Babies & Kids Blog » Nursery

Trendy Nursery Decor

heidi — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:10:25 +0000

In my other life, before I became a mom, I could actually say that I had favorite TV shows. Which I kept current on. In my reality of today, shows on the DVR go to DVD before I get a chance to catch up on them. In between my favorite stories, I would fill my tube-time with all of the Home and Garden TV I could soak in. If I had the time and resources, I would renovate and redecorate my house from top to bottom with the inspiration from HGTV. Nowadays, all of the creativity I have absorbed goes toward our nursery, where I try to knock off some of the amazing nurseries that I have seen.

Having a nursery is a total license for imagination to become tangible: the more fun the color, the better, and the more unique the theme, the funner. Any theme can range from simple to extreme. From basic glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling to entire solar systems complete with a space ship for a bed. A princess room can have the prettiest pink on the walls with a baby crib canopy. Even baby pillowcases (recommended for children over 2) can be used to complete the details of a child’s room. Personalizing a kid’s room is a lot of fun with putting their name up in an original way. For example, we picked up some wooden letters, painted and glittered them, and strung them (with hot glue) across on a ribbon. There is magnetic paint or chalk board paint to give kids a place where it is appropriate to draw on the wall.

I’m always looking for new fun ideas, so if you have any, let me know!

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/tammymanet

No related posts.

Baby Pillows for Healthy Sleeping

heidi — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:40:04 +0000

When we found out we were pregnant, the day that it became very real to us was the day we went shopping for a crib. There’s something so completely domestic about crib-shopping. We read up on all the things to look for: slat space less than 2 3/8″, adjustable mattress height, stability, etc. We looked for the most firm mattress on the market (a task my husband actually enjoyed, as we pulled them all onto the floor so he could lay on them and “confirm the firm”) I got paranoid when shopping for a crib liner and sheets, wanting to make sure that the baby didn’t have any chance of getting her face enveloped into her surroundings.

The day came that she arrived and (after a couple of weeks in a moses basket), she got to take her new bed for a sleepy-time spin. We made sure that there were no stuffed toys or fluffy blankets or pillows around her. She was so tiny! To help minimize any chance of her getting a flat head, we started using a Sleep Positioner (I like The First Years Air Flow Positioner) which worked great. We tipped her just slightly onto one side one night and the other the next.

Now, she is sleeping pretty well through the night. She sleeps under a blanket and is pretty efficient about getting herself turned around and comfortable in her crib. So, I started to think about baby pillows and decided to do some research about when the right time is for her to have her own.

Almost everyone recommends to wait until age 2 for a baby to have his or her own pillow. This is the age that most babies are moving out of their crib into a toddler bed. If a baby is learning to stand and makes some bold attempts at scaling their crib walls, a pillow is not a good idea because it can be used to step up and catapult them over the edge. A good indicator that the baby may be ready for a pillow is when they start to use one of their stuffed toys as a support under their head. Of course, when they do start to use a pillow, many babies will prefer to cuddle with it. At this age, they start to be aware of being in the dark or if mommy and daddy aren’t there, so a pillow can be a great comfort for them.

Another time that your doctor may recommend the use of a pillow is when the baby is sick: with a cold, an ear infection, or acid reflux. When our Little Doll got her first head cold, we put the pad from her changing table into her crib and propped it up with a pillow under one end. She slept on this until the cold subsided. Now she rolls over a lot, and propping up the heavy crib mattress is too labor intensive.

When shopping for a baby pillow, here are a few things to watch for:

Baby pillows are very small (usually the size of travel pillow). Don’t use a pillow you already have around the house: it’s probably too big.
No feathers. Babies can develop allergies, and feathers are likely still too soft for little breathers. Along these same lines, use a cotton pillow case. Synthetic materials can also cause allergies on sensitive baby skin.
Memory foam material (Visco Elastic) rates pretty highly, as it keeps the risk of suffocation down.
Make sure to get one that is easily washable (as with anything that involves the word baby!)

Image Source: photopostsblog.com

No related posts.

Nursery Needs: Ideas for a Baby’s Room or Nursery

heidi — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:04:12 +0000

When it comes to decorating the nursery and kid’s rooms, we have a rare opportunity as grown-ups to really let our imagination run wild and make dreams tangible. (I’m pretty sure my husband would not be thrilled with glitter all over the Master bedroom). With so many patterns, designs, and themes, there is no limit on how much fun can be had with the decor. With our nursery, we started with the color lavender and let everything spring from there. A lot of the ideas we incorporated into the room were snippets from magazines and pictures. I let a small slice of my creative side out by buying giant letters to spell her name at our local craft store, painting them purple with glitter (the fun of having a baby girl!) and hanging them from a giant ribbon. There are plenty of pictures around, and I’m contemplating giant butterflies and maybe a fun mural (a glitter mural, perhaps?) when I have time to paint. Here are a couple of practical items we did include in creating a room for our baby.

Image Source: potterybarnkids.com

Our nursery has two big windows that face East. They get the most sun in the day, and let in lots of cold air at night. One of the first things we did was pick out baby curtains. I love the black-out panels from Pottery Barn Kids. These curtains have made all of the difference. They not only maintain a good temperature in the room, but they also completely darken the room and block outside noises for peaceful naptimes. Prices range from $39-$59 for the Pottery Barn brand. They have plain panels for layering under curtains, which really give the room a very homey feel and can incorporate so many looks with the option of heavy curtains for a solid look or light curtains for a whimsical feel. I was hesitant to put long panels up as I didn’t want my baby to grab onto them and pull them down as she is learning to stand and be curious. Instead, we opted for blinds against the window with the black-out panels that already come in a colorful pattern that we have hung high enough out of her reach.

Image Source: justkindsstore.com

When it comes to decorating the crib, there’s not a lot that can be done with a brand new baby. Doctors discourage any stuffed animals and pillows in the crib when the baby is brand new, which leaves colorful sheets and a crib mobile to liven up that corner. Since it can be relaxing for a baby who needs to sleep as well as encourage brain development with it’s shapes and colors, picking out a good mobile is important. We picked one out by CoCaLo because it is brightly colored and the repetitive tune (Rock-A-Bye Baby) is not in a terribly obnoxious pitch. Prices range around $30-$50.

Playmats get so much use! When the baby is brand new, they like to lay on the mat and stare at the dangly toys. As the baby becomes more interactive (and starts teething around 5-6 months) those toys get more attention being batted around (and chewed on!). Playmats are where babies can log tummy-time hours and learn how to roll over so they can interact with all of the fun activities. This was how our baby learned to roll over…. as she saw the crinkly ear on the elephant of her playmat, she kept reaching reaching reaching until she had flipped from her back to belly and grabbed ahold of it. When the baby learns how to sit up, playmats are a soft, warm surface to sit on and continue to grow and develop. We really like the Tiny Love Gymini mat because it has something for each of the developing stages of baby’s days…fun animals to watch (and chew on!), classical music to listen to, and bright lights to interact with. Prices on playmats can range from $10-$200, and the one we picked out was reasonably priced at under $60.

There are so many ways to have fun decorating for kids. There is no limit to the color selection, patterns, phrases or pictures that can be put up. Even the practical items can now be incorporated into any decor. Just let your imagination run!

Check out HGTV for more creative decorating tips!

No related posts.

Safety Deal: Crib Safety with Crib Bumpers

heidi — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:59:57 +0000

Crib bumpers are a must-have from an early age. Even before she could turn over from her back to her belly, as our Wiggle-worm was learning to use her legs, she would “lobster crawl” all around. She could scoot from one end of a room to the other, putting her knees up and pushing herself with her feet. At night, she would often push herself right into the corner of her crib, shoving her little head as far into the corner as she could. The crib bumpers padded the corner keeping her little head safe while giving her a nice cozy cuddly feeling. With this expectation in mind, enough padding to protect a little noggin was one of my criteria when shopping for a crib bumper.

While there are crib bumpers available with only 3 sides, I recommend the ones that go all around the whole crib as she quickly learned how to turn herself around and Magellan her way all around her little world. It didn’t take long before she would get herself turned just the opposite way of how she was when we laid her down…even before she figured out how to flop over.

Prices can range from less than $50 to around $500, depending on the patterns and embroidery.

When she did learn to turn over and became even more mobile, the crib bumpers kept her safe from getting her arms and legs out of her surroundings. Even though we have a new crib that has the slats close enough together that her head won’t get through, were it not for the bumpers, she could have easily gotten her limbs out and caught. The crib bumpers have kept her contained in her safe crib environment.

As a new parent, I would always jump up every time I heard her move, afraid she would get her nose smooshed into the bumpers, but somehow naturally never did. However, for a baby who finds a way to get their nose pushed against the wall, there are some great breathable bumpers that start at less than $30. For today’s deal of the day, check out a breathable baby universal bumper from Amazon for $29.99.

Most of them use velcro instead of ties in case a curious child should manage to get their arms around the crib corner. We have not had a problem with this, as the bumpers we have are high enough that she has not figured out that there are ties to be played with all the way around on the outside corners of her crib. I also tie the ties into knots, not bows, so the strings hang straight down rather than loops that would be easier to see and grab.

There are so many patterns and designs available for any nursery decor. We stuck with a fairly basic pattern since we didn’t know she would be a girl-person until her big arrival. Now that she is here, we have so many themes available to have fun with, perhaps we need one with more lavender in it to match the girly color on her walls.

Check out Smarter for great deals on crib bumpers. Check out Carousel Design Blog’s guide on how to properly install a crib bumper.

Image Source: Babybedding.com

No related posts.

5 Baby Mobiles Worth Looking At

babies — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:11:58 +0000

Baby mobiles are more than pretty. They can be soothing and help baby’s developing mind. Look for infant mobiles which can be used up to 7 months. After this period, you want to remove the mobile so baby can’t pull it down. Look for a baby mobile that has both black, white and red attachment as well as other bright colored attachments. This way, the newborn can look up at the black, white and red attachment to begin with, and later on other bright colored attachments. According to research, the newborn baby’s vision is very limited. They can only focus on contrasting colors, most notably black and white. Any toy geared for stimulating newborn baby’s vision should have highly contrasting colors. Here are five great choices:

Beetle Dance Mobile by Haba: $32.39

Brightly colored beetles will surely grab baby’s attention. The soft beetles can also be removed from the mobile for play.

Pottery Barn Chase Sailboat Mobile: $59.00

The graphics stand out so even a newborn can see them. Soft and neutral so it will blend with any decor.

Glenna Jean – Imagine Black and Red Art Mobile: $152.31

This unique contemporary mobile hangs from the ceiling. Baby will enjoy focusing his or her eyes on the boldly colored metal disks.

Bebe Star, My Little Farm – Musical Mobile: $52.99

Perfect for your little farmer! Black, white, and red stand out to your newborn. Very cute for a farm themed bedroom! It plays music too!

Penguin Talk Mobile by Flensted Mobiles: $40.00

I love penguins so much! This is so cool. It would work in any room and the stark contrast of black and white is perfect.

Do you ever wonder what exactly your baby can see? According to the Smith Kettlewell Eye Research Institute:

“Although their vision is not as good as adults’, research has shown that babies have many visual abilities, so that their visual experience is quite rich and well-organized. It is certainly not a “booming, buzzing”, patternless confusion! Even at birth, a baby’s acuity is good enough so that in your arms, he or she can see many of features of your face –your eyes, your mouth, your nose, even a fly landing on your nose!”

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more affordable baby mobiles.

No related posts.

Cribs Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Crib for Your Baby

babies — Tue, 26 May 2009 18:14:46 +0000

Purchasing your first baby crib is exciting—until you actually start shopping. With so many choices and options, it can be difficult to choose. Start by determining your price range. The most expensive cribs are not automatically the best just because they cost more and you shouldn’t feel guilty if you buy a cheaper model. The most important thing is safety and durability. Here are some suggestions to make your crib shopping experience easier.

Safety First!

All new baby cribs available today will meet minimum government standards regardless of price. A safe crib should have tight-fitting mattress with almost no space between the mattress and the frame. Carefully check that the crib has no cracked or broken slats. Make sure all the hardware is included.

Antique or used cribs are desirable to many, but you must make sure that slats should be no more than 2 3/8″ apart (approximately the width of a soda can) and corner posts should not be higher than 1/16″. Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts on the headboard or footboard.

Convertible crib?

Convertible cribs that turn into toddler beds are very popular and seem like a great bargain but consider whether or not you will have more children—you may end up having to buy a toddler bed so a sibling can use the crib. Also, most cribs require the purchase of a special kit to be convertible which adds to the cost.

Drop sides?

Cribs are available with single side drop or double-drop sides that slide down. Recent safety concerns have caused Toys R Us to begin phasing out the sale of drop side cribs. Another option is a drop-gate crib with a fold-down side. The safest choice would be to stick with a crib with fixed sides. If you do end up with a drop side crib, make sure that it’s easy to lower the side while you’re holding baby. The knee push lowering method is the easiest. Make sure that the sides do not lower so much that baby can climb out.

Adjustable Mattress:

Adjustable crib mattress height is important so that you can easily put a sleeping newborn to bed at the highest setting and lower when the baby is older and mobile. Look for a crib with at least two or three mattress heights is nice. How is the mattress supported? Avoid vinyl straps that could wear out. Look for metal bars or a metal spring system to support the mattress.

One thing that many parents overlook is whether or not the crib can be wheeled around the room. Look for sturdy casters when you’re shopping for a crib. They make vacuuming MUCH easier!

Now that we’ve talked about the important stuff, let’s talk about the fun part: style! Do you want a big fancy cherry wood crib? How about something sleek and modern? With possibilities are endless! I recommend that you choose something fairly simple that will blend with whatever décor you choose for baby’s room. My daughter’s crib has simple lines and is black and it looks great in her pink room.

Here are some great cribs:

The Da Vinci Kalani 3-1 Crib: $307.64

The sides do not move, ensuring stability and safety.

The Oeuf Sparrow Crib ($690) meets or exceeds all safety standards and has a sleek modern design.

The Dream On Me Contemporary Crib ($114.75) is proof that you can get everything you’re looking for in a crib and stay within budget.

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more affordable baby cribs.

No related posts.

Cute Deal: Hello Kitty Soho Chair

evette — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:03:19 +0000

I love Hello Kitty. I especially love the cute pink Hello Kitty themed products like this baby chair. There is a cute little compartment in the front for little toys or books. Babies & kids 18-months to 4 years will enjoy this chair.

Hello Kitty Soho Chair: ~~$142.50~~ Now: $111.89 (Lowest Price on Smarter)

If you decide to purchase this Hello Kitty chair from TargetDecor.com, you will receive FREE GROUD SHIPPING!

Shop for more baby chairs at Smarter.com.

No related posts.

Happy Mothers’ Clearance Sale

evette — Wed, 14 May 2008 17:03:55 +0000

Here are some great deals I found in HappyMothers.com’s clearance section.

Avent ISIS iQ DUO Twin Electronic Breast Pump: ~~$299.99~~ Now: $219.95 – Save: $79.05!

Bob Strollers Ironman Yellow Diaper Bag: ~~$65.00~~ Now: $22.95 – Save $42.05!

Peter Potty My First Potty: ~~$19.99~~ Now: $9.95 – Save $9.05!

Bobby Newborn Lounger: ~~$34.99~~ Now: $25.95 – Save $8.05!

Cariboo Classic Changing Table: ~~$350.95~~ Now: $249.99 – Save $109.01!

Click here for their entire collection of clearance items.

No related posts.

Top 10 Eco-Friendly Baby Products

evette — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:01:38 +0000

Happy Earth Day! Here is a list of the top 10 economically friendly baby products found on Smarter.com:

Organic Baby Reference Guide: $24.95

“The Last Word On Raising Baby, Organically.” This book teaches parents how to raise their children in an eco-friendly & stylish environment.

Washable Merino Wool Breast Pads: $14.95

These reusable pads are more comfortable & more environmentally friendly than disposable pads.

Cariboo Activity Gym: $159.95

This activity gym is made from New Zealand Radiata pine & has a lead free finish.

Ocean & Tea Onepiece Bundle: $54.95

This baby clothing set is made from soy bean fiber which has “superior warmth retention and moisture transmission.”

Roller From Plan Toys: $7.99

This toy is made from eco-friendly rubber wood & contains child-friendly paints & finishes.

Fleurville Re-Run Messenger: $75.00

The fabric that was used to make this messenger bag is made from use plastic bottles.

Kee-Ka Sweetpea Organic Swaddle Blankie: $25.44

This cozy blankie is made from 100% organic cotton.

Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Skin Creme: $11.99

Burt’s Bees Products are made of natual ingredients. This cream is 98.71% natural. Good enough for me!

Contemporary Dollhouse From Plan Toys: $99.99

This dollhouse is made from chemical free & natual rubber wood & finished with child-friendly & non-toxic paint.

Tadpoles Fitted Flannel Sheets Organic Natural Cotton: $29.99

Made with 100% organic cotton & SO SOFT!

Click here for more organic & eco-friendly baby products.

Spring Sale at Modern Tots

evette — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:24:31 +0000

I love modern babies & kids products like the many unique products found at ModernTots.com. They are having a Spring Sale where you can get some of their items for 40% off! Plus, when you spend $99 or more you get FREE SHIPPING, which is very easy to do considering the amount of adorable products they carry. Here are a couple of my faves that are on sale:

BB2 Toy Caddy: ~~$250~~ Now: $150

Puff Ball Vest: ~~$57.12~~ Now: $40.80

Links Throw Quilt: ~~$134.40~~ Now: $96

Dash Diaper Bags: ~~$54.60~~ Now: $39

E-Mail Train Set: ~~$105~~ Now: $75

No related posts.