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The 7 Best Gifts for First-Time Parents

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There are plenty of things that a new, first-time parent will need. However, there are certain baby shower gifts that gift-givers can choose, which first-time parents may not even know they’ll need. This list will help you give thoughtful gifts that first-time parents will love and use. Receiving Blanket Baby Blankets A receiving blanket is one of the most versatile gifts you can give first-time parents. From keeping a baby warm to swaddling, a play mat to a stroller cover, baby blankets can fulfill many roles. The more baby blankets available, the more they can be used. If one is in the laundry, they can pull out another. Give one that is 100% cotton muslin, as they are soft and breathable and can be used to mop up messes in an emergency. Burp Cloths Speaking of messes, first-time parents don’t realize how many burp cloths they will need. They will need a pile, and can’t get enough, so don’t feel bad about getting a few burp cloths. They will use them as newborns can be
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What Is Swaddling and Why Should You Do It?

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One of the essential skills a new parent can learn is how to swaddle their newborn with a receiving blanket . Sleep can be tough to come by in the first few months after having a baby, but you and your baby can get better and safer sleep by swaddling your baby. Here is what you need to know about swaddling, including when you should stop swaddling. Baby Blankets What Is Swaddling? Swaddling uses baby blankets to wrap your baby up, holding their arms down and legs fairly close together while allowing the hips free movement. A baby blanket is usually enough, though specialized swaddle sacks are also available but are also less versatile. The goal is to keep the swaddle tight enough to keep the arms in place, but not so tight that your baby is uncomfortable. What is the Moro Reflex? The Moro reflex, or startle reflex, occurs when a baby is asleep and throws their arms and legs out to the sides. This startles them awake. Swaddling prevents their arms and legs from moving, which in turn do
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How to Set Up a Feeding Area for Your Baby

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Whether your baby is still eating blended baby food or has started eating solid food, you are going to need to set up a place for them to eat. It’s best to be ready long before they are ready to move on from formula or milk, as they could start reaching for food and show interest earlier than you think. It’s going to be messy, but you can limit how dirty you, your baby, and your kitchen will get with some preparation. Grab a stack of burp cloths and get ready to feed your little one. A High Chair The first decision you need to make is what kind of high chair you want. There are fixed chairs, collapsible chairs for transport, and even high chairs that attach to counters and tables for flexibility of where your baby eats. In any case, you will need a high chair with a tray. This tray can later be used with a suction cup plate, which can help discourage your baby from picking up the tray and upending food everywhere. Floor Protection You can use floor protection, as well. While a
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5 Photo Shoot Tips for Spring Babies

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The weather is warming up, giving you the perfect opportunity to have a spring photo shoot with your baby. But what should you do to make your photos stand out for spring? From playing with spring colors and flowers to what to have your little one wear, here are some ideas and a couple of examples of how to use them that will help you take Insta-ready photos of your baby. Grab your camera and some baby blankets , and get ready to have fun setting up your baby for pictures.  Receiving Blanket   Use Vibrant Colors The first part of creating the perfect spring photos with your baby is to use the right colors. Spring brings renewal to mind and an explosion of colors as flowers start blooming. Incorporating this abundance of color is easy and can give indoor photo shoots a sense of springtime without needing to go outside. For example, orange flowers will convey a sense of vitality, while the flowers’ petals help add texture and depth to the photo. Playing with Flowers If you can find
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7 Essentials for Your Baby Changing Station

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The changing station is a bit of a misnomer. While you will indeed be changing your baby’s diapers there, it is also a place where you can do so much more. Do you need to change your baby into clean clothes? Do you need a place to contain your baby while you clip their nails or give them medicine? The changing station is multipurpose, but you need the necessary supplies to provide you with versatility. Here are some of the essential items, from diapers to burp cloths , you should keep in and around your changing station for the ultimate in versatility.  Baby Bibs Diapers and Wipes It would not be a changing station without diapers and wipes. These are the two items you need to have at your changing station. You might want both daytime and nighttime diapers to save you time finding the right diaper in storage. You will also want wipes in a dispenser rather than the bags they come in. This makes them easier to pull, saving you time and frustration while trying to clean your little
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New Year, New Diaper Bag: What to Refresh

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The new year presents the perfect opportunity to refresh your baby’s diaper bag. Whether it’s replacing old baby blankets that might need a good wash or diapers that are now the wrong size, it’s a good idea to check what is in the diaper bag periodically. Here are some of the items you should check and consider replacing or refreshing.   Burp Cloths Diapers The most obvious item to check in your diaper bag is the eponymous diapers. They are the reason you have the bag, after all, and they won’t do your baby any good if you pull out the bag to change your baby, and the diapers are all a size too small. Make sure you have plenty of diapers in the size your little one is currently wearing. Try to bring at least three or four diapers when you go out with your baby. Don’t forget to check the baby wipes, as well. Burp Cloths and Baby Bibs Next, chances are, you will need burp cloths and baby bibs in the diaper bag, regardless of whether you are going to a restaurant or not. Your baby
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Refresh These 5 Baby Items in the New Year

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The New Year is a perfect excuse to go through all of your baby’s items and decide what needs to be refreshed. From cleaning out old toys that your baby doesn’t play with anymore to new baby blankets for the new year, here are some of the items you should refresh.  Receiving Blanket Toys With the holidays over, it’s time to go through the old toys. What does your baby not play with anymore? Are there toys that they have outgrown, such as toys for tummy time, but your baby is already crawling? If there is a particular attachment to a toy, keep it. Otherwise, it helps to make room for new toys and donate the old and unused. Baby Blankets Whether the baby blanket you have been using is old and worn out, or you are looking for a new design to match the season, refreshing your baby’s receiving blanket is always a good idea. You can replace any swaddles, as well, as some might be too dirty or worn out. High durability blankets may just need a good wash cycle. Burp Cloths
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