Sure, a new mommy would be perfectly happy if you got baby a car seat or play swing, but you’re not quite that obvious, are you? Here’s how to welcome a new baby in style.
1. A workout
Visit Gymboree.com to enroll mommy and baby in the GymBabies program near them or sign them up for a Yogafit Babies program (Babyandmefitness.com in Toronto; Bodyharmony.ca in Vancouver) where they will both learn some yoga postures to promote relaxation. Visit Sears.ca for some Baby Roots casual wear so baby can be comfortable and trendy while exercising.
2. Intellectual stimulation
Research has shown that babies see high-contrast images first, particularly those in black and white. Visit Comfortandjoy.net for a black-and-white mobile that will hold baby’s attention. Or check out Leapfrog.com for a Hug & Learn Baby Tad Plush frog, which introduces shapes, colours and learning songs to baby through music and lights.
3. A day at the beach
Get baby ready for warm summer days with a basket full of treats like Bambino’s Baby Sun Shield (store.naturalbambinos.com) and a SolarBABY Solar Blanket (Solarwear.com) which will protect him/her from harmful UV rays. Visit Old Navy (Oldnavy.com) for a Polka-Dot Bikini and sun hat for her or Palm-Print Swim Trunks and baseball cap for him. Include Fisher Price’s Ocean Wonders Aquarium (Fisherprice.com) for baby to gaze at in the meantime.
4. A chic blankie
Every baby’s best friend gets a stylish upgrade thanks to US-based Barefoot Dreams (Barefootdreams.com) - available through NurseryRhymes.com - whose satin-trimmed CozyChic blankies and Barefoot Buddies (plush toys that attach to the blankies) are sure to keep baby happy; both are washable and dryable.
5. An environmentally-friendly gift
Buy baby an organic sleeper or nightgown by Sage Creek Organics from Bareware.ca (Bareware.ca). Made from 100 per cent organic cotton with nickel-free snaps, baby will be cozy – and have a clear conscience. Or make a donation to the Canadian Wildlife Federation (Cwf-fcf.org) or adopt an animal at the Toronto Zoo (Torontozoo.com), on baby’s behalf.
6. Party shoes
If mommy has a shoe habit, baby won’t be too far behind. Visit Robeez.com for a wide variety of cute little shoes in fun styles like Party Bow Pink or Monkey Red.
7. A soothing bath-time experience
Ensure baby has soft skin by visiting Forever-natural.com for Burt’s Bees “Baby Bee Getting Started Kit,” which includes six favourites, including Apricot Baby Oil and Buttermilk Soap. Or try Johnson's & Johnson's Bedtime Bath and Bedtime Lotion (Johnsonsbaby.com) which include lavender and camomile to calm baby down.
8. Something personalized
A thoughtful way to welcome a new baby: a CD complete with songs that include baby’s name (Giftsfortots.ca) or a blanket with his/her name and birth date stitched on it (Blankees.com).
9. A massage
Lounging in a cradle is more exhausting than you think. Help baby relax by registering mother and baby for an Infant Massage workshop (Babyandmefitness.com in Toronto; Healthtoday.ca in Vancouver) – it’s also a great way to promote mother/child bonding.
10. An introduction to music
Register mommy and baby for a Musical Beginnings workshop (Yccmmc.com) where children from three months up to 35 months sing, bounce, chant and play simple instrumental activities. Or sign them up for a salsa lesson (Salsababies.com); mommies learn basic dance steps while babies shake maracas along to the beat.