expectant mother celebrating with friends at baby shower

Should I Have a Baby Sprinkle or Baby Shower? 

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expectant mother celebrating with friends at baby shower

 

Everyone has heard of a Baby Shower, but what about the latest trend called a Baby Sprinkle? Both of these events can be tons of fun and are a great way to celebrate the coming of a new baby. So how do you know when a sprinkle is better than a shower? They do have some differences, so it’s important to consider which party is right for the parents-to-be. In order to do that, you’ll have to learn a little bit more about a Baby Sprinkle versus a Baby Shower! 

What is a Baby Sprinkle?

A Baby Shower is a grand party with themed decorations and food, while Baby Sprinkles should require much less work. A Baby Sprinkle is a relaxed gathering of close friends and family to celebrate a new baby on the way. Essentially, Baby Sprinkles are a casual celebration that lasts between 1-2 hours. A Baby Shower has more guests and presents, and the time frame is usually between 2-3 hours. 

We like to think of a Baby Sprinkle as a low-key Baby Shower often held for couples expecting their second child and who already had a Baby Shower with their first child. However, Baby Sprinkles may also be thrown by first-time parents who would rather have a more laid-back gathering than a full blown Baby Shower. Baby Sprinkles are usually held at a local restaurant or at home, but this may vary depending on budget and guest list. 

Who Should I Invite to a Baby Sprinkle?

Many parents decide to include both close family and friends. However, some expectant parents may want to keep it intimate with just relatives. If you are inclined to also invite everyone you know from work, church, etc. then you should stick to a traditional Baby Shower event.

Ultimately, the party host has the final say on how many people are invited. Still, hosts should remember it can be overwhelming for guests to make a Baby Shower-like commitment for several hours.

What Happens at a Baby Sprinkle? 

There aren’t too many hard rules about what needs to happen at Baby Sprinkles, but most include a Baby Sprinkle cake, music and laughter. Whether you’re planning a Baby Sprinkle for yourself or parents-to-be in your life, be sure to keep it simple. The whole point of Baby Sprinkles is to celebrate without the overwhelming to-do list of a Baby Shower. Some fresh flowers, vases and candles go a long way towards the party ambience.

One thing you can be sure to see is gift opening. However, for Baby Sprinkles parents typically don’t use a registry as the event doesn’t usually call for expensive gifts. By the time a mom is expecting her second child, she likely has all of the “big” things she needs. Baby Sprinkles are an opportunity to upgrade existing baby things – especially if there was a large gap between the last child and new baby.

Some Baby Sprinkle gifts that expectant parents would be happy to receive include:

  • Diapers 
  • Money or Gift Cards
  • Diaper Cream and Wipes
  • Blankets
  • Onesies and Outfits
  • Bedding
  • Books
  • Toys

Although second time parents may choose not to purchase a new crib mattress, Colgate recommends you invest in a new quality mattress cover. Our Eco Cover-Organic Cotton Fitted Crib Mattress Cover is a high-quality fitted crib mattress cover made with certified organic cotton, is the perfect addition to any Colgate crib mattress.

Whether you’re the parents or simply the person organizing on parent’s behalf, it’s important to consider both options. If you like the idea of an extravagant or expensive event to celebrate the first pregnancy, it’s best to opt for a Baby Shower. If you’re drawn to an easy-to-plan, low-key event – or if you’re celebrating the coming of a second baby – then a Baby Sprinkle could be ideal!

Mom supporting teething baby by massaging gums.

All About Teething: 5 Things You Need To Know

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Mom supporting teething baby by massaging gums.

Every child is different, but usually teething starts around 6 months and most children have a full, shiny set of teeth by the time they are 2½ years old. There is a wide range of variability of when a first tooth may appear—some babies may not have any teeth by their first birthday! Around 3 months of age, babies will begin exploring the world with their mouth and have increased saliva and start to put their hands in their mouth. Many parents question whether or not this means that their baby is teething, but a first tooth usually appears around 6 months old.

Before the tiny teeth even appear, your baby might have the following symptoms:

  • Sore and red gums
  • A flushed cheek
  • Dribbling more than usual
  • Repeated gnawing and chewing on things
  • More fretful than usual

It can take a couple of years for your baby’s full set of teeth to appear, and teething can cause distress for some babies. Implement these tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics website below to help them come through it smiling.

  1. Massaging sore gums can help soothe your baby’s teething pain.

Cheek rubbing and ear pulling is caused by pain in the gums, which can travel to the cheek and ear, especially when the molars are erupting. Infants will rub these areas. Keep in mind that ear pulling or rubbing can also be a sign of an ear infection, please contact your infant’s pediatrician if this symptom continues or is accompanied with a high fever.

How to help your infant’s cheek rubbing and ear pulling: Try rubbing and massaging the gums with a clean finger for one to two minutes to help with the discomfort. Usually teething doesn’t cause children too much discomfort, however, many parents can tell when their baby is teething. Babies may show signs of discomfort in the area where the tooth is coming in, the gums around the tooth may be swollen and tender, and the baby may drool a lot more than usual.

  1. Do not use teething tablets, gels with benzocaine, homeopathic teething gels or tablets, or amber teething necklaces.

Stay away from teething tablets that contain the plant poison belladonna and gels with benzocaine. Belladonna and benzocaine are marketed to numb your child’s pain, but The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings against both due to potential side effects.

In addition, amber teething necklaces are also not recommended by the FDA. Necklaces placed around an infant’s neck can pose a strangulation risk or be a potential choking hazard. There is also no research to support the necklace’s effectiveness. See Teething Necklaces and Beads: A Caution for Parents for more information.

If your little one is really suffering, sugar-free paracetamol or ibuprofen can be given to relieve teething symptoms in babies and young children aged 3 months or older, but always follow the instructions that come with the medicine or check with your GP if you’re unsure.

  1. Reduce rashes and teething-induced diarrhea.

Babies produce more saliva when teething, so have extra muslin clothes and your Pura wipes to hand to clear up the dribbles. Wiping your baby’s face right away may help to prevent teething rashes. You may also want to keep a comfy bib on your little one to protect their clothes.

Some parents believe that their babies suffer from teething-induced diarrhea (check with your doctor if you’re concerned or unsure), which can lead to nappy rash. Both Pura wipes and nappies are designed to protect sensitive skins and prevent irritation. If you find your baby’s stool is loose or watery more regularly, you might need to stock up on extra supplies.

  1. Make your first dental appointment when the first tooth appears.

Try to make your baby’s first dental appointment after the eruption of the first tooth and by his or her first birthday. Both the AAP and the AAPD recommend that all children see a pediatric dentist and establish a “dental home” by age one. 

A pediatric dentist will make sure all teeth are developing normally and that there are no dental problems. They will also give you further advice on proper hygiene. If you don’t have a pediatric dentist in your community, find a general dentist who is comfortable seeing young children. And remember to stay away from sugar if you want to keep their brand new gnashers in tip top condition! 

  1. Brush up with fluoride toothpaste.

From the moment the first pearly-white milk tooth appears, you can get your baby their own toothbrush and toothpaste! The new teeth should be brushed with a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste, specially designed for babies, twice a day.

Once your child has a tooth, you should be brushing them twice a day with a smear of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice, especially after the last drink or food of the day. Remember not to put your baby to bed with a bottle—it can lead to tooth decay.

Once your child turns 3, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Dental Association (ADA), and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD)recommend that a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste be used when brushing.

 

Tips for Traveling with Baby During the Holidays

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Are you packing up the family and heading to Grandmother’s for the holidays? You’re in good company! According to AAA Travel, over 112 million Americans will hit the road during the 2022 winter holiday travel period. Whether you’ll be flying with your baby for the first time or traveling by car, these tips will help you make the most out of this time of year.

Tips For Keeping Your Family Safe and Sane During Your Travels

  1. Avoid travel on the busiest days.

    We know, it might not be that easy with your work schedule, but if at all possible don’t travel on the day before or after Christmas. This is when roads and airports will be at their busiest.

  2. Consider planning your departures according to your baby’s sleep patterns.

    The less disruption to baby’s schedule, the less stressful your trip will be. For flying, this might mean booking a flight in early afternoon or early evening. Car trips can begin at dusk, just after rush hour traffic, making it a win-win for baby and driver! It’s also helpful to plan an active day before departure, so baby will be tired and more likely to stick to her schedule.

  3. Keep essentials within reach, which might mean packing duplicates.

    By putting a small container of hand sanitizer, wipes and a change of clothes in every bag you’re keeping with you, you’re assured to have what you need at all times. This may seem counter-intuitive, especially for air travel, but being able to find a diaper when you REALLY need one can reduce everyone’s stress and allows you to tend to messy problems quickly.

  4. Choose toys that can be easily secured or clipped onto the car seat or seat belt to keep them off the floor and within reach.

    Consider making a small hole in a travel blanket so that it too can be clipped to the car seat.

  5. As for car travel, set up a quick changing station in the back of the minivan.

    The Colgate Eco Pad 2-Sided Contour Changing Pad is a lightweight, safe and supporting changing pad for your infant. The cover also has a waterproof backing for any mishaps.

  6. Try to stick to your baby’s schedule and give your toddler those much needed naps.

    Sleeping in a new place isn’t always easy, but if you keep a similar bedtime routine, your little one should do just fine.

  7. Prepare for the weather and plan to get outside.

    A house full of people can get overwhelming for a baby or toddler. Plan to get outside and get some fresh air.

  1. Give your baby or toddler a seat at the table.

    Your baby or toddler isn’t going to be happy about missing out on any of the action. Bring along one of these portable high chairs for travel so your baby can be right there during the big meals, while still allowing you to enjoy your dinner.