Now that the holidays are over and winter is setting in, it feels like a good time to curl up by the fire with a good book. There are thousands of books about pregnancy and babies to thumb through but it can be overwhelming. We would like to offer our personal favorites which range from informative to irreverent!
Baby 411: Clear Answers & Smart Advice For Your Baby's First Year by Denise Fields and Ari Brown, M.D. (September 1, 2011). The title states it all. Wondering how to swaddle? Worried that baby’s poop looks funny? Just how much sleep does my newborn need? Let this book serve as a quick reference guide for all of those new parent worries.
Baby Bargains: Secrets to Saving 20% to 50% on baby furniture, gear, clothes, toys, maternity wear and much, much more! by Denise Fields and Alan Fields (Apr 21, 2011). Preparing for baby can take a big toll on your wallet. From cribs to strollers to layettes, this book will help you find all of your essentials at deep discounts.
The Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp (May 27, 2003). This book takes an innovative look at your baby’s first three months. Dr. Karp reveals the secret to stopping colic and soothing your baby by combining science and societal antidotes throughout history. It is a must read for all expecting parents!
Secrets of the Baby Whisperer: How to Calm, Connect, and Communicate with Your Baby by Tracy Hogg and Melinda Blau (Jul 26, 2005). Hogg provides the insight necessary to understand and respect your baby from day one. She offers tips for breaking bad habits and gently encouraging your baby to sleep.
The Milk Memos: How Real Moms Learned to Mix Business with Babies-and How You Can, Too by Cate Colburn-Smith and Andrea Serrette (Mar 15, 2007). Down-hearted from pumping in a janitor’s closet at IBM, new moms Colburn-Smith and Serrette sought to form a community of pumping mamas. The new mothers wrote their thoughts, advice and funny family stories in a notebook that they left in the room. More and more mothers started writing until the notebook was full and a strong, supportive community was formed. This book offers advice on combining work and nursing while making you feel that you are not alone in the struggle to find that elusive balance between work and home.
The Girlfriends' Guide to Pregnancy by Vicki Iovine (Jan 9, 2007). Feeling just fat? Face breaking out? Inexplicably want to throw your French fries at your partner? Welcome to pregnancy!! Iovine acts as your closest girlfriend and gives you the real low down on what to expect during those glorious 10 months!
Ink and paper not your style? Check out Baby Center (www.babycenter.com) for a complete online resource for your pregnancy and newborn. Baby Center will help you determine the best dates to get pregnant and send you weekly emails on your baby’s in utero development! Their assistance doesn’t stop when the baby comes. Baby Center is also a good resource for all of your baby and toddler questions. Experts and the community weigh in on almost every topic you encounter!
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Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Guest Blog - Finding the Nanny of Your Dreams!
We're thrilled to announce our newest partnership - we'll be teaming up with Olive.You.Nanny to help our clients find the nanny or night nurse of their dreams! Check out the wonderful tips below from Sarah Davis of Olive.You.Nanny!
Who you’re looking for
It’s a good idea to make a list of specific qualities you’re looking for in a nanny; what is important to you and your family? Do you want someone who is a career nanny? Or, someone who has at least 5 years of full time nanny experience. Perhaps you are looking for someone who is younger with an educational background. Whatever it may be, make a list. You may just end up with someone you didn’t expect but it’s important to find who would be the best fit for your family.
Expectations
It’s unrealistic to think your nanny is going to do everything the way you do. Be open to the idea of your nanny bringing new ideas to the table. Chances are they have been in this industry for many years, so they may have some good suggestions! It’s a good idea to have a list of expectations for your nanny. Make sure in the interviewing process that you go through the things you want your nanny to do; in terms of your child and also around the house. (Just remember a nanny takes care of your child, and is not a housekeeper.)
A good fit
As most moms will tell you, you just know when it’s the right person. You get that feeling that the nanny will become a part of your family and you have a connection. Make sure you have the same childcare philosophies and your expectations are in line.
Screening
It’s extremely important to conduct your due diligence. You’ll want to get all of her childcare references. It’s a good idea to speak to at least 3 of the nanny’s past employers. It’s important to have a list of questions you want to ask. (If you’re working with an agency, this is their responsibility.) It’s also a good idea to do a background check on your nanny. It helps to have the piece of mind that your nanny is fully verified. If you’re nanny will be driving your child, it’s important to review driving history records.
Trial day and contract
We always recommend setting up at least a half-day trial before offering the nanny the position. Make sure you see the nanny interact with your child, show her around and where things are. You both need to feel comfortable in the situation. After the trial day, assuming all has gone well, it’s time to create a contract with your nanny. This can be as simple as hours, pay, holiday and vacation. And can get as detailed as all of your expectations, both with the child and your home (this should all be discussed in the initial interview.)
Standards
Families should offer paid holidays, sick days and vacation. You should also get an idea of what the market pay is for your situation - whether you have one or more children. You’ll want to be in the same range of what other families are paying.
Review
It’s a good idea to follow up with your nanny to see how things are going. The 3 month mark is a good time and again at 6 months and 1 year. Having a nanny is all about communication. You want to make sure you’re on the same page!
Who you’re looking for
It’s a good idea to make a list of specific qualities you’re looking for in a nanny; what is important to you and your family? Do you want someone who is a career nanny? Or, someone who has at least 5 years of full time nanny experience. Perhaps you are looking for someone who is younger with an educational background. Whatever it may be, make a list. You may just end up with someone you didn’t expect but it’s important to find who would be the best fit for your family.
Expectations
It’s unrealistic to think your nanny is going to do everything the way you do. Be open to the idea of your nanny bringing new ideas to the table. Chances are they have been in this industry for many years, so they may have some good suggestions! It’s a good idea to have a list of expectations for your nanny. Make sure in the interviewing process that you go through the things you want your nanny to do; in terms of your child and also around the house. (Just remember a nanny takes care of your child, and is not a housekeeper.)
A good fit
As most moms will tell you, you just know when it’s the right person. You get that feeling that the nanny will become a part of your family and you have a connection. Make sure you have the same childcare philosophies and your expectations are in line.
Screening
It’s extremely important to conduct your due diligence. You’ll want to get all of her childcare references. It’s a good idea to speak to at least 3 of the nanny’s past employers. It’s important to have a list of questions you want to ask. (If you’re working with an agency, this is their responsibility.) It’s also a good idea to do a background check on your nanny. It helps to have the piece of mind that your nanny is fully verified. If you’re nanny will be driving your child, it’s important to review driving history records.
Trial day and contract
We always recommend setting up at least a half-day trial before offering the nanny the position. Make sure you see the nanny interact with your child, show her around and where things are. You both need to feel comfortable in the situation. After the trial day, assuming all has gone well, it’s time to create a contract with your nanny. This can be as simple as hours, pay, holiday and vacation. And can get as detailed as all of your expectations, both with the child and your home (this should all be discussed in the initial interview.)
Standards
Families should offer paid holidays, sick days and vacation. You should also get an idea of what the market pay is for your situation - whether you have one or more children. You’ll want to be in the same range of what other families are paying.
Review
It’s a good idea to follow up with your nanny to see how things are going. The 3 month mark is a good time and again at 6 months and 1 year. Having a nanny is all about communication. You want to make sure you’re on the same page!
Friday, November 11, 2011
It’s Hospital Packin’ Time!
At 36 weeks (and earlier if you’re carrying multiples) you’ll want to pack your hospital bag. While most baby books will give you a good basic list of the essentials – pajamas, toiletries, a coming home outfit for baby – many of them neglect a few essentials that we at Baby Blueprint think are a MUST for any mom to be. Below is our list of must-haves for you and baby.
For Mom:
1. Extra hair elastics. Labor is a heck of a workout – and we guarantee you will want your hair up and away from your face. In the event that the one you’re wearing snaps, falls out etc., you’ll be glad to have an extra on hand!
2. Lip balm. Hospitals are dry, dry places and childbirth can be a long process. If you’re delivering at Prentice in Chicago, you likely won’t be allowed anything but ice chips after you clear triage – so a little lip balm will go a long way in helping you feel hydrated.
3. An extra empty tote bag. Your room at the hospital will be chock-full of freebies: infant diapers, swaddling blankets, tiny onesies and hats, information packets etc. An empty bag is the easiest way to make sure you’ve got room to take it all home!
4. A small amount of cash in small denominations ($1s and $5s). While you can certainly survive on a debit / credit card in today’s world, you may end up wanting small bills for vending machines and tips for valet parking.
5. A robe. Most baby books recommend a few pairs of maternity pajamas – and while there is nothing wrong with these, you may end up feeling (especially if you have a C section) most comfortable in a hospital gown. If that’s the case, a robe is a great way to look AND feel a bit more presentable and polished for photos and visitors.
6. Every baby book will recommend bringing along chargers for all the electronics you’re packing (cell phone, video camera). If you’re like us, you may not own an “extra” charger, and you’ll be using the one you should be packing right up until you leave for the hospital. To avoid having to remember these items in the throes of labor, stick a post-it note on top of your bag with the list of electronics (and chargers) you want to make sure to bring.
7. Your own Toilet Paper. Yes they have it at the hospital but it may not be the soft stuff you use to at home, and you’ll want something soft!
8. If you have a professional photography service at your hospital you may want to think about bringing along something for you and your partner to wear/coordinate if you want to get some shots of the whole family. It doesn’t have to be fancy, all black looks great.
For Baby:
1. Diaper wipes. This item specifically applies to those of you delivering at Prentice in Chicago. The hospital will provide you with tons of baby stuff over the course of your visit (see #3 above), but they will NOT provide you with wipes. For that first diaper change, you may want more than water and a gauze pad. You’ll just have to trust us on this one!
2. Two sizes of a take home outfit for baby. Depending on the weight and length of your child, they may or may not fit into the newborn size. We recommend packing an outfit in size 0-3 as well.
3. A colorful hat or receiving blanket. You’ll be taking tons of photos in those first days – and emailing them, tweeting them, and posting them to Facebook. A bright color will show up best against the fluorescent lights of the hospital – and lend a professional look to your amateur photography!
For Mom:
1. Extra hair elastics. Labor is a heck of a workout – and we guarantee you will want your hair up and away from your face. In the event that the one you’re wearing snaps, falls out etc., you’ll be glad to have an extra on hand!
2. Lip balm. Hospitals are dry, dry places and childbirth can be a long process. If you’re delivering at Prentice in Chicago, you likely won’t be allowed anything but ice chips after you clear triage – so a little lip balm will go a long way in helping you feel hydrated.
3. An extra empty tote bag. Your room at the hospital will be chock-full of freebies: infant diapers, swaddling blankets, tiny onesies and hats, information packets etc. An empty bag is the easiest way to make sure you’ve got room to take it all home!
4. A small amount of cash in small denominations ($1s and $5s). While you can certainly survive on a debit / credit card in today’s world, you may end up wanting small bills for vending machines and tips for valet parking.
5. A robe. Most baby books recommend a few pairs of maternity pajamas – and while there is nothing wrong with these, you may end up feeling (especially if you have a C section) most comfortable in a hospital gown. If that’s the case, a robe is a great way to look AND feel a bit more presentable and polished for photos and visitors.
6. Every baby book will recommend bringing along chargers for all the electronics you’re packing (cell phone, video camera). If you’re like us, you may not own an “extra” charger, and you’ll be using the one you should be packing right up until you leave for the hospital. To avoid having to remember these items in the throes of labor, stick a post-it note on top of your bag with the list of electronics (and chargers) you want to make sure to bring.
7. Your own Toilet Paper. Yes they have it at the hospital but it may not be the soft stuff you use to at home, and you’ll want something soft!
8. If you have a professional photography service at your hospital you may want to think about bringing along something for you and your partner to wear/coordinate if you want to get some shots of the whole family. It doesn’t have to be fancy, all black looks great.
For Baby:
1. Diaper wipes. This item specifically applies to those of you delivering at Prentice in Chicago. The hospital will provide you with tons of baby stuff over the course of your visit (see #3 above), but they will NOT provide you with wipes. For that first diaper change, you may want more than water and a gauze pad. You’ll just have to trust us on this one!
2. Two sizes of a take home outfit for baby. Depending on the weight and length of your child, they may or may not fit into the newborn size. We recommend packing an outfit in size 0-3 as well.
3. A colorful hat or receiving blanket. You’ll be taking tons of photos in those first days – and emailing them, tweeting them, and posting them to Facebook. A bright color will show up best against the fluorescent lights of the hospital – and lend a professional look to your amateur photography!
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Guest Blog - The Organized Diaper
We are thrilled to announce our newest partner - Sarah Nelson of Less Is More. Less is More is a Chicago home organizing service driven by a passion for order and beauty. Check out Sarah's website at http://lessismoreorganizers.com for a full description of her services (we're crazy about "Make Room for Baby") and rates.
To kick off our partnership, Sarah has shared some of her favorite tips for what she calls, "The Organized Diaper." Her tips are below.
The Organized Diaper
One of the items that is always included on a new parent’s must have list is a diaper bag. Keeping it organized will help you get out of the door faster and ensure that you have what you need when you need it. Here are some tips to help:
-Use pouches or even gallon-sized Ziploc bags to keep the items in the bag organized. I like the International Arrivals Nylon Barcelona Pencil Pouches, http://www.amazon.com/International-Arrivals-Barcelona-Zippered-113-27a/dp/B002SQEWQC/ref=pd_sbs_op2/190-7855539-9488462
-Group items in each bag based on use: one bag for changing supplies, another for feeding supplies, another for toys, etc. That way, when you need to change a diaper in, say, a tiny airplane bathroom you only have to take 1 small pouch with you.
-Find supplies quickly by using different colored bags for different groups of items.
-Get in the habit of refilling supplies immediately when you get home.
-Save time by packing the bag the night before.
-Create a mini baby supply bag with diapering supplies, a change of clothes, and if applicable, snacks, to keep in your car, just in case.
What about when you are at home, comfortably playing in the living room, and suddenly a diaper change is in order? Although you might have spent lots of time and energy searching for the perfect changing table, there is no hard-fast rule saying you have to use it every time, especially if the nursery is in a less-than-convenient part of the house. Create portable changing stations that can be neatly kept in the areas of your home you use most. A small supply of diapering items, including diapers, wipes, a leak-proof changing mat, diaper cream, and plastic bags can easily fit in a lidded basket or bin. The Hang-10 Storage Bin by Scout by Bungalow, www.bungalowco.com, would hold all of these items perfectly and comes in a wonderful range of chic colors and patterns. As with the diaper bag, remember to refill the bin when supplies run low.
To kick off our partnership, Sarah has shared some of her favorite tips for what she calls, "The Organized Diaper." Her tips are below.
The Organized Diaper
One of the items that is always included on a new parent’s must have list is a diaper bag. Keeping it organized will help you get out of the door faster and ensure that you have what you need when you need it. Here are some tips to help:
-Use pouches or even gallon-sized Ziploc bags to keep the items in the bag organized. I like the International Arrivals Nylon Barcelona Pencil Pouches, http://www.amazon.com/International-Arrivals-Barcelona-Zippered-113-27a/dp/B002SQEWQC/ref=pd_sbs_op2/190-7855539-9488462
-Group items in each bag based on use: one bag for changing supplies, another for feeding supplies, another for toys, etc. That way, when you need to change a diaper in, say, a tiny airplane bathroom you only have to take 1 small pouch with you.
-Find supplies quickly by using different colored bags for different groups of items.
-Get in the habit of refilling supplies immediately when you get home.
-Save time by packing the bag the night before.
-Create a mini baby supply bag with diapering supplies, a change of clothes, and if applicable, snacks, to keep in your car, just in case.
What about when you are at home, comfortably playing in the living room, and suddenly a diaper change is in order? Although you might have spent lots of time and energy searching for the perfect changing table, there is no hard-fast rule saying you have to use it every time, especially if the nursery is in a less-than-convenient part of the house. Create portable changing stations that can be neatly kept in the areas of your home you use most. A small supply of diapering items, including diapers, wipes, a leak-proof changing mat, diaper cream, and plastic bags can easily fit in a lidded basket or bin. The Hang-10 Storage Bin by Scout by Bungalow, www.bungalowco.com, would hold all of these items perfectly and comes in a wonderful range of chic colors and patterns. As with the diaper bag, remember to refill the bin when supplies run low.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Our New Partner - KickSprout!
Happy Sunday! We're thrilled to announce a new partnership with KickSprout! Stay tuned for upcoming events...
KickSprout creates local events and online communities for expectant & new parents to connect. We’re a place where parents connect to meet, learn and grow with other parents who are going through the same joys and challenges in an effort to educate, foster and build a strong local community.
Despite all of the planning, reading what seemed like hundreds of books and attending the usual classes, real life with a new baby became a crazy adventure. We realized that having a support group near by with parents juggling the same life changes and emotions was going to be essential to our new family. Since most of our friends & family with kids didn’t live near by, we felt somewhat lost. As we began to find many parents with the same concern and fears, we envisioned a community to help us connect in a place of support, learning and growth - and so KickSprout was born. We exist to be a resource for parents to help them navigate their way through this crazy adventure called parenthood.
KickSprout creates local events and online communities for expectant & new parents to connect. We’re a place where parents connect to meet, learn and grow with other parents who are going through the same joys and challenges in an effort to educate, foster and build a strong local community.
Despite all of the planning, reading what seemed like hundreds of books and attending the usual classes, real life with a new baby became a crazy adventure. We realized that having a support group near by with parents juggling the same life changes and emotions was going to be essential to our new family. Since most of our friends & family with kids didn’t live near by, we felt somewhat lost. As we began to find many parents with the same concern and fears, we envisioned a community to help us connect in a place of support, learning and growth - and so KickSprout was born. We exist to be a resource for parents to help them navigate their way through this crazy adventure called parenthood.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
How to Go About Finding a Daycare
During your second trimester, you will want to research your child care options. If you are undecided, take the time to research nannies, au pairs, and day cares. For those of you who have decided to go with a day care, here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Start your search early. Many day cares can have waiting lists for several months. Make sure you get on their list before you go on maternity leave! You will also want to look at a lot of facilities to see what fits with your family. Take a look at the DCFS website for a list of facilities near you (www.state.il.us/dcfs/daycare/index.shtml).
2. Bring a list of questions to ask the director. You will be given a tour of the facility. Be sure to use this time to ask a lot of questions. No question you have should go un-asked! After the tour, take the time to sit down with the director and understand the facility's culture. Each day care will have their own policies and company culture. Make sure you chose one that is in line with your parenting philosophy. Feel free to contact us for a list of questions that you can bring to each interview.
3. Don't under estimate the importance of location. You will be going to the day care every morning and afternoon. Don't discount the convenience of a facility located either close to home or close to work. If you are going to be the primary parent to drop off and pick up, you may want to chose a location near your office. This will give you the ability to visit baby during lunch. If you will be splitting the duties with your significant other, it may be wise to stick to a place close to home.
4. Budget! All child care options are pricey but be sure to completely understand the cost associated with each location you visit. Does the facility provide diapers and food? Is there an annual tuition increase? If so, what time of the year does it take affect? Will you be required to purchase uniforms for your child?
Whether you chose an accredited facility or go with an "at home" day care, the most important aspect is that you are comfortable. Every time I've had to chose a day care, I've done a lot of research and then gone with my gut. I've felt comfortable that the teachers and staff have similar parenting styles, have a good feel for schedules but are flexible enough to accommodate my particular needs, and is convenient for my family. I have yet to be disappointed!
Monday, August 22, 2011
Newest Member of the Blueprint Family
I am very excited to introduce my daughter Anja to the Baby Blueprint community! She was born on August 4th and is perfect in every way.
Right before I had Anja, I purchased an iPhone (I know, welcome to technology, Gina!). I have discovered a world of apps for the new mom. My favorite is the nursing tracker/timer (iBaby Feed Timer - Breastfeeding, Nursing, and Bottle Feeding). With my first daughter, I was always forgetting when I last nursed and what side I finished on. It was especially difficult to keep track during those late night/early morning nursing sessions. Regardless of whether you are nursing or bottle feeding, the app will keep track of your last feeding session's time and duration. It will also send a reminder when you are 10 minutes from the next feeding.
There are also apps that keep track of multiple babies (Baby Tracker: Nursing) and ones where you can track every activity of your baby from diapers to sleep to baths (Baby Hub). Take a stroll through your app store before your baby arrives and see what would assist you in those early months of caring for your newborn.
Happy Shopping!
Gina
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