The personality of the new parents.

If mom is the sentimental type, you may look at a more traditional gift or keepsake. If she’s the fashionista Instagram mom, cute matching outfits will be loved. The more practical moms (raises hand) might rather have everyone pitch in for a good stroller, a baby carrier, or even cases of diapers!  

Never underestimate the gift of help!

As a mom of six, the more children I had, the less actual “gifts” I wanted. The best “presents” were people taking my toddlers and pre-schoolers to the park to let me have some time alone with the baby. My friend recently had triplets and I set up a meal train. A meal was dropped to her house every night for three months. She said having dinner served during that newborn phase with triplets was like a wish come true.

Think beyond the infant stage.
 
Parents sometimes forget to think beyond the baby phase. Infants are tiny for about FIVE MINUTES! Think about what products and clothing items you might want when they are 18 months old. Investigate what friends with older babies and children are using. Often parents are overwhelmed with gifts for the first 6 months, but after that find themselves without the essentials they need.

Your own go-to’s

Moms make the best recommendations! I know some of my favourite products came at the advice of other moms in my village. If you have a go-to item, you can’t live without buy it for a new mom and let them know how much you love yours! I recently purchased a Stokke Tripp Trapp Chair for a new mom. My kids STILL use theirs as tweens and teens!  

Stay safe by buying a gift from into one of these safe categories: 

• Essentials

Curate a baby medicine kit, lots of new parents overlook simple drug store items that will be a lifesaver in those first couple of months. Fill a basket or storage container with essential items like a baby thermometer, vapor rub, baby sunscreen, Vaseline, baby powder, nasal aspirator, teething medicine, wipes, and liquid vitamin drops. 

• Personalized

If the new parents already know the name of their child, gift them with these fun personalized rainbow crayons. These can act as décor in the nursery at first, and then when the child is ready to start using them. And of course, baby will be going to daycare in the blink of an eye, so Mabel’s Labels is a must have.

• Unique 

It’s never too early to start sharing the love of reading with child. Fill a basket with books from a variety of topics. These can vary from fairy tales, poetry, science to social justice, and the classics like Goodnight Moon and The Giving Tree. A very special book I recently discovered is Words of Wonder which is perfect for new parent and baby. In each book, write a note to the baby with words of encouragement or life advice that relate to the book’s message. These books will help fill the shelves of their first library, and they will also act as words of encouragement and wisdom as the little one grows up.  

And most importantly…

Whatever gift I give, I insist that mom just thank me verbally and NOT send a “thank you” card. Letting a tired new mom off the hook for some of the traditional etiquette is a gift in itself. Above all, I support mama taking time for a nap instead of writing “thank you” cards!  Let me know your perfect baby shower gift! 

You can never go wrong with this Baby Shower Label Gift Pack!

The post The Perfect Baby Shower Gift: What to Consider appeared first on The Mabelhood.

If your budget allows for the nice-to-haves, they’ll make your life a little easier. But if you’re making these purchases on a budget, you’ll manage fine with these must-have baby items.

Here is a FREE printable version of the list below.

Must-have:
Bassinet or crib
Crib mattress
Mattress protector
Bedding
Baby Monitor (unnecessary for smaller houses and apartments)

Nice to haves/Makes a great gift
Bassinet (nice to have, but your baby will outgrow it in a hot minute)
Humidifier
Rocking chair
Mobile and fancy décor (makes a great gift- people love to purchase pretty items!)

Don’t bother:
Crib bumpers – They’ve proven themselves to be dangerous, and they’re useless, your baby will be fine.

Changing table – Once baby is rolling it’s safest to change on the floor or your bed, plus it’s easier to not be committed to one room for changing. Get yourself multiple changing pads and leave them around the house – you can change on the couch, the floor, or wherever is most convenient.

DIAPER CHANGING:

Must-haves:
Diapers (2 packs to begin)
Healing/diaper rash ointment
Changing pad (or towel)
Wipes and washcloths (10)

Nice to haves/Makes a great gift
Diaper pail

Don’t bother:
Pee teepee
Wipes warmer (even the Queen of England never had a wipes warmer. Your baby will be fine)

CLOTHING:

Must-haves:
Onesies (7 or more)
Rompers (2-4)
Pyjamas/sleeping gowns (7 or more)
Sun hat

Weather dependent:
Wool hat
Mittens
Snowsuit
Car seat cover

Nice to haves/Makes a great gift
Scratch-proof mittens (this is the type of item that you only buy once you realize whether you need it or not)
Shirt & pants/shorts sets/ cute dresses

Don’t bother:
Baby clothing hangers – you’ll likely just be folding and putting into a drawer, so as a newborn, don’t bother with the teeny tiny hangers.
Socks – Ok, maaaybe 1 or 2 pairs, but most baby clothing has feet. Socks don’t stay on and good luck finding them. If you do buy socks- make sure they all match, because you don’t want to waste your time matching pair.

BATHING:

Must-haves:
washcloths (5 or 6)
Baby soap and shampoo
baby brush (if babe has hair!)
Nail clippers or file

Nice to haves/Makes a great gift
Infant tub
Hooded towels

Don’t bother:
Baby powder (why do they even make this still?)

OUT AND ABOUT:

Must-haves:
Name Labels– because nobody wants a germy mix-up! Plus, you picked such a great name, show it off!
Baby car seat
Stroller
Baby carrier/sling
Diaper bag

Nice to haves/Makes a great gift
Insulated milk carrier (otherwise, just use lunch bag and some ice packs)

BABY and MAMA CARE:

Must-haves:
Infant playmat
Pacifiers (and these!)
Thermometer
Nasal aspirator (this seems like you don’t need it- until you do)
Infant medicine (just a few basics to cover you until you can see a doctor: saline spray, infant pain meds, ointments)

Nice to haves/Makes a great gift
Nursing pillow
Swing or vibrating/ rocking seat

FEEDING:

This list will change for everyone, some babies may need a nipple guard, some mamas might want to supplement. Here is a basic idea of what you need to be with, but your list may grow as your feeding needs change and you and baby find your own groove.

Must-haves for breastfed babies:
Burp cloths (6 or more)
Breast milk storage bags
Breast pump
Nursing bra

Must-haves for bottle fed babies:
Baby bottles (8 or more)
Bottle cleaning brush or a dishwasher basket
Formula (for a month)
Cotton bibs (6 or more)
Milk storage bags (if using expressed milk)
Baby bottle labels

Nice to haves/Makes a great gift for bottle fed babies:
Bottle sterilizer
Bottle warmer

Feeding is the most difficult to buy for, it’s best to get your journey started knowing you’ll need to make some runs to the store to try a new product or get what you need. Don’t stress about the feeding list, it’s going to change, and you can’t plan ahead for it.

Here is a great read if you’re struggling with baby bottles!

If you’ve read through the list, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed, well, welcome to parenthood! Kidding aside, this is a suggested list, everyone’s situation and priorities are different, and you’ll ease into what works best for you and your family. Regardless of what you buy – one thing is certain; parenthood will bring you many ups and downs, but the ups will be the moments you remember and cherish forever.

The post Baby Registry: Must-have’s vs Nice to Have’s (and what makes a great gift!)     appeared first on The Mabelhood.

Consider offering to babysit or bring them a meal or two. But if those options aren’t realistic for you, Mabel’s Labels presents a few others that might be a better fit for you while also helping the new parents take a moment for themselves.

Creature Comforts

Being a new parent is stressful. These gift ideas can help them decompress and relax.

• A Netflix Gift Subscription for When Sleep Isn’t an Option
• Gift At-Home Massage Products for Parents with No Time
• A Wine Subscription for When It’s Time to Wind Down
  

Around-the-House Helpers

Anything you can do to make their home responsibilities easier will be much appreciated.

• A Doorbell Camera So They Can Be Sure if They Need to Get Off the Couch
• Top-rated Robot Vacuums to Make Cleaning a Dream
• An iTunes gift card to use on Time Saving Work From Home Apps
• Why the Instant Pot Is an Essential Appliance For New Parents

Other Gifts

Here are some other gift ideas new parents are sure to love!

• A Self-Care Subscription Box
• Spa Time to Help With Stress Relief
• A Yoga Mat and a Subscription to a Meditation App
• A Cozy and Attractive Nursing Top
• The 10 Best Sleep Gadgets to Give the New Dad in Your Life

New parents need something that helps put a little spring in their step or takes a little weight off their shoulders. Help them to get comfortable and take some time for themselves. It will do wonders for their energy and confidence, which most new parents need.

The post Sanity-Saving Gifts for New Parents appeared first on The Mabelhood.

What are Montessori toys and why are they so popular? Montessori is an educational method that was developed by Maria Montessori in 1897. Her educational system is designed to put the child first and allow them to self-lead in the classroom. So, how does this educational style relate to toys? Children are naturally curious and learn through play and things that spark their interest. Toys are one of the first things we introduce to our children. There are tons of toys on the market that encourage children to develop social, cognitive, emotional and physical skills. Here are the best Montessori toys for babies, and kids.

Montessori toys are based on reality, encouraging children to use their imagination during playtime. You’ll notice that these styles of toys are typically made from natural materials – wood, ceramic, wool, cotton, metal, and even rock. Another benefit of these types of toys are they typically have to be manipulated in some fashion for them to be effective, they do not move or make noises on their own, encouraging that extra amount of self-lead playtime. Below is our round-up of some of the best Montessori toys to keep your kids learning, engaged and active!

Montessori Toys for Babies (0 – 12 months)

Organic Wood Baby Rattle

This is a great introductory toy for infants. The wooden rings make gentle interactive noise, while the wood is organic and soft enough for little ones to use as a teether. Start them off early with new ways to engage their newly developing sense in the world around them.  Recommended for ages 0 – 12 months.

Wood Baby Gym

Aside from being gender-neutral, this activity gym is the perfect home addition for infants. The hanging rings encourage early motor skills and can double as teethers. Remove the hanging toys during tummy-time so your babe still has a toy to stimulate their senses. Recommended for ages 0 – 12 months.

Pop Up Toy

This spring-loaded toy offers interactive play along with teaching fine and gross motor skills. Encouraging little ones to use hand-eye coordination during playtime. You can also begin to teach primary and secondary colors with the color-coordinated pegs. Recommended for ages 12+ months.

Montessori Toys for Toddlers (1 – 4 years)

Clamp Bee to Hive

Introduce your toddler to a fun beehive inspired game that has several educational components. This toy teaches fine motor skills by using the tongs to put the bees into the hive. Each bee has a color-coordinated hive that teaches the concept of color sorting and hand-eye coordination. It is also a great introduction to begin counting as each toy comes with 7 bees. Recommended for ages 2 – 4 years.

Wooden Music Set

Spark your toddlers’ musical senses with an interactive musical set – xylophone, tambourine, and pounding hammer all-in-one set. This vibrant set offers several ways to play from using gross and fine motor skills to developing logic, coordination, matching and so much more. Get creative and play together to create a new song or play along to a favorite nursery tune. Recommended for ages 1 – 4 years.

Montessori Toys for Kids (3+ years)

Geometric Wood Pattern Blocks

Inspire creativity with older kids and watch them design new patterns, designs, and shapes. This set comes with 24 design cards ranging in levels of difficulty which give examples of what shapes and patterns can be created with the blocks. Recommended for ages 3 – 7.

Wooden Geoboard

Encourage fine and visual motor skills by forming tons of 2D designs with this wooden geoboard set. This toy will grow as your child does as they can create more difficult patterns and designs as they get older. Recommended for ages 3 – 7.

*For younger children please use adult supervision with the bands. 

See and Spell Puzzles

Encourage your little one to build a love for learning with this see and spell puzzle. Each set comes with 28 double-sided spelling cards that will help teach common sight words, hand-eye coordination, and spelling sequences. Recommended for ages 3 – 6.

Self-lead learning, development, and education are what each of these toys is developed to inspire. Many of these toys are great for many years of use and will grow with your child. These interactive Montessori toys will provide hours of play and educational skill development without feeling like work. Let your kids’ creativity soar with our round-up of Montessori toys!

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The post The Best Montessori Toys for Babies and Kids appeared first on The Mabelhood.