BABY SIGNS is based on American Sign Language and will help encourage the use of non-verbal gestures to communicate. Research has proven that babies who are taught to use signs to express their basic ideas before they can say words are happier because they can communicate with others.

For more information visit: BABY SIGNS

One Grand Prize winner will receive:

• A Copy of the Baby Signs Pop-Up book ($25.99 value)
• $50 Babies ‘R Us Gift Card

Four First Prize winners will receive:

• A Copy of the Baby Signs Pop-Up book ($25.99 value)

To enter simply add a comment. You don’t have to say anything nice about the book or anything bogus like that. Just comment that you want to enter and we’ll include you in our random drawing at the end of July. Winners will be posted on our site, emailed, and the prizes shipped in early August.

Of course if you win and want to send a pic or two of your baby reading BABY SIGNS that would be wonderful!

Good luck!

Naming has become increasingly difficult as available domain names disappear faster than the independent farmer did in the 1900′s. I mean how successful can your child become if they don’t have a brandable name complete with it’s own domain name?

Seriously though, don’t sweat over choosing the perfect name because there isn’t such a thing. Your kid is going to be just fine with almost any name you attach to them.  For more information on why the name is going to sound like everyone else’s any way read the full article on Wired: Why Your Baby’s Name Will Sound Like Everyone Else’s

Buying organic is no longer thought of as exclusively for vegans or Peta members. Seems most everyone is awaking to the benefits of using organic products and materials for both ourselves and families as well as our earth. While it used to be difficult to find organic products in local stores the internet has made it easier than ever to find exactly what you’re looking for and have it at your doorstep in a couple of days without ever leaving your home.

We found one company that offers products that will help your baby get off to a green and healthy start by ensuring the entire area they sleep in is as safe as possible. Since your baby will likely spend more than 50% of the time sleeping it makes great sense to focus on that area. Green and Healthy Baby is a store that does just this.

Green and Healthy Baby offers organic sheets, bedding, cribs, and other products that allow you to keep your baby in a safe, non-toxic environment by eliminating potentially harmful chemicals that leach through from a regular crib mattress. Right now they are giving away a free blanket with every purchase so it’s a great time to get your baby nursery outfitted with safe materials.

Go Natural Baby

The Go Natural Baby site still looks great and their product line continues to expand offering moms more high quality and safe natural products like baby clothes and baby bedding.

Be sure to check out the great Go Natural Baby blog for a healthy dose of inspiration and information. Like this great video on Youtube – “Stand by Me” in which musicians from around the globe, led by a street performer in Santa Monica CA, perform a moving rendition of one of my favorite songs.

Click here to watch the video

——————————————–

Remarkable

Postpartum Progress

Katherine’s blog has been added to the family health category of our Directory for moms.

Here are some of her posts highlighted in our Mom News section. (Please be sure to vote for her articles if you agree they’re deserving.)

Samanthas Story
C-Section Deliveries May Impact Mother-Infant Bonding

Postpartum Links and Resources

Mothers can be very baby centered and for good reason. After all, when God creates little babies, He makes them irresistible, maybe so mothers will endure the rigors of taking care of them.

Yet even during the first months of life with baby, it’s important to nurture your marriage. The stronger your bond is with your mate, the more secure and happy your baby will be. Dates don’t have to be elaborate, expensive or even outside of your own home. New parents have to be creative about spending quality time together, even if it is just for a few moments.

Here are ten free or almost free ideas to choose from:

1. Look through old photos from your dating days. Reminisce about your first date. What were you wearing? Where did you go? What was your first impression?

2. Share a scoop of ice cream together. Use one bowl and two spoons. Talk about the highlight and low light of your day.

3. Cuddle up and have a movie night for mom (chick flick). The next week, have a movie night for dad (action, drama or comedy).

4. List 5 things you love about your spouse. Exchange lists over a glass of sparkling cider.

5. Get a baby sitter and walk around the park hand in hand without the stroller. Kiss at the swings.

6. Heat up some massage oil and give your spouse a massage.

7. Have a candlelight dinner in your home or backyard.

8. Go to a coffee shop together. Talk about how you can meet one another’s needs better.

9. Take a hot bubble bath.

10. After the kids are asleep, take a blanket out to the backyard. Lie down and watch the stars together.

As you can see, you don’t need a lot of time or money to date your mate. Any of these things can be done even with a new baby. You just have to be intentional about planning special moments together. Don’t exchange romance for a diaper bag when you can have both. Just look your husband in the eye, hold hands, shut out the rest of the world from time to time, and date.

This article was submitted by Arlene Pellicane. For more great information visit her website at Losing Weight After Baby.