| If you're having your first child, you probably have | | | | usually put together with a purpose in mind. For |
| about one million questions, as well. It's only natural that | | | | example, the Playskool Let's Play Together Puppet |
| expectant mothers should worry day and night about | | | | shaped like a monkey has a few plastic rings of |
| whether or not they'll be a good parent, whether | | | | various colours and a dial that makes clicking noises |
| they're providing for their baby well enough, and so on. | | | | when turned left or right. These bells and whistles |
| The first step is to relax. Raising a child certainly ain't | | | | actually help to teach babies about various tactile |
| easy, but it's a lot harder to make all those mistakes | | | | surfaces, colours, sound, and interacting with their |
| new parents worry about than most realize. Just | | | | environment, as well as providing something safe and |
| make sure to be prepared, and you should be okay | | | | harmless to chew on to assist in teething. |
| when the baby arrives. | | | | Strollers, Baby Carriers, and Baby Care |
| If you are expecting a child, you may want to start | | | | This one should be obvious. You're going to be |
| looking for toys that are appropriate for newborn | | | | carrying your baby pretty much all the time for awhile, |
| babies, so as to ensure that the learning process | | | | so strollers, baby carriers, baby seats, and so on, are |
| begins right away. And while you're at it, you might | | | | vital to giving your arms a break once in awhile. And of |
| want to check out some maternity items, as well (note | | | | course, you'll want a well-stocked supply of baby |
| to baby shower invitees, this list is for you, too!). | | | | safety and health items, like electrical socket covers, |
| Stuffed Animals | | | | Q-tips, cotton balls, infant medicine, and so on. |
| Stuffed animals are great for children less than a year | | | | Your Shopping List |
| old. The plush, soft feel helps children to learn about | | | | Okay let's be frank, here... You've got a big shopping list |
| texture, the design of the animal can help to teach | | | | to fill out. Baby clothes, diapers, bottles, formula, breast |
| them the basics of recognizing faces and shapes, and | | | | pump, crib, baby food... We can't possibly list every |
| the colour can help their eyesight develop. | | | | single thing you'd need in one short article. Rather, we'll |
| If you stick to dolls and animals intended for babies, | | | | just recommend a couple of things... |
| there should be no problem. Otherwise, just be on the | | | | 1. Don't neglect toys for the baby, and... |
| lookout for things like plastic eyes and buttons, which | | | | 2. Don't neglect yourself. |
| can pop off more easily than you might think. | | | | Look, having a baby is tough. If you can get yourself |
| Baby Toys | | | | something to lighten the load, be it a baby carrier, or |
| Toys for babies look ridiculous to older kids, "Why is | | | | your favourite tea and chocolate, do it. Having a baby |
| the dog seven different colours with a rubber ring | | | | is wonderful, but it's also a lot of stress and hard work. |
| sticking out of his head?" but the zany designs are | | | | Being prepared means taking care of yourself, too. |