Tag Archive for ‘parents’

Baby Name Trends are Based on Traditions

This year, the hottest trends for baby naming are quite a bit unusual. From biblical names with a twist to foreign names, 2009 sets a whole new pattern for naming babies. Name meanings and history are important to consider when naming a baby, since that name will be something that will be with them for the rest of their lives. Although name definitions are the first things one usually looks at when choosing the perfect name for a baby, following name trends has become very common in todays society. Year 2008 keeps a little bit of the traditional element in popular baby names, but also integrates modern style, a retro factor, and an unusual touch.

As it has been established for the past few years, biblical traditional names are some of the most popular. Jacob, Joshua, Abigail, Daniel, and Gabriel are some names that have been prevalent in recent times. A few uncommon additions to these common biblical names are those such as Caleb, Ethan, Zachary, and Elijah. The name "Elijah" is actually one of the most popular names this year. Many people hold true to biblical names because they are classic, and they usually have a beautiful, deep meaning that professes great things for your babys life.

An interesting trend this year is for Western parents to give their children foreign names. Spanish, Asian, Italian, Irish, and Arab names have become quite popular amongst North Americans and the English. Carlos, a Spanish name meaning "free man," Connor, an Irish name that stands for "much wanted," and Lian, a Chinese name whose meaning is a "lotus flower," are some of the most widespread foreign names that have gone global.

Another cool and trendy practice in 2008 is giving your name a classic, traditional name with a twist in the spelling. For instance, instead of naming your baby girl "Natalie," come up with a different and creative way to spell the name, such as "Natelly." Alterations to common names should be well planned and thought out. Place an emphasis on the part of the name, or a sound in the name that you like the most. This is a fabulous way to make your baby stand out from the rest. Uniquely spelled names are ranked at the top this year.

A continuing pattern that began last year and has continued throughout this year is to give your baby the name of a place. Australia, Athena, London, Ireland, and Paris are common place names that have become popular baby names this year. Some believe that this trend is a result of the popularity of Paris Hilton, a famous heiress and style icon. Naming babies after a location on the map is probably the top trend for 2009.

Lastly, giving children weird and unusual names is a common trend today among celebrities. From "Apple" to "Shiloh," these names are sure to stand out from the crowd. When choosing the right name for your little one, remember consider all aspects of the name, from sound and spelling to meaning and significance.

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The American Baby Shower – A Family Tradition Continues On

The American baby shower is a celebration in which a new-coming child is welcomed into the world by family and friends, and is traditionally "showered" with baby gifts. Baby showers have become increasingly popular in the United States, and the custom of hosting a baby shower is a wonderful way of helping expectant parents get essential items for the infant, such as baby bedding, strollers, clothes, and diapers. In America, baby showers are generally held about one to two months before the baby's arrival. By having the baby shower a while before the baby is born, parents can be better prepared and have all the necessary articles, furniture, and appliances that a new baby will call for.

Although historians are not completely clear on exactly when the baby shower custom began in the world, there is evidence that shows the previous existence of what we would call today, a baby shower, in several ancient cultures. During the Roman, Egyptian, Indian, and Chinese eras, for example, newborn babies and their mothers were presented with a variety of hand-made gifts by family and friends, during beautiful feasts for the little girl that would celebrate their life. Historians believe that the American baby shower draws its origins from these ancient cultural traditions.

Baby showers did not become popular in North America until the baby boom era after World War II. They were actually held when the baby was presented after birth, and coincided with christenings and baptisms in the case of a religious family. These first baby showers were considered a women's event, and by no means allow men as guests. The original post-birth American baby showers also served the purpose of giving the new mother and baby some company while they were at home for the first month of the infant's life.

Today, the modern baby shower is usually held one to two months before the baby's due date, not after the newborn's birth, like it was originally held. There has also been a recent trend in which families are breaking social paradigms and constraints, and therefore, co-ed baby showers are becoming increasingly popular. It is now common that friends and relatives of both the mommy-to-be and the daddy-to-be are invited to celebrate the coming of a new member of the family, regardless of their gender.

The gift-giving process has definitely evolved since ancient times when guests would bring handmade gifts to "shower" the baby. In modern society, the expectant parents usually register with a department store or a baby specialty store in order to create a wish list. Friends and relatives would then go to the store that the parents are registered in, look them up in the registries by name, and print out the wish list. This is a great way for guests to know what the parents need or desire as gifts the new baby boy.

The modern American baby shower is a wonderful way of welcoming a new baby into this world. Baby showers are enjoyable and fun for both parents and guests, and they are the perfect occasion to celebrate life and help parents prepare for the new coming baby.

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Newborn Baby Gift Ideas – Radio Flyer Toys Make Great Keepsakes

Classic toys from a bygone era bespeak the tradition of the season and a connection with antiquity that is renewed with each holiday season. There are some things which seem impervious to the dimming factor time has on most. Christmas and traditions which are woven into its very fabric stand the test of time year after year. Most folks have great memories of the Radio Flyer wagon they got and if they are lucky, have kept.

Babies and the renewal of life, the freshness and love each tiny little bundle brings is also a timeless experience. Each new parent or grandparent will attest to this fact. Babies and the memory of babies stand forever young.

The marriage of babies and Christmas is almost unavoidable. Parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles the world over wait for Christmas to spoil and love the newest additions to their family circles, just as the childless wait for a baby to complete their Christmas celebrations.

Heirloom Gifts

Babies don't usually need a lot, nor are they very aware of the gifts bestowed upon them for their first Christmases. To this end it is fun, and befitting to select gifts of heirloom quality. This kind of gift has a value which goes beyond the item itself and springs up from tradition, love and the memories of antiquity as well as dreams for the baby's future.

Big bucks

An heirloom gift does not need to be expensive, but is usually of a higher quality than the more disposable counterpart. For example, a silver or pewter cup engraved with the babies name and birth date is not an extravagantly expensive gift. Yet the gift itself will last into future generations honoring the special feelings felt for this child. The grandbabies of this baby will share in that birthright of love as the cup passes hands.

Specifics

Heirloom gifts do not need to be fancy; some of the most beautiful heirloom gifts are the simplest. Toys made from wood like wooden cars and trucks or boats and animals are of heirloom quality. Raggedy Ann dolls are also cherished heirloom toys. This kind of heirloom gift can be played with and enjoyed in ways other than just observing it on a shelf.

Other heirloom gifts are less sturdy in play, but no less valued. Gifting a silver picture frame along with a certificate for a photography session is a gift that will certainly be appreciated long after it is given.

To select the perfect heirloom gift for the babies on your list think about traditional gifts such as: silver cups, bronzed baby booties, a pewter rattle. More modern gifts that still qualify as heirloom gifts include: classic books like those by Beatrix Potter or A.A. Milne, well made toys fashioned after eras past, porcelain dolls, bonnets, layettes and christening gowns.

Or think about any of the Radio Flyer toys, Airflow collectibles for pedal planes or tricycles. As a child, there is nothing like being able to have your own set of wheels to cruise around the neighborhood and many of those children will keep that toy forever and ever and even pass it on to their own children.

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Childrens Personalized Step Stool and Other Toddler Gift Ideas

Puzzles from Santa - Getting the perfect gift for your toddler shouldn't be a riddle and can be the best investment you ever made for many reasons.

Toddlers are a busy, imaginative group of individuals. Their minds and needs have progressed past the impulsive desire to chew every thing their fingers grasp into slimy shreds. They love colors and will not forget about an object simply because mommy has hidden it out of sight.

Toddlers are also natural problem solvers. Don't believe me? Then why the need for a million dollar baby proofing industry, constant parental supervision and a great deal of improvising when the fancy toddler proof containers fail to keep your toddler out?

Work with it

This Christmas as you select holiday gifts for your toddler use these natural impulses to select gifts that stimulate these natural tendencies and capture the imagination. To that end puzzles are the perfect gift.

What kind?

The latest trend in holiday gifts or newborn baby gifts is the childrens personalized step stool. Choosing a childrens personalized step stool can be one of the more unique ways to add the enjoyment of having a puzzle along with their own name engraved in the stool. The stepstool not only promotes independence, it encourages learning to read with dexterity.

Of course your toddler will not enjoy a 1000 piece puzzle of Vincent Van Gogh's masterpieces, but you are not too far off the mark. The best kind of puzzles for a toddler will take into account their fine motor skills and love of colors, learning and imagination. If you do choose a landscape type puzzle, choose one with a large pattern or picture. Too many intricate details will mean that this puzzle is dumped and abandoned for mom or dad to piece together again.

When selecting a puzzle for toddlers keep the following things in mind:

-Toddlers might not chew on everything, but will be tempted to take a nip or two every once in a while. Choose puzzles that can handle that kind of wear and tear without falling apart and creating a choking hazard. To this end wooden or foam puzzles work best.

-Nimble toddler fingers adept at defying the childproof cap still have trouble with fine motor skills. Puzzles with tiny pieces which lock together might confuse and frustrate them. Choose puzzles that have larger pieces and whose pieces fit into their own slot on the puzzle board.

-Some puzzles come with little knobs or handles attached to each piece. These are especially easy for even the youngest puzzle enthusiast to master.

-Bright colors and themes to match and stimulate your child's interest are best.

Making it fun

One of the elements that make puzzles fun for your little one are the wide variety of character, themes and age appropriate educational pictures that appeal to children of that age. Puzzles featuring the alphabet or numbers help your child to learn as they play. Fun characters or puzzles with cars, princesses or bugs stimulate imagination and foster your child's interests in and awareness of the world around them.

Perhaps the best part of a puzzle for Christmas is that this gift often creates moments of one on one play with you and your child. What parent or toddler doesn't love more quality time spent in simple play?

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Holiday Shopping – Colllectibles Make Great Kids Christmas Gifts

Tender memories of Christmas joys are only enhanced when the gifts mean a little more. As each of us roam through the golden toned corridors of our Christmases past we can select a few cherished moments and gifts that shine a little brighter than others. In homage to these meaningful Christmases of our youth new parents embark on a frenzied journey each year to buy those toys that will in turn shine brightly in the adulthood memories of their new babies.

Nostalgia is priceless

There is no way to put a price value on these holiday gifts. The gift itself may have cost a small amount, but the love felt with its giving and the memories that span a life time are without price. It will be the same for your children. It may not always be possible to gage what gift will be the one to engender such fond memories.

Parents are surprised to find their babies and toddlers paying much more attention to the trinkets in their stockings than the elaborate gifts beneath the tree. For a child there is no mystery - it is not the price tag they count, but the imagination, time and love that is put into the gift itself.

Make it personal

Not all nostalgia toys come from a store. Kids love to hear stories that are true. My children's interest is never piqued more nor held longer than when I relate stories to them from my or their father's own childhood. They love to hear about what toys and candies we ate, the movies we loved, the songs we sang and the traditions our families had for different celebrations. Hardly a week fails to pass that they request a 'mommy' or 'daddy' story at bedtime instead of the usual book. Our children are not alone in this interest. My nieces and nephews and friend's children share a similar obsession with their parent's past. Each child latches onto a different memory and takes it to heart.

Keep these stories in mind when shopping for your toddler's Christmas gifts. Purchasing a doll that resembles your beloved Emma-Lou, will delight your own baby girl when she knows the full story connected with her new baby doll. The same is true of boys. My son's favorite gifts for Christmas to date were a collection of well-loved and abused Star Wars action figures that his dad had played with as a boy.

Old is New

Don't panic if all your childhood toys went to Goodwill years ago. You can still get your child a gift with a story. A growing trend among toy manufacturers is to recommission toys from yesteryear. If you are new to the Christmas shopping scene for youngsters it might surprise you to see how many familiar toys you will find greeting you like old friends from store shelves. Nostalgia toys are fun not only for the children to get, but for parents to give. This year as you shop for your baby and toddler and bask in the magical memories of your childhood Christmases you may discover that it is truly better to give then to receive.

If you are not inclined to share your much loved toys or they are no longer in your possession, why not start a new tradition? Pedal cars, trains, tractors and even pedal airplanes are making a big comeback for the new generation, in classic and new colors sure to please the little ones in your life.

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