Looking to pick out the perfect baby gift? There’s no shortage of adorable items to choose from. But if you’re angling for something upscale that really makes an impact at that baby shower, first birthday, or holiday, these splurgy keepsake baby gifts are ones that mom and her babe will cherish.

Savor Baby Edition Keepsake Box
What parent doesn’t want a better way to keep track of baby’s sweetest memories? Savor’s Baby Edition Keepsake Box is an organizing system that keeps everything protected and easily accessible with the help of nine drawers, eight vertical files for cherished paper artifacts like sonograms, letters, and birth announcements, and 50+ illustrated labels. Parents can keep track of the first four years of their child’s life, from the hospital blanket to baby’s first tooth to that first haircut, along with other treasured items.

Savor Baby Edition Keepsake Box ($54.99)—Buy Here!

Uncommon Goods' personalized woodland nursery pillow is one of our splurge-worthy baby keepsake gifts

Personalized Woodland Nursery Pillow
This comfy cotton pillow sprinkles the details of baby’s arrival amid a whimsical mix of plants, mushrooms, and woodland critters like deer, squirrels, and bunnies. If you don’t know all the details of your giftee’s birth (date, weight, length, birthplace, and time of birth), no sweat—those spaces can be filled in with additional illustrations. It’s the perfect addition to storytime in any nursery.

Personalized Woodland Nursery Pillow ($120.00)—Buy Here!

The Elsa Peretti bubble blower from Tiffany & Co. is one of our splurge-worthy keepsake baby gifts

Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Padova Bubble Blower
You can practically hear children’s laughter on a summer day upon unboxing this darling silver bubble wand. A wonderful baby shower gift, the design has a signature Elsa Peretti design and can be engraved for personalization.

Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Padova Bubble Blower ($150.00)—Buy Here!

Butterscotch Blankees Metallic Classic Monogram Stroller Blanket
For a gift that baby will use day after day, this super-soft and cozy blanket comes in nearly 30 different colors to match all tastes. Take it from the nursery to the stroller to the car and beyond for constant comfort on all those baby-led adventures. Personalize it with a monogram and send it soon after baby’s arrival.

Butterscotch Blankees Metallic Classic Monogram Stroller Blanket ($95.00)—Buy Here!

vera wang wedgwood piggy bank is one of our splurge-worthy keepsake baby gifts

Vera Wang Wedgwood Infinity Baby Piggy Bank
Baby’s first bank should be precious and timeless, and what’s more timeless than a piggy? This sweet treasury by acclaimed designer Vera Wang fits the bill with its simple yet sculptural silhouette and an infinity detail around the waist. Like all of her creations, the Infinity Baby Piggy Bank is a classic for contemporary tastes.

Vera Wang Wedgwood Infinity Baby Piggy Bank ($100.00)—Buy Here!

Artifact Uprising Baby Book | The Story of You
From picking baby’s name to favorite books and songs, this baby book prompts parents to write down every important detail. With 100 pages to fill and nearly 50 spots for family photos, it’s a highly interactive photo journal that aptly documents a child’s life to be thumbed through and pored over for years to come. And it fits many family structures, including single parents, adopted children, and same-sex parents.

Artifact Uprising Baby Book | The Story of You ($99.00)—Buy Here!

Michael Aram Bunny Cup with Spoon Set
Handcrafted by American artist Michael Aram, this cup and spoon set calls upon the wonder and innocence of childhood with subtle whimsy and elegance. Made of stainless steel and silver-plated metal, this sweet set will stand the test of time, and, like children themselves, no two are exactly alike because they’re made by hand.

Michael Aram Bunny Cup with Spoon Set ($105.00)—Buy Here!

Beadifulbaby Engravable Silver Baby Bangle Bracelet
A gift of jewelry will always be remembered, especially a child’s first bracelet as a permanent record of that unimaginably tiny wrist. This lovely, high-polished sterling silver rhodium bracelet is made in the USA and can be personalized with a little one’s initials or full name. While this piece of jewelry cannot grow with baby, it makes for a darling gift that can be passed down to future generations.

Beadifulbaby Engravable Silver Baby Bangle Bracelet ($210.00)—Buy Here!

Write to Me | Baby – First Year of You Journal
Inspire any new parent to notice the little things with the gift of this beautiful First Year of You journal. There’s plenty of room for taking note of moments both big and small, with cues to include milestones like first steps, first Christmas and first haircut. The natural linen, gender-neutral design with gold embossing is fitting for just about any family and it’s all made with forest-free paper.

Write to Me | Baby – First Year of You Journal (66.95)—Buy Here!

Reed & Barton Jungle Parade Silverplate Photo Frame
A classic silver frame gets a colorful upgrade with Reed & Barton’s Jungle Parade. This adorable 4×6 picture holder would look positively sweet in any boy or girl’s nursery, and it can be used to display a family photo from your latest adventures. To up the gift factor, personalize it for an extra $9.95.

Reed & Barton Jungle Parade Silverplate Photo Frame ($65.oo)—Buy Here!

—Taylor Clifton, Whitney C. Harris, & Jessica Payne

 

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

Ryan Reynolds is keeping his family private, thank you very much

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds fiercely defend their family’s privacy—and it’s a thing to behold. The couple apparently ushered in their fourth child without any media outlets getting wind of it. And this from two of the most famous people in Hollywood, who happen to be married to each other. Good. For. Them!

On a segment with CNBC’s Power Lunch this week, one of the show’s hosts tried desperately to get Reynolds to spill some info on he and Lively’s newest addition. It didn’t work. At all. You can see the interaction around minute seven.

“Ryan, I want to play my fellow mom of four card over here. I want to know,” host Kelly Evans asked. “Boy or girl?”

“I ain’t telling.” Reynolds responded. “This ain’t a birth announcement.” He further clarified, “We didn’t make a birth announcement. We just posted a photo and the media did what it does after that.

“Look, we wouldn’t do this four times if we didn’t love it.”

Earlier in the week, Blake shared a carousel of images from her family’s Puppy Bowl Sunday festivities. It was food, food, food, and oh, look! A picture of Blake visibly missing that baby bump that so recently was making news.

She captioned the photo, “Been busy,” which is clearly a cheeky way of saying, HA! We had our baby in the precious privacy we deserved! 

Lively and Reynolds are famously and admirably protective of their children’s privacy, and they’ve both been vocal critics of the paparazzi and the media outlets who purchase their pictures. In fact, after Lively announced this pregnancy, she took to Instagram with a carousel of pictures of her baby bump to make the images the relentless paparazzi was trying to get worth less.

“Here are photos of me pregnant in real life so the 11 guys waiting outside my home for a 🦄 sighting will leave me alone,” she wrote. “You freak me and my kids out. Thanks to everyone else for all the love and respect and for continuing to unfollow accounts and publications who share photos of children.”

The couple share daughters, James, seven, Inez, six, and Betty, three. They’ve never shared birth announcements and have always waited an extended period of time to even share their names. Any photos they share that happen to have kids in them always obscure their faces.

They have yet to officially confirm baby number four’s birth.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson now has a family of four after welcoming a newborn son via surrogate with husband Justin Mikita

Congratulations are in order for Modern Family star Jesse Tyler Ferguson and his family! Ferguson and his husband, Justin Mikita, just publicly announced that they welcomed a baby boy, their second child together, via surrogate.

Ferguson, who is currently starring in “Take Me Out” on Broadway, shared a photo of the sweet baby boy on Instagram, where he also revealed the name he and Mikita chose for their little one.

https://www.instagram.com/p/ClADsNJvn27/

“Sad to be away from my @takemeoutbway fam tonight but we ran off to welcome our newest little one, Sullivan Louis Ferguson-Mikita,” he wrote. “A special thanks to @drshahinghadir for helping us grow our family & our incredible surrogate and all of the nurses and doctors. We are overjoyed to be a family of four.”

Little Sullivan joins the couple’s two-year-old son Beckett, who was born via surrogate in 2020.

The birth announcement paid tribute to Ferguson’s role in “Take Me Out,” where he stars as a major league baseball player who comes out as gay — little Sullivan is wearing an jersey onesie in his first public photo for the Empires, the fictional baseball team from the play. In the caption, Ferguson included a shout out to his understudy, who will be filling in for him at work while he takes a few days to soak in the excitement and joy of once again being a brand new dad.

“My incredible understudy @timmytwright will be on tonight and tomorrow and I will be back in the ball game on Thursday 11/17. I know Tim has you all in wonderful hands,” he wrote, adding at the end, “GO EMPIRES!”

Ferguson and Mikita, who got married in 2013, have always been open about wanting to be parents. During an appearance on The Ellen Degeneres Show last year, Ferguson described “wanting to become a dad for a long time,” but not wanting to put pressure on Mikita, who is 10 years younger, to rush into parenthood.

“I was like, ‘You let me know when you’re ready,’” Ferguson said. “But I was ready yesterday.”

Congratulations to this sweet family!

Lots of people can take a great picture. Maybe even you. But it’s the true photographer that can balance color, composition, light and more — and also manage to capture the spirit of his or her subject. That’s never more important than when shooting a family, siblings, newborn, etc. We went in search of the best NYC family photographers and found pros for different styles, specialties, and budgets—but all of them create work you’ll cherish for years.

For a Fun Family Shoot & More

Nadia Leon Photography

Nadia Leon specializes in capturing your kid or family in relaxed and fun moments. (No stiff poses or weird lighting here.) Nadia is happy to come to you, or meet you at a location of your choosing. A $400, 90-minute Family Shoot (which includes the opportunity to change outfits and settings) gets you 20 to 30 professionally-retouched photos in an online gallery for download. Turnaround is five business days. Leon also does maternity, engagement and wedding photo sessions in a similar style. During the pandemic, Nadia also launched the Front Steps Project in Queens, photographing families in front of their homes from six feet away. Her mission was to capture the joyful moments of life, even as everyone faced challenges. Her work from that project can be found here

Online: nadialeonphotography.com

For Editorial Photographer Who Also Does Portraits: Julie Hassett Sutton

Julie Hassett Sutton

Brooklyn-based photographer Julie Hassett Sutton has worked with The Wall Street Journal and the organization Global Kids (for whom she photographed a visit from Michelle Obama!). And yes, you can also snag a sitting with her. You can choose a 30-minute ($150) or 60-minute ($300) session that can be done in your home or at a location of your choosing.

917-747-7765
Online: photosforyour.life

To Capture the Little Details: Deer Baby

Deer Baby Photo

Deer Baby is all about storytelling. Their photographers will document your new arrival with natural shots with a candid feel — and they'll do it in NYC and Nashville. The Deer Baby shutterbugs frequently shoot in a subject's home, but they're happy to head out to the park, the streets or any location of your choosing. Got a fuzzy member of the family? Deer Baby loves including pets. Starting rate is $550. 

Online: deerbabyphoto.com

For the Out of the Ordinary: Stylish Hip Kids

Stylish Hip Kids Photography

For a truly uncommon snap of the clan, check out Stylish Hip Kids, the studio of photographer Mariliana Arvelo. The Venezuelan native shoots both outdoors and in, as well as at her Brooklyn HQ, and her work is fun, filled with color and energy, and the essence of her subjects. (Sometimes, she even adds some fun illustrated accents in post-production.) Starting rate is $400 for a mini-session.

347-225-4869
Online: stylishhipkids.com

For A Photog Who's Shot for Goop, Cup of Jo & Parents: Ana Gambuto

Ana Gambuto

Ana Gambuto will literally get down on your kid's level to get that perfect shot. (See her website for video of a shoot and the resulting pics to see what we mean.) She describes her style as polished but authentic, bright and full of life, and tells clients to drop any assumptions they might have about family photo shoots. "Mine are fast-paced, and a bit of a cardio workout. You've got to let your kids take the lead to get those real smiles!" She works in NYC and the Hamptons. Hour-long sessions are $925 and include all the high-res JPGs. 

Online: anagambuto.com

For the Classic Central Park Shoot: Ruby Photography

Ruby Photography

Yes, Samantha Ruby does all kinds of photo shoots, but she's got a knack for a great Central Park family portrait. (Check out her site to see what we mean.) Sessions last 45 minutes to an hour and cost $750 for 35 images. She works throughout the city and will travel 90 minutes to you as well. 

Online: rubyphotographynyc.com

For Capturing Moments Big and Small: Michelle Rose

Michelle Rose Photo

With a degree in art photography, Michelle Rose brings years of experience to portrait and family shoots. Her mission: Capture your family's most joyful moments with beautifully styled photos. You can book her for maternity, newborn, family, cake smash shoots and more. Scheduling is easy— just head to her website to set up a consultation and, once a date is locked in, she'll share her very helpful photoshoot and outfit guides to help you best prepare for the session. After the photoshoot, Michelle will share a private album for you to peruse. You can take a peek at Michelle's work on her Instagram account to get a sense of her style. Packages start at $1,180.

Online: michellerosephoto.com

For When You're Not Sure Your Kid Will Smile for a Photo: Shoott

Shoott

Every parent knows the struggle of trying to take a family photo and your children refuse to smile. Introducing, Shoott, a totally risk-free photography service. To set up a session, pick a date and select a location from one of 30 locations in and around NYC. (Bonus: there's no fee for booking.) Meet up with a professional photographer for a 30-minute photo session, and afterward, you'll get 40 lightly edited shots from which to select your faves. Only pay for the photos you love.(Shoott photos are $30 each, $15 per photo when you buy 10 or more or $295 for all 40.)
Book right here in NYC, or in any city in the U.S. 

Online: shoott.com

 

For a Low-Cost, Last-Minute Photo Shoot: Snapped

Snapped

Yes, now you can order up a professional photo shoot on demand. Created with the goal of making it easy to find qualified and experienced photographers on short notice (in as little as two hours!), Snapped promises high quality shots and fast delivery from a small team of vetted photographers. It's relatively low risk, and definitely low cost. A 45-minute Snapped session will set you back just $179, soup to nuts. As a bonus, if your little one is under the weather or you have a schedule conflict, you can reschedule or cancel with no fee. Plus, you'll get all your photos within 24-hours so you don't have to wait. Have we tried it? Not yet. Do we want to? You betcha!

Online: snapped.us

 

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These baby shadow box ideas are simple to make

A newborn shadow box is a beautiful way to display baby treasures like the hospital ID bracelet, birth announcement, going-home outfit, and first teeny hat. A baby shadow box is quick to DIY (just three steps!) and makes a special addition to your nursery. You’ll never forget the details of the amazing day you met your babe.

Step 1: Gather Your Keepsakes

Taking Care of Monkey Business

First, decide what to display. You could include a sonogram, baby's first photo, hospital ID bracelet, hospital hat, first socks or booties, baby's going-home outfit, the first pacifier, birth announcement, tiny footprints, crib shoes, or a piece of a beloved swaddling blanket. We love what Alli from Taking Care of Monkey Business included in hers (see above).

Related: 7 Pro Tips for Taking Monthly Baby Photos You’ll Want to Share

Step 2: Buy the Supplies

Or So She Says

Head to your favorite craft store (or open Amazon) to pick up items for your keepsake shadow box. First, you'll need the shadow box itself. We like the Studio Decor 4-Way Adjustable Shadow Box because it's flexible in depth so it can accommodate larger items like crib shoes or lovies. It's also sized well for this project at 12 inches square. 

You may also want to include small wooden letters for your baby's initials. To add color or a pattern, use scrapbooking paper for your background.

And finally, you'll need something to hold your keepsakes in place inside the shadow box. Try a few pretty pearlized pins or mini clothespins so you don't have to cover your keepsakes in glue. Visit the Or So She Says blog to see how Aimee put her shadow boxes together.

Make sure to capture all the giggles—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

Lance Bass is twinning! He’s welcomed boy-girl twins with his husband Michael Turchin. A sweet photo of the birth certificates on Instagram revealed that Violet Betty and Alexander James entered the world on October 13.

“The baby dragons have arrived!” he captioned the image, followed with a quip “Now, how do you change a diaper?” It’s the first children for Bass and Turchin and they were born right in the middle of the day, at 1:24 and `1:25 p.m.

If you missed it, the couple posted an epic Halloween-themed birth announcement when they first learned they were expecting via a surrogate. Turchin posted the same images today on Instagram and added “they’re pure perfection and yes that includes the dozens of poops that we’ve already dealt with. Our hearts are full!”

The former NSYNC star and actor/visual artist have been together since 2014. No doubt these new additions will be tearin’ up their hearts!

––Sarah Shebek

Featured photo courtesy of Silvia Elizabeth Pangaro / Shutterstock.com

 

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You’re selecting nursery furniture, choosing the perfect name, and creating a baby registry, but what about you? Your body and your life are going through big changes, and you need new ways to take care of yourself. Read on to find out the best things that expectant moms can do for themselves as they wait for their bundle of joy to arrive.

iStock

1. Yoga
Taking a prenatal yoga class can do wonders for your aching muscles. If your body is struggling with the extra weight of your impending bundle of joy, squeezing in a yoga session even once a week can help keep you feeling lithe. Look for low-impact classes in person or online. 

2. Prenatal Massage
If it's in your budget, a prenatal massage can be one of the best things you do for yourself. Not only is a prenatal massage a welcome chance to focus on yourself for an hour or two, it's also a great way to leave stress behind. A good prenatal massage therapist will know how to work out your sore muscles in a way that's safe for you and baby.

3. Undies
Many pregnant women notice early on that their regular undies just aren't cutting it anymore. Hemp undies from WAMA are exceptionally breathable. They also have some give to accommodate a growing belly. If you find that you are leaking a little, Thinx underwear can be a lifesaver. They also work well for the postpartum stage. 

4. Relax...Just Do It
It's no secret that pregnant women are next-level tired a lot of the time. Since you can't add extra hours into the day to get more sleep, find ways to sneak some relaxation into your day. Decaf teas can help you unwind and bring some calm to the chaos of life when preparing for a new little one. Try a Vahdam Teas sampler pack of herbal teas to find a favorite flavor. LaRue 1680 has tea sets, including a Bridgerton Collection, for when you want to relax and feel fancy without leaving the house. A nice blanket for lying around is another great way to up your relaxation game. An Olive & Linen blanket makes couch time seem like an event. These blankets are made from premium Turkish cotton that truly works well for all seasons, as well as for snuggling with a baby! Light a candle from Sea Witch Botanicals. They're made with essential oils and plant-derived waxes instead of the plastic-based paraffin wax used in many candles. There are even unscented candles great for pregnant women sensitive to smells who still want the ambience of a candle-lit evening or bath.  

Chris Night via Unsplash

5. Safer Beauty
When growing a new life, many expectant moms start paying more attention to what's in their beauty products. Some don't like what they find when they start digging into the ingredients. Other pregnant people find that changing hormones mean they need to add to, or change, their normal beauty routine. It's common for pregnant women to find they no longer can tolerate the fragrance of their current products or that they suddenly need oil-free products. 

Costal Citizen is a fragrance-free, oil-free, no-rinse gentle cleansing water perfect for perking up skin when you are tired, which is probably all time time during pregnancy. Because Coastal Citizen is a no-rinse cleanser, it is a great option for expectant moms who need a quick refresh on-the-go. The Raw Beauty Company uses ingredients like cucumber fruit extract, green tea leaf extract, aloe leaf and other natural ingredients to create the super-moisturizers and derma-scrubs pregnant skin often needs. 

Spa Technologies uses nutrient-dense organic laminaria algae and other natural ingredients to moisturize, cleanse and revitalize skin. Pregnant women often need some extra TLC, and Spa Technologies delivers that extra punch to help them look and feel their best. Danielle Fishel of Boy Meets World fame created Be Free when she was pregnant and wanted to avoid harsh chemicals in her hair products. When other clean products left her hair looking dull, she took matters into her own hands. Be Free is the best of both worlds with natural ingredients that leave hair looking shiny and healthy.  

MyChelle Demaceuticals makes science-backed skin care products free of phthalates, parabens, petroleum, sulfates and artificial fragrances and colors. So the brand's line of moisturizers, masks and sun protection products are worth considering. Fragrance With Benefits is a great choice for expecting Moms who want to avoid the harsh chemicals in insect repellant. This perfume uses essential oils to help keep mosquitos and other critters away. TrapStix lip balm keeps lips moist with natural ingredients that are safer for pregnant women.

iStock

6. Comfy Feet
As every mom can tell you, pregnancy takes a toll on your feet. Even if you are lucky enough not to experience feet that grow while nurturing a new life, chances are your feet will still be very sore. Footnanny has you covered with their unscented mommy cream. This light cream is perfect for feet (and hands) that need a refresh at the end of the day. If you are experiencing more pain in your feet, you may need something stronger! Mineralgia was created by doctors to help relieve pain and stimulate circulation with plant-based, unscented ingredients. Achy feet can also be soothed by infrared therapy. Bright Health offers at-home relief for achy feet quickly. You probably want your feet to look good too! Nail polish without the harsh chemicals found in many products are a good idea when expecting. Check out SOPHi nail polish, which is free from harsh chemicals, making it safer for baby. When you can't just sit down and relax, you can take some steps to keep comfy. Compression socks, like those from Dr. Motion, can do wonders for feet prone to swelling.  

7. The Best Shoes
One way to not need to pamper your feet so much is to make sure you are wearing the comfiest shoes possible. But this doesn't mean that pregnant moms need to sacrifice style. Try All Birds Wool Loungers. These shoes slip on so you won't need to bend over to put them on. This is useful both when you have a growing belly and during postpartum when your hands may be too busy holding a baby to worry about tying your shoes. Plus, they are super-soft inside which is a treat for achy feet. Need something a little dressier? NYDJ now makes heels with a focus on comfort. These classic pumps have a cushioned insole with memory foam padding so you can still be ready for the office or a dressy event while taking care of your pregnancy feet. 

8. Pregnancy Pillow
Nearly every pregnant person has experienced sleepless nights. Maybe it's because of a growing belly. Or perhaps you have a party baby who likes to wiggle around all night long. It could be that common pregnancy symptoms like nausea and heartburn make it hard to get to sleep. There are a few ways to make this easier. A Boppy Total Body Pillow is a contoured pillow the length of your body that works wonders by giving you support where you need it. Another type of pillow that can work great for pregnancy aches is the Zoey Sleep Curve Pillow. The Zoey pillow has a unique design that allows users to remove or add more filling to make the pillow just right for you! The unique cut-out shape also has space to mold to the contours of your neck. This is especially useful for people who sleep on their side. This is important during pregnancy because doctors recommend that all pregnant people sleep on their sides

9. Comfy Clothes
Your clothes probably stopped feeling comfortable sometime in your first trimester. Splurging on some new clothes that give you breathing room and make you feel pretty is something only you can do for yourself! There are plenty of maternity clothes you will wear during your pregnancy, but grabbing some flexible clothing that you can wear when you don't feel like wearing stretchy pants can go a long way toward helping you feel your best. Look for a skirt with an adjustable waistband and that can be worn a bit longer or shorter like the NuNuNu World layered skirt or a zippered hoodie in a size up that you can wear as you go up and down in size.

10. Splurge for the Baby
Usually there are a couple of things on the baby registry that will make you very happy. Don't wait for someone else to make that purchase. Save your mental energy and get that special item you are not sure anyone else will get for you. A popular choice is a cute going-home or birth-announcement outfit. This one from Tenth & Pine that declares "Hello I'm new here!" will make you smile every time you imagine your new baby wearing it. Another good choice is a personalized necklace from Tiny Tags. Order a necklace with every member of the family's name and have it ready to wear as soon baby makes their grand appearance. 

11. Self-Care
Hydration is key to feeling good throughout pregnancy. A small thing like a new water bottle can help motivate you to keep drinking throughout the day. A cute Welly water bottle is a good choice.  Make it easy to get a full serving of fruits and veggies everyday to make sure your growing baby gets the nutrition they need and to help you feel your best. A Nutribullet Pro personal blender is an easy way to quickly whip up a smoothie a day. Add some yogurt or peanut butter for a protein boost. 

12. Combat Pregnancy Brain
Being pregnant may mean developing pregnancy brain and forgetting important tasks. That may sometimes mean forgetting to charge your phone. An Anker battery pack that is lightweight is a must-have addition to any pregnant person's bag. Being able to charge on the go, or even just while walking around the house, can be a lifesaver and let you keep talking or strolling. Better organization is also a must when you don't feel like you are operating at full capacity. Consider a 1Thrive organizational board with a customizable combination of chalkboards, whiteboards and corkboards in various sizes. This is a lifesaver for keeping track of doctor's appointments and your ever-growing to-do list that comes along with preparing for a new baby. Anything that keeps you organized in other parts of your life can be helpful too. A Bow & Spring jewelry box, for example, is helps you keep jewelry organized, visible and easy to access. 

—Jamie Davis Smith

featured image: iStock

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Sharing the news that you’re pregnant calls for some creativity. Check out these fun ways to tell your partner, besties, grandparents-to-be and social media about your big announcement.

photo: iStock

This post is sponsored by Maxi-Cosi and the Tayla XP Travel System—the game-changing infant travel system equipped with all-wheel suspension, a 360° MaxShade mesh privacy shade and a removable lightweight carrier. 

Your Partner

Say It with Style
Whether you had an "oops" or have been trying for years, telling your partner that you are expecting can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. If you don't trust yourself to tell your partner without crying or screaming in excitement, buy a pair of "Mommy and Daddy" shirts or mugs. We like this Mama Bear + Papa Bear mug set from Chalk Full of Love. YETI tumblers or coffee mugs are another great choice that will last. These will also be nice mementos to have as your child grows. 

Sidekick on the Way
Surprise your partner with a matching shirt and onesie to wear after the baby is born. If your partner has a special interest, get them a pair in a theme, like Batman and Robin. Or, leave no room for doubt about your roles with First Time Mom and First Time Dad shirts from PatPat. Grab a matching First Steps romper for your birth announcement that will double as a cute outfit once baby is born. 

Surprise 
Some expectant moms want to catch their partner's reaction to the big news on camera. A professional photo shoot isn't necessary, but it can be fun to ask your partner to close his eyes then show him a chalkboard with the news "You're Going to Be a Daddy (again)!" while you have your camera rolling or are snapping away with your phone. Your partner's reaction will likely be priceless whether they are stunned, relieved, overjoyed or all three. Some moms-to-be get the video on the phone rolling and then lead their partner into a room with the big news displayed on a banner or posterboard. The video or photo can double as a pregnancy announcement on social media. Another fun way to surprise your partner is to whip out an ultrasound photo and wait for a reaction. 

All Kinds of Families

Surrogacy
Some parents-to-be want to celebrate the role of surrogacy in becoming parents. Including a surrogate in a pregnancy announcement is a great way to honor the role someone else played in the creation of your family. Be creative and light-hearted by announcing "My Bun, Her Oven" or "No Bump but so Pumped!" like Alexandra French did on her Instagram account, @alexandrafrenchrealty; see image above.

Adoption
Parents planning to adopt can share their news by letting the world know they were chosen to be the parents of a special little one. If travel is involved, share photos of the state or country where you will be going to meet your child with their expected date of arrival.

Single Parent
If you feel like traditional pregnancy announcements don't work for you, try these: For a first child, share a letterboard that states "Mommy Is Excited to Meet Me" with a due date. If you already have a child, have them announce that they are ready to be a big sister or brother. Some creative captions you could include are "And Then There Were Two" or "Best Oops Ever." 

Same-Sex Parents
Same-sex parents may want to celebrate that their baby will have two mommies or daddies. Highlight your rainbow family by including "Love Makes a Family" or sharing a photo of a onesie that says "My Mommies Love Me."

Pregnancy After Struggle

Some pregnancies go exactly as planned. Others happen a little differently. Pregnancies that come after a loss or through IVF can be celebrated with their own unique twist.

Pregnancy After Loss
Many parents of rainbow babies (babies born after a loss) like to honor the little one they lost when announcing their new arrival. This can be as subtle as incorporating a rainbow into a pregnancy announcement. Some parents also include a note thanking everyone who supported them through their difficult loss.

Pregnancy through Science
Whether you share how you got pregnant is a personal decision. Some parents may choose to keep their use of assistive reproductive technology to themselves, while others publicly acknowledge the role of science in helping them become parents. You can tell the world how your baby came to be with a photo of a onesie stating "Made with a Little Love and a Little Science." Another way to highlight the role of science in a pregnancy announcement is to surround an ultrasound photo with syringes arranged in the shape of a heart.   

Your Best Friends

Serve Pregnancy Delights
Telling your best friends you are pregnant should be an event! Invite them over for a girl's night and watch their reaction when you serve them pickles and ice cream. Have some (non-alcoholic) bubbly on hand to celebrate once they figure out why you've served them such an odd feast. Another fun option is to order custom cookies like these adorable treats from @betsys_cookie_co, above.

Skip the Cocktails
If you regularly go out for drinks with the girls or have a cocktail with dinner, changing your routine may raise some eyebrows. Be prepared with an epic mocktail order and let your friends know that will be your regular drink for the next nine months. 

An Interesting Fact
Once you are ready to spill the beans, tell your friends you want to show them something on your phone. Instead of pulling up another selfie, show them your pregnancy tracker app. Wait a moment for them to figure out what's going on, and then get ready for some massive hugs. 

This post is sponsored by Maxi-Cosi and the Tayla XP Travel System—the game-changing infant travel system equipped with all-wheel suspension, a 360° MaxShade mesh privacy shade and a removable lightweight carrier. 

Tell Your Parents

Gift with a Message
Many grandparents love spoiling their grandchildren with presents. Gifts are also a great way to let your parents know about the big changes coming. Surprise your parents with a set of "Grandma" and "Grandpa" mugs. Or, watch their surprise as they unwrap a onesie that says "I'd Rather Be at Grandma's." Check out more awesome grandparent messages you can get from @fabricatedkeepsakes above.

Mother's Day Surprise
If the timing is feasible, wait until Mother's Day or Father's Day to spring the news. If the baby you are announcing will be the first grandchild, buy a card meant for a grandmother or grandfather. Watch the grandparent-to-be's face as they work out why they got such a card! If the baby you are announcing is not the first grandchild, hide an ultrasound photo in a mother's day card and then have fun explaining when their special gift is due!

Sibling Secret
If an older sibling is in the picture, let the big sibling-to-be share the news! Dress your older child in a "Big Brother" or "Big Sister" shirt for a visit or video call with their grandparents. Or, enlist your older child to make a big show of telling their grandparents the secret. Your older child will be thrilled to be a part of the big reveal.

Social Media

Social media is a low-effort way to spread the good news far and wide, and you'll want an eye-catching photo to stand out.

Movie Poster
Even if you have limited photo-editing skills, you can come up with a unique and creative pregnancy announcement with a movie poster theme. Take a photo and then choose a tagline like "Meet the Parents" or "What's One More?" Incorporate your due date by typing "Coming This May" or "The Adventure Begins This December" at the bottom. If you don't trust your Photoshop skills, choose a customizable template from Etsy.

Say It with Balloons
Social media is largely a visual medium, and not everyone reads the captions, so get creative with balloons that say it all. A foolproof way to get your news out is to use Mylar letter balloons that spell out "baby!" Enlist a friend to take a photo of you and your partner holding the balloons. If there is a sibling-to-be, include them! If you wait until you have at least a little baby bump, announcing your pregnancy by standing in profile in front of a bunch of balloons will help accentuate your beautiful belly and create a celebratory mood. 

Plan Monthly Updates
Social media is a great way to keep family and friends updated about your pregnancy. Many pregnancy trackers compare your baby to the size of a fruit every week. Share your news by letting your followers know your baby is currently the size of a poppy seed, bean or lemon. Keep up the theme every time you post pregnancy news. 

This post is sponsored by Maxi-Cosi and the Tayla XP Travel System—the game-changing infant travel system equipped with all-wheel suspension, a 360° MaxShade mesh privacy shade and a removable lightweight carrier. 

—Jamie Davis Smith

featured image: iStock

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Halsey’s long awaited addition is here! The singer announced the arrival of her first child with boyfriend Alev Aydin today on Instagram. Ender Ridley Aydin was born on July 14 and the duo shared two sweet black and white snapshots to welcome him.

Captioned, “Gratitude. For the most ‘rare’ and euphoric birth. Powered by love” the announcement followed Halsey’s recent album news, a concept album on “the joys and horrors of pregnancy and childbirth.” The cover image fittingly celebrates the beauty of pregnant and postpartum bodies.

A healthy baby is welcome news for the 26-year-old new mom, who’s publicly shared her struggle with endometriosis as well a miscarriage while touring. She announced the pregnancy in late January on Instagram and has documented her growing bump throughout the process.

Halsey’s boyfriend, Aydin, is a producer, director and screenwriter. He’s praised her as “the baddest woman on the planet” when the couple made their baby news public earlier this year. Congratulations to the happy family!

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Featureflash Photo Agency via Shutterstock

 

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When it comes to labor and delivery, there’s not much you need besides, well, you. It’s only after baby has arrived that you’ll love having your gear bedside (hello, favorite pillow!). Remember, there’s no way to tell how long you’ll be checked in, so our ultimate hospital bag checklist for expecting moms has a little something for everyone. From important paperwork to your coziest pajamas, keep reading for our guide to the things new moms should consider packing in a hospital bag.

Jonathan Borba via Pexels

1. Hospital paperwork, ID and insurance info and your birth plan (if you have one). This might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s a good idea to have all your important documents organized and together for easy access, especially if you’re already in labor and don’t feel like searching through your bags.

2. Robe, cheap slippers and wool socks: Walking around and squatting truly eases the pain of contractions, so make sure you have something warm and full coverage to wear. Even in summer months, the hospital might be chilly.

3. Comfy sleep gear: Hospital gowns, with their open fronts, work beautifully for the baby-pushing situation, but having your own sleep gear helps you feel more at home after Baby arrives. Choose one that opens in the front, pack nursing bras if you plan on nursing, and don’t worry about bottoms.

4. Snacks: Even if the thought of eating during labor seems silly to you, your partner might not feel the same way. There’s no telling what type of vending machine options your hospital offers, so be sure to pack a bunch of your favorite snack foods. Don’t rule out fresh veggies or prune juice, either, because once you have your appetite back, you’ll want to up your fiber intake to get your body moving at a normal pace.

5. Lots of liquids: Labor is hard work, and you’ll want to stay hydrated. If plain H2O doesn’t sound appealing, consider an electrolyte supplement or pack sports drinks like Gatorade.

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6. Clothes to wear home: Don't panic! You will be smaller than when you arrived at the hospital, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to feel like wearing your skinny jeans. It takes time for your belly to return to its previous size and shape. Maternity leggings and a comfy top are the best bet.

7. A car seat: The majority of hospitals will not allow you to leave without a proper car seat for your newborn. Be prepared, and have it installed in advance. To make getting baby in and out of the car easier, we love the Maxi-Cosi® Coral™ XP—the first-ever integrated car seat and carrier nesting system. The Coral™ XP has a lightweight carrier inside the car seat and is removed with the touch of a button, so you're less likely to wake a sleeping baby. And, when you get home, the Coral™ XP fits seamlessly with the Tayla™ XP Travel System by Maxi-Cosi.

8. "Going Home" outfit: Dress baby to impress for his ride home, but make sure it’s comfy enough for that first car seat attempt.

9. An extra bag: Use it to carry home the gifts and freebies you’ll receive while you’re in the hospital. If you can’t carry home your bouquets, give them to the nurses as a thank you.

10. A mini bottle of champagne: You just brought a baby into this world! Take a moment to celebrate the accomplishment with your partner.

11. A bottle for baby: Packing a bottle for the hospital can help you get ahead of the game when it comes to choosing the right one for your family, plus it allows your partner and/or siblings a chance to bond during feeding time. Some bottles are designed specifically for newborns, with a slow-flow feeding system, an "easy-latch" and a valve that eliminates extra air in the nipple so baby can learn to feed with ease. 

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12. Camera, smartphone and chargers: You will absolutely cherish these images and videos when you come back from the sleep-deprived zombie world of early parenthood, so make sure you don't run out of battery power.

13. Relaxing music or noise-canceling headphones: Staying relaxed really does make labor easier, so bring these helpful items knowing you might not have the chance to use them. If you can, turn off the lights in your room. Low lighting also helps you relax.

14. Toiletries and makeup: Keep it simple, but definitely bring toothbrushes and toothpaste, moisturizer, deodorant, shampoo, your brush and hair ties. Also, it’s totally ok to want to look good in your baby's first pics, so go ahead and bring that eyelash curler and lip gloss.

15. Pre-made email/phone number list: All those people who’ve been your support system (and sounding board about backaches and swollen ankles) for the last nine months? Thank them by including them on your first birth announcement sent from your (or your partner’s) phone. They’re waiting to hear the good news, and they can't wait to see that first picture of you holding your new baby.

16. Granny panties: These work to hold ice packs and huge maxi pads in place—the hospital will provide disposable ones, but after a day or so, you'll want the real thing. Something else to consider is bringing your own maxi pads (choose the heavy flow kind), as the hospital-provided version comes in a triple-extra large size.

17. Nipple cream: If you intend to nurse your newborn, this stuff is a godsend, and it doubles as a lipgloss. 

Also, speaking of nursing, don’t lose the lactation consultant’s number. You might need it once you get back home.

18. Your own baby blankets: You'll want photos of your newborn in the hospital's blankets, of course—there's something so charming about seeing all babies wrapped in the same swaddle—but for a prettier and more professional looking picture, bring a cute swaddle that makes other parents say, "Why didn't I think of that?"

19. Your own pillow: You're going to want to try to get sleep in the hospital while you can, and having your own pillow can make a big difference in the hospital bed's comfort level.

20. Prenatal pills: Doctors advise to continue taking them after delivery. Also helpful, if you’re into it, is Fenugreek for milk production.

21. Newborn pacifiers: Whether it's mom's arms or a tight swaddle, babies liked to be soothed from the very beginning. If you decide to use a pacifier, bring your own to the hospital.

—Anna Knoebel and Gabby Cullen

 

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Feature photo: Unsplash