Looking for a creative nursery theme? What about bugs? That’s the theme I would have picked for my little guy had I known just a wee bit earlier that he would come to love bugs. He loved bugs so much as a baby and toddler that he used to fall asleep with Margaret Wise Brown’s book I Like Bugs tucked in next to him.

The bug theme is simply adorable for a boy or girl. Plus, you can spin off so many cute nicknames for baby-to-be–hmmm…buggy, snuggle-bug, ladybug. If you’re looking for baby bug nursery paraphernalia or theme inspiration, check out these luscious bug washcloths by Little Twig to get your creative juices flowing.

Have a creative theme to share with other readers who are seeking nursery theme inspiration?

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If you thought glass baby bottles were old school, think again. Glass baby bottles are making a comeback. Babylife is just one company to reintroduce glass baby bottles, only with a modern safety sleeve that helps prevents breakage. BornFree and Dr. Brown’s make glass bottles, too.

Why the glass craze? In light of recent concerns about exposure to chemicals in plastic bottles (leaching), manufacturers are responding to the growing demand for plastic alternatives by offering glass bottles that are bisphenol A, phthalate, PVC and polycarbonate-free. Now, parents have more choices than ever when it comes to baby bottles. Even fashionable and totally funky glass bottles!

If you’re looking for a baby shower gift that has eco-chic mama written all over it, glass bottles are it!

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Wondering if it’s worth spending money on a fancy schmancy mobile for your infant’s crib? Well, that depends. In my parenting of three experience, I’ve discovered that mobiles really do stimulate and entertain infants, some more than others. Hmmm, guess that probably means the experts know what they’re talking about when they say mobiles are great for development.

While there are so many mobile options to choose from, non-motorized, homemade mobiles to the hi-tech variety, I personally give Tiny Love’s Mobile Line two thumbs up. As infants, my children loved the Tiny Love Symphony-in-Motion Mobile that I attached to their crib.

How do I know? The captivating characters and classical musical stimulation instantly soothed them. Long after it was time for the mobile to come out of the crib for safety reasons, the detachable musical box continued to provide my children comfort.

My children weren’t the only ones who liked Tiny Love. When I had a problem with a mobile part, Tiny Love’s customer service department happily sent me a replacement. As for value, that Symphony-in-Motion mobile oversaw the first months of three newborns. I think that says something right there.

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Age: birth +

Looking for a fresh approach to handling your toddler?  Harvey Karp, M.D., creator of the Happiest Baby on the Block parenting methodology, might just offer what you seek:  solutions to toddler temper tantrums.  Curious about Dr. Karp’s approach, I picked up a copy of his Happiest Toddler on the Block DVD at my local library.  In the video, Dr. Karp works like a magician, teaching parents how to communicate with their toddlers in a way that lets the toddler (a.k.a. caveperson) know that you hear them–effectively eliminating most temper tantrums. 

Although somewhat silly in parts, the video offers key learning points and provides parents with real solutions (although perhaps slightly embarrassing at first to do in public) to dealing with frustrating toddler behavior.  I’m already having good luck trying these techniques with my toddler.  And, given that Dr. Karp’s approach has been highlighted on Dr. Phil, I’m definitely not the only one who thinks there is potential value in the Happiest Toddler approach.

Here’s a sample YouTube clip, thanks to Parents.com: 

Have you used the The Happiest Toddler on the Block approach? If so, is it working for you and your child?     

Hey, Moms and Dads (and grandparents, too), it may be easy to come up with reasons not to “green diaper” your baby, but this YouTube video (thanks WTAE-TV Pittsburgh) may get you pumped to try your hand at it.  

Did you know that alternatives to disposable diapers can actually save you money? Maybe even lots of money over the years. Did you know that YOU single-handedly can make a dent in saving the Earth (and precious resources) for future generations by incorporating green diapering into your active lifestyle–even opting for cloth or green alternatives occasionally can make a big difference!

On your mark. Get ready. Get set. Go get eco-friendly diapering inspired!

Whenever I smell Ivory soap or Johnson’s baby soap, I’m immediately brought back to my childhood.  Those soaps went together with bath time as much as the bath water.  As much as a love those product scents, times have changed.  Bathtime in my household also includes a selection of organic baby bath products.  I’m a fan of Mustela and California Baby products. 

Mustela makes a complete line of hypoallergenic baby products, including shampoo that is safe for even the youngest skin.  What I like about Mustela is the manufacturer’s keen attention to quality and safety standards and cosmetic vigiliance monitoring.  With recent news of lead in cosmetics like lipstick, the last thing I want to worry about is exposing my children to potentially harmful chemicals or hazards in shampoo.       

California Baby offers a wonderful selection of baby shampoo and bath products, all of which are Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) or DEA free, pure, and guaranteed free of pesticides or synthetic additives.  Shampoo evens comes in scented (like yummy lavendar) or scent-free options.   

Moms today are starting to take a close look at the ingredients in baby products, preferring natural and organic ingredients over difficult to pronounce, harsh lab created chemicals.  That’s a huge change from the days of my own childhood.  Knowing that I’m doing everything I can to limit my children’s exposure to chemicals is incredibly important–after all, I’m hoping that my own children will live long enough to tell their great-grandchildren all about the shampoos they used in childhood!

The latest news in the baby naming world is that unusual is the new ordinary.  According to data collected by a web site for expecting and new parents, the top 5 names of 2007 include:

For Girls:  Sophia, Isabella, Emma, Madison, Ava

For Boys:  Aiden, Ethan, Jacob, Caden, Jayden

Your turn:  If you’re expecting, do you plan to give your baby a top baby name of 2007? 

Expectant and new parents have a lot to think about–beyond booties, diapers, and nursery gear.  Like naming the baby. 

For some, selecting a baby name is seemingly simple.  Others agonize for months.  There are plenty of tales about ”nameless” babies, and stories about parents not being able to leave the hospital with their new bundle of joy until they selected a name.

According to recent findings, when it comes to baby naming, baby-name remorse is not uncommon.  Even parents who spend a significant amount of time researching or thinking about baby names can come to experience name doubt.

Have you experienced baby-name regret, or are you worried about baby-name remorse?  How did you deal with the situation?

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (”CPSC”) has recently issued a warning that families never place infants to sleep on air mattresses or other soft surfaces, including water beds. 

According to CPSC, air mattresses or other soft surfaces, pose suffocation risks for infants, and “Even properly inflated air mattresses are usually too soft for infants to maintain a clear airway. Air leaks and under-inflation also contribute to incidents.”

To review the CPSC warning and recommendations, click here.

It wasn’t until sometime after my second child was born that it dawned on me that children love textures, especially rubbing their fingers against soft, silky, or smooth fabrics.  Initially, I thought my kids’ interest in playing with certain fabrics was unique.  But, then I discovered plush toys with attached mini blankets and products similar to “Taggies,” Cuddle Cover Blankets, and HubbaCub Security Blankets on the market.  These products are specifically designed to offer infant and toddler tactile comfort–think cozy and chic security blankets!

Security blankets make great gifts for young children.  Perfect for the baby-to-be, infant, or toddler.  Besides providing companionship and calming fussy children, security blanket products are typically designed to retain “mom’s scent”–giving children added comfort when mom is away.

When I stumble across my kids’ security blankets, I have such beautiful memories of them snuggling with their blankets.  Security blankets are the ultimate keepsakes–the rare treasures that I plan to hold onto forever–at least until my children have children of their own.

Does your child have a security blanket?  If so, do you think it has positively impacted your child’s development?