Baby Bucks

In a climate where everything from box office hits to traffic stops makes headlines in blogs, newspapers and celebrity weeklies, it comes as no surprise that the more substantial life events of an A-lister -- say, the birth of a baby -- constitutes news.

Time and again, the if-you-build-it-they-will-come approach to covering the birth of celebrities' babies has worked, but why? While there are some fans who might rush to an online baby registry and buy a token of congratulations, history proves that far more people will rush to a newsstand and part with a few hard-earned dollars so they may catch a glimpse of Celebrity X's little miracle.

Full article.

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.

Here are the results of Family Circle's extensive research: Perfect places to call home.

Is it possible to train for the perfect birth?

A growing number of mothers-to-be are choosing to be active throughout their pregnancies, undergoing sometimes punishing regimes in a quest for the perfect - quick and easy - birth. The move is supported by doctors - this year medical charity The King's Fund claimed half of all maternal deaths in childbirth involved women who are overweight or obese.

But can exclusion diets, protein counting, self-hypnosis and strict gym plans guarantee moms-to-be a pain-free labor?

This article interviews three women who went into training for motherhood to describe their pregnancy and then reveal whether the birth went to plan.

Packing Smart for Famiy Trips This Summer

Starting June 15 -- just when we're taking off on long-planned vacations -- American Airlines will charge $15 each way for the first checked bag and $25 each way for the second checked bag, assuming you are flying domestically on a discounted ticket and are not a top-level frequent flier. So what's the good news? First, we do have summer and time with the kids to look forward to. We've got plenty of ammunition now for why our teenage daughter can't bring every pair of sandals she owns on vacation this summer, and why the 4-year-old can't bring his entire collection of dinosaurs, including the big ones.

We're all going to have to pack smarter -- even the kids. Read the full article!

Baby Steps: Get Ready for Walking

Walking is a baby's first big, well, step into toddlerhood. While those thrilling moments may still be a few weeks or months away, you can help him prepare for the big day. "Children love push toys because they allow them to move around in a way they couldn't before," says Tanya Remer Altmann, M.D., a pediatrician in Los Angeles. "Plus, they can help your prewalker find his balance."

Check out more reasons why push toys are a perfect match for your little one right now.

Celebrities and their baby business

Most expectant parents, concerned about the possibility of a miscarriage, wait until after the first three months of pregnancy to share the news with family and friends. But discretion is nearly impossible for those in the media spotlight.

In late December, Nicole Kidman, who had a miscarriage during her marriage to Tom Cruise, denied that she is expecting a baby with husband Keith Urban -- only to confirm it a week later. Jennifer Lopez, who welcomed twins with husband Marc Anthony in February, announced she was pregnant in November following denials by the couple.

Even so, attempts by celebrities to keep their pregnancies private doesn't stop celebrity magazines and gossip Web sites from issuing reports to the contrary.

Read the full article....

Parents juggle kids' wants, needs

Parents in all income brackets have the shaky economy on their minds, but in this spendy era of the $900 baby stroller and the ultra-birthday party, are they resisting the urge to splurge on their kids? Many acknowledge there's a blur between "necessities" and "luxuries" for their young ones as prices soar for everything from gas to milk. Indeed, some parents will always be able to afford designer-wear for toddlers and fancy cell phones for grade-schoolers, but more average earners are considering scaling back.
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Hey, baby

There are many factors to consider when naming your baby: family history, unfortunate nicknames that could result and, perhaps most important, what celebrity comes to mind when people hear the name.

Which got us wondering: Does a celebrity's popularity affect how many babies are named after him or her? To find out, we looked at a few years' worth of statistics from the Social Security Administration database -- which ranks the most popular baby names, from 1 to 1,000.

Here are some of the notable ups and downs.

Forget cutesy -- decor for baby grows up

Oh, baby, baby, baby.

Forget the cutesy teddy bears, and ditch the washed-out pinks and barely blues. Nurseries are going chic.

Matchy-match newborn nursery themes are being replaced with more modern and sophisticated motifs, while traditional pastels have morphed into bold brights and geometric patterns.

And parents-to-be, once obsessed with making the space perfect for a baby, are now opting to create a longer-term decor, one that not only blends with the rest of the house but also will be suitable as their newborn grows into toddlerhood and beyond.

Read more by clicking here.

The 2008 Golden Pacifier Awards

Every year Babytalk honors the newsmakers who look out for the little people -- babies, that is!From hands-on Hollywood dads to marathon moms, see who Babytalk thinks deserves a standing ovation.

Then, let us know what you think by voting for your favorites and telling us who we left out. (Self-nominations are welcome!)

Read more!

Celebrity Kids' Clothes: What Celebrity Kids are Wearing

Ah, the fabulous lives of celebrities and their kids. Celebrities are notorious for dropping large amounts of money on themselves, but they also spend lots and lots of money on their children. Celebrity kids have wardrobes packed with designer labels and funky, fun mini-fashions. Some of the outfits that these kids wear may cost more than your monthly car payment, but not all of these famous kids' fashions are over-the-top expensive. Some online boutiques are selling mid-priced items that are fun, fashionable, and affordable, so any kid can be dressed like a celebrity kid.

Full article....

Kiddie couture: Baby clothing is growing up

Designers of women's wear are increasingly turning their attention to the youngest consumers, one retail sector that hasn't hit a wall. Retailers say parents often want brands they wear themselves -- or wish they wore. When it comes to baby, apparently nothing is too extravagant. Sales of clothing for children younger than 3 spiked by 11.3 percent last year, while apparel sales overall rose only 2.9 percent, according to NPD Group, a market research company in Port Washington, N.Y.

Click here to read the full article.

Check out ZaraBella’s extensive selection of designer baby clothes.

8 Ways to Be a Better Parent

You want to be the kind of parent who takes the time to instill in your child good manners, habits, and behavior. But how? And with controlled chaos ruling the day, every day, when?

Relax: Good parenting happens in real time, on the spot, and in the moment. The trick is recognizing those moments when your actions and reactions can help your child learn and grow in the best possible ways. Here's help from top parenting experts -- and a few real moms.

Celebrity baby showers are going high-end

Last December, Jennifer Lopez tailored a wish list with local baby shop Petit Tresor that would make Santa squirm. A $3,495 enameled Silver Cross Balmoral stroller topped her registry, along with a $289 suede play mat and $349 cashmere outfits. Jessica Alba -- like Isla Fisher, Christina Aguilera and Naomi Watts -- all registered at ultra-chic Bel Bambini in West Hollywood for the $249.99 Svan high chair. What do high-end registries mean for the rest of us?

Read the full article...

What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag?

You’re in the final stretch, with only a few weeks to go before your due date. Now’s the time to pack a bag for all the essentials you’ll need during labor and after your baby is born.

This article by the Bumble Collection presents a list to help you remember everything you’ll need. It’s a good idea to have your bags packed by the time you are about 36 weeks pregnant, so that you’re not rushing around in early labor trying to get everything done then!

Hospitals vary in their policies about what you are allowed to bring with you when you have your baby. You may want to take a few items from home, such as your own pillows or cushions, to make the environment more personal and less clinical.

So, what to pack? Read on...

Star Moms' Weight-Loss Secrets

When it comes to losing weight after having a baby, most celebrities don't mess around. Blink and you may miss the time it takes many famous new moms to make the transition from bulging baby bump to red carpet ready.

That can be frustrating for the typical woman to watch. After all, she may not have quite the same resources available to the stars but wants just as badly to reclaim her body.

If you're a new mom eager to get in shape again, experts say there are a few things you can learn from the stars. While not all of their methods are worth mimicking, many are tried and true and could help you achieve notable results.

Full article....

Building a good relationship with your child's caregivers

Your work isn't over just because you've found your dream preschool or daycare center. In fact, it's only beginning. Your child's caregivers are counting on you to keep up your end of the bargain — they keep your child safe and secure while you're at work, and you agree not to take advantage of them.

This article provides some pointers on building a good relationship with your child's caregivers.

Damon, Moore put baby hand-me-downs on eBay for charity

Matt Damon's diaper bag, Julianne Moore's high chair, Elisabeth Hasselbeck's car seat and other celebrity baby hand-me-downs are going up for auction on eBay.

Famous parents donated their used baby items to Johnson's Celebrity Hand Me Down Auction, which will benefit such charities as March of Dimes, Save the Children, Zero to Three and Baby Buggy. The online auction begins April 29 and ends May 9.

Damon provided his black, messenger-style baby bag while Moore, a mother of two, donated a beachwood highchair that she calls her daughter Liv's special "sit at the table with the grown-ups" chair. Mariska Hargitay from Law & Order: Special Victims Unit gave an Adidas track suit outfit worn by her son, August.

Other celebrities participating in the auction include Shark actress Jeri Ryan and recent mother Elisabeth Rohm.

Source: USA Today

View the latest fashions in designer baby clothes at www.ZaraBella.com

Mother’s Day Gifts for New Moms

You've been a total Super Mommy, what with birthing the baby and all, logging scads of late-night feedings, and blowing about 10 million giggle-inducing raspberries. You deserve a little treat for yourself if you ask us.

Check out Parent’s Magazine’s picks for the coolest, how-have-you-lived-without-this gifts for new mamas. Print out your favorites to leave strategically around the house to give hubs the hint you want a little post-baby bonus, or make use of our send-to-a-friend feature (click the link in the upper right) to give a little nudge.

Good baby-product buying takes a strategy

Just because baby superstores have products stacked to the ceilings doesn’t mean most of what they stock is worth buying. In fact, parents should pass by much of it.

That’s the advice coming from Heather Maclean, who has made a business of cutting through the clutter of baby merchandise. The mother of three’s new book, “The Baby Gizmo Buying Guide,” doesn’t list branded items but guides parents through what kind of merchandise to buy to handle everything from sleepless nights to playtime during their child’s first years.

There is a lot to mull, given that $8.9 billion in baby products sold last year, according to the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, a trade group for the industry.

This article presents some excerpts from an interview with Maclean, who also helps run the Baby Gizmo Web site.

Baby Branding: Naming Little Tykes Today Can Be As Stressful As a Marketing Campaign

Somewhere between cooing over ultrasound images and registering for a bottle warmer or Diaper Genie, the debate begins.

Emily or Ethan? Christopher or Chloe?

Relatives lobby for old family names. Parents flip through books, checking into the old Irish meaning of the name Liam.

It used to be easier than this. But many of today's parents are planners. They track their baby's expected weekly progress in the womb through books and Web sites, and are enrolled in parenting classes by the second trimester. Coupled with the weight placed on first names in modern America -- your neighbor isn't Mrs. Johnston, but Shirley; a cashier looks at your credit card and calls you Doug rather than Mr. Smith -- choosing a name can be one of the most stressful prenatal tasks.

Click here for the full article.

The Most Expensive Celebrity Baby Photos

Never mind the baby's name or gender. These days, the real question surrounding A-list births is which tabloid will get the pictures first. It's an industry. Celebrity weeklies, forced to compete with a swarm of entertainment shows and tabloid-style blogs, all chronicling the minutia of celebrity life, have gone into a frenzy for exclusives. The result: The amount they're willing to pay for snaps of private moments has skyrocketed. And entrepreneurial celebrities stepping in to maintain control of--and profit from--their exposure, only fuel things further.

Click here to read the full article.

Hollywood Moms Glow With Hot Fashions

Imagine you're an expectant celebrity mom, eight months pregnant with a big belly and swollen ankles, but the paparazzi are following your every move so walking around in a smock and sensible shoes -- like the rest of us -- just won't do. Luckily, the baby boom in Hollywood has prompted another boom of sorts: maternity clothes offered from top designers.

Read the full article.

Check out the hottest fashions for kids at Zarabella.com.

Learn from the stars! Drop that baby weight

It’s hard enough to lose weight after having a baby, let alone if you’re a celebrity and doing it with the entire country watching your every move. The four women featured in this article did it successfully, and if you are pregnant or just had a baby, there are many ways to take off the extra pounds in a healthy, effective way.

Check out the article today!

The 10 Safest States for Kids

Of course, one of your top priorities as a parent is to keep your kids safe. It's never an easy job, but it could be a lot harder depending on which state you live in. Troubled by the fact that more than 5,600 kids die from injuries every year, Parents Magazine recently launched an exclusive three-month investigation of how safe it is for children around the nation. The verdict: It truly depends on where you live. After crunching the numbers on more than 30 criteria that involved protecting children from accidents or violence, we uncovered big differences that could impact your child's health.

Read the full article.

Splish Splash

We make sure what goes into our children’s bodies is healthy, but what about all those lotions, creams and washes that go on our kids? Alan Dattner, MD, New York holistic dermatologist, and founder of www.kiwimagonline.com , says, "Infants and children easily absorb chemical substances into their skin, and these are incorporated into their growing tissues." According to Dattner, ingredients like mineral oil (clogs pores), artificial color (potential allergen) and talc (lung irritant)—all common additives to mainstream children’s body care—should be avoided. "Exposure may be in small amounts," he adds, "but it can continue year after year, and we don't know the long-term effects."

So how can you tell if a product is safe? Click here to find out.

Multiple babies call for more household planning, flexibility

For most parents, hearing that they are having multiples is "joy mixed with terror mixed with moments of calm," says Patricia Malmstrom, co-author of "The Art of Parenting Twins" and director of Twin Services Consulting, a support Web site for parents with multiples. After absorbing the news, Malmstrom says, many parents-to-be find themselves "scrambling to find balance in the midst of a very unstable feeling."

Much of that scrambling centers on how to keep a household running smoothly - or just running - with two, three or more babies crying at once.

Read the full article.

Oh, baby! Look at you now in designer duds

While many adults find it difficult to dress fashionably, consider the plight of the toddler. There's nothing but applesauce-stained synthetic fabrics in their closets, and until those chubby fingers learn to fasten their own buttons, little girls are at the mercy of Mom.

However, as the average age of parents gets higher, they seem to be spending more money on their children's clothes. Mothers who have never owned Burberry items are splurging on designer plaid kilts for their kids.

Read the full article.

Check out Zarabella.com's large selection of designer baby clothes!

The Truth About Pregnancy Dreams

Catching a decent night's sleep when you're pregnant is tough, especially when your nights are filled with hormonally charged dreams that can be comforting, scary, or just plain weird.

Katie Smith, of Denver, recalls being awakened by the kookiest dream in her first trimester: "I was running down the freeway with my jogging stroller, chasing after a pickle. I finally caught up with it in the pickle shop and took it to the counter, where I realized I didn't have a quarter to pay for it. As I searched the stroller and my pockets for money, I woke up and went to the refrigerator to eat some pickles."

Indeed, Moms-to-be have a lot on their minds, and it surfaces during sleep. Here's what those wild visions might mean.

Celebrity tots get magazine bucks worth drooling over

They don't call 'em "bundles" for nothing. If you're a celebrity with a baby bump, what to expect when you're expecting is mega money - if you're lucky enough to sell their pictures.

We're headed into a bumper season of baby buggies. Halle Berry has welcomed daughter Nahla last Sunday, the day after Jennifer Lopez prepped month-old moppets Max and Emme for their first photo shoot.

While J.Lo's love don't cost a thing, the snaps of her duplicate darlings sure do. Estimates run from $4 million to $6 million for the cover shoot that hit People.com at 7 a.m. Thursday morning.
In 1953, the first cover of TV Guide boasted newborn Desi Arnaz Jr., only the son of the most famous woman on television.

In the half-century since, fascination with celebrity families has swollen to third-trimester levels.

Read the full article!

Health & Your Family

Today's families are especially hard-pressed. From endless information on the Internet to headlines that seem contradictory at every turn, it all can be overwhelming and confusing.

That's where relationship expert Dennie Hughes comes in. Having written the RelationTips column for USA WEEKEND over the past seven years, he has read thousands of letters from readers looking for ways to resolve personal issues. Many of those letters are from parents; some even come from kids. To give his readers the most up-to-date answers, he read dozens of magazines, websites and news releases, and I talk to experts in different fields. And one thing is clear: Matters of the heart often are triggered by those of the body. Our emotional health is intimately connected to our physical well-being.

Take a look at this article -- maybe you'll discover some ways to help your family grow more healthy, both inside and out.

Unique Baby Announcements

Your little one has finally arrived, and now it is time to let everyone know! This article details out a variety of unique baby announcements. Choose the best from the following categories:

Custom Announcements
Most stationers offer a range of standard announcements that can be personalized with different paper, colors, typography, and illustrations or motifs. Delivery time averages two to three weeks.

Preprinted, Off-the-Shelf Announcements
With space for all the vital statistics, preprinted announcements require a little more effort than custom-made cards. But they are typically less expensive and don't involve a wait for delivery.

Not Now, We're Bonding

When baby arrives, so do the guests. How do you get what you need—and discourage what you don’t—in those first few weeks at home? Let’s face it, babies are magnets. It’s like Bill Gates announcing he’s giving away Microsoft shares to all comers—the hordes descend. But, after 40 weeks of pregnancy, interminable hours of labor, and that long final push or C-section, you’re not exactly in party mode. How do you cope? Know what you need—and what you don’t need. Then make a plan to whip those visitors into shape.

Read the full article!

The Magic of Play

Today we call unstructured fun "free play." But many kids don't get nearly enough of it anymore, a growing chorus of child-development experts is warning. It may seem obvious that kids need to play. Trouble is, a lot of what passes for play lately doesn't quite cut it. "Playing" organized sports, for instance, isn't child-led or open-ended -- two key traits of true play. Neither is "playing" computer games -- and today's kids spend more time with computers, TV, and game screens than on any other activity except school and sleeping. Even babies miss playtime while watching "brain-building videos," going to classes, or being dazzled by toys that do the talking (and thinking) for them.

Nobody's suggesting that playtime should be another "to do" penciled on a parent's list and programmed into a child's day. Just the opposite, in fact. Providing it is as easy as stepping back and encouraging what comes naturally to your child, age by age.

Read the full article.

Babytalk Baby Tracker

Your baby probably already has his own little routines -- you just might not be able to see them yet. That's why Daniela Montalto, Ph.D., a pediatric neuropsychologist at New York University's Child Study Center developed this daily log exclusively for Babytalk readers. Use it to keep track of your little one's sleep, feeding, playtime and more. All you have to do is circle or "x" out the blocks of time for activity. For example, if he naps from 7am to 8am, circle or cross out those numbers. For time that begin on the quarter or half hour, simply write in "15" or "30" in the space above. In a couple of weeks, you should begin to see some patterns emerge -- and to make it easy on yourself, print out several copies now so you have enough to last you at least a month.

Get the Babytalk Baby Tracker!

15 things you need to know to care for Baby

Forget sugar and spice and everything nice. Your little one is a lot more complicated than that. USA WEEKEND wants to make sure you have a recipe for success, so each year we sift through the most recent scientific studies and research to compile this list of the 15 most important findings you need to know. From getting Baby to love her green beans to avoiding tooth decay, we've got you covered so your child can be the focus.
Read the full article!

Celebrity mother knows best (or how to dress your baby)

Never mind that celebrity mums (or dads) rarely make the best role models. Superstars from the pop, fashion and movie worlds have decided that they know best when it comes to dressing your newborn child. Not content at dabbling with perfumes, party frocks or even bed linen, celebrities now believe that the humble babygro is somewhat lacking when it comes to showbiz buzz.

Read the full article.

Angelina Jolie shows off baby bump

If the bump on her belly is any indication, Angelina Jolie really is pregnant. The actress created a stir at Saturday night's Spirit Awards when she showed up with partner Brad Pitt on her arm and a noticeably pregnant bulge.

Jolie ignored reporters' questions on the awards show carpet, but People magazine reported on its Web site that a source close to the couple confirmed that she and Pitt are "thrilled to be adding to their brood."

Jolie and Pitt are parents of a 1-year-old daughter, Shiloh, and three children adopted from Cambodia, Ethiopia and Vietnam. Their adopted children are Maddox, 6; Pax, 4; and Zahara, 3.

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Three Splurges Worth it for Expecting Mothers

If you are expecting a baby, you may find yourself spending more money than you have to. But relaxing the purse strings for some nonessentials every once in a while, as long as it doesn't wreak havoc with paying your bills or saving for something you really need, is important.

In her new book, "Expecting Money: The Essential Financial Plan for New and Growing Families," national credit and money-management expert Erica Sandberg details three types of indulgences for new parents that could be worth the expense.

Read the full article!

For ‘EcoMoms,’ Saving Earth Begins at Home

Move over, Tupperware. The EcoMom party has arrived, with its ever-expanding “to do” list that includes preparing waste-free school lunches; lobbying for green building codes; transforming oneself into a “locovore,” eating locally grown food; and remembering not to idle the car when picking up children from school (if one must drive). Here, the small talk is about the volatile compounds emitted by dry-erase markers at school.

Perhaps not since the days of “dishpan hands” has the household been so all-consuming. But instead of gleaming floors and sparkling dishes, the obsession is on installing compact fluorescent light bulbs, buying in bulk and using “smart” power strips that shut off electricity to the espresso machine, microwave, X-Box, VCR, coffee grinder, television and laptop when not in use.

Read the full article.

2008 Beautiful Baby Search Winner!

Click here to see this year's Beautiful Baby Search Winner who will appear on an upcoming cover of Parenting magazine and will also take home $125,000 toward a four-year college education!

You can also check out our Beautiful Baby Gallery for a sampling of the thousands of gorgeous children that were submitted for this year's search.

Dress your beautiful baby in today's hottest fashions - click here for more!

Welcome to Your Growing Belly

As your body makes a home for your little one, it's easy to marvel at the physical changes happening to you, especially to your belly.

Check out this gorgeous, month-by-month photo gallery of maternity images by photographer Sarah Merians. See how your belly grows -- and see how your baby grows!

Get Started Now!

Backyards for Kids

Give them room to roam outdoors and fun places to play and you'll create backyard memories that will last a lifetime--with the added benefit of getting kids away from their computers and video games.

Like its successful predecessor, Kids' Places to Play, Backyards for Kids is loaded with ideas and how-to instruction for building projects like swing sets and treehouses, with innovative ideas for integrating play areas into the overall landscape design that adults will appreciate as well.

Learn more about this book!

The 411 on Hiring a Nanny

The minute you hire a nanny, you're running a small business. And with that business come costs and legal implications that go beyond the base salary, including some you may have already thought of (like health insurance) and others you may not have considered (like gas money). Keep in mind that the information in this article assumes that you're paying your nanny legally. Though this will cost you more day to day, it's a lot cheaper than the legal fees you'll face if the IRS finds out you've been paying someone under the table.

Read the full article!

Kissy Kissy Spring 2008 Children’s Clothing Line Now Available at ZaraBella.com

ZaraBella.com, an online baby boutique that carries high quality designer baby clothes and accessories, announced that the Spring 2008 clothing line from Kissy Kissy are now available.

Kissy Kissy’s Spring 2008 collection includes the following adorable lines: Elephant Babies; Hawaii Print, Little Captain, Sea Bubbles, Speed Racer and more. Made with high quality, 100% Soft Pima Cotton, Kissy Kissy’s pieces are comfortable, stylish and sure to please anyone who receives them.

Shoppers should shop early at http://www.zarabella.com/ to get the best selection of Kissy Kissy Spring 2008 Collection.

Yummy mummies: Are moms under too much pressure to be hot?

It wasn’t all that long ago that baby boomer mothers embraced the soccer mom icon, with her elastic waistband jeans and big, bulky sweaters. That stereotype was lampooned on “Saturday Night Live,” which did a spoof on “mom jeans.” (“Because I’m not a woman, I’m a mother.”)

But then came Victoria Beckham and Kelly Ripa and Sarah Jessica Parker and Gwyneth Paltrow, svelte stars who had babies and then poured themselves back into their size 00 knickers within a matter of weeks. Suddenly it wasn’t good enough to have clean hair and spit-up-free clothing. As a 21st-century mother, you have to be ripped and buff and hot.

However, the relentless media focus on celebrity moms such as Demi Moore and Kate Moss is fueling the YM trend, making ordinary moms feel inadequate when they can’t attain the six-pack abs and cut biceps of the Hollywood crowd.

Read the full article.

2008 Beautiful Baby Search - Check out the Latest Entries!

Here's a preview of the hundreds of adorable entries Parenting Magazine has received for the 2008 Beautiful Baby Search. Five finalists will appear on Live with Regis and Kelly on February 11 and the winner will be featured on the cover of Parenting magazine.

Check back for more updates — more beautiful babies to come!

Kids' Birthday Parties: Your Top 10 Party Questions Answered!

You want to have a birthday party for your child, and you want to make it a success! Party Expert Linda Kaye offers insight on the top 10 party questions frequently asked, including how many children is the right number for a preschooler's party; how long should the party be; my child's birthday falls on a holiday. Should we move the party date; should we send the invitations to school with our child or mail the invitations; should we ask parents to stay and much more!

Read this valuable article!

J.Lo has baby shower on hotel roof

According to the NY Daily News, Jennifer Lopez and hubby Marc Anthony celebrated her status as a mom-to-be with a rooftop baby shower at the trendy Gramercy Park Hotel. Dressed in a black coat and with her hair swept up, the Bronx-born singer arrived at the Manhattan celeb hangout on Lexington Ave. near 22nd St. flanked by bodyguards.

J. Lo, due to give birth in a few weeks, was given matching pink and blue Tuni & G onesies last month from her sister Lynda Lopez. The pop star and actress has not said if she is expecting twins, although celebrity magazines have reported she is.

View the designer baby shower gifts available at Zarabella.com

Suri Cruise Brings Little Giraffe Blanket To Birthday Party

Did you notice the blanket Katie Holmes was holding in the recent pictures of TomKat going to Grier Henchy’s (Brooke Shield’s daughter) birthday party? It’s a Chenille Little Giraffe Baby Blanket. Very cute!

Get more details about the blanket here.

8 Super - Smart Discipline Fixes

Does discipline for babies sound Draconian?

If so, you're probably confusing discipline with punishment. But effective discipline is not about punishing; it's about teaching children to manage their behaviors and emotions so they grow into self-reliant, resilient individuals. It begins in infancy, when you gently nudge your baby onto a regular feeding and sleeping schedule. It continues when you later allow her to soothe herself to sleep or to entertain herself for brief periods. It extends into the toddler years, as you encourage her to flex her autonomy within safe limits. And it becomes paramount in the preschool years, as you nurture your child's emerging character and conscience.

Read the full article.

Starting School: Deciding When Your Child is Ready for Preschool or Kindergarten

For many kids, preschool is the first foray into the wider "big kid" world.

But deciding when your child is ready for it — and later, for kindergarten — can be confusing. This article presents tips and helps you figure out what's best for your child, and ways to ease the transition.

It also discusses finding the right school, important milestones, helps you solve some common problems and provides tips for the first day.

Read the full article from Parenting Magazine.

The Best High Chairs

Kid-tested for comfort and parent-approved for style and function, these high chairs rise above the masses.

Click here to see Cookie Magazine’s selection of high chairs in the following categories: best bargain; best basic; smoothest operator; most stowable; best height range; most durable and most adjustable.

Something for everyone!

Beautiful Baby Search 2008

Parenting magazine is partnering with Live with Regis and Kelly and Walgreens on the 2008 Beautiful Baby Search! Five finalists will be featured on Live and the winner will be featured on the cover of Parenting magazine.

Parents can enter their child by visiting liveregisandkelly.com and submitting a photo from Dec. 19, 2007 to Jan. 11, 2008. The Live and Parenting staffs will narrow down the thousands of entries to 10 semi-finalists, who will be announced on the show on Feb. 11, 2008. Viewers will be given the opportunity to vote for their favorites, and the top five contestants will be announced the following day. The winner will be selected from the results of a Parenting photo shoot, and will be announced on Live on Feb. 15, 2008. The lucky boy or girl will receive $125,000 for a 4-year college education and a spot on the cover of an upcoming issue of Parenting magazine!

View more details here….

7 Ways To Teach Your Kids How To Be Green

Few things are more exhilarating to a child than nature (think mud pies and fireflies), and you can lead by example. Giving your children organic foods, toys and clothes is one way to go green. But there's a lot more to raising green kids.

This article provides interesting tips and ideas on how to teach your kids how to be green.

Celeb babies are in the spotlight from Day 1

It's one thing to share wedding bliss with the world. It's quite another, many stars learn, when a newborn is the object of media attention. The first shot of a celebrity infant can mean big bucks — for stars, if they choose to sell images of their children; for paparazzi, if they don't; and for media publications either way.

With stars such as Jennifer Lopez, Halle Berry, Nicole Richie and Jamie Lynn Spears all expecting, the want-to-see in 2008 is going to be major. "It's the fundamental attraction of celebrities," says Larry Hackett, People's managing editor. "You see them as surrogate friends and neighbors, so when they go through these big life moments, you can't help but be curious as to what their kid looks like."

Many stars try to get ahead of the paparazzi by arranging first photos to be published in magazines. Patrick Dempsey, Marcia Cross and Tori Spelling went that route last year.

Read the full article from USA Today.

Designer Baby and Children’s Clothing Boutique ZaraBella Opens Doors in Solvang, CA

ZaraBella, an upscale boutique specializing in high quality designer baby and children’s clothing and accessories, today announced that it is now open for business in downtown Solvang, CA. The store is located at 453 Atterdag Road and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30am to 5:00pm.

ZaraBella, formerly known as Laura’s Trading Company, was created to fill the need for a fashionable store that carries an extensive selection of high quality, trendy clothing for babies and children, all in one place. Some of the popular brands the store carries include Kissy Kissy, ME TOO, Cachcach, Mish Mish, Mimi and Maggie, Kumquat, Jade Jeans and much more.

ZaraBella offers personal shopper services, an online gift registry and personalized gift giving packages. The store also has a complete web site, located at http://www.zarabella.com/ where shoppers can view the extensive selection that is also available in the store.

First and Only Baby Memory Book For Preemies Now Available

Parents of preemies now have a place to keep their child's milestones and memories. The new Preemie Book of Memories, the first and only spiral bound baby book of its kind, is now available at www.KenziesHat.com (retail $16.99).

The book is designed especially for premature babies. It includes pages to record all of the typical things found in a baby book such as birth date, parent's names, grandparent's names, photos, and many firsts.

It also includes record keeping for memories unique to preemie parents, such as 'my home for awhile,' day-by-day and week-by-week recording, a weight conversion chart and a removable bereavement section. It also features pages for parents to journal and offers ideas on what to record such as the baby's first cry, tear, diaper change and date baby can wear real clothes.

Throughout the Preemie Book of Memories parents will find inspirational quotes and words of wisdom.

The Art of Regifting: Is It Okay To Regift Baby Items?

It is the holiday season, and let’s face it, your baby might get some gifts you don’t want to keep. There are a variety of reasons - the present was something you already had, it doesn’t fit your taste, it is for an older child, the wrong size, etc. However, there is an art to regifing, especially if you want to avoid offending the giver.

Read some guidelines from Parenting Magazine by clicking here.

Hollywood's Most Influential Infants

What comes to mind when you hear the name Shiloh? Chances are it's not the Civil War battleground or the hard-luck dog.

Most likely, it's the oft-photographed child of A-list couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, better known by their tabloid moniker "Brangelina." That wide-spread awareness has earned the A-list kiddie a spot at the top of Forbes' first-ever look at which Hollywood babies have the most effect on pop culture.

To determine which tykes were tops, Forbes looked at both Web presence and press clippings for more than 50 A-list offspring (5 years old and younger) over the course of a year. Then, with a whittled-down list, Forbes reached out to Encino, Calif.-based polling firm E-Poll Market Research for both awareness data for the kids and consumer-appeal rankings for their celebrity parents.

See the full list!

Sophia, Aiden top list of baby names for 2007

After three years of Emma, it's Sophia's turn at the top of the class roster, joining Aiden for his third stint.

A growing Hispanic population might be credited for some name climbers on BabyCenter.com's list of the most popular baby names for 2007, to be released today. Sophia has more of a Latin or continental appeal than its proper English successor, Emma. Xavier, Sebastian and Isabella are on the rise, while newcomers to the top 100, to be released next month, include Lila, Maria and Adrien.

But if anything sums up the Web site's latest hit names, it's a hunt for distinctiveness -- a trend that has rendered the annual list way more volatile in recent years than it used to be 10 or 20 years ago, back when Michael could sit securely on his throne for decades.

Experts have seen an influx of untraditional names and alternate spellings, to the point where "unique" has become conventional.

Read the full article

Holiday Travels with Baby

There's nothing more exciting than making the holiday rounds with a new baby to show off — for you, anyway. Your little one may have a different idea. Help him maintain an even keel with these stay-cheery tips:

Be greedy. Well-meaning relatives will be happy to meet the new addition and, of course, will want to hold him. To avoid hurt feelings, say something like "I'm going to hang on to him for now. The truth is he gets overwhelmed by crowds, so we're going to take it slow," suggests Claire Lerner, the director of parenting information and resources at Zero to Three, a national child-development organization in Washington, D.C.

Take a time-out. You may be enjoying chatting up cousin Carla over a leisurely dinner, but if your baby starts working his way to a meltdown, retreat from the crowd for a short time. Take him into a dark, quiet room and softly reassure him. You'll be surprised how quickly he can relax and recharge for the party's second half.

Go with his flow. Sure, you may always put him down for his morning nap at 9:15 and nurse him every two hours on the dot. But when you're traveling, those home routines just may not work. He may sleep a little more (or, God forbid, a little less), or he may feel like nursing more than usual just for the comfort of it. Or he may stick to his schedule like glue... who knows? The point: "Do whatever works in the moment," says Lerner. You'll be less stressed — and your baby will be, too.

Source: Parenting Magazine

A Magical Christmas Baby Shower

Awaiting an extra special present this holiday season? Then invite others to share the warmth of a Christmas baby shower with you. Celebrating the gift of life takes on a magical warm touch as friends and family enjoy the lights and warmth of a Christmas holiday.

This article presents some creative ideas related to invitations, activities, games, food, centerpieces, favors, prizes and more!

An Expectant Mom's Belly is the ‘Star of the Show'

In the old days, expectant mothers had one wardrobe mantra: camouflage, camouflage, camouflage. Bring out the oversized man's dress shirt and the borrowed, ill-fitting dress.

But today the idea is to reveal, not conceal. With Hollywood celebrities leading the way, maternity clothes skim snugly over the midsection. It's all about showcasing the tummy.

Picture pretty velour, knit and silky tunics and dresses in lively prints and interesting colors.

Click here to view the full article.

Baby can be the star of the show too! Dress your little one in the hottest fashions available for the holiday season. Click here for more.

Nicole Richie, Joel Madden Shower 100 Moms with Baby Gifts

Not many kids have a foundation launched in their honor before they're born. But that will be one of the many privileges bestowed upon Nicole Richie and Joel Madden's baby, due in January.

The couple hosted a surprise baby shower Monday for 100 expectant and new moms at the Los Angeles Free Clinic in Hollywood, where they handed out more than $200,000 worth of gifts. "The looks on their faces were priceless," Richie told reporters after the shower. "Some of them didn't even believe us [when they saw the gifts]. They thought we were joking."

The Richie Madden Children's Foundation (at richiemaddenfoundation.com), Madden said, was an idea the couple had when they found out they were expecting. "We grew up in Los Angeles," he said, "and we want our child to be a part of the community, and to know that there's a responsibility to help the community."

Read the full story at People Magazine’s web site.

El Dorado Hills baby a Gap contest finalist

El Dorado Hills has a burgeoning celebrity on its hands. But don't expect the fame to go to Dylan Barnhart's head - he's only 14 months old, after all. Barnhart is a top-20 finalist in babyGap and GapKids' nationwide search for new clothing models, beating out more than 800,000 contestants. Voting for the winner will start Dec. 15.

There were no casting calls or photo shoots to crack the top 20, though. Barnhart entered her son in the competition simply by sitting at her computer. "I was browsing the Gap Web site and saw the online ad for the contest," she said. "I clicked on it, and all I had to do was upload a picture. It was really easy and really quick. Honestly, I forgot about the whole thing for a few weeks."

She forgot about it, that is, until she received an unexpected phone call.

Read the full article!

Stylish Hats To Keep Baby Warm in Winter

Your sweet babe no longer has the benefit of a climate-controlled womb to protect her. She'll need a snuggly hat when venturing outdoors in cold weather. Your baby's first hat should be made of a soft, comfortable fabric that will trap warmth but still breathe, and be snug enough to stay put. When it comes to fit and versatility, you can't beat a knit cap.

Click here to see the top hats that Fit Pregnancy Magazine picked!

Click here to check out the stylish hats available at ZaraBella.com

Tips for Finding American (Lead Free!) Toys this Holiday

Toxic toys are on the minds of parents and grandparents this holiday shopping season. Lead, the environmental scourge that has scandalously been painted on and then sent to babies, toddlers and children by some of the biggest, formerly most-trusted names in childhood play, can cause serious neurological damage to our young.

Definitely not something for under the tree.

The Daily Green has reached out to Made-in-USA toy manufacturers all over America to find out what's available this holiday season for kids whose parents are willing to take that extra step to keep their kids (and homes) safe from this deadly environmental toxin.

This article includes 4 Tips for Buying USA-made Toys.

Choosing Your Baby’s Name

What’s in a name? A lot! Choosing your baby’s name is a big decision.

Millions of people have used iVillage’s collection of over 10,000 names to find a name for their baby-to-be or to learn what his or her name means. To find a name try the Quick Find feature. You can also check out our listing of Famous Names or our Dictionary, an alphabetical listing of all of our names. Also, you can vote on your favorite and least favorite names at Favorites.

Click here to access the Baby Name Finder.

Splurge vs. Steal: Cool Baby Gear You Can Afford

Sure, you knew having a baby was going to cause some big-time budget re-jiggering. (So long, Stuart Weitzman.) But as any preggo can attest, outfitting the nursery in an US Weekly-worthy Hollywood Mama style can cause some serious sticker shock these days. So we scoured stores for cheap-yet-chic versions of some of the hottest baby gear out there.

Check out these fashionable look-alikes.

The Basic Onesie Gets A Stylish Update

Without even trying, baby clothes can elicit a chorus of "oohs" and "aahs." But while ruffled dresses are cute and corduroy overalls are fine, the one baby fashion item parents can agree on is the onesie.

The two-in-one combo -- the best of a T-shirt and diaper cover meshed together -- gives parents easy access for diaper changes. They're no-frills, no-fuss (too bad the same can't always be said for the tot wearing them). Baby clothing labels have downsized the popular appeal of sassy statement tees and graphic prints and made them available in mini-you versions. Like other fashion trends, new prints and slogans appear all the time. Click here to read the full article.

ZaraBella.com has an adorable selection of onesies and other designer baby clothes. Click here to check them out!

New moms, get rid of the old sweats, reclaim your hipness!

You've weathered the childbirth aftershocks and have been happily cocooned with your snuggly baby for weeks, or even months now. You're still finding time to shower, most days, but comfy sweat pants have replaced the tailored slacks you once wore to the office. And your makeup and hair dryer? They've become abandoned relics of a more carefree, leisurely era.

But a time comes when every new mom must reclaim some degree of her former hipness. For the sake of your sanity, your friendships and maybe even your marriage, it's time to become a Hip Mama.

Even if you're on a tight budget, our tips can help you feel your best even on the days when you have run out of diapers, can't find your car keys (again) and have just discovered you've been walking around for hours with spit-up on your shoulder (again!).

Read the article....

New Looks for Moms and Babies

So your post-baby body doesn't look like Gwen Stefani's — that doesn't mean you have to resign yourself to looking like a sack of potatoes. These great products can spruce up your look in less than thirty seconds. Click here for more.

Also, click here to check out some of the hottest fashions for your new baby!

The Celebrity Stork Was Busy This Past Weekend!

CNN's Nancy Grace and her husband, David Linch, welcomed twins ... a bit earlier than expected. Lucy Elizabeth and John David were born Nov. 4, 2007. Grace, 48, was due near the end of the year, but developed fluid in her lungs. Her doctor determined "it would be best for Nancy, and for the twins" to deliver them ASAP, said her spokeswoman. John weighed 5 pounds 1 ounce; Lucy weighed in at 2 pounds, 15 ounces.

"Resident Evil" star Milla Jovovich gave birth to daughter Ever Gabo Anderson on Saturday. It's the first child for Jovovich and fiance, Paul Anderson. Anderson and Jovovich met when he directed her in the first "Resident Evil" flick.

Also, Food Network star and "Today" show contributor Giada De Laurentiis announced on the show Monday, Nov. 5 2007, she's expecting a baby in early April. It's the first child for the 37-year-old chef and her husband Todd Thompson.

Source: CBS4

Celebrity Baby Fashion

Do you think Tom and Katie are having a spiritual crisis? Are you obsessing that Brad and Angie are on the rocks? Whatever the relationship status of these superstar couples, there’s no denying they make beautiful babies!

That’s why we look today to the trendsetter babies - like Gwyneth’s Apple, Angie’s Shiloh, and Katie’s Suri - who keep all of our kids on the right fashion track.

Because whether your tot is the diva-in-a-diaper type, or the king of the sandbox, you want them to look good - celebrity style!

Read the full article!

Sheryl Crow’s Eco Baby Shower

Wee Generation presents eco-tips and tricks that made Sheryl Crow’s green baby shower a natural success. Party planner to the stars, Traci Phillips, gives a behind-the-scenes look at how the eco-shower was designed and offers easy-to-borrow elements that anyone can use for their next baby celebration.

Try these tips for your next baby shower or any event you are hosting for family and friends. Remember, nobody can do everything, but everybody can do something!

Click here to see the tips!

10 Questions For Modern Mom Felicity Huffman

Desperate Housewives star Felicity Huffman is no stranger to the awards circuit with an Emmy, an Obie, a Golden Globe, an Independent Spirit Award, and two Screen Actors Guild awards on her mantle...not to mention countless nods including an Academy Award nomination for Transamerica.

A true modern mom to two young girls (Sofia, 6, and Georgia, 4), the actress, author and entrepreneur tells us about the one award that she never expected

Full article.....

Hot Celebrity Mamas

Admit it: you're obsessed with celebrity pregnancies. You have to love that the bump is the great equalizer -- this is one thing you can't pay your people to do. 2007 is a very productive year for celeb baby arrivals; this article features all the stars we've had on Bumpwatch this year, including the ones who've already delivered.

Along with celebrity moms come celebrity babies. This picture shows Celebrity Baby Dannielynn (the late Anna Nicole Smith's daughter) wearing a balloon flower from Kumquat outfit for her 1st birthday party

Check out other clothing items from Kumquat!

Celeb: How Jessica Seinfeld Sneaks in Veggies

Jessica Seinfeld (yes, that's Jerry's Mrs.), mom of three -- Sascha, 6, Julian, 4, and Shepherd, 2 -- wanted mealtimes to be happy family events. But vegetables were getting in the way. Her kids refused to eat them. She begged, nagged, and pleaded. Then one evening, out of desperation, she stirred some pureed butternut squash she was making for the baby into the family's mac and cheese. It was the same color, and the kids never noticed they were eating a vegetable. "I realized then that I'd never have to say 'Eat your vegetables' again," says Seinfeld. Ever since, she's been mixing healthy vegetable purees -- foods the kids wouldn't touch otherwise -- into their fave dishes. And now she's written a cookbook so you can steal her sneaky tricks!

Read the full article.

Check out Jessica’s book.

10 Halloween Costumes Made by Real Moms

As hard as it may be to believe, Halloween is almost upon us! Don’t get stuck the day before piecing together a less than stellar looking costume for your little one.

This article asked crafty-mom types for costume ideas and they came through, big time. Steal these super-clever ideas, which even non-arty mamas can tackle.

View Kissy Kissy’s Pumpkin Patch Line - Perfect for Halloween!

Diaper Bags That Don't Look Like Diaper Bags

You've been there: trying to stuff bottles, onesies and binkies into your beloved purse to avoid toting around a diaper bag that's boxy, bulky, and way too cutesy. But breast-milk stains on your Marc Jacobs? Not a good look. Instead, show off one of these fashionably functional diaper bags, and just smile mysteriously when your non-mom friends want to know where you scored it.

View the full list of bags here.

Check out ZaraBella.com's hottest diaper bags here.

Parents turn to coaches to help with discipline

She is among a growing number of parent coaches nationally, while barely any existed a few years ago. More parents are seeking personally tailored answers to dilemmas. Many parent coaches follow the executive coaching model, which involves training business leaders to focus on positive leadership styles, and setting and achieving realistic goals. Some stress caution for parents with the dozens of options for coaching advertised online and in parent magazines. Coaching is not therapy. While some coaches are trained therapists or social workers, others simply are parents. Some make house calls, but many offer advice by phone or through online support groups at roughly $50 to $100 an hour.
Read the full article.

Furnish a Nursery In No Time

You're as big as a house, and you can't bear to leave the house. Maybe you've been so focused on getting your ducks in a row (and we don't mean quack, quack) before going on maternity leave that you've run out of time. Or maybe you're just plain superstitious and couldn't bring yourself to make a single purchase for your soon-to-be-born child. Whatever. You've got 37 onesies from your baby shower but no crib, no changing table, no rocker. Worst of all, you have to pee every 20 minutes, and a trip to a sprawling baby emporium might put you over the edge. Don't worry -- Cookie Magazine has scoured the market to find what you need and who will ship it you fast. All you have to do is point and click. Someone else can open the boxes when they arrive on your doorstep.

More information about designer baby clothes can be viewed at www.ZaraBella.com.

Working Mothers Want to Stay on the Job, Reporting Favorable Work/Life Balance, Survey Finds

An overwhelming majority of working mothers report that, if there were no obstacles, they would continue working, and most say that their work/life balance is always right or is right most of the time, according to the results of new Accenture research.

In an online survey of more than 700 working mothers in mid- to senior-level management positions, nearly 90 percent of the respondents reported that, if there were no obstacles, they would work either full-time, part-time or under a flex-time arrangement (reported by 31 percent, 26 percent and 33 percent of respondents, respectively). Just 11 percent said they would not work at all.

Additionally, almost three-quarters (74 percent) say that their work/life balance is always right or is right most of the time, and nearly seven in 10 respondents (69 percent) believe that women can “have it all.”

According to respondents, flex-time, part-time and a modified work week are the three most commonly offered flexibility programs (cited by 61 percent, 51 percent and 44 percent of respondents, respectively). But, while 37 percent say their companies offer telecommuting as a work option, that program (at 50 percent) tops the wish list of respondents to whom it’s not offered.

Other programs that respondents want but that are not offered by their employers include flex-time, employer-provided alternative day care and a modified work week (cited by 47 percent, 44 percent and 40 percent of respondents, respectively). Just 17 percent report that their employers do not offer any flex programs.

Today’s working mothers want the ease and convenience of shopping at home, and expect great selection, quality and service. ZaraBella.com delivers all of these, as well as rewarding loyal shoppers with discounts on shipping and future purchases. ZaraBella.com’s mission is to provide visitors with an extensive selection of high quality, designer baby clothes and hip children’s clothing, all in one place.

New school rules help, but kids must learn to choose good foods

Has it happened in your school yet? Have apples and carrots replaced ice cream and brownies on your lunch tray? Have teachers told you not to bring cupcakes on your birthday? If you answered yes, you're not alone. Schools across the country have made tougher rules about food over the past several years. The changes reflect concerns about kids' eating habits and health. Two-thirds of Americans are now overweight, including nearly one in five kids ages 6 to 19. Doctors and parents are worried. Being overweight increases a person's chances of developing serious health problems, such as diabetes or heart disease. To combat the obesity epidemic, states have passed laws requiring schools to develop lunch programs that are nutritionally balanced. Read the full article.

Toy Awards Guide

Remember when toys were just for fun? Now a stroll through the aisles feels like a product Olympics -- rows of fierce opponents lined up trying to outshine and outwow each other. Simply picking out a gift is tricky, when so many of them are boasting various gold and platinum seals as some sort of proof of their superiority over the others. What's the difference? This article from Cookie Magazine deconstructs the four most popular toy awards, along with recent winners.

It’s No Trick: Kissy Kissy’s Halloween Line Is A Treat!

Your little one will look absolutely bewitching dressed in Kissy Kissy’s new Pumpkin Patch line! Made with high quality, 100% Soft Pima Cotton, this print is comfortable, stylish and scare-ific! This line would also make a great gift for your favorite little ghost or goblin.

Be sure to check out the Spooktacular selection at ZaraBella.com, but hurry, since quantities are limited!

Shower Your Baby: 10 Gifts As Useful As They Are Cute

It's just so much fun creating your wish list of baby gear. (Also, it helps take your mind off morning sickness and swollen ankles.) Bedding sets in adorable themes, wipe warmers and baby cleansing products, humidifiers, sleep positioners, Boppies and Bumbos ... with so much merchandise out there, how do parents-to-be decide what they need? And how do well-meaning friends and relatives choose the perfect baby shower gifts? This article presents 10 gift ideas, most of them new to the marketplace, that aren't the same-old, same-old. (Because, really, how many receiving blankets and onesies can one little baby go through?) And don't worry, Dad hasn’t been left out -- he deserves some thoughtful gifts, too.

Back to School Guide: Keeping Kids Healthy

It is that time of year again – back to school time, which for many kids, means their health may be affected. Whether your child is in daycare, preschool, or beyond, this useful guide from Parenting Magazine, tells you what you need to know about how to protect your child and keep him or her well this year. Topics covered range from adjusting to new sleep schedules, school bus tips, better school lunches, not-so-usual ailments and a guide to common illnesses.

Understanding Your Kid’s Distinct Play Style

You know every child is different in looks, temperament, abilities, and so forth. Yet in this mass-market culture, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that those differences extend to the unique ways in which each kid plays. While conventional wisdom might say that “every kids wants a [fill in the most-hyped toy, shoe or electronic product here],” that’s simply not the case. In fact, kids have play styles as unique as their fingerprints. Understanding that will not only help you foster a great play environment that introduces new experiences but also give you ideas for gifts and shared activities.

http://www.kiwimagonline.com/articles/articlepage.php?art_id=63&cat_id=18

Strollers: Fold-up-and-go or baby SUV?

It has pneumatic tires and shock absorbers for an oh-so-smooth glide. There’s a cup holder for Mommy and adjustable handles so she won’t strain her back. To keep the sun at bay and the bugs away, Mom can clip on a nifty parasol or mosquito net for you.The cost for this beautifully bodacious baby buggy? Just $900. A far cry from the bucket-on-wheels that poor Victorian moms pushed, these strollers have big, fat tires so modern moms can stroll off-road on trails and beaches. They have rain covers, cargo pockets, weather thermometers and iPod hookups. That’s what you call fully loaded — some strollers call themselves “SUVs for babies” — and it’s what mommies demand, some retailers say. They want strollers that are compact, lightweight, easy to fold, easy to wheel over curbs and fit through doors, and have at least, at least, one cupholder. As seen in celebrity magazines, strollers have become just as hot an accessory as the babies themselves. The Dutch-designed Bugaboo has been the favored “power toy” of the Hollywood set for several years.

But is it a good idea to buy a stroller just because a supermodel pushes one? The editors of American Baby magazine don’t think so. American Baby’s bottom line on stroller buying? Any model safety-certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association will do.

http://www.timesrecordnews.com/news/2007/aug/21/strollers-fold--and-go-or-baby-suv/

Alpha Moms: Tuned In

Marketers and businesses have been courting a new breed of do-it-all moms. These "alpha moms" are the leaders of the pack, keeping up on the newest products and trends and passing the word on to their mommy peers. "Alpha moms are incredibly influential," says Isabel Kallman, CEO of Alpha Mom TV, a new cable TV channel that targets moms. She says if alpha moms believe in a new product, they'll become advocates in promoting it by word-of-mouth. That's why Nintendo tested out the Wii on alpha-mom focus groups months before its release.

http://www.entrepreneur.com/magazine/entrepreneur/2007/september/183020.html

Kissy Kissy’s 2007 Fall Collection has arrived!

Kissy Kissy’s 2007 Fall Collection has arrived!

Your little one will love Kissy Kissy’s new lines for Fall! The Touchdown and Pom Pom Prints are perfect for back to school and football season, and any child dressed in these pieces will score extra points in the cute department.

Kissy Kissy’s new Wee Woof Collection makes anyone forget the dog days of summer and break into a smile – they really are doggone cute!

One of the best things about Kissy Kissy’s lines – besides the great prints - is that they are created with the softest Pima cotton, making them both comfortable and stylish. These high quality pieces also make very popular gifts.

Be sure to check out the latest in these collections at http://www.zarabella.com/

Mom Surfs the Web Surprisingly Often

DoubleClick Performics recently unveiled data resulting from a search usage study targeting the "moms" segment and completed in cooperation with Microsoft and ROI Research, "Searcher Moms - A Search Behavior and Usage Study." The data illustrate heavy search engine usage in support of online purchases, offline purchases, coordinating travel and many other planning activities among moms.

Interesting findings of the study include:

- 70 percent use search engines to gather information before making any online purchase
- 57 percent use search engines to gather information before making any offline purchase
- 64 percent use search engines to find out where to purchase products offline
With regard to purchases made in the eight product categories included in the study:
- 92 percent said search engines were helpful in providing valuable information prior to purchasing
- 79 percent said search engines were helpful in providing valuable information prior to purchasing offline specifically

Regarding consumer packaged goods, respondents reported using search engines:
- To compare prices (72 percent)
- To find retail locations (71 percent)
- To gather product information (71 percent)

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/070821/20070821005346.html?.v=1

Top 20 Items To Pack In A Diaper BagBy Danielle Hollister

Top 20 Items To Pack In A Diaper BagBy Danielle Hollister

1. Diapers (5 -7 is a fairly safe supply)

2. Wipes

3. Cream (like Desitin, A&D ointment, Vaseline)

4. Baby Powder

5. At least one bottle of juice or milk

6. A few jars of baby food

7. At least one clean outfit

8. A few bibs

9. A few cloth diapers to clean up spit and other spills

10. Items to entertain your baby (rattles, books, toys)

11. Baby thermometer

12. Teething rings

13. Biter biscuits or similar type of crackers

14. Medicine for fevers, colds, related symptoms

15. Any prescription medications

16. Measuring device for medications

17. Baby Nail Clippers

18. Phone number of Baby's Physician

19. Any stuffed animals or favorite blankets your baby needs to fall asleep

20. Any parenting books you refer to frequently to find answers to unexpected questions

Resource Box - © Danielle Hollister (2004) is the Publisher of BellaOnline Quotations Zine - A free newsletter for quote lovers featuring more than 10,000 quotations in dozens of categories like - love, friendship, children, inspiration, success, wisdom, family, life, and many more. Read it online at - http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art8364.asp

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Danielle_Hollisterhttp://EzineArticles.com/?Top-20-Items-To-Pack-In-A-Diaper-Bag&id=3160

Etiquette for Baby ShowerBy Randy Wilson

Etiquette for Baby ShowerBy Randy Wilson

Etiquette for baby shower used to be quite rigid, but rules have relaxed in the past several years. Etiquette is a word that strikes fear in the heart of many party planners. You don’t want anyone to get upset or think that you are being rude. There are several rules of that you should be aware of. Whether or not you follow them is up to you.

It used to be that etiquette for baby shower said that mothers of the new parents should not plan a baby shower. Some people may have viewed this as a gift grab by the family. Even sisters were not supposed to plan the baby shower. However, in past years this rule has fallen by the wayside. If you are related to a new mom, go ahead and plan her baby shower to your heart’s content.

The next etiquette for baby showers rule you need to consider is whom to invite. If you know the new mom well, most of the guest list will be obvious. However, you should show her the list to make sure that no one has been left out.

If the shower is a surprise, run the list by a few people that are close to her. This way they might notice some names missing that you may have forgotten.

Invitations don’t follow any sort of baby shower etiquette rules anymore. People still enjoy receiving baby shower invitations in the mail, but you can phone guests or email them as well. Just be sure in the case of email that guests actually check it regularly!

Etiquette for a baby shower says that you should not ask guests to bring anything. You should not even imply that they are to bring a gift. This is obvious, but no one likes to be directly asked to spend money. If you are asking people to pitch in for a large gift, this is considered acceptable.

You should also not ask people to bring food with them. Most people will feel insulted that they are expected to bring a nice gift and now make some food as well. This is your job as the hostess. If you are doubtful that you can make all the food yourself, ask only close friends and relatives. Be sure to make them feel appreciated.

Etiquette for a baby shower also says when the best time to have the baby shower. Typically you should have it one to two months before the baby’s due date. This allows the mom time to put gifts on her registry. She can also have some time to purchase anything that she did not receive at the shower.

Party favors used to be expected. This is not at all necessary anymore, but still a lot of fun for the guests. Consider a small bag with baby related items, especially edible ones! You can find adorable chocolates and candies that are perfect for baby showers.

A final note on etiquette for a baby shower. You may be wondering if it is considered insensitive to invite someone who has recently miscarried. While attending a baby shower may be difficult for her, you should always give her the option of coming.

Baby shower etiquette is important, but not so much as with other events such as bridal showers. If you take other people’s feelings into consideration you will probably follow all necessary etiquette. Every group of people is different and something that offends one may not offend another. Try not to let etiquette determine too much of what you do, but listen to common sense. The perfect baby shower can be a piece of cake.

© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.
Randy has dozens more baby shower related articles such as Baby Shower Centerpieces and Diaper Cake How To.
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Rules of Thumb for Selecting Great Baby Shower Favors!

Rules of Thumb for Selecting Great Baby Shower Favors! by Cheryl Salto

As if there aren’t already enough details to tend to when hosting a baby shower, one final touch is selecting an appropriate baby shower favor. But it doesn’t have to be a chore with these few simple things to consider and basic rules of thumb that will help you pick great shower favors for your guests.

First, who is coming to the shower? Is there a favor that would be perfect for this particular group of guests based on something that you all share? Perhaps you were all sorority sisters or went to the same school or work in the same industry? This might be a cute angle to consider when choosing baby shower favors. One shower hostess recently used the common bond between guests when selecting their shower favors – they were all hair stylists, several who worked with the mother-to-be currently and the others from her previous salon – the baby shower favors were customized mint tins that exclaimed “Our newest stylist arriving soon!” with the baby’s name. Everyone loved them and commented on how unique they were.

The age of the guests is another thing to consider. Usually all age groups are represented at family showers and so a favor can be chosen with this in mind. However, if at your particular shower all the guests will be in one age range, this is yet another area that can play into your baby shower favor selection. One age range might appreciate something a little funkier and trendy than another; all simple things just to keep in mind when making your choices.

So with those areas considered it’s on to actually selecting your baby shower favors. Three categories that are always appreciated are a great way to approach your selection. Something edible, something usable or something personal – and sometimes if you’re lucky, your favor will fit all of the above!

Something edible – always a successful favor because well, it can be eaten! Who doesn’t enjoy an exquisite chocolate treat or delicious bakery cookie? From the simplest and most traditional favor of Jordan almonds in a lovely Italian bonboniere to a beautifully decorated cookie that corresponds with your shower theme or the sex of the baby if it’s known, you are bound to find something edible that could be the perfect baby shower favor.

Something usable – it seems these days that everyone is simplifying and they don’t want clutter to add to their homes -- so something that serves a purpose rather than a knick knack for a shelf or to get put in a drawer, is often most appreciated. A perfect solution for a special baby shower favor in this category is a lovely candle. With different scents to choose from as well as the many different shapes and sizes, your choice is sure to delight the guests as they remember this important day and the little one on the way when they burn their candle at home. Other options in this category are things like unique bookmarks, a picture frame or something gaining popularity are seeded favors that can be planted – what a delightful addition to someone’s garden or in a pretty pot on their windowsill. Something personal – in these computer times there are so many wonderful customizable or personalized baby shower favors available that this is a great area to choose from. You can use a picture of the mom-to-be or if the sex and name of the baby is known you can use them on virtually any type of baby shower favor to everyone’s delight. From a beautiful picture frame with the date of the shower to the mint tins mentioned earlier that can be customized with virtually any pictures, thoughts or designs that you wish, with just a touch of creativity, a beautifully personal favor is the result.

With these ideas in mind, keeping to these categories and putting in just a bit of thought and creativity, your baby shower favors are sure to be a success, just like the shower itself! Remember to enjoy yourself too as hostess as you honor your special friend at this important stage of her life. It’s these precious times and the celebrations that go with them that build the memories we’ll cherish long into our future.

Copyright 2006 AllInOneFunFavors.com

About The AuthorCheryl Salto loves helping to make celebrations personal and meaningful as the owner of AllInOneFunFavors.com specializing in providing an extensive online selection of baby shower favors for life’s most precious celebrations.

http://www.allinonefunfavors.com/baby-shower-favors.html

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Table Decorations for Baby Showers by T. Brandt

Table Decorations for Baby Showers by T. Brandt

Planning the table decorations for baby showers is one of those details that can often stump even the most coordinated party planner. There are so many choices that it can be overwhelming to make a choice. There are some unwritten rules that may help out a person who just can’t figure out what to use as table decorations for baby showers.

Usually the size and shape of the table makes a big difference on how the table is decorated. Round or square tables usually have a centerpiece, where rectangular tables usually have a runner. Round or square tables are smaller so the idea is to keep space for guests to eat and such without having the table decorations overbearing. That is why centerpiece style decorations often are used. Rectangular tables allow for more choice. There can be a long runner table decoration down the middle of the table or a few different centerpieces can be used down the center of the table. Many times favors double as decorations so they are each set at each place setting. The decorations usually follow the theme of the party, so once a person decides the type of decorations they want to use they can move on to choosing the particular decorations that match their theme.

These general ideas can really help a person to figure out exactly what they need for table decorations for baby showers. There are many options for table decorations for baby showers online and a person may also find more tips when looking.

This article is brought to you by The Baby Shower Zone - your experts on all baby shower related topics. For more information please visit The baby shower zone.
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Baby Shower Etiquette – Information and Guidelines by Bill Pool

Baby Shower Etiquette – Information and Guidelines by Bill Pool

Whether you’ve hosted baby showers before or not, possibilities are you’ve got some questions regarding the right baby shower etiquette. You would like to generate a truly awesome time for the guest of honor without any unintended blunders. This guide was exclusively made to help you get there.

Take the needs of the mother-to-be into account at every level. That involves all other aspects of the baby shower including games, food and the invitation list.

Baby showers can either be before or after baby is born. Commonly, they’re held 1 or 2 months before due date. But they are also held after baby arrives due to medical or other reasons.

These days, it is flawlessly ok for a close relative or even the couple themselves to host a shower. The rules stating only non-relatives or friends only hosting a baby shower are rather dated now days.

Before deciding on the type of baby shower you plan to hold, girls-only or coed, theme or no theme and so on, you should consult mother-to-be and find out what she prefers.

What guests do you invite? Generally, anyone the mother-to-be thinks she should call. She’s the optimum guide here.

Do you constantly need to send written baby shower invitations? It is generally the more appropriate option. Using a written invitation, guests have all details at his or her fingertips and need not rely on memory. Plus, you can and often should include directions describing where to go.

At the same time, it's fine to merely tell people on the phone. Tell them well ahead of time, though. So they'll have acceptable time to buy gifts, arrange for a baby sitter, etc. Leave your contact number with each one so they can contact you easily if they need any direction or other information.

Holding a surprise baby shower can be a great feeling for the expectant mother. But do consult a person close to her that knows about her preference wishes in all situations.

Send out shower invitations at minimum 3 to 4 weeks in advance. Send them earlier for out of town family or guests. Make sure they respond by a date two weeks before the baby shower will be held.

If you’re holding a coed shower, you might turn the guys off if you send frilly baby pink invites full of baby talk. Send neutral, trendy invitations.

Register for gifts at only one site. Else mother-to-be may end up getting duplicate gifts she may have to return. Guests may be disappointed if they find that another person has chosen the same gift they have.

While giving gift suggestions, include items at a variety of prices, not merely high-ticket items. You can suggest that guests can get together to acquire more expensive items.

If there's older siblings, make sure they receive a gift each. They may be feeling a little left out with a new baby on the way, so this is a wonderful idea.

Also whether it’s a coed baby shower or not, buy a gift for the dad-to-be. He will be happy that he was remembered too.

Write down who gave each gift. Important information when it comes time to send out the thank you cards! It's important baby shower etiquette to send out thank you cards.

Hand gifts to mother-to-be for her to open and take it from her once she’s completed with it. This'll save her the hassle of continually getting up to pick up gifts.

Occasionally, some guests may need to leave early. They’ll enjoy it if mother-to-be will open presents while everyone is eating.

Food and related arrangements deserve exclusive attention. Remember, expectant mothers can’t eat everything they ordinarily would.

Begin the baby shower on time and keep it fairly short. Be conscious of mother-to-be’s level of energy and any signs that she's may be tiring. Bring the party to an end if she’s starting to feel run down. Be sure to thank guests for coming as they leave.

Don’t expect that the party will go as planned. No baby shower will ever go perfectly. There’s constantly the unforeseen, power goes off merely as gifts are being opened, you forgot to dust one corner of the room, the pack of baby shower favors you opened before the party, turns out to be a different color than you ordered and so on. Sometimes things will and can be out of your control.

Once you’ve understood these very easy baby shower etiquette guidelines, you’ll be far more confident about hosting a baby shower. Have fun, and make a special time that will live on in everyone’s memories!



For more Baby Cake Shower tips visit http://www.babycakeshower.com.

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Baby Shower Gift Ideas

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