Decorating Tips For The Nursery | Baby Bedding

Posted on April 30, 2013 by Patty

Decorating your new baby’s nursery is such an exciting experience. You and your new bundle will be spending a great deal of time in the nursery, so you want it to be welcoming and fun. There are a few things to keep in mind when decorating the nursery so it is a calming, restful place to relax and sleep. Here are a few tips to help you in choosing the right nursery décor for your home.

Colors Babies See

Baby Bedding | Chevron Baby Bedding

Baby Bedding | Chevron Baby Bedding

When babies are born, the only colors they can see are black, white, and gray. As their sight develops, the first color they recognize is red. However, this doesn’t mean you should decorate your child’s room in all red. Red can be an overwhelming color for your little one when that is the only color he sees. Instead, choose softer colors like blues, greens, and pinks because these colors are the next to follow suit as your baby’s sight develops.  These are good thoughts to keep in mind when choosing the baby bedding too.

Instill an Early Love of Reading

To fill a large wall in the nursery and instill a love of reading from an early age, frame pages from your favorite children’s books and place them over the crib. These pictures are fun and interactive as your baby grows and learns to read. Pages from a Dr. Seuss book make great framed artwork because they are colorful and the characters are fun.

A Room that Grows with your Child

Nursery Decor | Wall Art

Nursery Decor | Wall Art

Redecorating as your baby grows may not be something you want to do. To make the nursery décor grow with your child, choose patterns and colors that work when your child is a baby and beyond. A great way to do this is by painting the walls a solid color and adding wallpaper borders or a large graphic in a generic design. These details add a lot of style in a quick and easy way, so you don’t have to redecorate so soon.

Controlled Lighting

Your baby’s nursery will be used for many things: sleeping, relaxing, playing, etc. Controlling the lighting by installing a dimmer switch will allow you to create different moods for different reasons. When it’s time to relax and unwind, low lighting can help your child calm down and fall asleep. No nursery décor is complete without some sort of soft, gentle lighting to help lull your little one into dreamland.

These are just a few suggestions to help you with decorating your new baby’s nursery. Be sure to check out our complete line of nursery décor including name plaques, wall décor, window treatments, and more at www.HarperGraceBaby.com.

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Safe Baby Bedding Choices For The Crib

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Patty

Your baby’s safety is important. As a parent, you baby-proof the house, buy all the right furniture for the nursery, and never let your new bundle of joy out of your sight, even for a second. Keeping your baby safe is your job, and you do it well. However, how much thought have you given to the bedding in your baby’s crib? Sure, it’s soft and fluffy, and matches fabulously with the décor, but how safe is it? Here are a few things to keep in mind when outfitting your baby’s crib with bedding.

Bumper Pads

Baby Bedding | Crib Bumpers

Baby Bedding | Crib Bumpers

Buying baby boy bedding and baby girl bedding is fun. There are so many fun themes, colors, and patterns to choose from. One thing that comes with most baby bedding sets is bumper pads. Bumper pads are those cute 6-inch padded “walls” that line the bars of the crib to keep baby from bumping his head. While not necessary in a crib, they do add style to the nursery’s décor. If you do use bumper pads, be sure they are tied securely to the bars of the crib, and that the ties are not dangling in the bed.

Mattress Pads vs. Plastic Mattress Sheets

To protect the mattress in the crib, many parents use plastic sheets. These sheets can get very hot in summer months and even create a choking hazard if they come off the mattress in the middle of the night. Instead of using plastic sheets, use a flannel backed mattress pad and a well-fitted sheet. Your baby will be more comfortable on the breathable fabric and there is less risk of suffocation. You can find several options for sheets and mattress covers in the www.HarperGraceBaby.com baby bedding boutique.

Blankets

Baby Blankets | Baby Bedding Boutique

Baby Blankets | Baby Bedding Boutique

It may be tempting to cover your sleeping baby with a nice cozy, warm blanket. Unfortunately, fluffy, soft blankets have been linked to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and should be used wisely. This isn’t to say you shouldn’t use blankets at all in your baby’s crib; it just means you need to use them correctly. Blankets should be tucked securely under the mattress on the sides and at the foot of the bed. Only bring the blanket up to the baby’s chest to avoid suffocation.

Another alternative to using blankets is to dress your baby in sleepers, infant sacks, or pajamas with feet so he stays warm without using a blanket.

If you choose to use heavily padded and super soft baby bedding in your child’s nursery, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the National Institute of Child Health all recommend removing it from the crib before placing your baby down to sleep. When it’s time for bed, less is more to keep your little one safe.

 

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How Do Maternity Clothing Sizes Work?

Posted on March 13, 2013 by Patty

 

 

So, you’ve just found out you’re pregnant, and you can’t wait to start buying maternity clothes. Congratulations! Buying maternity clothes is fun, but where do you start? If this is your first pregnancy, you may be wondering just what size to buy to accommodate your soon-to-be growing baby bump. This is a question many women have, especially when shopping online, so we’ve put together a short guide to help you figure it all out. 

 

Where to Begin

 

Maternity clothing sizes work the same way regular clothing sizes work. If your pre-pregnancy size is a “small”, that’s the size you should buy in maternity clothing, too. The same goes for numbered sizes. If you wore a size 8 before you got pregnant, look for a size 8 in maternity fashions.

 

Jeans that go by waist size work the same way. If you wore a 28-inch waist before pregnancy, that’s the size you’ll need during your pregnancy. It’s true your waist will no longer be 28 inches, but maternity manufacturers make it easy to get the right size by using the same sizing guidelines.

 

If you’re heading out to buy maternity clothes before you begin showing, many maternity shops have “fake” strap-on pregnancy bellies for you to use to see what their clothes will look like on you later on in your pregnancy. This is a good way to choose outfits that fit properly and flatter your body.

 

Tip:

Some women find that it’s not just their belly that grows during pregnancy. Other parts of the body expand as well, so it may become necessary to buy maternity clothes in a size or two larger than your normal pre-pregnancy size as you get into the later stages of your pregnancy.

 

What Not to Do

 

Don’t be tempted to purchase non-maternity clothing in a size or two larger than you’d normally wear, as if you’re just putting on weight. Maternity clothing manufacturers make their clothing with extra material, stretchy panels and flattering details so you can be comfortable and look good while you’re pregnant. Buying non-maternity clothing will result in ill-fitting, uncomfortable clothes that you won’t be happy wearing.

xoxo, Patty Gatter

 

 

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What’s in Your Diaper Bag?

Posted on March 11, 2013 by Patty

When you’re the mother of a young child, leaving the house can be quite nerve-wracking. Do you have everything you need? What if your child spills something on his clothes, or wets through his diaper? What if he develops a rash on his tushy while on a long day trip? Do you have an extra pacifier in case he loses the one in his mouth? Making sure you have everything you need to care for your child on the go without feeling like you’re taking the whole house with you takes planning…..and an organized diaper bag.

Here is a checklist of some of the most important items you should include in your diaper bag. Copy it off, tuck it in the pocket of the diaper bag and refer to it before you leave the house to be sure you have everything.

The Essentials

  • Diapers
  • Wipes
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Changing pad
  • Plastic bags (to put dirty diapers in)
  • Filled bottles
  • Snacks
  • Sippy cup
  • Blanket
  • Change of clothes
  • Pacifier
  • Sunscreen
  • Diaper rash cream
  • Emergency info

 

Extras

 

  • Tissues
  • Nail clippers
  • Camera (you don’t want to miss those fleeting moments!)
  • Nursing cover
  • Breast pads for nursing moms
  • Sling (to carry baby)
  • Toys
  • First aid kit

 

If you’re carrying a separate bag for yourself, be sure it contains all the essentials, too.

 

  • Wallet
  • Keys
  • Cell phone
  • Sunglasses
  • Pen/paper
  • Snacks/mints/gum
  • Bottle of water
  • Book (you never know when you’ll get a free minute to relax!)
  • Clean shirt (in case you get spit up on)

Diaper Bag Tips

  1. Choose a diaper bag with a waterproof lining. It’s much easier to clean up when spills occur.
  2. A diaper bag with multiple compartments is the best for keeping things organized.
  3. Use Ziploc baggies to keep medicine and other liquids from leaking inside the diaper bag.
  4. Save time and headache by packing similar items together. For instance, place all food items in one compartment. On the same note, place items that you use together in the same compartment, such as diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream.
  5. Consider buying two diaper bags – one small one for quick trips and one larger one for longer trips.
  6. If you don’t get the right diaper bag the first time, try again. Not all diaper bags are going to work for all mothers. You may have to try a couple on for size before you find one that works best for you.

 

Patty,  Owner

www.HarperGraceBaby.com  www.HarperGraceMaternity.com  www.HarperGraceOrganics.com

 

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Tips for Designing a Baby Nursery & Choosing Nursery Decor

Posted on March 7, 2013 by Patty

There’s nothing quite as special for new parents as planning the nursery décor for their new arrival. It’s fun picking out colors and choosing a theme to enchant and soothe baby, but the experience can be a bit overwhelming – especially for first-time parents.

 

Before you head out to begin shopping for your baby’s nursery, read these tips from moms who’ve been there. Even if this isn’t your first child, you may find something useful for decorating this go-around!

 

  • Babies love to look at faces. Include some family photos in your nursery décor to help stimulate your baby’s senses.
  • If you have a favorite piece of art, a clothing print or a blanket that you plan to use in the room, pull colors from that for other areas of the room. This will pull everything together and give the nursery a “finished” look.
  • Be sure to have a comfortable rocker in the nursery to make those sleepless nights a little more bearable.
  • When choosing baby bedding, make sure you consider safety in addition to how well it goes with your décor. For instance, pillows are not a good idea in a baby crib.
  • Think organization. A well-organized nursery with plenty of storage space for diapers, creams, and other baby necessities makes things much easier when dealing with a fussy baby.
  • Begin decorating the nursery by choosing the crib first. The crib is typically the focal point of the room, so design the rest around that.
  • Lighting is important. Be sure you can adjust the lighting in the nursery to suit your needs. Use room-darkening window décor for daytime sleeping and include lamps with soft lighting to avoid disturbing baby at night.

 

Don’t be afraid to be creative when decorating your baby’s nursery. Include your own personal style in the room as you would the rest of the house. If you’re into modern design, incorporate that into the nursery, too. Don’t be afraid to branch out from the traditional pink and blue. Since you and your baby will be spending a great deal of time in the nursery, you both should be comfortable in it.

XOXOXO,

Patty

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Trendy Spring 2013 Maternity Fashions

Posted on March 5, 2013 by Patty

 

Pregnancy takes a woman through many physical and emotional changes. It’s not uncommon to feel tired, unattractive and just downright blah, especially during the last few months of pregnancy. Your fashionable pre-pregnancy clothes are nothing but a memory and winter has you wearing big, bulky sweats.

 

The good news is, spring is coming soon. And, this season’s hottest trends will have you looking great in styles that flatter and enhance your growing baby belly. Maternity clothes have come a long way since your mother was pregnant with you. No longer does being pregnant mean wearing big clothes that hide your baby bump. Be confident and express your unique fashion style – even during your pregnancy – with these great designs.

 

Tunics

 

Tunics are very popular this spring – and comfortable, too. They are loose around the abdomen so there’s plenty of room for your growing baby, but are very flattering for all body types. Tunics come in a wide array of colors and patterns, so add at least one to your wardrobe this spring.

 

Long Sleeved Tops

 

Long sleeved tops are a must for any wardrobe, especially if you live in a cooler climate. Wear them alone or layered over a cami for different looks. Try to find ones that are less bulky for spring.

 

Maxi Dresses

 

Maxi dresses are all the rage this season, and for good reason. There’s nothing more comfortable or attractive than this bohemian style. Dress it up or dress it down, a maxi dress works for any situation or event. Buy at least one maxi dress in a rich maroon, royal blue or emerald green and wear it with a pair of large gold hoop earrings for a beautiful regal look.

 

Maternity Skirts and Pants

 

Of course, no maternity wardrobe is complete without a comfortable pair of jeans and a knee-length skirt. These can be paired with printed tops and sandals for a fresh spring look.

 

Being pregnant doesn’t mean you have to give up your fashion sense. Feel better about the way you look and be more confident by putting together a great spring wardrobe.

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Bamboo Dreams® – Eco-Friendly Clothing for Men, Women and Children

Posted on March 4, 2013 by Patty

 

There has been a lot of talk lately about eco-friendly clothing. Just what exactly is eco-friendly clothing, and why does it matter?

 

Eco-friendly clothing, or eco-fashion, is clothing made with the environment, the health of consumers and the working conditions of the people who make the clothing in mind. There are many reasons to buy eco-friendly clothing:

 

  • They are made from organic materials such as cotton grown without pesticides, silk made by worms fed on organic trees, and bamboo.
  • Eco-friendly clothes do not involve the use of chemicals or bleach to color fabric.
  • Recycled and reused textiles are often used to make high-quality eco-friendly garments.
  • Eco-friendly clothes are made to last so people keep them longer.
  • The people who make eco-friendly clothing are paid a fair price and have decent working conditions.

 

Why It Matters

 

Buying anything eco-friendly means you are committed to keeping the environment safe. Eco-friendly clothing does this by:

 

  • Reducing exposure to toxic chemicals. Most clothing-making processes involve harmful chemicals and traditional cotton farming uses toxic pesticides that are not good for the body. None of these are used in the making of eco-friendly clothing.
  • Keeping skin allergies at bay. Many skin allergies are caused by harmful herbicides and artificial dyes. Eco-friendly clothing contains none of these skin irritants.
  • Supporting fair trade and safe working conditions. The harmful chemicals found in traditional cotton farming is harmful to your skin, but can also harm the farmers who cultivate it. By buying eco-friendly clothing, you are supporting fair trade practices and helping to promote decent working conditions for all who have a part in the making of the clothes.
  • Saving you lots of money. Because eco-friendly clothing is made to last, you spend less money on clothing.

 

Bamboo Dreams®, a line of eco-friendly clothing for men, women and children, is made from bamboo. Bamboo is a great organic material for making clothes because it grows well without pesticides and quickly replenishes itself. Bamboo fabric is very beautiful and super soft – it even has antibacterial properties that repel odor!

 

Harper Grace Organics carries a wide array of Bamboo Dreams® clothing. From soft, silky camis for women to comfortable lounge pants for men to some of the cutest clothes for kids. Everything is made with you and the environment in mind, so you can be sure you’re doing your part to make the Earth a better, safer place.

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Understanding Baby Clothing Sizes

Posted on February 25, 2013 by Patty

Understanding Baby Clothing Sizes

 

Whether you’re a new mother buying baby clothes for your new bundle of joy, or a guest invited to a baby shower looking to purchase an outfit for the new arrival, baby clothing sizes may be a bit confusing. There’s no doubt that browsing through the baby section in the store is lots of fun, but how do you decipher the sizes manufacturers place on baby clothes? There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to baby clothing sizes, but here are a few tips to help you find just the right size for baby.

 

What Size is “12 Months”?

 

The first thing to remember is, not all clothing manufacturers are created equal. The makers of baby clothes use a general “guideline” to help you determine what size will fit your baby when. For instance, a 12 month size may or may not fit your baby at 12 months of age, but it gives you a general idea of where to start. Baby clothing manufacturers try to make their clothes to fit what they consider an “average” sized baby. Since all babies are different, average may mean different things. Your child may be 12 months old, but still fit into a 6-month size. Or, he may be 12 months old and fit into an 18 month size. It all sounds a little confusing, but just keep in mind that the size on the tag is a starting point, and just because a 12 month size from one manufacturer fits doesn’t mean the same size will fit from another manufacturer.

 

So, What Does This All Mean?

 

If you’re buying baby clothes as a gift and would prefer not to have to return them if they don’t fit (or don’t want the parents to have to return them), use this rule-of-thumb when shopping. If the child is between the ages of 9 and 12 months, assume he will fit into a 12-month size. If the child is older, opt for the next size larger, just to be sure. If the outfit is a little too big for a while, that’s OK because he will grow into it. The only time this becomes an issue is if you’re buying seasonal clothing. You want to be sure the outfit fits during the season it’s meant for, so keep the receipt in case it’s just not going to work, and if you’re buying online, be sure to check return policies before you buy.

XoXo
Patty, Owner
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Nursery Decor & Baby Bedding Ideas

Posted on February 19, 2013 by Patty

There’s nothing quite as special for new parents as planning the nursery décor for their new arrival. It’s fun picking out colors and choosing a theme to enchant and soothe baby, but the experience can be a bit overwhelming – especially for first-time parents.

Before you head out to begin shopping for your baby’s nursery, read these tips from moms who’ve been there. Even if this isn’t your first child, you may find something useful for decorating this go-around!

  • Babies love to look at faces. Include some family photos in your nursery décor to help stimulate your baby’s senses.
  • If you have a favorite piece of art, a clothing print or a blanket that you plan to use in the room, pull colors from that for other areas of the room. This will pull everything together and give the nursery a “finished” look.
  • Be sure to have a comfortable rocker in the nursery to make those sleepless nights a little more bearable.
  • When choosing baby bedding, make sure you consider safety in addition to how well it goes with your décor. For instance, pillows are not a good idea in a baby crib.
  • Think organization. A well-organized nursery with plenty of storage space for diapers, creams, and other baby necessities makes things much easier when dealing with a fussy baby.
  • Begin decorating the nursery by choosing the crib first. The crib is typically the focal point of the room, so design the rest around that.
  • Lighting is important. Be sure you can adjust the lighting in the nursery to suit your needs. Use room-darkening window décor for daytime sleeping and include lamps with soft lighting to avoid disturbing baby at night.

 

Don’t be afraid to be creative when decorating your baby’s nursery. Include your own personal style in the room as you would the rest of the house. If you’re into modern design, incorporate that into the nursery, too. Don’t be afraid to branch out from the traditional pink and blue. Since you and your baby will be spending a great deal of time in the nursery, you both should be comfortable in it.

xoxoxo

Patty, Owner

www.HarperGraceBaby.com

 

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Diaper Bags, How to choose the right one?

Posted on November 15, 2012 by Patty

 

Another item on the baby checklist is choosing a diaper bag which can be a little overwhelming with all the different styles and brands there are to choose from. It used to be that a diaper bag served only one purpose which was to pack essentials for baby and usually came with very few options like one solid color or a possible animal print. However, nowadays moms are not only looking for a functional diaper bag but they also want style! You will have no problem finding a stylish yet functional diaper bag that is perfect for you.

One thing to consider when shopping for a diaper bag is what style will work best for you. Do you want a messenger bag which is carried over the shoulder, or perhaps you would be more comfortable with a backpack diaper bag which would allow you to free your hands and carry around baby with ease. Totes are another option; totes have a handle and can easily be used as a purse as well as a diaper bag.

Features of a diaper bag are something you will really want to take a look at before purchasing your diaper bag.  Extra pockets and lots of organizational features can be quite helpful when packing all the things baby needs and even giving some extra pockets for the things mom needs can make a diaper bag a must have! Some diaper bags have insulated pockets which will help keep bottles warm or cold which is great if you are going to be gone for a while. Also look at how much room is in the diaper bag, if you are having twins then you know you need to look for a diaper bag with lots of room as you will need to pack double of everything! If you are planning on using cloth diapers you will need some extra room as well for all you cloth diapering supplies!

The material of the diaper bag is also very important, diaper bags get a lot of use so think about whether the material will hold up and last through all the abuse it will endure. Some materials like vinyl can be easily cleaned by just wiping the bag with a cloth. You might want to consider eco-friendly material so there are no harmful chemicals or toxins in the material, our Kalencom bags are eco-friendly and extremely functional as well as popular! You can take a look on our website using this link http://harpergracebaby.com/category_18/Diaper-Bags.htm.

Lastly make sure you choose a pattern in your diaper bag that you will love for a long time! Some moms choose diaper bags based on gender of the baby, others feel that the bag is for the mom so the gender should not determine the pattern of the bag. Some moms also like to consider what dad would be comfortable toting around while others might opt to get a separate bag for dad.  The pattern is all about personal preference so there is no right or wrong decision with it, as long as you love it then that is all that matters!
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