We will get to enjoy the show that nature puts on for us at this time of year.
We will delight in the sights of autumn trees proudly displaying their lovely colors!
I hope to interest my kids in getting crafty with me on the days we are indoors due to weather with these 14 awesome Tree-Themed Art and Craft Projects this year!
Check them out in the links below and enjoy the season with your kiddos too!
Which of these Tree Art and Craft Projects for Kids do you think you would like to try first? I think the Sticky Apple Tree would bring hours of enjoyment.
After the kids are in bed, I might even be tempted to create one myself because it feels good to be crafty and expressive, especially this time of year.
A baby registry is a relatively recent innovation that allows expectant parents to form a list of baby items they need to get while awaiting the arrival of their baby.
These are similar to Wedding registries so your family and friends can help you get what you need for babe.
They’re really fun and exciting to create and there are so many things to add to your registry that you’ll need.
There are so many registries online today but when you sign up you’re stuck with shopping on their site.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing if you think the site will be able to meet all your baby registry needs.
But there are a couple of baby registries that let you put items from ANY website online into one registry. Those are the funniest in our opinion. You can add anything even from AMAZING sites like Etsy.
Below is a list of A baby registry that will get you everything you’ve ever dreamed of for your babe and more.
We’ll start with the two registries that allow you to shop from anywhere on the web!
****Want Freebies For You And Your Baby? Get $330 Worth Of Gear! I have partnered with many companies to give you the best baby freebies online including Nursing Pillow, Pregnancy Pillows, Nursing Covers, Baby Leggings, Baby Clothes and so much more. You can find out how to get your freebies in this post right here.
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This is seriously our favorite baby registry. It is very versatile and has cool features. Like the fact that you can add anything to this registry from any store in the world, even ones that don’t have an online site.
First, you add the browser extension to your computer. You can find the extension right here for Chrome.
Then when you’re on a site just go to the extension and add it right into your registry.
If you’re in a store you’ll need the Myregistry.com app on your phone. If you find something you have to have for your baby you just need to scan the barcode with the app and there you have it! It’s added in to your baby’s registry.
You can also ask for cash gifts within the registry if you’d rather have money to purchase your own things.
You can and totally should register here to get in on all the cool perks this registry has to offer. Or you can simply click on the picture below.
Amazon
Some people just wanna use Amazon to buy everything. I mean who can blame them when you can find literally anything they’ve ever needed and wanted in one place AND get it super quickly.
Having an Amazon.com baby registry is really convenient and easy for friends and family.
But the coolest thing about an Amazon Baby registry is that you can also add anything from any online shop to your baby list.
You just create the registry and then add people to your list by sending them a link.
You can get everything you need from big to small items and you can add things from places like Crate And Barrel Kids too. Add anything you can imagine from anywhere then email a link to whomever.
It’s so simple! You can sign up for Amazon Baby Registry right here or by clicking on the picture below.
Buy Buy Baby
Buy Buy Baby is a baby superstore with great prices. If you’re having twins this is a great choice because you can save big.
They also currently have same-day shipping on items over $39 so that means if someone buys you something on your registry you should get that very same day.
They have great furniture at great prices too, it’s really cute stuff.
With a huge selection of unique baby items, Crate & Barrel’s Crate & Kids is another awesome choice for trending nursery décor and furniture.
Although there aren’t many Crate & Barrels across the country, their website is easy to use and a real joy to shop with.
If you like really trendy stuff and free expert design services ( yep they have that ), then Crate & Barrel ( Crate & Kids ) is the right registry for you. You can sign up right here.
With more than 1,800 stores in the U.S. and free shipping for online orders over $35, Target is a popular option for your friends and families to shop for baby gifts online and in-store.
From cribs and car seats to clothes and diapers, Target features a huge selection of affordable baby products that you and your baby will love.
With a Target baby registry, you’ll also have the option for others to do group buys.
This is great for larger, more expensive products like Cribs. Each person can chip in a certain amount towards the item making it easier for you to get the things you really need the most.
After you’ve registered you can stop by guest services at the store to pick up a lovely bag that’s got $120 worth of coupons, samples, and other goodies. So much fun!
A couple of months before your baby arrives you’ll receive a 15% off coupon for any items on your registry that have not yet been purchased.
Target really tries to take care of you and for that, they are awarded third place on our baby registry list of best registries.
With great quality furniture and nursery decor, Pottery Barn Kids is your best bet for a chic nursery for your little one. They have super cute stuff that you’ll have to have.
You can also personalize the stuff you buy which is a huge plus if you like to do that and if you complete your registry you get a completion discount for 8 months after.
That means everything else you decide you need later will be at a discounted price.
You can sign up for the Pottery Barn Kids Baby Registry right here.
Now Let’s Answer All Your Baby Registry Questions so you’ll fully understand what it is and the process of creating one.
FAQ: Baby Registry 101
What Is a Baby Registry?
A baby registry is a list of baby items that you would like to receive in preparation for your little one.
Your baby registry helps friends and family select baby things that you really need.
As the registry owner, you add items to your baby registry—from big-ticket purchases like strollers, car seats, and high chairs to everyday baby gear like onesies, bottles, and thermometers.
As the items on your baby registry are purchased they will automatically track what has been bought and what you still need.
Many registries offer things like free welcome bags, free shipping, and big discounts so it’s definitely worth it to set you one up.
How does the baby registry work?
As we said above you simply set up your list and then family and friends can access the list and purchase items off of it for you.
The store will keep up with the items that have been purchased and the things that you still need in order to complete the list.
When Should I Create a Baby Registry?
You can create your registry as soon as you find out you’re pregnant. Or you can wait, it’s totally up to you.
But the sooner you do it the more likely you’ll be to receive all that’s on your list so start early!
Should I Create a Registry for My Second Baby?
Yes of course! You will need many new items for your second baby. You’ll need things like a double stroller as well and new baby clothes, because babies ruin their things so you may not have a lot of stuff left from your first babe.
What Should I Put on a Baby Registry?
You’ll need so many things for your new baby. The list is long. Check out this post on what you’ll need for both you and your baby.
But in short, you’ll need bathing, bedding, clothing, feeding, nursery gear, travel, and playtime gear.
If this is your first baby, you will likely have a number of bigger items on your registry as well like a stroller, car seat, baby bouncer, swing, baby lounger, and so on.
You also want to include everyday items like baby bottles, burp cloths, pacifiers, and so on.
Which Baby Registry is the best?
Well, all the ones we’ve listed are really great choices. But for the sake of convenience and getting anything you want and imagine we prefer Myregistry.com because you can pick any item from any store in the world including brick and mortar shops.
Amazon comes in a hard second because of its convenience and simplicity.
In The End….
All the registries above are fantastic options for any new mama and her first baby, or second (or third ) to create an amazing baby registry.
We personally love the ones where you can add anything from and store online or off. For that reason, Myregistry.com is the clear winner with Amazon coming up in a close second place.
Good luck to you mama!
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Packing all the right things in your hospital bag for childbirth is important. You don’t want to get caught without any of your necessities because you want to be as comfortable as possible, believe me.
You’ll want to have your comforts and needs met in a timely manner and having the right things on hand helps keep it simple.
Below is a list of all the most important things you and your babe will need.
*Want Freebies For You And Your Baby? Get $330 Worth Of Gear! I have partnered with many companies to give you the best baby freebies online including Nursing Pillow, Pregnancy Pillows, Nursing Covers, Baby Leggings, Baby Clothes and so much more. You can find out how to get your freebies in this post right here.
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Toiletries, some soft towels from home, snacks, and a photo of siblings so they know you’re thinking about them during this transitional time.
What you won’t need:
Diaper ointment, a breast pump, or valuables.
In the end…
These are the most important things you’ll need to pack in your hospital bag and if you want to go a step further you could get this pre-packed hospital bag and this travel toiletries bag. These make things VERY convenient and easy.
If you want a printable hospital bag list go back up to the top of this article and enter your information to receive it via email.
Monitoring your baby’s fetal kick count can save your baby’s life. It’s a very important skill you’ll need to learn.
It’s important for expectant mothers to keep track of their baby’s movements, especially if your pregnancy is high-risk.
Fetal movement is a good indicator that things are going well, and can offer you the reassurance that the baby
is healthy, Lack of a certain amount of movement can be a sign of something seriously wrong.
Counting fetal movement isn’t difficult and it can be a relaxing time for both you and the baby.
**Want Freebies For You And Your Baby? Get $330 Worth Of Gear! I have partnered with many companies to give you the best baby freebies online including Nursing Pillow, Pregnancy Pillows, Nursing Covers, Baby Leggings, Baby Clothes and so much more. You can find out how to get your freebies in this post right here.
**This post may contain affiliate links at no cost to you.
How To Monitor Fetal Kick Count
It’s easy to do, first, you’ll want to find a comfortable place to sit or lay. You’ll need a piece of paper or journal and a timing device (a stopwatch or app on your phone should work just fine).
Start by lying or sitting on your side. Once comfortable begin the timer and count each movement your baby
makes.
All rolls, kicks, jabs, and flutters count. Once you’ve gotten to 10 movements, stop the timer and record
how long it took from the first movement to last.
It’s as simple as that!
Most babies will move at least 10 times in an hour.
While monitoring fetal kick counts, here are a few additional tips for tracking movement:
Try to count movements around the same time every day. Try evening or dinner time, after meals, or after
snacking is when babies are most active.
Write it down. A daily log or journal is a great way of keeping track of movement and is a great tool for
communicating with your doctor during checkups. Your doctor may or may not ask to see it, but still do it because they certainly should be asking about it and you want to be prepared.
Lay on your left side for better circulation for the baby.
As your pregnancy progresses the baby has less room to move and those sensations won’t be as
noticeable as they once were. Overweight women, too, may struggle to notice kicks or movement.
For some women, tracking fetal kicks can lead to increased anxiety. If that does happen for you just
make a conscious effort of being aware of the baby’s movements throughout the day; over time you’ll be
able to recognize when something feels different. Report any concerns to your doctor or midwife.
In the end….
Movement is an important indicator of your baby’s health.
If a baby does not move at least 5 times within a two-hour period contact your doctor right away. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Good luck to you mama!
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“Vaginal tearing can’t be avoided 100%.” This statement often misleads first-time mamas into thinking it is an unavoidable thing that cannot be prevented.
But no. The truth is that you can do a lot to prevent vaginal tearing. Many things are in your control.
While it is an unfortunate truth that vaginal tearing happens a lot during childbirth ( happened to me all three times and I have the lovely, strange scars to prove it ) you can avoid this with some effort. Remember that there are 4 tearing levels from minor to severe.
Today, our goal is to arm you with practical tips that will help you to avoid severe tears.
*Want Freebies For You And Your Baby? Get $330 Worth Of Gear! I have partnered with many companies to give you the best baby freebies online including Nursing Pillow, Pregnancy Pillows, Nursing Covers, Baby Leggings, Baby Clothes and so much more. You can find out how to get your freebies in this post right here.
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6 Ways to Prevent Vaginal Tearing During Childbirth
1. Do Perineal Massage to Soften the Tissues
You can help prepare your tissues for childbirth with a massage.
In this regard, perineal massage can’t be neglected. It softens the tissues to endure stretching at delivery time.
This elasticity drops the chances of severe tearing or episiotomy during vaginal delivery.
Experts advise starting perineal massage between 34-36 weeks of pregnancy.
Wash your hands with a mild soap so they don’t cause any irritation inside the vagina.
Find a relaxing position such as sitting with your legs open with bent knees.
Apply a lubricant on your thumbs and insert them inside your vagina approximately three to four centimeters.
Now, start stretching the vaginal opening gently but with enough force to feel pressure in your vagina. You should keep your thumbs in this stretched position for about 120 to 180 seconds.
Afterward, move your thumbs outward and repeat the above-mentioned steps 2 times.
Precautionary Measures
Natural organic oils such as olive and sunflower are better choices for perineal massage. If you can’t bear the smell of these oils then consider using water-based lubricants. However, avoid synthetic products at any cost.
Moreover, if you have a history of vaginal infections, consulting a doctor is a must before trying this method. Otherwise, it can cause yeast or bacterial infections.
2. Deliver In an Upright Position
Do you know changing your position can change the pelvis opening size? Neat right?
The key is to choose the position that can open your pelvis the most.
Upright is considered a safe and comfortable delivery position for both the active and second stages of labor. It helps you to avoid severe tearing during childbirth.
Upright positions bring stronger contractions as well, and that helps bring the baby down and reduce pain.
These benefits make the upright position your best choice for not only preventing tearing but having an easier birth in general.
It’s highly recommended to stay in that position as long as possible to speed things up and keep things going.
Tips to Practice Optimal Childbirth Positions
It’s recommended that you take a prenatal class like this one to help educate on childbirth positions as well as all other aspects of having a baby.
You will feel ready and secure once the big day arrives knowing how to best go about the whole process. It lends a sense of readiness and calm that you’ll need, believe me!
Here’s a great course created by a labor and delivery nurse I know. It only takes a few hours to take and you can do it in the comfort of your home.
Till now you might have made up your mind that you need to exert much strength to push your baby out.
The chances are you have already started imagining yourself in a hyperventilating position or holding your breath during the labor and the credit for this goes to the movies.
So, what’s the solution?
You should aim to deliver your baby slowly and gently so that childbirth may cause only minimal tearing.
Obviously, this is only if your unique childbirth experience allows it. Some babies come fast and there’s not a thing in the world to do about that.
But to keep a slow and steady push ( when contracting ), you should keep practicing breathing exercises in your third trimester up until birth.
Along with keeping you focused, breathing helps relax the body and keep the oxygen supply up for healthy delivery.
There are many techniques but “destresser breath” can work in early, active, and final labor stages as well. All you need to do is inhale deeply from the nose for about 4 seconds and exhale long for 6 seconds through the mouth.
4. Use a Warm Compress during Birth
During labor, there’s a ton of pressure on the pubic bone. It feels crazy.
However, placing a warm compress can make you feel relaxed and increase your mobility.
It is a simple and effective measure to reduce the severity of tearing during childbirth.
Usually, the compress is soaked in warm water having a temperature of around 45-59-degree C.
Check the temperature with your hand before applying so that you don’t burn yourself and cause inflammation which could increase your chances of tearing.
Add this to your birthing plan also so that the staff will be able to accommodate your needs.
5. Eat Well To Nourish Your Skin And Tissues
Pregnancy demands extra care of your body.
In general, it is recommended to have a balanced diet for overall well-being.
This includes a reasonable portion of protein, carbs, fats, and fiber in your diet.
However, everybody’s body is different. Maybe, one expecting mama is suffering from iron deficiency and the other one has low calcium levels.
So, you need a customized diet to fulfill the needs of your body.
It is best to consult your doctor and even a professional nutritionist if you can to stay fit and healthy throughout pregnancy.
After all, you need energy and strong muscles to deliver your baby – especially perineal muscles.
Also taking an excellent prenatal like Ritual Vitamins Prenatal will help keep your tissues healthy and strong. It’s the ONLY prenatal we recommend here at This Little Nest because it’s the BEST.
Pro Tip – Eat Dates Regularly
In the middle of the third trimester, you should start eating foods that induce labor and speed up the childbirth process.
Date intake is extremely effective for this, believe it or not.
A study suggests that eating six dates per day (during late pregnancy days) can reduce the need for labor induction.
Moreover, faster cervical dilation is seen among women who regularly ate dates before labor – all leading to reduced chances of perineal tear.
6. Keep Yourself Hydrated
Just like healthy food, a reasonable increase in water intake is necessary during pregnancy.
Besides regulating other body functions, it helps increase your skin elasticity.
As a result, it lessens the chances of perineal tearing. Experts recommend drinking 8 to 12 cups of water every day.
To Wrap It Up
It is extremely important to prepare your body beforehand for easy labor.
That’s why we recommend you start practicing the above-mentioned tips as early as possible to avoid excess vaginal tearing during childbirth.
We wish you luck and happiness, mama!
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You are about to embark on the most incredible journey in a woman’s life.
However, it does come with some challenges and discomforts, and if it’s your first time, you probably already have a million questions.
A lot of symptoms are about to hit you as well.
The most common conditions that expecting mommies typically face are headaches, morning sickness, bladder control, backaches, sleep deprivation, and stress.
If you are already dealing with these conditions then below is a list of pregnancy essentials you need to make things easier!
**Want Freebies For You And Your Baby? Get $330 Worth Of Gear! I have partnered with many companies to give you the best baby freebies online including Nursing Pillow, Pregnancy Pillows, Nursing Covers, Baby Leggings, Baby Clothes and so much more. You can find out how to get your freebies in this post right here.
By the way, this post contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Pregnancy Essentials: Things You Need During the Journey
Healthy Nutrition and Use of Ginger
Nausea, also known as morning sickness, can occur around the second half of the first trimester.
It can be debilitating if you’re unlucky enough to have it really badly.
While some struggle with nausea only in the mornings, it’s a round-the-clock battle for others.
The first thing to do is to find the triggers and stay clear of them.
Letting yourself get too hungry and empty can be a trigger.
Also, fatty, spicy, and greasy foods are a big NO in such situations.
Easy-to-digest food such as bananas, toasts, and toasts are highly recommended.
But the most useful remedy that people find to work is the use of ginger.
Even if you’re eating a balanced diet, it’s still possible to miss some essential nutrients.
So you should start taking your prenatal vitamins if you’re not already taking them. Here’s an AMAZING prenatal that we highly recommend here at This Little Nest.
Consuming vitamins is an easy way to fill in any gaps and support both your body and your baby’s growth and development.
You can easily get your monthly supply of pre-natal vitamins by filling out survey forms that ask questions about your pregnancy.
As the baby grows, the pressure on the bladder increases which means it can not hold the amount of urine it used to. This is so annoying….
As a result, you’ll wake up multiple times during the night to relieve yourself. But the real struggle is finding the right position to go back to sleep in which can take hours sometimes.
But a good body pillow can really help you get comfortable quickly. It’s a must-have.
They work wonders for pregnant women and they’re amazing on those long and uncomfortable nights.
Due to the increase in blood volume and fluid retention in the body, it is very common to have swollen feet in the second trimester onwards.
You shouldn’t worry about excessive blood and fluid as it helps keep your body soft and prepared for giving birth.
You can switch to comfortable, soft, shoes like these that are very supportive during your second trimester. They’re not super cute but your feet will thank you….
Knee-high compression stockings have a gentle squeezing effect which keeps the fluids in your legs circulating. You can find some cute ones made just for pregnancy right here.
Maternity Clothes
Your body changes a lot as you progress in your pregnancy.
You are going to get bigger, your clothes won’t fit any longer, and finding what looks good on you with that baby bump will become frustrating. But it can be fun too!
It is important to get comfortable with and enjoy being big, relax! It will go away after giving birth.
Speaking of Belly Bandit, they call their signature postpartum leggings ‘ Mother Tuckers ‘ … Isn’t that cute?! I have a bunch of them and I still wear them all the time!
Maternity Belts and Belly Bands
As your pregnancy advances, your body will go through many transformational changes and you will experience frequent back and pelvic pain.
The reasons are weight gain, posture changes, muscle separations, stress, and hormonal changes, of course. All normal but uncomfortable nonetheless.
The discomfort begins in most pregnancies around the 2nd half of the second trimester.
Your best option is exercise and stretching to boost your flexibility and strengthen your back muscles.
Acupuncture, maternal massages, and chiropractic care are proven backache relievers. Just make sure they’re aware of your pregnancy so that they can be safe in their procedures.
Maternity belts and belly bands are really useful during this time because they will help support your belly and back as well as help you maintain correct posture.
I really recommend you have a couple of these and Belly Bandit is the place to get them. It’s our favorite place to recommend for maternity clothing and support as I mentioned earlier.
You should have one like this to support your tummy while pregnant. It will help a lot with back pain.
During Postpartum you should have one like this to help bring your separated abdominal wall back together postpartum. It’s called the Mother Tucker Belly Compression Corset and it’s actually pretty too.
I own one that I STILL wear. It rises up past your bra in the back so it hides any bulges so you have a smooth-looking silhouette in the back and front.
Read more about your abdominal wall and why you should use a band postpartum right here because it’s really important!
Pregnancy Books
Of course, you’ll want to have a couple of pregnancy books handy to reference. All new mamas need these!
There are plenty of informative books to walk you through your pregnancy and answer all your questions but no pregnancy is complete without this book right here. It’s THE pregnancy book and it’s updated often.
Massage oils, Itch Lotions, and Body Butter
Stretch marks are like battle scars and you should wear them with all the pride in the world as it shows how selfless you have been.
Having said that, stretch marks can be minimized if they bother you, and there’s is a good chance they will go away eventually or at least fade dramatically over time.
One thing you can do is keep yourself hydrated to maintain the elastin in your skin, as well as make sure you’re getting the essential Vitamins and minerals you need for healthy skin.
Massaging your belly with coconut oil and body butter is reported to be very effective in relieving tight skin so give it a try!
Staying Hydrated
It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to stay hydrated.
When you are pregnant you get dehydrated easily and are more prone to UTIs as well.
So, try to drink lots and lots of water. If you want a little flavor, you can try a little coconut water, milk, and juices to mix things up.
In The End….
The bottom line is to make yourself as comfortable as possible during this beautiful and fulfilling journey and there are tons of ways in which you can do that.
This list of pregnancy essentials will help you with what you need to get you started.
Lastly, remember the golden rule: when in doubt, call your doctor. No question is too small.
Hey, I’m Toni and I’m the mama of 3 Little Birds. I love Writing about all Things Mama. Learn more about me here. Grab a Tea or Coffee and come see what you find.
