aden + anais

Spring can be hard to plan for when it comes to baby must-haves. Regardless of what a certain groundhog might predict, chances are, it’s going to go fairly quickly from cold to warm, and possibly repeat. That means it’s essential to plan for both temperatures and have the right sizes of clothes for your baby. There are a few other must-haves, as well, such as baby blankets , which will serve as a versatile tool in your parent tool chest. Here’s what you will need to combat the change in temperature and have a fun spring with your little one. Burp Cloths Baby Blankets for Versatile Travel or Play One of the most important items to have, whether you’re stepping out on an adventure to the park or staying home and playing in the living room, is a receiving blanket . While the weather is still cold, you can wrap or swaddle your baby to keep them warm. When the thermometer goes up, it can double as a playmat. From the nursery to a picnic in the park, the blanket is a h...

An exciting milestone in every parent’s life is introducing solid food into their baby’s diet. But what kind of foods should you try? Will they even eat anything? How long should you keep using formula or breast milk? What foods should you avoid? Here’s everything you need to know about feeding your baby solid food. Baby Blankets Is Your Baby Ready? There are a few general criteria used to determine if your baby is ready for solid foods. First, your baby should be between 4 and 6 months old and able to sit upright and hold their head. They should be curious about the world around them, and you may notice them reaching for your food. They may lean forward and open their mouth, trying to get the food. Your baby should no longer have the tongue reflex that pushes food out of their mouth. Finally, if your baby is mouthing their hands and toys, they may be ready. Breast Milk and Formula Before starting solid foods, it’s important to note that solid foods will not r...

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and it’s time to start thinking about a present for your little one. From keeping them warm to giving them something to snuggle or a toy they will not want to stop playing with, these ideas are sure to be a hit with your baby, or at least be useful for you. Burp Cloths Keep Your Baby Warm with Super-Soft Blankets One of the most versatile gifts you can give to your little one is a receiving blanket . Depending on their age, you might be using it more for them, such as swaddling at night. Blankets can also be used as a playtime mat, a protective barrier between the floor and your baby, and so much more. You don't have a burp cloth handy? Just use a blanket and throw it in the wash. If you go with a cotton muslin blanket, it will come out even softer. Impromptu picnic? The blanket will keep your little one off the ground. Emergency diaper change in the back of your car while at the park? Use the blanket to keep everything cl...

Winter is here, and snow is on the ground in many areas. Fortunately, with these winter essentials, it’s easy to keep your baby warm. From baby blankets to a winter sleeping bag, hats to booties, each of these will help keep the cold at bay.  Baby Blankets Blankets The most obvious necessity during winter is a receiving blanket . Wrapped up during the day or swaddled at night, a cotton muslin blanket will keep your baby warm and is super soft to the touch. It can also be used as a playmat and barrier between them and a cold floor.  Pajamas While a onesie can work as pajamas in summer, long-sleeve pajamas are needed in the winter. For younger babies, a one-piece set of pajamas with a zipper will keep them warm. For older babies, usually starting around 12 months, a two-piece set of long pajamas will help them sleep tight.  Winter Sleeping Bag A sleeping bag, or sleep sack, usually comes in either summer or winter versions. Be sure you get a win...

Flying during the holidays, especially with a baby, can be a little rough. However, it’s no different than flying on a particularly busy day. With these tips, you can fly with your baby and keep them—and yourself—relatively calm, surviving the trip with minimal fuss. Receiving Blanket Get There Early While it may sound counter intuitive to get to the airport early, as that means entertaining your baby inside the airport longer, getting there early means far less stress. You can take your time checking your luggage, such as a car seat, stroller, or suitcases, and have plenty of time to get through the security checkpoint. Remember, it’s the holidays, everyone is flying, and the TSA agents might be on edge. Babies can also pick up on their parents’ stress, so if you are not stressed, your baby is less likely to be stressed as well. Plus, it gives you time to break out the baby bibs and entertain them with food at an airport restaurant. Bring an Umbrella Stroller...

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...