Telling It Like It Is» baby toys

Homemade Baby Crafts to Make: Homemade Baby Shower Gifts, Diaper Cakes, Blankets, Quilts, Bibs, Clothes

Lin — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 15:54:02 +0000

Since I’ll be hosting a baby shower in coming months, I’ve been gathering ideas for unique baby gifts besides the typical needed baby items found on most baby shower registries. I’ve made homemade bridal shower and baby shower invitations before that turned out great, and based on what I’ve learned so far, making homemade baby shower favors, baby shower decorations and baby gifts by hand is just a matter of following instructions and using your own creativity.

Even if you don’t believe you have a creative bone in your body, carefully following “how to” instructions to make craft projects and gifts for baby showers will prove to you that anyone can make beautiful homemade baby gifts, decorations for baby showers, diaper cakes and diaper baby carriage “cakes” out of disposable diapers and much more.

Homemade Baby Shower Diaper Cakes and Diaper Baby Carriages

After browsing a large number of baby shower diaper cake pictures online and carefully reading the step-by-step directions on how to make a diaper cake for a baby shower, my co-host and I are confident that the multi-tiered diaper cake and diaper baby carriage we’re planning to make ourselves will be a big hit at the party.

If you have yet to throw a baby shower for a mom-to-be, there are a lot of things to prepare for and do prior to the big day, which is why having a checklist is so important. Creating a list of all the things necessary for an exciting, fun, successful baby shower helps the shower host stay organized and stress-free throughout the whole planning process. I’ve never been a “fly by the seat of my pants”, last minute planner for any kind of gathering, party, special event etc, as I much prefer a relaxed and well-thought out, carefully planned event to eliminate the possibility of forgetting anything important.

Planning a baby shower that I would be hosting or co-hosting means lots of advance organizing, writing down ideas for possible menu items of food and drinks to serve guests, brainstorming shower decorating ideas based on the chosen nursery theme, deciding what “make your own” craft projects there is time to complete before the shower date arrives and more.

The last shower I hosted was held at a gorgeous local venue, where the restaurant menu of foods served to party guests and the venue décor matched perfectly to the special occasion, but this time around we’re planning a baby shower held at home for a variety of reasons. Coming up with baby shower food ideas was pretty easy since the baby shower will be held mid-afternoon, where finger foods and appetizers and simple sandwiches etc are traditionally served shower guests, versus a full sit-down meal during lunch or dinner time.

This baby shower gives me opportunity to create some do-it-yourself, homemade baby gifts with my recently purchased beginners sewing machine, including making quick and easy homemade baby blankets, receiving blankets and bibs for the diaper baby carriage and diaper cake we’re planning for the baby shower. Being able to make professional looking baby clothes, baby booties or quilts will require more time and sewing practice, but I’m thrilled to have found some very cute “no sew” crafts that I might be able to make myself in time for the baby shower.

Unique Baby Crafts to Make

I couldn’t possibly list all of the unique baby crafts that can be made by hand, no-sew baby stuff or crafts projects made with a sewing machine, fabric and patterns. Whether you are a beginner crafter or have years of experience making baby clothes and other stuff for babies, there are many sewing patterns and crafts for baby nursery themes, baby toys and just about anything you can think of for boy or girl babies.

I don’t know how to knit or crochet or needlework anything, but those that do know how can hand knit baby blankets, hats, sweaters, booties, baby outfits, bibs etc and give as gifts for baby. The baby crafts, sewing kits and newborn gift baskets I want to make, sew, sell or give as gifts come with tutorial instructions that are easy to follow, and there are many inexpensive craft projects, patterns and how-to books to make homemade baby crafts that anyone can make.

Homemade Baby Shower Favors

Making homemade baby shower favors is a cheap and easy craft project, and fortunately the internet has lots of great ideas for handmade party favors, along with easy to follow instructions for sewing beginners like me or no-sew crafts. I could of course just buy baby shower favors for invited guests to take home as a “thank you” for coming, or as game prizes for party guests who win the baby shower games played, but we chose to make our own party favors for a more personalized effect.

Some popular ideas for homemade baby shower favors include things like baby sock roses, washcloth lollipops or washcloth bunnies, baby bootie cups, candy pacifiers, homemade novelty shaped soaps, home baked cookies or brownies, “bun in the oven” cinnamon buns and many more keepsake favors for baby shower guests that usually costs less than a dollar or two each.

My party co-host and I haven’t yet decided on what shower favors we will have ready for the baby shower, and since it’s a couples baby shower for both men and women attendees, we want to be sure to keep the guys in mind too when finally choosing the baby shower keepsakes, games and the general theme of the “it’s a girl” baby shower.

Have you ever hosted a baby shower before? Did you buy or make your own baby shower stuff? If you have any creative or unique ideas for baby showers you would like to share, please comment below with your great tips, ideas or suggestions.

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Baby Needs Checklist – Basic Baby Needs for Newborn Babies

Lin — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:00:43 +0000

Baby Needs Checklist for Newborn Babies

There are many things a baby needs as a newborn baby and throughout the first few months that you’ll need to have ready and available. It is best to wait until you are at least three months pregnant before buying baby products, baby clothes and outfits, toys and baby furniture in case of any problems with the pregnancy.

Keep in mind that someone will likely throw you a baby shower once you have completed a baby registry for baby gear, baby clothes, toys and various other baby gifts, so try and stick to buying just essential basic baby needs that every newborn baby needs, and/or just a few baby clothes you feel are a “must have” for your baby such as a special outfit to celebrate bringing your baby home from the hospital.

2-4 packages of newborn disposable diapers or cloth diapers, or set up a diaper delivery service. Don’t forget the diaper bag, diaper cream ointment and baby powder. Cloth diapers, diaper pail and safety pins can save you a lot of money in the long run and are better for the environment, while disposable diapers are easier.

Baby wipes and/or extra baby washcloths (4-6 to start), being sure to choose fragrance free wipes that won’t irritate your baby’s skin, or just use a baby washcloth and warm water during the first few months.

Burp cloths or extra cloth diapers, which protect your clothes from spit-up and the baby’s skin from your clothes which may have dry-cleaning chemicals or other skin irritants and fabrics/materials that may be bothersome to your baby’s skin. You can never have too many cloth diapers!

6-8 lightweight gowns/kimonos/newborn sleeper outfits with pull-ties are not only comfortable for the baby, but they make changing diapers a lot easier than outfits with a lot of buttons and/or snaps that can be very time-consuming.

3-4 receiving blankets/swaddling blankets for holding the baby, swaddling, changing, bonding and playing with the baby. Be sure to include a few more receiving blankets with your baby registry, as these will need to be washed often. A baby sling/wrap is also an excellent choice for newborns; both you and your baby will love the shared closeness.

Car Seat – Rear facing infant safety seat for your baby’s safety and well-being.

6 pairs of socks and/or booties, 2 hats and 2 sweaters to keep the baby comfortable and warm, whether at home sleeping/playing, during a family outing or visiting grandparents.

4 pacifiers (you’re going to lose them), a baby bathtub, baby bouncer, tearless baby shampoo, baby lotion, alcohol swabs (for the umbilical cord), baby brush/comb set, thermometer, baby soap, 2-4 baby towels for bath time, nasal aspirator and baby nail scissors or clippers.

Bassinet and/or crib, 4 fitted sheets for bassinet or crib, 2 waterproof mattress pads, bumper pad for crib, 2 crib blankets or comforters (depending on the season)

2 or 3 nursing bras and pads, breast pump and nipple cream if planning to nurse the baby.

6 or more baby bottles with nipples, sterilizing equipment, bottle brush, bottle warmer, 6 baby bibs and infant formula if you are not planning to nurse.

Baby stroller with sun and rain cover for leisurely walks with the baby.

Soft baby toys, baby mobile and baby monitor to hear when baby starts to cry or wakes up at night.

There are many more things you will need for the baby than what is contained in this list, especially baby clothes in increasing sizes as your baby grows, and more diapers than you can imagine. It’s a good idea to take your time browsing baby products, baby furniture, baby gear, clothes and baby toys, in order that your baby registry is full and complete of everything you want and need during the first year or so after the baby is born. Congratulations and good luck!

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