Pottery Barn Changing Table

Comes in white or sun valley espresso (same as crib).  on sale for 299.00

Changing Table

cute one!  top comes off for nice dresser.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=11045697&findingMethod=rr

espresso color - slightly different
http://www.walmart.com/ip/South-Shore-Angel-Collection-Changing-Table-Espresso/15105889#ShortReviewTitleBar

Sleep Tips

• The biggest help was when I read an article in American Baby magazine about sleep,,, it talked about babies being extremely cranky when over-tired, it said from 0-3 months the MAX amount of time a baby should be awake is 2 hours, and no more than 3 hours at 3 months. Also they should sleep a minimum of 45 minutes for a nap. It said that parents often try any number of things when an over-tired baby starts to fuss which makes it worse as you further over-stimulate your child. 
• Keep a log of baby's sleep patterns and see if there are any natural patterns to encourage. When the baby is 4 months, he can distinguish days from nights and can benefit from a more predictable established sleep schedule and nap schedule.
• Keep the area around the crib free of toys and clutter so they know it's time for sleep and not play.
• From the early days, put the baby in his own crib for at least one nap a day - even if they are sleeping in your room at night.  This helps them get used to a little separation.
• Babies sleep better in a cool room, but don't put them directly under a vent because sudden changes can disrupt their sleep. 
• Keep the room dark and don't have shiny things that could wake them - even nightlights are not necessary.  Babies aren't afraid of the dark until 18 months.
• Cotton and natural fabrics are better for baby to sleep in.
• The book "Baby Wise" is all about how to give your child the gift of sleep. It teaches you how to create a pattern of eat, wake, sleep and gives you guidelines for how to put your child down to sleep for naps and at night that will help him/her learn how to sleep through the night by 7 or 8 weeks! My husband and I have been following their philosophies since our baby was born and he is 6 weeks old tomorrow. Last night he slept through the night for the first time! Teach your baby good habits from the start (no co-sleeping, no things they become dependent on to fall asleep like food, or a carseat, vibrations, etc) and you will both be happier sooner and more rested.

New Mom Survival Guide

Great page of tips/tricks/instructions:  From The Bump

Some Gems:

• use pampers baby wipes for sensitive skin on newborns so they don't get a rash (others say any wipes are fine)
• use alcohol with a qtip to swab the umbilical cord (pull out and clean the bottom part too).  do not get it wet until it falls off - sponge baths only.
• start off with liquid formula - it will be easier while in iowa, and some babies tolerate it better when they are younger because of less bubbles.
• Diaper change every couple of hours during the day - night time at feedings
• Diaper champ not necessary - put in bag and put outside
• Aim penis down when changing diaper
• Fold diaper down so it doesn't touch cord
• You can't spoil baby in first 3 months
• Keep things bright/noisy/moving during the day - calm/dark/quiet at night so they don't get days and nights mixed up.  
• Put baby in crib for night and longer naps
• Keep baby upright 20-30 minutes after eating
• Not all babies have trouble with gas - don't worry if they won't burp unless they are fussy
• Sterilize by dishwasher, boiling 5 minutes - or get microwave sterilizer
• Baths a couple times a week
• Babies like routines - Bottle - Bath - Cuddle/Book - Bed
• Keep cord dry, but if it gets a little wet, no big deal
• Can just do sponge/wash cloth baths on a flat surface with a towel put down.  Use a little soap or not!
• Don't have to use special baby detergent unless baby is sensitive
• Hats for heat loss
• 
  

Meredith Packages

Here are some ideas for packages to send:


Girly Box (and Lucas)

• Lucas Gear (Meredith, Brothers, Mom)
• Target gift card
• glee nail polish
• favorite lip gloss
• sparkly eye shadow or glitter?

St Patricks Day Box

• Lucky Socks
• Lucky Necklace
• Green gum, mints
• Green maternity shirt?

Baking Box (easter?)

• cute apron and/or pot holder
• sprinkles
• cupcake liners
• cute shaped baking pan?
• cookbook

Craft Box

• glitter
• fancy papers
• stickers
• cute scissors
• craft kit or book

Spa Box

• fuzzy socks
• lotion/bath gel (victoria's secret stuff?)
• girly magazine
• cute mesh sponge
• eye pillow
• foot/leg lotion

Changing Table

From Ikea - 129.99 - we could put baskets in the top part, and add cute drawer pulls from pottery barn.

Crib

 

This is the Kendall crib from pottery barn.  They make a low profile one that sounds perfect.  I also like this as a color scheme for our nursery.