Baby Showers

Remember the traditional baby shower, with its baby-themed games, gifts , and no husbands?  While these still remain, baby showers have evolved. Here are a few fresh new ideas!

The green shower

Green is in!  From organic cotton clothing, to cloth diapers and eco-friendly toys, the possibilities are endless. Some moms even request "gently worn" clothing to continue the upcycle theme.   Continue the green theme by giving small potted plants as party favors, serving a farm to table buffet and using paperless invites.

The dad shower

Why should dads  be left out?  Have a "Diapers for Dads" shower, inviting all the guys over for a BBQ and card game.  Just have them bring over a box of diapers and have some guy time fun.

The gender reveal shower

Instead of finding out your baby's sex via ultrasound, why not share the big moment with all your family and friends at your shower?

Ask your  doctor not to divulge the baby's gender to you.  Instead, ask them to write the baby's gender on a piece of paper and seal it in an envelope which is then given to your shower hostess. Your  hostess then  prepares a cake with either pink or blue frosting hidden on the inside which then reveals the baby's sex with the very first slice of cake.

The sprinkle

What if you are  a second or third time mom with plenty of hand me downs?  That's when you need a "sprinkle" rather than a shower.

Have guests bring diapers, gift cards, babysitting  coupons or frozen meals to stock the freezer with for after baby's birth.  

The Registry

Registering for baby gifts is a great idea.  That way your guests know exactly what you need and for  those who are unable to attend, they can ship the gift directly to your home.

 Atterdag Kids Baby Registry offers a wonderful selection of boutique baby gifts.  Gift wrapping is available  and they ship anywhere in the world!

Chic Teething Necklaces for Moms

Have you seen new moms wearing colorful necklaces lately and wondering what they were? Those are the new Chewbeads, a line of non-toxic chewable jewelry with chic mamas in mind. The soft beads are made of 100% FDA approved silicon, like pacifiers, and free of BPA, PVC, phthalates, cadmium and lead. The jewelry can be easily cleaned with soap and water or tossed into the dishwasher.

They are soft on babies gums and emerging teeth. They are a great sensory tool to help your baby focus while nursing, and contain no detachable parts.  And for sleep deprived moms, the bracelets are a great colorful reminder for which side you've just nursed on.

The necklaces and bracelets are available in a range of colors and styles. These are currently available at Atterdag Kids and make wonderful gifts too!

10 Kid and Toddler Superfoods

It's a fact of life: Chips, cupcakes, and lots of other not-so-nutritionally-noble foods are going to find their way into your child's mouth. Heck, if left to their own devices, a lot of kids wouldn't eat anything that didn't come out of a pizza or pasta box. But that's all the more reason to make sure the meals you serve up are packed with as much good stuff as possible.

Serve up these colorful, tasty, nutrient-packed superfoods, like blueberries, cocoa, cinnamon, and more healthy foods for kids. Plus, get healthy eating tips, exercise ideas, and more ways to shape up with Parenting’s Fit Generation 2011!

10 Pregnancy Myths

We all know them: Women who sail through their nine months loving every minute, full of the promise of the new life they carry within.

What's with the rest of us? It turns out that a host of factors - biological, psychological, and social - can trip up women on their way to delivery day.

Minefields can range from the stresses of work, to the monumental things happening to your body, to the worry over the life changes that come with bringing a child into the world.

Read the full article!

New from Magnolia Baby - The Payton & Penny Collections

Magnolia Baby specializes in Layette and Occasion wear. The designs are subtle and sophisticated, with no detail overlooked. Made with the highest grade pima cotton and the most delicate of hand embroideries. Featured here are a few of the latest lines from Magnolia Baby the Payton & Penny Collections.

Check out these adorable collections today!

10 Best Towns for Families

When Americans choose an area to live in, most of us yearn for the same things: fewer crowds; less concrete and hassles; more serenity, nature, and neighbors we can count on. That's why Family Circle singled out these small cities, where living costs, commute times, and crime rates are low, and the educational and cultural scenes are way above average. In all of them, moms and dads are stepping up to help their children thrive; they volunteer in schools, coach sports teams, and keep bike trails clean. As the people in these top towns will tell you, life is good. And if your community isn't among the winners, read on to learn ways you can make it warmer and friendlier.

The Truth About Labor Pain

It may seem surprising that labor pain varies dramatically from woman to woman, and even from pregnancy to pregnancy. Until you go through childbirth, you won’t know where on the spectrum you’ll fall. In this article, experts in the field as well as other labor veterans talk about the pain from both the professional and personal points of view.

Now Available at AtterdagKids.com: The Pink Juicy Scooter from Juicy Couture

This Juicy Couture Pink Scooter is a sure way to keep your child active and stylish this summer.

You won't find a better way to scoot around town! This exclusive two-wheel scooter features rubberized grip handles with streamers at sides, pink easy pivot wheels, Juicy Couture base and collapsible bar for easy storage and portability. Age range 8 - 12. Board measurement: 24"L x 4"W.

Check out the scooter and the other Juicy items AtterdagKids.com carries today.

Mad-Mommy Makeover

Hell hath no fury like an overtired, overstressed, overworked mom. Hard as it is to admit, we’re perfectly capable of freaking out and screaming at our kids—then beating ourselves up for it afterward. A full 93 percent of moms with 4-year-olds yell at their little ones at least once or twice a week, according to University of Texas research. In another survey, two thirds of moms say yelling is a primary guilt inducer.

If you find yourself snapping at your kids during breakfast, fuming in the car after work or losing it during the dinner-and-homework scramble, it’s time for a mad-mommy makeover.

25 Secrets of Happy Moms

Before you have a baby, it's impossible to imagine the highs you'll feel -- what can match seeing that big, toothless grin or watching him take those first wobbly steps? But it's just as hard to conceive of how stressful raising kids can be -- the worry, the fatigue, and the occasional pang over your lost freedom. The truth is, staying in good spirits with a little one at home can take some effort. But it's well worth it: Your happiness is not only vital for your own body and soul, but for your baby's too.

So how do you find your bliss amid diapers and dirty dishes? First, try to recognize the humor in the ridiculousness. Research shows that laughter can relieve stress by "resetting" your nervous systems. And employ a few (or all!) of these proven pick-me-ups to stay on the sunny side of mommyhood.

New Kissy Kissy Aviators Collection Now Available at AtterdagKids.com

Perfect for the little pilot in your life! The new Aviators line from Kissy Kissy features different types of planes, helicopters, stars, clouds and more. Made with the softest 100% Pima Cotton, Kissy Kissy Baby Clothes are the sweetest basics around.

AtterdagKids.com is proud to offer the largest selection of Kissy Kissy Basic and Premier lines. Check out the aviator collection today.

Your kid swallowed what? How to remove stuck objects

Grapefruit seeds, pins, Lego ninjas, plastic beads and button batteries: There's no end to what a curious child will jam into an orifice in the name of scientific experimentation.

Button batteries which rapidly corrode and leach chemicals, can be serious. Other objects, like the 40-centimeter long piece of dental floss swallowed by a toddler, resolve naturally.

This article presents what to look for and whether to panic, should you discover a foreign object lodged in your child.

The End-of-the-School-Year Gift: What to Get Your Kid's Teacher?

School is nearly out -- and the annual hunt for the perfect end-of-year teacher gift is on. What do you get that won't collect dust, garner a (private) yawn, or duplicate what every other mom buys?

This article presents iVillage's unofficial guide to teacher-gift giving.

7 Picky Eater Solutions

Nearly two thirds of parents describe at least one problem with their child's eating, according to a study in Contemporary Pediatrics. Although pickiness is normal and tends to lessen with age, you probably still feel you should do something if your child is living on frozen waffles. Know what you can do? Relax. There are no significant differences in overall nutrient intake between picky eaters and other kids, another study in the same journal found. And most likely, your child's diet seems worse than it is. See why in this article, and get plenty of tips on handling all kinds of fusspots -- even yours.

Perfect for Summer - New Swimsuits from Kate Mack!

With sparkly embellishments and tons of pizzazz, the swimsuits, coordinating cover-ups and flip flops have left both retailers and the public wanting more. Nowhere else in the market place can little girls find such princess-worthy swimsuits. Featured here is the Poolside Princess Halter Dress.

View the latest from Kate Mack at AtterdagKids.com!

Planning Tips: First Day Back at Work

Working moms go through a lot of firsts: first job, first promotion, first baby—and, of course, all of our kids’ firsts (you get the picture). Some are exhilarating, some exhausting, some painful, some proud. But the first that’s hard to beat for sheer emotional anxiety is the new mom’s first day back on the job after that tender time of bonding with her child.

It ain’t easy, as they say, but these tips can make your first day back feel a whole lot better.

10 Nursery Decor Trends We Love

Of all the prepping that needs to be done for baby’s arrival, planning the nursery is definitely one of the most fun. You may be waddling around like a duck towards the end, but you’ve got a mission -- you must find the right crib skirt! We talked to our favorite interior designers to inspire you with the biggest trends in nursery design. You and baby deserve a beautiful and comfy space; you’ll both be spending a lot of time in it!

Now Available: Kissy Kissy Beach Blanket Ducky Collection!

This new collection from Kissy Kissy is just in time for summer. The print features adorable ducks at the beach, beach balls, buckets filled with sand and more! Made with 100% pima cotton.

Check out the Kissy Kissy Beach Blanket Ducky Collection, and all of Kissy Kissy's other collections, at AtterdagKids.com.

How to Save for Baby's Future

With the economy still sluggish and your baby expenses mounting, you're probably too concerned with paying for diapers to think about paying for college. But your bambino will be dwelling in a dorm sooner than you expect. Plus, financial experts predict that school will only get more expensive; by the time today's newborns are packing up their extra-long twin sheets in 2028, four years at a private university will cost almost $350,000, and state schools could set you back as much as $116,000.

Don't panic: You don't need to have all that dough in the bank to make your kid's college dreams come true. Read the full article.

Get Ready For Summer With Swimsuits from Juicy Couture!

Now available at AtterdagKids.com, the latest collections of swimsuits from Juicy Couture. These are a great way to start summer out right! View the collection today.

AtterdagKids.com also carries accessories, jewelry, handbags, shoes, baby clothing and clothes for girls ages 2 - 14 from the Juicy Couture collection. Be sure to check them out today!

'Greening' Your Baby From Head to Toe

From organic food to eco-friendly fashion and hybrid cars, more and more people, including new parents, are "going green" these days. But, with so much information out there, the lifestyle change can often be overwhelming.

Get tips and helpful hints on how to "green" your baby's food, nursery, clothes and more!

The Truth about Boys and Girls

Recent brain research seems to explain why “boys will be boys” and “girls will be girls.” Does this mean our kids are destined to play out gender roles, or do we ultimately have influence over their choices of toys, clothes and activities?

Here’s the latest thinking, so you can decide on the best way to raise your child.

Now Available at AtterdagKids.com - Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy Backpacks

More than three little words, Petunia Pickle Bottom is a lifestyle -- a different way of looking at the world. And perhaps nowhere else is that difference more distinct, unique or decidedly fashionable than in the Petunia products themselves. A perennial exhibit of bold lines, daring colors and darling designer details, Petunia Pickle Bottom was created for the steadfast sophisticate inside every woman.

Featured here is the Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy Backpack in Brilliant Brussels. View all the Petunia Pickle Bottom collection by clicking here.

14 Fun, Easy (and Cheap!) Easter Crafts for Kids

Time to bust out those paintbrushes, glitter and hard-boiled eggs: It’s Easter! From cute chickies made from left-over baby socks to origami-inspired eggs and more, this article rounds up a bunch of easy-peasy Easter crafts from our favorite crafty mommy bloggers.

Check 'em out!

2011 Parents Magazine Cover Contest

Here's your chance to get your little one on the cover of Parents magazine! Upload photos of your child by June 25, 2011. 10 winners will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City to be photographed for an upcoming issue of Parents magazine! One child will appear on the cover. To enter, your child must be between 3 months and 6 years of age.

Don't forget to vote for your favorite entries! Each weekly winner will receive $250.

Find out more by clicking here.

Just in Time for Easter - The Bunnies By The Bay Collection!

Celebrate Easter right with an adorable outfit from the Bunnies by the Bay Collection! This line also features cute stuffed rabbits that would make a great gift.

With engaging art and playful wit, Bunnies By The Bay offers detailed designs and lush materials in timeless products that promise parents and grandparents a cherished heirloom in the years to come.

View the collection today!

The Working Mom Balancing Act

Mention "work-family balance" to a roomful of working women who have children, and the response you'll probably get is semi-hysterical laughter...followed by tired sighs. It's no small feat to carve out a life that balances all of your many needs and responsibilities yet doesn't make you feel like you've turned into a mouse endlessly running on a wheel.

Here, 11 strategies that can help you get there.

Must-Have All-Natural Baby Products

These days, everyone is eager to use all-natural products—those items that we can depend on to be healthy, organic, and eco-friendly. This is especially true when it comes to our children. Set aside your concerns, because Fit Pregnancy’s Melissa Foss put together a list for the TODAY show of some of her favorite natural products so that you know exactly what to look for when shopping for your baby.

Read the full list!

Now Available at AtterdagKids.com - Kissy Kissy Darling Daisies Collection

New from Kissy Kissy, this new collection features a beautiful pink color with a subtle print featuring daisies. Made with 100% soft Pima cotton.

View the Kissy Kissy Darling Daisies Collection today!

10 (surprising!) Prenatal Power Foods

As you know, folate, fiber and iron are essential nutrients for you and your growing baby. What you may not know is that you can get all three by eating chives. Or, how about adding figs to your diet to boost your calcium intake? From The 100 Healthiest Foods to Eat During Pregnancy, here are 10 unexpected (and delicious!) foods that will provide the nutrition you need during pregnancy.