aden + anais

One of the crucial parts of getting ready for birth is the hospital bag. It’s a good idea to prepare the bag well in advance, as babies can surprise you and arrive early. The bag should be ready around month eight of your pregnancy, if not earlier. Here’s what you should pack.  Receiving Blanket Your Birth Plan and Other Documents Keep an extra copy of your birth plan in your bag. Along with this, bring your ID and insurance cards. Backup medical records and hospital paperwork won’t hurt, either. Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses If you need glasses or contacts, keep extras in your bag. These can be easy to forget in the rush to get to the hospital. If you wear contacts, also bring glasses, as you may be asked to take the contacts out before any surgeries, such as a C-section. Extra Clothes for You and Your Partner You’ll both need extra clothes. Yours should be comfortable. A tank top and loose pants, like sleepwear or joggers, are a good start. Don’t forg...

Thanksgiving can be a fun, if stressful time. Getting together with family, cooking a feast, then enjoying dinner together are holiday ideals, and your baby doesn’t have to be left out. It can be tricky juggling your baby with Thanksgiving duties but having the right tools can take away some stress, especially if your family can help take care of your baby. Here’s what you need to have a successful Thanksgiving with your baby. Burp Cloths Baby Bibs Whether your baby is feeding from a bottle or is ready to try solid foods cut down to size, they will need a baby bib. They probably won’t eat all of the mashed potatoes you try to feed them, and without a bib, you’ll have quite the mess on your hands. Save your hosting outfit, and your baby’s, with a baby bib. Whether it’s a traditional bandanna type or one that fits all the way around your baby’s shoulders to catch sneaky dribbles is up to you. The best baby bibs are highly versatile and unsnap after your baby is fin...

Halloween is almost upon us, and that means cute costumes for babies! Trick-or-treating, however, can be overwhelming for both you and your baby. Depending on when you go out, the sidewalks could be empty or full of ghosts and ghouls. Don’t expect to be out too long, and don’t expect a large haul of candy—which your little one shouldn’t have much of in the first place. Here are some tips to have a successful, fun, and adorable experience.  Choose a Weather-Appropriate Costume Choose a costume based on your area’s weather. If it’s typically brisk and chilly in October in your area, a fleece costume that covers their entire body plus a hood might be appropriate. If it’s warmer, you might be able to get away with a onesie and pants. Either way, it’s a good idea to bring a receiving blanket . As a bonus, the blanket can be incorporated into the costume, such as a cape.  Avoid Masks and Accessories Masks can make it hard for babies to breathe, so it’s be...