Parenting for Beginners

Baby showers are such an exciting event on the pregnancy calendar and of course one of the most important parts of the day is opening the presents. You hear all the “Oohs and Aaahs” when the expectant mum unwraps all the gorgeous little gifts.

So what do you get for a baby shower present? Well, I have noticed that when the mum-to-be opens up something hand made, it almost always gets the biggest reaction! You see all baby presents are welcomed and appreciated, but when something unique is made just for your baby – it makes you feel REALLY special.

Plus you get the credit for a handmade present for years to come. I have personally made blankies for a few baby showers and a long time later I still get praise for my craftiness. “You’re Aunty Tracey made that for you”.

So, here’s a REALLY BASIC guide to making a unique blankie! Trust me it’s SSSSOOOO easy. If you can sew (almost) straight lines then you CAN DO THIS!

UNIQUE BLANKIES!

STEP 1: Go to a fabric shop and find the flannelette material.

STEP 2: Choose 2 fabrics one for either side. They don’t have to match – experiment! Maybe do one side patterned and the other plain or one side blue pattern and the other side pink pattern if you don’t know the sex of the baby.

STEP 3: Purchase 1.2 metres of each fabric.

STEP 4: At home: Pin together the 2 pieces of fabric with the pattern side facing IN.

STEP 5: Sew straight lines around all the edges leaving a 10cm hole on one side.

STEP 6: Turn the fabric inside out.

STEP 7: Tuck the fabric in around the hole so it looks like the rest of the blankie.

STEP 8: Sew 2 straight lines around the edge of the whole blankie. This is done for 2 reasons. A) To sew up the whole left when you turned the fabric inside out. B) It makes a nice border.

If you’re a bit more experienced or brave then experiment with different border stitching.

STEP 9: Fold nicely and add ribbon and a little note saying “Handmade with Love”

STEP 10: Give your special handmade blankie and watch her face as she realises you’ve taken the time and effort to make her special little baby a truly unique present!

Having a baby is an exciting time in a person’s life. When attending a baby shower it’s important to show how much you care by bringing an appropriate gift. Unique gifts don’t have to be expensive. Sometimes the most thoughtful gifts are also the most useful.

Below are a few baby gift ideas that are suitable for newborn babies:

Baskets

Gift baskets are always a good idea. These practical gifts should be filled with every day items like diapers, bibs, cloths, bottles, pacifiers or blankets.

Music

Studies have shown that listening to classical music at an early age can help in a childs learning down the road. It also can help them relax and sleep. This is why CDs with light classical music, is a wonderful gift idea. The mother can listen to it as she’s rocking the baby to sleep.

Gift Certificates

Many times people receive the same type of gifts. By giving a gift certificate to a local baby store, the mother will be able to get the items that were overlooked by others.

Diaper cakes

This is one of the more unique ideas. A diaper cake isn’t really a cake at all. It’s made out of diapers and arranged in the shape of a cake. It’s also important to decorate the “cake” with useful items that will be needed by the mother, such as rattles, pacifiers, bottles or bibs.

Having a baby is a joyous time; however it can also be stressful. By giving a thoughtful baby gift you’ll be able to do your part to make the transition easier for the entire family