Did you ever feel that a crib sort of resembles a prison? With a crib bumper, you make what normally looks like a baby prison more stylish while still protecting your infant. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on a crib set, why not make the crib bumper at home? It’s an easy do-it-yourself project, and here is how you do it.

The first thing you need to do is measure the length and width of the crib. To create a pattern for the crib bumpers, you will need to add 1/2″ length on each side. This means that in all, 1″ needs to be added to the length and the width. The printer paper is 8 1/2″ wide. So to create the crib bumper pattern, stick the papers end to end. Then trim them to the length of the crib side plus 1″. Carry out this procedure for the width side of the crib too.

Once this is done, return to the crib and hold the pattern paper to the crib. Make markings of where you would like to have the crib bumper pad ties. The pattern paper needs to be held up to the crib while making these markings, so that you know that the ties will line up with the crib bars. Lay the fabric you have chosen on a flat surface. Fold this fabric in half, so that the front is facing inwards, towards itself. Choose cotton batting for the bumpers, depending on the thickness that you want the bumpers to have. Lay a sheet of cotton batting over the fabric. Pin the crib bumper pattern over the fabric and the batting. Using the pattern as your guide, cut the fabric and batting. You will have to cut two sets for the ends of the crib, and two sets for the sides. Once this is done, pin these back together.

Cut the ribbon into 8-10″ lengths. Cut 12 pairs of lengths in ribbon. The ribbons that have been cut have to be laid inside, in between the fabric pieces. Once the ribbon pieces are laid in place, pin them up to be sewed. One set should be pinned to the top and one to the bottom, where you have marked off on the pattern for the ties to be stitched. 1″ of ribbon should come out through the top and the bottom of the fabric, but the rest of it should be tucked neatly inside the fabric. To ensure that the ends of the ribbons don’t get sewn accidentally, you can always pin them up.

Stitch each piece around the entire outside of each pattern piece of fabric, leaving about 1-2″ open for turning the fabric inside out. You need to stitch 1/2″ in from the edge, to go along with the pattern that you have created. This is why you had added 1″ extra to each pattern piece. Now, turn the pieces inside out and pin the openings shut. Once this is done, you can hand stitch the openings.

Finally, pin the crib bumpers together and hand stitch them with care. When you place the bumper pads into the crib, the hand stitched edges should be facing inwards. This way, no one can see where you have stitched the bumper pads. You have just created your very own baby crib bumper.

Due to tough economic times and food quality concerns, many parents have decided to take the ladle into their own hands. They realize that it’s simple to cook baby foods at home, and it is also better for the infant. It is a win-win situation, since the child gets nutritious food and the parents can save money.

To make any baby food, the most important appliance is a baby food mill or a very good blender, since infant food has to be in puree form. You can transfer the pureed mix into ice cube trays and freeze it. Once the cubes are ready, they can be transferred into freezer bags for better conservation.

Fruits and Vegetables

When it comes to baby food, you can start with fruits and vegetables that would be easy on your baby’s tummy. Select fresh produce that is in season. Don’t feed your infant corn, since it’s not easy to digest. Corn is also known to cause allergies in some infants. Stay away from foods that can cause allergic reactions.  You may also need to avoid vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli as they too can cause digestive problems. Try to use fruits and vegetables within two days of purchase so that they remain fresh. Frozen vegetables can also be used to make baby food.

Carrots, spinach, squash, beets and some other vegetables contain nitrates. High levels of nitrates can be dangerous for your baby. So keep a good balance in  the amount you use of these vegetables that contain nitrates.

Another consideration is the water you use. Get the water in your home tested and if possible, use bottled water for baby food preparation. Once cooked, don’t store baby foods for too long. Otherwise, the amount of nitrates that the food contains can actually go up. If you plan to store the food, freeze it.

Preparation

To prepare baby food, wash the fruits/vegetables and peel the skin. In case of fruits and vegetables that are hard (apple or squash), cook the fruit/vegetable before pureeing it. You can bake, boil or steam the food. Once this is done and the hard food gets soft, add breast milk/water and puree the food until the desired consistency is reached. If your baby is just starting on solids, don’t feed him/her chunky foods. Over time, you can make the food a little chunkier. Decide on the amount of food that would be needed for about two days, and then freeze the rest in ice cube trays. If you want to introduce meats in your baby’s diet, cook it well and use the same procedure.

With these preliminary steps, you’ll be well on your way to feeding your baby food that is healthy, fresh and wholesome.

Knowing that you are going to have a new addition to the family can be one of the best feelings you could ever have as a parent. Every parent wants to give the baby a wonderful, fun and colorful nursery to experience the first few months of life in. After all, the baby’s nursery is where he/she will sleep, dream, learn to crawl and play. Here are a few ways of decorating your baby’s room on a budget. You can give your baby a wonderful nursery, without going overboard on costs.

Save Money in 5 Steps DIY Nursery Decoration

1. If you want to cut down on the costs, don’t even think about getting an interior decorator or designer. They charge exorbitant rates for their services, and the fact is that you can decorate the baby’s room yourself.

2. A newborn baby needs calm surroundings for his/her development. So the location of the nursery is critical. Try to choose a room that is cozy and away from a busy street. The lower the noise levels, the better it is for the baby.

3. Next comes the color selection. If you don’t know the gender of your baby, go for gender neutral colors like reds, purples and greens.

4. Next comes the theme, and this is when you can get really creative. If you are running short of ideas, you can visit a few baby stores and shops. Check out example room set-ups, bedding, furnishings etc. Here are a few themes you could choose from:

(A) Cartoon/TV Characters: There are several choices like Spiderman, Aladdin, Bugs Bunny, Tweety Bird, Winnie the Pooh, and of course, every child’s favorite, Peter Pan.

(B) Animals: Several animal themes are available in most baby stores. The most common animals in these themes are kittens, cats, puppies, dogs, teddy bears, cows and farm scenes. You can buy sheets, comforter sets, wallpaper, wall hangings etc., all sporting this theme.

(C) Crayons: Every child loves to color with crayons. Remember how much fun you had drawing and coloring various designs using these crayons? Introduce your baby to this fun-filled world a little early. You can use stencils and hand prints on the walls and on other furnishings too. If you want to try something new, crayons are a great theme to go with.

(D) Noah’s Ark: This is a great theme where you can blend several baby items together to create the look you want. There are many designs to choose from and you can accessorize the room with things like paintings, lamps, rocking chair, bedding etc.

(E) Underwater Scenes: Decorate the baby’s room with items that you can relate with the ocean like waves, shells, seahorses, fish, etc. This theme is very refreshing for any infant. The colors are soothing and the baby will feel very comfortable in a room that is based on this theme.

5. Finally, you need to choose the flooring. There are inexpensive stain-repellant rugs that you could choose. If you plan to change the theme of the room in the future, you can always replace these rugs.

There are endless possibilities, when it comes to decorating a baby’s nursery. But getting creative and decorating a baby’s room does not necessarily mean overstepping the budget limit.

When it comes to diapers, cloth diapers are eco-friendly and help save a lot of money. When you are starting a family or adding a new member to your family, you are already under financial stress. Every bit that you save will help in the long run. Prefold diapers are the best kind of diapers that are available in the market. Making prefold cloth diapers is extremely easy, and any mom can make these at home. Here is the procedure to make prefold cloth diapers at home.

1. Wash and dry the fabric that you plan to use for the diapers. A yard of 45″ flannel can be cut to make 2 regular sized diapers.

2. Cut 2 rectangles as per the following instructions:

Newborn to 6 months: 11 1/2″ by 14 1/2″

6 months to 2 years: 13 1/2″ by 18 1/2″

Toddler size: 15 1/2″ by 21 1/2″

3. Cut 6 pieces for the soaker pad, as follows:

Newborn to 6 months: 4″ by 13 1/2″

6 months to 2 years: 5″ by 17 1/2″

Toddler size: 6″ by 20 1/2″

4. To make the soaker pad, stack all the layers and straight stitch 1/4″ from the edge, all the way around. Then encase the raw edges by using a zigzag stitch, around the other side.

5. Once you have made the soaker pad, center and pin the soaker pad to the wrong side of one flannel piece. Stitch the pad to secure it on the flannel piece.

6. Next comes stitching the diaper. Place the two pieces of flannel together, such that the right sides are facing each other. Stitch all the way around, leaving an opening for turning. Turn the right side out and press the corners out. Topstitch around the diaper till you reach the opening. At the opening, insert the edges inside and sew away.

7. To give a finished look, all you need to do is stitch the soaker pad on the same lines as you did before. This is to secure the soaker pad.

Special Sized Diapers

Since you don’t need large diapers around your newborn baby, you can create special sized diapers. These can then be folded into thirds and used as doublers when your baby grows. You will be surprised at how much money you can save by making prefold diapers at home.

Have you ever made a quilt, or do you own one? If the answer to that question is a yes, you  know that quilts are generally treasured keepsakes. So why not make a quilt for your precious little baby? Homemade quilts also make great personalized gifts for baby showers.

There are several styles and techniques that can be used to create a quilt. Making a quilt takes time and involves several steps including drawing a design, choosing the fabrics, cutting them, and sewing the pieces together into one unique handmade baby quilt. You cut and sew the fabrics, rip them once in awhile, and once you are done sewing on the machine, you are ready to quilt. You need to get the needles and thread prepared after which the quilt should be stretched on a frame. Once this is done, you start the procedure of hand quilting, which involves sewing various layers together. If you have never quilted before, check out the steps below to help you make a baby’s quilt.

9 Easy Steps to Make Your First Quilt

1. Buy a baby quilt panel, binding tape and thread from any fabric store. The baby quilt panels are finished quilts, except for the binding. They come in several colors, themes and styles. Since you are making a baby quilt, it will have to be washed several times. Hence, it is wise to look for a panel that can be machine washed.

2. Read the instructions that are printed on the bolt of the fabric and then wash the quilt panel.

3. Measure the binding tape and cut them to length. You can then pin this tape to the edges of the quilt panel, ensuring that the ends always overlap. This will give the panel a finished and professional look.

4. Sew the binding onto the baby quilt. You can either use a sewing machine or do it by hand.

5. Select a block pattern that will act like the building blocks for the quilt. These are the blocks that will need to be sewn to complete the quilt. You can use square fabrics with different colors, designs and patterns.

6. Depending on the size of the baby quilt, decide on the number of blocks that will be required. You can plot the baby quilt by using paper patterns to represent the quilt blocks. This will help you with the design of the quilt.

7. As per the block/paper pieces that were used for plotting the quilt, cut out the fabric into squares.

8. Arrange and stitch the block pieces together to assemble the baby quilt.

9. To give the quilt a finishing touch, you can add borders to the perimeter of the quilt. You can then attach a name to your unique baby quilt and Voila! The baby quilt is done.

With a little hard work and talent, you can create a unique quilt that will keep the baby warm, and a gift that will stay with your baby forever.