Thursday, April 26, 2007

Tai Chi for Expecting Mothers


Sometimes, exercise requires a different and unique approach. Tai Chi for Expecting Mothers is one such DVD. Highly rated by consumers, this DVD provides a way in which pregnant moms can become less stressed, have more energy, and allows for a buffer against some of the side affects associated with pregnancy.

The DVD contains a complete whole body work-out combining Tai Chi, self massage and deep breathing meditation techniques to strengthen and relax the body while calming the mind to reduce feelings of stress. It is one of the highest quality independently produced pregnancy fitness DVDs released to date.

Here are some of the rave reviews this DVD has received: “I've never tried Tai Chi before, but I do adore yoga. I'm looking for some variety in my pregnancy workouts and figured I'd go ahead and take the plunge and buy this DVD. My goodness! Was I surprised! About 1/4 of the way through it, I noticed my heart rate was actually up and I was developing a light sweat! Could this be possible? It is! I used to run and do lots of aerobics and I knew what a "light sweat" was like after doing yoga, but this "light sweat" was different. I could actually feel as though toxins were leaving my body.”

Another pregnant mom wrote: “I have only good things to say about this great DVD. So many women take pregnancy as a green light to eat 5 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches a day and just decide to "work it all off later". I am here to tell you that the "later" takes years. I decided to give this DVD a try. Not only did I have increased energy, but I felt great! The instruction is clear and the exercises are easy to follow. I always felt great after the work out. The meditation in the DVD was very helpful.”

What a wonderful way to assist expectant moms by producing a DVD that not only calms and relaxes, but yields positive and long last results.

Where can you buy it? Amazon.com

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Exercising AFTER You Have the Baby

During pregnancy, it’s good to gain a certain amount of weight. This is used to support your growing child and to provide the extra calories if and when you start breastfeeding. New mothers naturally lose weight after the birth; however, if you don’t lose the weight because of gaining too much weight, or other reasons, it can be hard to take the rest off.

Here are some tips to help you get on track with your exercise plan:
  • Get Baby Involved! - Don’t wait till your child is asleep to try to get a decent workout. Strap on a baby sling or get baby in a good walking/jogging stroller so you can take the baby with you for a walk.
  • Don’t Begin Too Soon - Whether you’re had a vaginal delivery or a C-section, your body has gone through quite a bit. If you start a workout routine too soon, it can be damaging to your health. It’s usually recommended to wait 6 weeks before you start trying to workout; however, if you had a vaginal delivery, you can use those first 6 weeks to strengthen your vaginal muscles and start stretching exercises. Just be sure to check with your doctor before you start any exercise program.
  • Don’t Work Too Hard - It’s pretty likely that you haven’t been able to do a normal workout for at least a few months, maybe more. Just like starting any exercise program, you should not start full force right away. Trying to do too much is likely to do more harm than help. Before you start working out, ask your doctor for recommended exercises and how often you should do them. Remember, if you hurt yourself, you’re not going to be able to take as good care of your baby.
  • Make Room for Exercise in Your Schedule - While having a regular routine is helpful, it’s almost impossible to get a baby to conform to your schedule. This means you have to change your schedule to fit your baby’s. You’ll probably have to squeeze in workouts where you can. Choose exercises that you can do in different places at different times. Get an exercise tape or something else you can do at home. You should also remember that two 15 minute workouts or three 10 minute workouts can be just as helpful as a half hour work out. If you can set a rigid work out schedule, that’s great. If you can’t, set a looser schedule and be sure to stick with it.

Getting back in shape after a baby can be difficult, but with time, patience, and planning, you too can get back to your healthy self.

Sunday, April 22, 2007

Pregnancy and Giving Birth is a Cherished Memory

In the beginning of your pregnancy, you’re consumed with excitement and you feel beautiful. It seems like the upcoming months will last forever as you plan, shop, decorate and bond deeper with your partner. You can’t imagine forgetting one moment of this exciting time. But just to make sure, you dutifully record every precious moment in your pregnancy journal along with the receipts and special mementos you’ve collected.

You’re pregnant and your emotions change all day long; excited, anxious, happy, sad, feeling beautiful, feeling fat. These feelings not only change all day, but they become stronger and different over the months as your baby grows inside you. Those emotions of feeling beautiful at the beginning of your pregnancy will change to emotions of feeling fat once you’re into your sixth or seventh month.

Finally the labor begins and you’re whisked off to the hospital or birthing center room and your pregnancy journal is forgotten. You’re now concentrating on the labor and wishing it would be over. What a way to cap off a wonderful pregnancy, writhing in agony or thankfully medicated as the contractions take over your body. At this moment you can’t think of much you’d want to remember, except maybe those special moments with your partner.

Suddenly you are giving birth, your new baby has arrived and your wonderful new life is starting. You and your partner exchange emotional thoughts that will be remembered forever. These are moments burned in your memory to be shared in later years when your family is grown.

While you wrap up the labor and delivery those first few days, friends and relatives call and some stop by to view your baby in the nursery. You form a special relationship with your doctor and the nurses and other new mothers. As you drive your new baby home and safely nestle him in his new room, there are more special memories. From now on, everything you do is a special memory.

These are the times you want to record as a family keepsake. Your pregnancy journal may not leave much room to record the events that come after the delivery. You’ll want to have a new scrapbook ready or a new journal just for the labor and delivery. You might overlook giving birth as an event needing a special keepsake. Of course, you’ll remember the major special moments, but as the years go by, you will forget the minor events. You may have a video of the birth and of course, you’ll have many photos of the labor and delivery, but these don’t record your special thoughts and emotions that only you experienced.

When your new baby is grown and ready to commit to a family of his own, you’ll be asked a lot of questions about his birth. Imagine how wonderful it would be to have your keepsake to provide all the details you otherwise would have forgotten. This is a keepsake that will warm the heart of your now grown child as he/she realizes how special it is that you put so much time and effort into this keepsake.

Make plans early in your pregnancy to record these cherished memories of giving birth.

Life's Little Journals "Journey to Motherhood" can get you started on your way to recording these cherished memories.

Friday, April 20, 2007

3 Tips to Help You Get Through a Long Labor

If you are getting closer to the end of your pregnancy, you may be growing a bit anxious about the labor and delivery portion of this journey. This is quite normal and most pregnant women experience this same anxiety at some point. You should be prepared, in the event that your labor extends the length of an average labor.

Use these 3 helpful tips for coping with a long labor:

1. Relax - The number one rule is to relax. You must be able to remain calm and collected during your labor. Although it is difficult, becoming anxious or irritated will only make things worst. You are doing a lot of hard work throughout this process, so you need to be able to stay calm and relaxed.

  • Download some soothing music to your iPod.
  • Have a back massager on hand for your spouse or birth partner to rub your back when you start to get achy.

Whatever you need to help you relax, bring it with you to the hospital.

Surround Yourself with Love - The excitement of a baby tends to cause mothers to invite several people to be present for the birth. This may not a good idea. Naturally, you want to share this momentous occasion with many family and friends. But the labor room may not be a good time for a family reunion. Pick and choose your birth partners carefully. Be sure to surround yourself with people who can help keep you calm and focused during your labor.

Remember your Goal – Keep your goal in mind even through the pain. You are experiencing something wonderful, but it doesn’t come without lots of hard work. Your labor can become difficult and lengthy, so be ready for it. When you get tired, or feel like you just can’t take another minute, remind yourself that soon you’ll have a lovely little baby in your arms and it will all be forgotten.

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Fisher Price Kick and Play Bouncer


Product Name: Fisher Price Kick and Play Bouncer
Submitted by: Genesis Davies, San Juan, Saq
Rating: 7
Where to buy: Amazon

Description: This bouncer comes with a padded cloth seat and a toy bar that lights up and plays music when the baby bats at the hanging decorations or kicks.

Review: This is really great for keeping little ones busy while you are trying to get a bit of housework done! My son is a year and a half old and he still plays with the toy bar. A kick plate at the front senses the random kicking of even a very small baby and sets off the music and lights. The music can be set to activate only when the baby kicks, or to play all the time, with lights flashing, which is good when your baby hasn’t yet figured out that his actions make the toy work.

There is also a vibration feature with two settings, very useful for putting a small child to sleep or calming a colicky infant when you are just too tired to bounce him anymore. Combined with the bouncing action of the chair, it is really soothing and the hum of the motor helps quiet infants, as well.

Criticism: The cloth seat is completely washable and very easy to use. The only problem with it is that you have no way to use the chair while the cover is being washed. My only problem with this chair is that the front metal strut broke while my son was bouncing in the chair. This was after about 6 months of use, although in all fairness, my husband used his foot to bounce the chair on that same strut, obviously weakening it!

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Labor - Options for Controlling the Pain

As you prepare for the birth of your baby, your doctor will discuss options available to you for pain management during labor. No two labors are the same and so the amount of pain you experience will depend on several factors such as your level of pain tolerance or the type of labor you’re having. For example “back labor” (this is when your baby’s spine is rubbing up against yours) can be more painful.

This quick reference guide will give you some pain control options. You should talk about your alternatives with your physician or midwife to determine which method you’d like to go with.

Option #1: Epidural
An epidural is administered by an anesthesiologist. This type of pain control is most common among women today. An epidural is dispensed in the lower back. It allows for continual pain management throughout your labor. This is my personal favorite option :) I opted for the epidural with all three of my deliveries and ALL of the births were easy for me and pain free!

Option #2: Intravenous medications
Intravenous (IV) medications can be administered during early phases of labor. This type of pain relief lasts only briefly, to give you some relief. IV medications can make you and your baby sleepy, so they are only used during early labor for pain relief.

Option #3: Mental relaxation
Women who are opting for natural births should utilize mental relaxation techniques. This type of pain control relies heavily on the mother keeping herself calm and relaxed during labor. You must be mentally strong and able to control your mind and thoughts. You should spend as much of your pregnancy as possible practicing relaxation techniques.

Option #4: Water Birth
Many pregnant women in labor like this method of pain management. In fact, hospitals around the world are incorporating water birthing centers into their labor and delivery floors. Using a tub or shower, you are able to better handle your labor contractions. Water seems to ease the tension and help women relax during their labor.
**Please note, if your waters break avoid water until you consult your midwife or physician.**

Option #5: Gas and Air (Entonox)
The gas, a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide, is administered through a mask or mouthpiece, allowing women to control the amount they take in. When you feel a contraction you take in a deep breath of gas and it will alleviate your symptoms. Some women don’t like the gas because it makes them feel a bit drowsy or “drunk” while others find it really helps.

Like labor, all pain control options are not created equal. What works for some may not work for others. The best thing you can do is prepare yourself with as much information possible so that you can know all your choices before the big day arrives.

Monday, April 16, 2007

5 Essentials for Your Baby's Nursery

As you are preparing for your child to be born, you are no doubt thinking about setting up the nursery. You get to have the fun of registering at baby stores and thinking up color schemes...but what do you really NEED? Here are 5 essentials to get you started:
  1. Cradle and Crib - A cradle (or bassinet) and crib are probably the most important pieces of furniture you will buy. Many people choose to have baby stay in their room - at least for a little while. This is where the bassinet or cradle come in handy. When they're ready to move into their own room, a nice, sturdy crib is in order.
  2. Mobile - No doubt you have either received or acquired a mobile for the crib. With the variety of colors, themes and mobiles available today, you shouldn’t have a problem picking one out for your baby. The songs help to soothe the baby and the motion helps keep them occupied as they get older.
  3. Baby Monitor - This is a MUST HAVE - especially once you get baby on their own in their very own room! Monitors come in many varieties, from the very simple to the extravagant video monitor. Whatever type you choose, you will have peace of mind knowing that you can monitor baby's crying and sleeping habits while being able to do your own thing somewhere else in the house.
  4. Changing Table - A changing table doesn't have to be formal...it can even be a soft, cushy changing pad on top of a dresser. Whatever you do, make sure that it is safe and secure for your little one.
  5. Rocking Chair - No nursery is complete without a rocking chair (or glider). Make sure to find a comfortable one for you, since you will be spending most of your time feeding and rocking your baby to sleep.
Now you are ready to roll with your new nursery. Last thought - if you don't have the funds, these can be great group baby shower gifts...and don't be afraid to accept hand-me-downs either. Just make sure that all pieces of furniture and anything that the baby can get near are secure and meet current safety standards.

Now get out there and start registering :)

Thursday, April 12, 2007

What About Yoga?

If you are pregnant and concerned about maintaining good health during your pregnancy, there are several options available for you. Yoga is a popular form of exercise among pregnant women.
Here are some great reasons why:
Can reduce nausea – Many pregnant women experience weeks, if not months of morning sickness. Yoga helps reduce your nausea and can drastically reduce the terrible stretch of morning sickness.
Relieves stress – Yoga is most commonly known as a way to help a person stay centered and relieve stress. This is especially important during pregnancy when both mom and baby should remain stress free at all times.
Relieves fluid retention – Pregnancy causes many women’s hands, feet and face to swell. Practicing yoga during your pregnancy can help to relieve some of that fluid build-up that you experience.
Relieves tension –Some pregnant women experience a great amount of stress. This stress leads to great amounts of tension in your body, particularly in your muscles such as your back and neck. Yoga can help relieve this stress-induced tension and keep you calm.
Stimulates your power of focus – Not only can yoga be a great stress and tension reliever, but it can also help you to get your mind focused. When you are calm, you are better able to focus on the actual birth process. Yoga can enable a faster and much less taxing labor.
Facilitates flexibility – Flexibility plays a large role in the birth process. Yoga enables you to remain flexible during pregnancy, which will help your muscles to be prepared for the birthing process when you go into labor and can help your body recover from the birth.

Ready to give it a try? This Simple Yoga for Pregnancy DVD from Amazon.com can help get you started!

Concerned about buying online? Here are some tips to keep you safe!

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Luvs Ultra Leakguards Diapers

Product Name: Luvs Ultra Leakguards Stretch Diapers
Submitted by: Jeannie Kerns; Colorado Springs, CO
Rating: 10
Where to buy: Amazon.com

Description: Luvs Ultra Leak guard diapers are the kind of diapers you have been waiting for. They are made with a plastic coating instead of the cloth coating that leaves little cotton ball like particles all on the outside, they have tape instead of Velcro like most diapers these days, and the characters that are across the diapers change every few weeks. You can't go wrong with Luvs Ultra Leakguards.

Review: Well I tell you, I think that I have been able to try almost every diaper out there in the past 20 years. I have gone through the most expensive (like all us new Mommies tend to do) to the least expensive (that is when we realize there all the same) diapers.

Well after using Drypers for the longest time, I decided that I would try a new one. Actually a name brand one that was cheaper by a couple of bucks. To my surprise and that is exactly what it was, I loved them.

I bought Luvs Ultra Leak guard thinking I was going to be disappointed like the rest. But I honestly was shocked. They were like the old diapers. And I am talking like 20 years ago when my first daughter was born.

They have the plastic outside, which I love because the cloth outside is terrible, I was sick of seeing pieces of the diaper balled up when my son walked away. That is what they do, they collect and make lint balls all over the diaper and they are terrible.

The pattern: Well let me tell you I honestly do not like Barney, but yes, my son does. And when he saw Barney on his diaper he was in a rush to put them on. Thank goodness too, because any other time he wants them off.

The tape: Well this is a big thing for me. I am so sick of the Velcro, I can't even begin to start. I don't know who thought that it was better to do this, but whoever it was needs to be spoken to. All that does is give the child an easier way to take the diaper off. That is exactly what he would do. "Mommy my hiney is showing", well if the Velcro wasn't so easy we wouldn't have had that problem now would we have. Sheesh. But with Luvs, I can be at ease that his diaper will stay on until it is ready to be changed. The tape comes off easy and applies easy as well. No red marks to where the tape cuts into the skin because it is hanging off, no problems at all.

As for quality: Excellent. I have used these for about 4 weeks now, and not once has there been a wet bed. With the others, I was washing sheets and blankets on a daily basis. It is nice not to be the queen of the washing machine for a chance.

Anyways, if you’re planning on buying diapers, buy Luvs. They will not let you down, and you save money as well.

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Bringing the New Baby into an Already Full Household

Bringing a new baby into the world is a wonderful experience. It can also be trying and difficult if you have other children at home. As you prepare for the birth of your new baby, here are some things you should keep in mind about introducing the new baby.

Equal Treatment
It is hard not to constantly dote on the new baby once you’re home. Be cautious about spending so much time with the new baby that you inadvertently ignore your other children. Try to set aside special time with each child. Talk about their day at school, or extracurricular activities they are involved in. Spend your special time focusing only on that particular child.

Reminisce
Now would be the perfect time to get out the picture albums and baby books from your older children. Set aside a special day just to go through the books. Talk about how you felt when each child was born. Share funny stories with them. Recollecting fond memories will bring your family closer and will show your other children that they are just as special as the newborn.

Get Them Involved
Let your children be involved in the caretaking of your new baby. Give each child a special responsibility. One child might be in charge of gathering the diaper-changing necessities, while another is in charge of warming the bottle. Your older children can take turns feeding the baby. Let your children be involved; however, don’t force them to participate if they don’t want to at first. Sometimes it takes a few days for children to “warm up” to the idea of a new baby being in the house.

Be Patient
Some children don’t take too well to a new sibling but be patient and know that you are doing the right things and that your older child will soon come around. Eventually your children may even be such good friends that you won’t even remember this time.

Monday, April 9, 2007

Exercise During Pregnancy...Is it Safe?

Pregnant women are often concerned about gaining excess weight. A common question many pregnant women ask their doctors is if exercise is safe during pregnancy. Be informed that the viewpoint of your obstetrician may vary from other doctors. However, it has been determined by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists that some exercise is safe for pregnant women.

That being said, here are some tips to keep in mind if you choose to exercise:

Don’t Exercise Sporadically
Most doctors will agree that regular moderate exercise a few times each week is much better than sporadic exercise. It is inadvisable to exercise only when you feel like it. If you aren’t able to keep a regular exercise routine (2-3 days per week), then you shouldn't try to hit the gym.

Pay Attention to Your Body
When you are pregnant, you do not have the same flexibility as you may have otherwise. Thus, exercise with caution. If you are having muscle aches or other pain, you should slow down or stop the exercise. Pushing yourself too hard could result in more pain or problems.

Don’t Lie on Your Back
If you are past your first trimester, you should not lie on your back during exercise. This decreases the amount of oxygen that your baby receives. You should avoid any exercise that has to be done in this manner.

Stay Hydrated
While exercising, remember to drink plenty of water. Take advantage of indoor gyms and exercise facilities, if at all possible, to stay out of the heat.

Sunday, April 8, 2007

Teething Remedies

Teething normally occurs in babies between the ages of six and nine months, but can begin as early as 3 months and last through 12-15 months (although it is easier for them to find relief themselves when they're that old).

Some common symptoms of teething include cranky moods, swollen gums, drooling, fever, diarrhea and excessive biting on objects.

You should expect your baby to be fussy, as her gums are in an extremely tender state during the teething process. She might even refuse to eat or take her bottle if she is uncomfortable or in pain.

Here are some common baby teething remedies that will help ease your baby’s discomfort:
* Rub his gums with your finger. Remember to wash your hands before doing so.
* Soak one end of a clean bath cloth in water. Place the wet cloth in a refrigerator. Once chilled, let your baby bite or suck on the cold cloth.
* Chill a teething ring or teething toy in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. Let your baby chew on the cold toy.
* Offer your baby a frozen banana (with adult supervision). Be sure to freeze the banana thoroughly before giving it to your baby. Cut the banana in half to make it easier for your baby to hold.
* Use an OTC (over the counter) teething gel. These gels are specially formulated to be safe for your baby. Read and follow the instructions on the package carefully before applying the gel to your baby’s gums.
* Administer Tylenol or Motrin, for pain and fever as recommended by your pediatrician. If your baby has trouble sleeping at night, consider giving them a dose of pain medication just before bedtime. If you’re unsure of what pain medications to give your baby, make sure to check with your pediatrician first.

Thursday, April 5, 2007

Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help

New mothers often feel overwhelmed by all the new responsibilities thrust upon them. Between bottles and diaper changes, you can easily lose yourself amongst it all. What’s worse is that moms often feel like they have to do it all on their own.

If you’re tired of being SuperMom, let's look at a few reasons why you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help:

Reason #1
You deserve a break. Moms are busy people. We take on a lot of tasks and often don’t get much credit or recognition for them. Moms work 24 hours a day, rarely getting breaks. Allow yourself to take a break every now and again.

Reason #2
You can’t do it all by yourself. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. In fact, it’s just the opposite, a sign of strength. Someone once said that no man (or mama) is an island. Oh how true this is! There is no way you could do everything by yourself, and if you did you would be exhausted so ask for help and feel good doing it.

Reason #3
They want to help you. If there is no other reason for you to ask for help, remember this one: your family and friends want to help you. That’s right—they want to. I’ve heard family members of so many new mothers say that they would love to help, but the mom never asks for help. Sometimes people don’t want to feel like they’re intruding so be proactive in asking for help. When friends and family ask if there is anything they can do to help say yes. If people ask you what you would like as a gift, mention housecleaning vouchers (or ask a close friend or relative to spread the word for you).

Reason #4
Being a “good” mom means taking care of yourself. Last, but certainly not least, asking for help does not mean that you are a bad mother. Lots of moms refuse help because they think others will view them as terrible parents for doing so. This couldn’t be further from the truth. A good mother knows when she needs help and isn’t afraid to ask for it. She knows when she needs a break. A good mother also knows that she needs to take care of herself first in order to keep the family going.

Wednesday, April 4, 2007

Pregnancy Stress Relief Tips

Every pregnant woman deals with a certain amount of stress. However, stress should be avoided at all costs during your pregnancy. After all, you are growing this wonderful miracle inside of you!

Try these simple and quick pregnancy stress relief tips:

Stress Relief Tip #1: 15-minute foot soak. If you’re tired and stressed from a long day, a nice, hot, 15-minute foot soak will ease the day’s tension like a charm. Your feet have many pressure points, so remember to get off your feet when you’re stressed. Add a little lavender or chamomile oil for a relaxing aromatherapy foot soak.

Stress Relief Tip #2: 30-minute massage. Make an appointment for a 30-minute massage at your local spa. You may not feel like it at first but push yourself to do it, a professional massage is not only relaxing but can physically work a lot of tension out of your body and relieve pregnancy aches and pains, particularly in the back area. This is a really nice gift you can give yourself. After the baby is born, you probably won’t have time for many luxuries like this, so take advantage of it right now!

Stress Relief Tip #3: 30-minute manicure/pedicure - Another once-a-month stress reliever that is nice is a manicure and/or pedicure. Treat yourself to something nice. You deserve it. A manicure and pedicure might seem like an extravagance to some, but it will make you feel so much better. Pregnancy is hard on the body and some of us don’t feel at our best, so nice hands and feet will make you feel sexy and pretty.

Stress Relief Tip #4: 30-minute afternoon nap - You may be experiencing extreme fatigue during your pregnancy. If so, don’t fight sleep. Get in a cat-nap during late morning or early afternoon. Whenever you feel fatigue setting in, stop and rest. The best relief for stress sometimes is just a good sleep.

Overall body Stress Relief Tip: Make sure you get enough sleep at night. A good way to avoid going to bed too late is to get into the habit of making yourself a nice relaxing cup of decaffeinated tea and get in bed to read a good book. If you don’t like the thought of going to bed too early, think of it as just relaxing and catching up on some reading. Before you know it, you’ll be drifting off to sleep and ensuring you get some much needed rest.

Tuesday, April 3, 2007

Especially for Baby Bottle Warmer



Product Name: Especially for Baby Bottle Warmer
Submitted by: Erica Johns; Lancaster, KY
Rating: 10
Where to buy: Amazon.com

Description: The Especially for Baby Bottle Warmer includes a thermal cooler and ice pack for keeping bottles cold, measured water vials, and the warming unit.

Review: When I was an exhausted mother of a premature baby that needed to be fed frequently through the night, this product was a life saver for me! Instead of having to get up frequently to get bottles from the fridge and warm them up, I never had to leave the comfort of my bed thanks to this gadget!

You just put your bottles into the cooler with the contoured ice pack, and when your baby needs to eat you can just reach over to your bedside table to take one out. You simply pour the water from one measured vial into the heating unit and then add the bottle. Press one button and wait just a minute or two until the bottle is nice and warm. By the time you change baby's diaper the bottle is ready.

Though this product didn't get great reviews at Babies R Us, I truly found it helpful and if I was in the same situation I would definitely buy another one. It sure beats sleepless nights!

Have you used this product? Please comment and let us know what you think!

Monday, April 2, 2007

Color Guide for the Nursery

What color to decorate your new baby's nursery? Choosing the right nursery color isn’t just about what looks good or putting up your favorite color. The color you choose for your baby’s nursery can have a big impact on the calmness and overall look and feel of the nursery.

Here’s a simple color guide to help you set the right mood for your baby’s nursery:

Warm Colors - Red, Yellow, Orange
Red - Red is a powerful color which promotes energy… probably not the best nursery color! It’s just too bright and over stimulating. If you really like your reds, opt for a more terracotta version and try to keep it to one accent wall only.
Orange - Is less dramatic than red and still just as warm. I like orange for older kid’s rooms but think it’s still a little too stimulating. If you have a dark or north facing room you can try a putting a not too bright shade of orange along one wall. This will make the room a little warmer but still calm.
Yellow - Yellow is actually quite popular in nurseries but not very good in terms of calmness. A bright yellow can actually cause anxiety and over stimulation in babies and children. If you want to create a calm environment, my suggestion is stay away from any shade of yellow in the nursery. If you really must have yellow then try to stick to one wall only.

Cool Colors - Blue, Green, Violet
Blue - Blue is the perfect choice for bedrooms. It’s soothing and can create a relaxing feeling which will help lull baby to sleep. If you have a little girl, blue can actually be quite feminine. Stick with a pastel shade of blue and accessorize with pale pink, green or yellow and lots of white for a feminine feel.
Green - Green is the color of nature and is certainly calming and relaxing. This is also a great choice for nurseries. It suits both boys and girls rooms and can be incorporated into a variety of themes. If you choose a classic shade of green you can easily live with it for several years.
Violet/Lilac - One of the favorite little girl colors. Violet is a very soothing color which is perfect for bedrooms. For babies stick with a pastel shade of lilac and accessorize with light greens or pinks.