LilSugar

Your Diaper Bag Must Haves

LilSugar — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 07:46:50 PDT

You've got the baby, the stroller, now you need the goods for your diaper bag. What to stash may seem like a daunting task, so we've streamlined the process for you. The below necessities are all you really need, and it's a good idea not to overstuff your bag to the point of it becoming a backbreaker (remember, you've also got a little person to tote around). As for the extras, pick and choose what's important for you.

The Necessities

Diapers: Follow the rule of always bringing a few more than you think you'll need.
Wipes: Stock up on travel-sized packages so that you'll always have some ready to go.
Diaper Cream: Save any sample-size tubes that you get from the pediatrician or baby store, and keep them in your bag.
Changing Pad: Most diaper bags come with them, so only purchase an extra if it's necessary.
Change of Clothes: You never know when a diaper's going to explode or spit-up's going to become a mess.
Sealable Plastic Bags: These become trash bags in a pinch.
Bottle, Formula, or Snacks: Pack accordingly, depending on the length (or potential length) of your outing.

The Extras

Bottled Water: For you to drink, to use with powdered formula, or to rinse off any other surprises that may come your way.
First Aid Kit: It can never hurt to be prepared . . .
Toys and Other Distractions: You know your baby best! If there's a go-to stuffed animal or "lovey" that he or she can't live without, bump this up to the "necessities" category.
Sling or Wrap: If your baby prefers to be carried, this may save tears when you arrive at your destination.
Blanket: To serve as a shade, nursing cover, changing pad, or burp cloth in a pinch.
Hand Sanitizer: If you're looking to streamline, wipes can do double-duty here. Otherwise, a little bottle doesn't take up much room.

Diaper Bag Pictured Above: StorkSak Isabella Nylon in Black ($235)

The Best Way to Welcome New Parents (and Baby) Home From the Hospital

LilSugar — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 13:21:22 PDT

"When I had my baby, after 50 hours of unbelievable labor, I came home to a kitchen that was not quite through a remodel and a pretty empty fridge," said Sara Kate Gillingham-Ryan, founding editor of The Kitchn. "After that, I swore that from then on I would always cook for my friends when they had babies, and that is how my famous Taco Box evolved."

We thought Sara Kate's New Baby Taco Box concept was such a clever (and actually useful) way to welcome home a new family, we were thrilled when she agreed to let us share it with you. Here's what's inside:

The Crate: Sara Kate's version is made from a wine crate, which she says you can ask a wine shop or local restaurant for (they'll most likely be happy to unload a few). She blocked out the words "Taco Box" in masking tape, spray-painted the whole thing, and let it dry.
The Flowers: Even if mom got plenty of flowers at the hospital, fresh blooms are always welcome (and especially nice when you know that the new family's likely to be cooped up inside for the better part of the first few weeks).
The Tacos: Shredded chicken, pork, or beef can be divvied up into freezer bags and used immediately, or frozen for later. Stash tortillas in another Ziploc bag, along with store-bought or homemade guacamole, salsa, rice, and whatever other accompaniments you please.
The Booze: New parents are likely to have lots of friends and family visiting, so a six-pack of beer or a bottle of their favorite wine is likely to be a welcome treat.

Other Fun New Baby Box Ideas
Tacos not your thing? No worries. The concept is easily adaptable to whatever you think the new parents would enjoy most. A few more ideas . . .

Breakfast in a Box: Include pancake or waffle mix, good maple syrup, fresh fruit, a bag of a favorite coffee or tea, milk, and juice.
Easy Italian: Go traditional with a homemade lasagna or baked ziti (these are also great because they can easily be popped into the freezer), or pick up the foundations - a box of good pasta, a jar of sauce, a loaf of Italian bread, and pair with salad ingredients, something sweet, and if it suits you, a bottle of wine.
Mediterranean Mezze: Hummus, pita chips, good olives, and grape leaves are perfect for a family who prefers to graze than to sit down to a big meal. Also a good option if you know that they'll have a lot of family in and out.
Souper Soups: Soup freezes easily, can feed a crowd, and is likely to last for several meals. Make a double portion of a favorite kind, and divvy it up into multiple plastic containers so that they can enjoy some now, and freeze some for later. Be sure to include some good crackers or bread and salad fixings as well.
Chef For a Day (or Night): If it's a really, really good friend (the kind who won't be too polite to tell you that she's exhausted and it's time to go home), offer to come over and cook dinner (let her make menu suggestions) one afternoon or early evening. So long as she's feeling OK, she'll appreciate the company, and it'll give you time to visit with the new parents and baby. Just don't leave any dirty dishes!

Source: Sara Kate Gillingham-Ryan for The Kitchn

Announcing a Pregnancy: I'm Going to Be a Dad

LilSugar — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:02:01 PST

When British photographer Tom Robinson found out he was going to be a father, he couldn't wait to share the news with friends and family. "It's generally a good idea to wait until the three-month scan before telling people you're going to have a baby, just to make sure everything is OK. I'm terrible at keeping secrets, so after only a few weeks I told my boss at work that I was going to be a dad and his reaction was so priceless, I instantly knew I had to capture the reactions of my close friends and family," Tom said. "We hadn't been trying for a baby and I was 29, which for London is fairly young to have a child, so I knew I'd get some good reactions." And thus "I'm Going to Be a Dad" was born.

Keep reading to see how Tom's family and friends reacted to the news!

Source: Tom Robinson Photography

Baby's Here! 9 Creative Birth Announcements

Nicole Abbott — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:59:15 PST

Mommy and daddy aren't the only ones who have been expecting the stork's arrival, so announcing baby's debut is big deal to new parents. Lots of mamas prefer to go with a custom birth announcement as unique as their new baby - and nothing says custom like letterpress announcements or photo birth announcements. Click through to check out nine creative custom birth announcements for a little inspiration.

Where Is He or She Now? An Update on the Great Genderless Baby "Storm" of 2011

Natasha Dantzig — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 07:13:46 PST

Boy or a girl? Generally one of the first questions parents answer about their lil ones, it's the one that Toronto parents Kathy Witterick and David Stocker opted to skip completely when their baby was born nearly one year ago, on New Year's Day. Named Storm, an appropriate moniker for a child that was the subject of more than a little controversy, the baby's parents publicly announced that they would not be revealing Storm's gender in The Toronto Star. Unsurprisingly, the family has faced its share of haters, critics, and detractors over the past year who feel that the family is more than just wacky - that they're doing actual psychological damage by imposing their extreme beliefs on their innocent lil ones.

Today, as Storm's first birthday approaches, the lil one is thriving. With two doting older siblings - including big brother Jazz, whom his parents identify as "gender independent" thanks to his affinity for pink, fairy birthday parties, and dresses - and a community of supportive friends, the family is sticking by their commitment to raise their children with "the freedom to choose who they want to be, unconstrained by social norms about males and females." What do you think? Inspiring trailblazers or irresponsible parents?

Steal the Look: Amy Brinkley's "Up All Night" Nursery

Nicole Abbott — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:24:27 PST

We're hooked on Up All Night, and we don't appear to be the only ones! The new show is gaining fans left and right for their spot-on - and hilarious - portrayal of life as new parents. Chris and Reagan Brinkley are just like us, but more funny - and with a beautifully decorated midcentury modern home!

Scenes that take place in the Brinkleys' nursery are scarce, but we played a little game of I Spy and found some fabulous items in their baby's room. Click through to see more pictures and get the scoop on the Up All Night nursery.

All photos courtesy NBC/Bravo

Best of 2011: What Was Your Favorite New Baby Toy?

Nicole Abbott — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:02:46 PST

Lots of new toys for baby hit stores this year - did any of them make it to your little one's toy box? Eco-conscious new mamas loved the new Plan Toys' Baby Activity Gym ($60) and the P'kolino Fishing Hole Size Sorter ($25). Little tykes were delighted by the Fisher-Price Little People Wheelies Zig the Big Rig ($30), while pint-sized Sesame Street fans went ga-ga for Let's Rock Elmo ($49) and Count and Crunch Cookie Monster ($23)! So which new baby toy did your little one love the most? Let us know or add another toy in the comments.

10 Great Gifts For Brand Spankin' New Mamas

Natasha Dantzig — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:03:10 PST

Ask most new mamas what they really want for the holidays, and chances are you'll get one answer: a full night's sleep! While that's something nearly impossible to deliver to new parents, it is possible to provide some much-needed relief and relaxation during the waking hours.

Click through for a selection of items that will bring a smile to any new mama's face, even through her haze of sleep deprivation!

Bye-Bye Rock-a-Bye: Cool Music For Baby

Nicole Abbott — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 11:25:08 PST

Bye-bye rock-a-bye! Mama may have had the coolest tunes on her music player before baby, but now, not so much. If the thought of hearing "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" for the 15th time straight makes you want to bury your head in the sand, maybe it's time for a music upgrade. Check out these cool tunes for baby and get the best of both worlds - real music with kid-friendly lyrics!

Too Cool For School? A Gift Guide For Baby Hipsters

LilSugar — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 10:02:44 PST

Everyone knows one: that baby with the super cool hipster parents who are all about obscure bands and ironic facial hair. It's hard enough to shop for adult hipsters, but what do you get the lil versions? Hand-rolled cigarettes just won't do.

We told you about books for hipster tots; keep reading for a selection of presents sure to delight the most discerning of babies.