Liven Up Your Baby Shower With A Few Games

Writen by Roy Thomsitt

You have a baby shower planned for a friend; you have organised the invitations, and sent them out to everyone on the list. You have even planned the food that is going to be available at the shower. Then you think, but what do we actually do? Just talk and hand over the gifts; or shall we play a few shower games?

Well, it does seem that many people do opt for playing a few baby shower games. If you are the playful type, and think some games will go down well at the shower, then why not have a bit of fun? There are no strict rules about baby shower games. In fact, you could take just about any party game and play it as it is. It is probably better, though, if you either come up with one or two unique ideas yourself, or give a baby twist to an ordinary party game. There must be thousands of variations you could come up with.

Here are just a few ideas that might stimulate more in you:

1. A team game that is popular across the world is a race to pass an apple from player to player, without using the hands, but using the chin to hold the apple. Baby shower game twist: try the same thing with a baby powder container. If it is the well rounded type they can be remarkably slippery, even when dry. Test it out first, to make sure it is possible (but not too easy) to pass under the chin.

2. There are lots of possible memory games. It will not be long before baby is into bed time stories and nursery rhymes. So, why not buy a good sized book with lots of the old nursery rhymes in. As the baby shower game, get the contestants to recite the nursery rhyme after you have read the first line. Some are very easy, but some will be frustrating as people try to remember word for word. If someone has a child who is into nursery rhymes, they will have a big advantage, so try to find a way to keep it even. Like make them do the reading instead of participating. When the baby shower game is over, you can donate the book to the mum-to-be.

3. An obvious baby shower game is guessing the date and time of the birth. Make it interesting by having a little bet on the outcome, with everyone agreeing on how much each to put in. record all the guesses, and when the big day comes, the nearest guess wins. Then, why not have a booby prize for the worst guess? Such as, having to do 10 diaper changes in the first month after the baby is born?

4. A variation on musical chairs could be good fun as a baby shower game, but for this you will need a few baby potties, so you'll need to elicit helps from friends with babies on this one. Set the chairs up for normal musical chairs, but then put a potty on top of each chair. Just watch people slide about as they make their dash for a potty spot when the music stops.

You could break this baby shower game into groups of say 6 if you manage to get 5 potties, or 5 for 4 etc. This may be best after a few champagnes, gins, beers or whatever you may be serving.

The above baby shower games just came to mind as I wrote this, and after a quick glance around our daughter's bedroom. I am sure, with a bit of thought and research, you can do better. Have fun!

This baby shower games article was written by Roy Thomsitt, owner author of the Bouncing New Baby website.

Bathing A Newborn Baby

Writen by Sinead Hoben

Do you want your baby handed to you immediately after the birth or should he be cleaned first? In recent years most babies were wiped down with a towel immediately after birth before mum or dad got a chance to hold them. Nowadays choice is the keyword! It's your decision.

Research shows that the greasy film covering your baby, vernix, is a wonderful source of moisture for your baby's delicate skin. And if you don't wipe it off, it is reabsorbed. So your baby will be less likely to develop dry skin patches. Pre-term babies have much more of this protective layer than full-term babies.

In the womb your baby is submerged in amniotic fluid, so vernix is absolutely necessary for providing waterproof protection. After birth, however, mother nature may need a helping hand!

Returning home can be daunting for new parents. Giving baby his first bath can be terrifying!

Your baby does not need a special bath although many parents are well tooled up for the new arrival. A clean sink or the big bath will suffice!

Probably the main worry for parents is getting the water temperature correct. After ensuring you have all baby's bits and bobs at hand, such as a changing mat, towel, fresh nappy, vest and clean clothes, place the baby in a safe place.

Run cold water into the bath first.

Top it up with hot water.

Dip your elbow into the water to check the temperature. It should be lukewarm. As the skin on your elbow is very sensitive it is a reliable way to test the water.

If you like you can add a little moisturising, hypoallergenic, baby bubble bath. Swirl it around with your fingers. Young babies do not need bubbles to play with!

Undress and wrap baby in a warm towel. Holding him over the bath, cup some bath water in your free hand and gently run it over his head. Shampoo is not necessary for very tiny babies as it can irritate their scalp.

Dry the baby's head thoroughly. Babies lose a lot of heat through their heads. Wet heads lose more heat.

Placing baby's neck in the crook of your elbow, and your hand holding the back of one of his legs, gently lower him into the water. (TIP If you are right-handed it is easier to place babies neck in the crook of your left elbow. Holding his left leg with your left hand, wash him with your right hand. The reverse is the case if you are left-handed.)

Some babies hate being bathed but many really enjoy it. He may become so relaxed that he falls asleep!

Cupping some water in your free hand gently trickle it over his body. Your do not need to rub or scrub as babies do not get dirty. They just need to be freshened up!

Be careful as he will get very slippery once he is wet!

Only keep baby in the bath for a short time as he will get cold quickly and never leave your baby unattended in the bath for even the shortest space of time.

Lift him out and wrap him up in his warm towel.

Quickly dry him and place a fresh nappy on him before he has any little accidents!

Finally, give him a big cuddle and dress him quickly...

And there you have it - baby's first bath!

Sinead Hoben is the proud mother of three beautiful breastfed children. A former English teacher she now runs her own website, http://www.breastfeedingmums.com which promotes breastfeeding and offers breastfeeding support and practical advice for mums. Email sinead@breastfeedingmums.com or visit http://www.breastfeedingmums.com for further information about breastfeeding.

Natural Remedies For Babys Fever

Writen by Carrie Lauth

In most cases, your infant's fever should be left alone. Fever serves a very useful purpose and is the body's ally in fighting infection. There are a few natural remedies, however, that are safe for babies that will help your little one feel more comfortable.

It's a good idea to see a Naturopath, Homeopath or other licensed health care provider who specializes in natural remedies before using them on your baby. He or she can point you in the right direction when choosing herbs and homeopathic remedies as well as help you with dosing.

Lemon balm leaf, chamomile, peppermint, licorice and elder flower have been traditionally used to treat infant fevers. A baby older than 2 can be given one half cup of herbal tea, up to 4 times a day, for 24 hours. For babies younger than two who are breastfeeding, it is best if Mom takes the herbs herself in order to pass along the medicinal properties to her nursing infant. Or you can purchase over the counter herbal formulations with dosages designed for infants at your local health shop.

Echinacea and goldenseal have been proven in some studies to clear up infection. Try a combination specially designed for children. Maple Creek Naturals -www.maplecreeknaturals.com- offers excellent herbal kid's products.

Garlic also has antibacterial properties. If your baby is older than 9 months, you can make a batch of chicken broth with garlic, and serve it to your baby.

Ginger tea can help with a fever. It's also great for stomachaches. Ginger has warming properties and is wonderful for babies who are chilled. Make a weak tea with grated fresh ginger. If your infant is over one year of age, add a drop of honey to sweeten.

Homeopathic remedies are effective for infant fevers, but the specific remedy must match the individual child's symptoms. Check a homeopathic reference book to find the right one, or call a Doctor of Homeopathy.

Be sure to keep baby well hydrated with clear liquids. If baby is nursing, offer the breast frequently so that baby will get plenty of fluids and the natural immune factors in breastmilk.

Keep in mind that if your infant is younger than 6 months old, it's a good idea to call your Doctor about a fever. Additionally, if baby is listless, lethargic, acting unusual, having difficulty breathing or complaining of a stiff neck, phone your Doctor immediately.

http://www.NaturalBabyWorld.com can help you raise a healthy baby in a toxic world. Visit and find natural baby care tips, products and other resources for your little one.