LilSugar

Baby Wellness: Hot Tubbin'

LilSugar — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 12:00:07 -0800

Even babies need a trip to the spa every now and again. Bathe your babe the European way with Spa Baby ($40).

Allowing infants to sit in the natural upright position submerged up to their shoulders, the basin provides a calming environment similar to the mother's womb. Available in a shade of soft green, the tub gives them a good soak and is a perfect shower present for the mama-to-be.

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Mom–Me Time: Spa Babies

babysugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 05:00:00 -0700

An afternoon of spa escape is heaven for most moms. Bringing baby along sounds interesting, but not the least bit relaxing. Unless, you're going to the Thermes de Spa in Belgium and its L'Institut Maman-Bébé in Belgium.

The retreat prides itself on offering new mothers and their wee ones (age two to seven–months) a five–day course of postnatal massage treatments and exercises. While the mom focuses on rejuvenating her body and skin, the baby spends some time with caretakers. No indulgence lasts longer than an hour so mommy guilt - be gone! This spa even brings babe in for some of the mum's activities allowing the two to soak up the pleasures together.

To see how much such a package will cost you, read more.

Adding airfare to Belgium to the $1,500 price tag may sound a tad unreasonable. Babies are the hottest mommy companions these days so we hope that other spas will pick up this fabulous service for mommy–baby duos.

Assuming price weren't an issue, would you want to treat yourself and babe to such a vacation?
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Spa Baby

LilSugar — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 10:41:27 -0800

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Lil Links: Gabrielle Reece Shares Her Wellness Secrets

LilSugar — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 11:00:57 -0700

Gabby Reece talks balance and perspective with CBS - Celebrity Baby Scoop
Skip the spa, DIY pedicures - Cookie
Cate Blanchett's sons are her secret stylists - Celebrity Baby Blog
Highly effective habits of the alpha mom - Alpha Mom
Pregnant and surviving the barbecue - CafeMom
Do you let your kids go to slumber parties? - Momversation
Special kids get a special prom - ParentDish

Want to Pick Your Babe's Gender? Try These Tricks

babysugar — Fri, 01 May 2009 07:00:43 -0700

A mother of two boys may decide to give it her all with one last pregnancy in hopes of fulfilling her life long dream of having a daughter to keep her company on shopping trips and spa days. Parents desperate to determine the gender of their baby often turn to old wives tales hoping to see the family jewels during an ultrasound. Some of these ideas sound ridiculous while others have an ounce of logical reasoning behind them. To see what some of the myths are, just read more.

Girls:

Timing: Plan ahead. The female sperm are said to live longer and swim slower so having sex a few days before ovulation may be beneficial as only the strong, I mean girls, survive.
Positioning: Since lady sperm can last longer, the goal is to get the goods to the egg without deep penetration as the boys will try to beat her out.
Diet: Consume foods and drinks rich in acid to raise the mama's Ph as boy sperm cannot tolerate the high levels.

Boys:

Timing: Since the male sperm are faster, parents aiming for a boy should try to have sex on the day of or day after ovulation occurs. These guys are straight and to the point and want to swim as fast as they can to get to that egg.
Positioning: Give the lil boy swimmers a head start by placing them as close to their destination as possible. Positions that offer deep release are preferable for boys.
Drinks: It has been said that drinking coffee will get those lil boys amped up for a swim to the promised land.
Diet: Some believe a high Ph level in the mother can kill off the boy sperm. Families trying to have a son sometimes monitor their diets and use douche solutions to lower the acidic level in the breeding ground.

Does any of this make sense? The girl sperm like to lollygag and take their time, perhaps primping and gossiping along the way. The boys want to get the job done as quickly as possible. In the end, there is no full proof way of picking a child's gender, but it can certainly be fun trying!
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Mommy's Lil Helper: Ped Egg

babysugar — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 04:00:20 -0700

Before having babies, I used to pamper my hands and feet every so often with a relaxing mani and pedi. Since becoming a mother, I have hardly had time to sit in a vibrating massage chair with someone else tending to my toes. With sandal season approaching, I needed to find a way to clean up my feet without dealing with spa appointments and sitters.

While waiting in line at the local Walgreens, I spotted the "As Seen on TV Ped Egg" ($10). A sucker for point-of-purchase sales, I grabbed one and decided to give it a go. Ladies, it's all it's cracked up to be. Right after my shower this morning, I tested it and in less than five minutes, my callouses were gone! Smoother than if a professional had done it, I eagerly lathered my feet up with some creamy lotion and slipped on my open toe shoes. Now if I could only figure out how to paint my nails like the pros...

April Showers: Guide to Planning a Baby Shower (Part One)

babysugar — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 13:00:02 -0700

Planning a baby shower can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. All you have to do is organize a gathering that makes the mommy-to-be happy and feel celebrated. Location scouting, invitations and worry aside, it's always more fun than it sounds. We've dedicated the entire month of April to planning showers of all kinds, but if you've been nominated (or volunteered) to plan a baby shower for a friend or relative you should start with the basics. For some of the most important things to consider when you start planning, read more.

Guest list: For decades baby showers have been "ladies only" events, but times are changing. Many expectant parents opt for co-ed affairs. I suggest talking to the mommy of the day about what she's comfortable with and who she wants to be invited. It's pretty traditional to include the future grandma, extended family, closest friends and close co-workers.

Location and venue: First, make sure the growing mommy-to-be will be comfortable. My favorite baby showers are those in a home, whether it's grandma's house, your house or the mommy-to-be's home. If you prefer to do it elsewhere, consider a cute park, spa, teahouse, restaurant, dessert spot or even a bar or lounge (mommy can't drink, but bar baby showers have become popular with the increase of co-ed showers).

Theme and decor: After you've planned the location start thinking about the party's colors, flowers, decorations and theme. You should think about the new mommy's personal style and whether or not she's announced the sex of the baby. When in doubt, go simple and whimsical.

Invites: If you're looking for something simple, but adorable, check out HP’s collection of exclusive birth announcements, which feature artwork by Gwen Stefani. You can easily personalize the cards to include all your party details and print them on your home printer for free.

Log on tomorrow for part two of my suggestions!

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Why Didn't Anyone Tell Me: Mask of Pregnancy

babysugar — Fri, 16 May 2008 07:00:38 -0700

You expect to see masks at a Halloween party, a day spa and masquerade balls. I certainly never expected pregnant women to get them.

Most ladies anticipate skin changes during pregnancy - stretch marks and linea negra are common to many mamas–to–be. The "mask of pregnancy" that some women experience while expecting is another visible condition particular to pregnant women.

To learn more about the mask and what you can do about it, read more.

As defined by the American Pregnancy Association:

"Mask of pregnancy" is also referred to as melasma and chlosma. Melasma causes dark splotchy spots to appear on your face. These spots most commonly appear on your forehead and cheeks and are a result of increased pigmentation. When you become pregnant your body produces more hormones, which causes an increase in your pigmentation. Nearly 50% of pregnant women show some signs of the "mask of pregnancy."

While I did not develop the dark spots on my face while pregnant, my girlfriend had melasma with her birth control pills and again with her pregnancy. Similar to the APA recommendations, she found the best way to avoid the darkening of the spots was to wear high SPF lotion and stay out of the sun.

Like many other conditions, the mask typically goes away once baby is born and hormones return to normal levels.

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April Showers: Bedrest Bash

LilSugar — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 10:00:00 -0700

Sometimes pregnancy calls for the mom-to-be to take to her bed. Limiting an expectant woman's time on her feet decreases pressure on the cervix, increases oxygen and nutrients to the baby, and helps maternal organ function.

But that doesn't mean the impending arrival shouldn't be celebrated with a fabulous fête like the ones thrown for mobile moms-to-be. So check and see if your bedridden friend minds if you bring the party to her.

To start planning a bedrest bash, read more.

Since space is likely limited, put only her closest friends on the guest list. Then ask everyone to throw on their favorite pair of pajamas and head over to the house. Whether you choose to set up a bedroom spa or just kick up your heels and keep her company, the expectant woman will probably welcome the festivities.
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Bringing Sexy Back: It's a Man's Job

babysugar — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 05:00:40 -0800

You asked, we responded. In the Bringing Sexy Back posts, you've suggested we offer ideas on how your partner can rekindle the romance.

Since you're the one reading this, print it out and discreetly leave it in a place where your other half can find it. Perhaps in a bag of potato chips or wrapped around the remote control.

To see some of the suggestions of how your partner can sweep you off your feet, read more.

Read from a husband, boyfriend, partner, etc. perspective:

When the baby wakes up on Saturday morning, let mama sleep in and snooze an extra hour or two.
Do the grocery shopping or a chore she doesn't necessarily love doing.
Duh, bring home some flowers.
Cook dinner or offer to order and pick it up.
Arrange for a babysitter and plan a night out on the town or a weekend away.
Rent mommy's favorite movie and accompany the treasure with her favorite box of candies.
Make an appointment for a spa day for the mum.
Do the dishes.

You know the old saying, "If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy." The recommendations are sure to put a smile on her face and she'll have more time and energy for closed door activities.

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