Activities For Toddlers

Toddlers are full of energy and thriving to learn. How can you keep them entertained while also helping them learn? One great idea is to look into classes at your local community center. Local community centers offer a great deal of toddler classes, in which parents can participate too. This is especially great for parents who do not want to leave their toddlers.

Some classes that you might be able to find at your local community center include: music, finger painting, gymnastics or etc. Each of these classes helps to socialize your toddler, while providing them an opportunity to learn. Don;t want to have to commit to a weekly class? Well, some community centers offer seasonal activities, such as present making for Christmas time.

Have any of you taken your toddlers to any of these types of classes?

Baby Registries

Registering for your baby shower is such a thrilling time. How can you not look forward to running wild around the store of your picking, being able to scan whatever items you please? When it comes to baby registries, there are no definite rules. It is looked at as a personal choice on where to register and what. Below is a list of suggestions I have put together to help any of you struggling with choices pertaining to your baby shower registry.

1. Be sure to register at least 2 months prior to your baby shower, in order to give guests enough time to purchase your desired items.
2. Register at more than one location.  By doing so, you can have items with a wide price range and allow for an array of items.
3. Overestimate rather than underestimate. When choosing the quantities for items on your registry, it is better to register MORE of a particular item than LESS.
4. Do not register clearance items, as they may be sold out by the time guests go to buy them.
5. Include a URL to your registries in your baby shower invitations, in case guests want to purchase gifts online.

Happy Scanning!

What Should I Do With My Child's Old Clothes?

Children grow ot of clothes so fast, it almost makes you feel as though you are buying two sets of clothes per season. Although shopping for all of those clothes may be fun, the bill that you recieve for them is not! PLUS, after your child grows out of them, you have all of these extra clothes sitting around. What should you do with all of those extra clothes? SELL THEM!

... the clothes that do not have sentimental value, of course!

Search your area for consignment shops to try and sell of these clothes to. You can use popular search engines or even your phone book. A lot of places will offer you a certain amount for the clothes, or increase that amount if you take it in a store credit. Have any of you had ny luck with selling your kids old clothes to consignment shops? Leave me a comment below and let me know!

Baby Shower for Baby #2?

Recently, someone mentioned to me that they had attended a baby shower for a friend of theirs who was pregnant with their second child. Right away, she mentioned that others thought it was strange that she was going to a baby shower and buying gifts for her friend's second child. I have to admit, I was not one of those people. I do not see anything wrong with having a baby shower for your second, third fourth, etc child. Why not have another baby shower? Even if you have had other children, you probably need new items or additional items. A baby shower is a great place to get these items and to celebrate your pregnancy. I say, go for it!

Birthing Classes... Are They Necessary?

The answer: no. Although birthing classes are not necessary, they are very helpful. Some may have a pre-existing notion of what birthing classes are and what they consist of. It may be thought that they are filled with gross and scary birthing videos that will add anxiety to the birthing process. However, birthing classes are actually filled with tons of insight to the entire birthing process and tips to make you feel more comfortable when it is time to deliver. Personally, I found my birthing class to be great, as it taught me not only new breathing techniques, but also gave me insight as to what things would be helpful to have with me while giving birth. This made the entire process of packing my hospital bag much simpler, as I had an idea of what items from home would make me more comfortable while giving birth.

When it comes to deciding whether or not to sign up for birthing classes, do what makes you feel more comfortable. Are they necessary? No. However, would it hurt to try them out?

FAQs

What does being induced mean?
Being induced means that you are given medicine to enhance your labor.

What are Braxton Hick contractions?
 They are "fake" or "pre" contractions that get you ready for the real ones. don't be mistaken thoguh, they can cause discomfort, similar to a real contraction.


How can I tell the difference?
Real contractions will cause your stomach to harden. Additionally, if you are going in to labor, your contractions will be a set number of minutes apart.

When should I pack my hospital bag?
everyone is different, however I would suggest packing it when you hit 8 months (32 weeks)

What should I put in my hospital bag?
I would suggest bringing comfort items from home, such as your favorite blanket, a comfortable pillow, hair ties, pajamas(for you and baby), baby clothes, clothes to leave the hospital in, soaps and slippers!

Nesting

Nesting refers to the period of time right before you deliver when you want to get everything done! After months of being tired and feeling as though you are carrying a bowling ball around, you get a giant burst of energy. You wake up feeling refreshed and mentally coiling a list of things to do. What should you do when you are nesting? EVERYTHING! Well, not literally! However, you should take advantage of the burst of energy you are receiving and try to accomplish as much as possible. Make sure the baby's room is ready, your hospital bag is in order and any errands that may come up now until your delivery date. One important thing to remember though is don't overdo it! Do as much as you feel comfortable doing, but take a few short breaks during this time. When you begin nesting, you know delivery time is near!