitable ones like the Salvation Army there will be a loss of money used to help those in need.
Nobody would argue that any law that keeps our children safe from harmful substances is not good and necessary. However, the effect is going to be far reaching. Many single parent families, those on welfare and low incomes rely on these sources for affordable baby products. They are going to find they cannot afford to buy as many baby clothes and kids clothes because where they would be able to get items for a dollar or two they are now face with having to spend possibly double or more per garment.
So where can parents go to find safe cheap baby clothes? Stores such as Wal-Mart and Target usually have a good selection of clothes and often for prices less than the mall stores. If there is a Ross Store or Burlington Coat Factory near you they are also a good source of inexpensive clothes. It is also worth looking in the big department stores such as JC Penney and Sears as many of these have huge clearance sales going on and until the economic climate changes I think these sales will last a while.
In February 2009 the new law restricting the amount of lead allowed in children's products came into effect. The new requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) document says
"Under the new law, children’s products with more than 600 ppm total lead cannot lawfully be sold in the United States on or after February 10, 2009, even if they were manufactured before that date. The total lead limit drops to 300 ppm on August 14, 2009."They further go on to say that resellers of children's products do not have to test for lead content but if the do they sell products that have lead content above the recommended limits "they could face civil and/or criminal penalties."
This new regulation has had a devastating effect on Thrift and Goodwill Stores across the nation. Many have taken not just all of their baby and children's products off the shelves but also all the baby clothes and kids clothes in case there is lead in the zips, buttons or printed designs. Millions of articles are being sent to land fills as obviously no one wants to face prosecution. The loss of revenue these stores face could force many of them to close down and for charitable ones like the Salvation Army there will be a loss of money used to help those in need.
Nobody would argue that any law that keeps our children safe from harmful substances is not good and necessary. However, the effect is going to be far reaching. Many single parent families, those on welfare and low incomes rely on these sources for affordable baby products. They are going to find they cannot afford to buy as many baby clothes and kids clothes because where they would be able to get items for a dollar or two they are now face with having to spend possibly double or more per garment.
So where can parents go to find safe cheap baby clothes? Stores such as Wal-Mart and Target usually have a good selection of clothes and often for prices less than the mall stores. If there is a Ross Store or Burlington Coat Factory near you they are also a good source of inexpensive clothes. It is also worth looking in the big department stores such as JC Penney and Sears as many of these have huge clearance sales going on and until the economic climate changes I think these sales will last a while.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Baby clothes - they will always be needed
I have always enjoyed buying baby clothes and kids clothes whether for my own children or other peoples. And I started thinking about what a huge choice is out there in the shops. Sometimes when you go to the baby clothes section of a store you are overwhelmed with the array before you. If you are anything like me you will see one outfit and think "yes that's the one I like" and then move to another rail and see something else that catches your eye.
It used to be that there was a huge choice of cute baby girl clothes but very few baby boy clothes to choose from. Nowadays things have changed and there are some really cool cute baby boy clothes as well. I know this from personal experience as I am the proud grandma of an adorable 3 year old grandson who lives in the UK and I love looking for clothes for him.
In the UK when my children were young there were very few dedicated "baby stores" and not much choice even in those. They sold the basics like all in one sleepers, undershirts (these have been replaced by the bodysuit), booties etc. and they were mostly in white with no decorations on them. Department stores sometimes had a baby section but the clothes tended to be rather expensive. Today you can buy cool, cute, trendy baby clothes virtually anywhere from grocery stores to designer shops to online web sites with prices to suit every budget - take a look at this Cute Baby Onesies site for example.
Even in hard economic times, like those we are experiencing at the moment, babies and kids still need clothes and even if you are on a tight budget there are still places to shop where you can find inexpensive trendy designer baby clothes and kids clothes. I know in the UK there are a lot of "Charity Shops" (I think they are called "Thrift Shops" in America) and in the more expensive neighborhoods you can pick up some "nearly new" bargains and the money you spend goes to help a charity. Other places to look are the internet or classified ads in local papers. Mind you, at the moment all the stores are so desperate for custom that there are some bargains to be had in the sales.
Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying "In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes". Well I would like to add another certainty and that is as long as the human race survives there will always be babies being born and parents, relatives and friends shopping for baby clothes for them. Happy shopping and don't forget to check back here for more about cool, cute, trendy baby clothes.
It used to be that there was a huge choice of cute baby girl clothes but very few baby boy clothes to choose from. Nowadays things have changed and there are some really cool cute baby boy clothes as well. I know this from personal experience as I am the proud grandma of an adorable 3 year old grandson who lives in the UK and I love looking for clothes for him.
In the UK when my children were young there were very few dedicated "baby stores" and not much choice even in those. They sold the basics like all in one sleepers, undershirts (these have been replaced by the bodysuit), booties etc. and they were mostly in white with no decorations on them. Department stores sometimes had a baby section but the clothes tended to be rather expensive. Today you can buy cool, cute, trendy baby clothes virtually anywhere from grocery stores to designer shops to online web sites with prices to suit every budget - take a look at this Cute Baby Onesies site for example.
Even in hard economic times, like those we are experiencing at the moment, babies and kids still need clothes and even if you are on a tight budget there are still places to shop where you can find inexpensive trendy designer baby clothes and kids clothes. I know in the UK there are a lot of "Charity Shops" (I think they are called "Thrift Shops" in America) and in the more expensive neighborhoods you can pick up some "nearly new" bargains and the money you spend goes to help a charity. Other places to look are the internet or classified ads in local papers. Mind you, at the moment all the stores are so desperate for custom that there are some bargains to be had in the sales.
Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying "In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes". Well I would like to add another certainty and that is as long as the human race survives there will always be babies being born and parents, relatives and friends shopping for baby clothes for them. Happy shopping and don't forget to check back here for more about cool, cute, trendy baby clothes.
Cool Cute Trendy Baby Clothes, Kids Clothes & More
Welcome to Cool Cute Trendy Baby Clothes, Kids Clothes & more. As you might guess, we are going to be covering all sorts of topics related to cool baby clothes, cute baby clothes, trendy baby clothes, baby boy clothes, baby girl clothes and where we can, unique baby clothes and designer baby clothes.
Phew!
And we will also be trying to do much the same for kids clothes.
So please check back regularly for updates and if you have any questions leave us a comment.
Phew!
And we will also be trying to do much the same for kids clothes.
So please check back regularly for updates and if you have any questions leave us a comment.
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