Your Epic Baby Shower & Baby Sprinkle Planning Guide

by Eva Ingvarson CeriseFebruary 10, 2023

Your baby shower (or maybe it’s a baby sprinkle?) will be off the hook with these fabulously fun ideas

When it’s time to plan a baby shower or a baby sprinkle, this is the umbrella you want to stand under. We’ve compiled all of our best articles about baby sprinkle and baby shower themes, games, gifts, and favors to make party planning as easy as possible for you and your host. No matter what type of party you’re planning, we’ve got ideas to match and make the day as special as can be for expecting parents. As they say, let it rain!

Baby Sprinkle & Baby Shower Themes

a pregnant mom dressed in a yellow flowered dress on her way to a baby sprinkle shower — iStock

Everything You Need to Know to Plan a Baby Sprinkle
When it comes to a second (or third or fourth) baby, celebrations look a little different. Read on for tips on how to host a baby sprinkle, a smaller, scaled-back event that’s just as special as the new baby.

12 Stunning Baby Shower Themes You Should Copy
Wow partygoers and the guest of honor with a creative shower inspired by everything from the great outdoors to royal tea parties. Here’s an inside look at 12 showers worth replicating.

9 Gender Neutral Baby Shower Themes to Celebrate Your Surprise
These gender-neutral themes go beyond basic yellow and make not knowing whether it’s a boy or a girl part of the fun.

Baby Shower Games & Activities

10 Unique Baby Shower Games Your Friends Will Love
Baby shower games get your guests laughing and chatting, especially if you step up your party game with these creative activities.

Free Baby Shower Games for Your Next Celebration
Don’t break your baby-shower budget purchasing supplies for games to keep guests entertained. Save a few bucks and still have a fun celebration with baby shower games you can pull together with things you may already have, or by firing up your printer.

The Best Baby Shower DIY Craft Projects
If your baby shower guests are crafty types, these fun projects will help them to get creative—and give mom useful, one-of-a-kind keepsakes that remind her of family and friends.

Baby Sprinkle & Shower Gift Ideas

The Ultimate Baby Registry Checklist for New Parents-to-Be
Who knew a tiny baby would need so much stuff? We did! So here it is, our definitive list of everything you could possibly need when your baby arrives.

Baby Sprinkle Gifts: What to Get the Mom-to-Be Who Has Everything
What do you get the mom-to-be who already has all the baby basics? Read on to find some great gifts even the most experienced expectant mom will appreciate.

19 Useful Baby Shower Gifts Moms-to-Be Will Treasure
We’ve done our research and come up with 19 ideas that you will actually use and appreciate having after your baby’s arrival.

10 Splurge-Worthy Baby Shower Gifts
From the coziest crib sheets to high-tech bassinets, read on to discover something to W-O-W every expecting parent.

Favors for Your Baby Shower

16 Unique Baby Shower Favors to Wow Your Guests
From a floral favor bar to mini bottles of bubbly that are ready to pop just like the mom-to-be, these baby shower favor ideas will make your shower stand out—and show guests they’re appreciated.

This New App Is Like a Pediatrician in Your Pocket

by Erica LoopMarch 17, 2021

Getting quality healthcare for your kiddo just got easier. Blueberry Pediatrics is a new app that gives you access to a virtual pediatrician 24/7!

Whether your littles all have the same tummy ache, you’re not sure if your newborn is nursing enough, or you have any other concern, Blueberry is like a pediatrician in your pocket.

Access the app for a visit with a board-certified pediatrician any time day or night. Blueberry’s doctors are on call whenever you need them for whatever you need them for.

Jonathan Kahan, Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder of Blueberry Pediatrics, said in a press release, “As a doctor and a father myself, I know firsthand the anxiety that comes from caring for your sick child. There’s nothing more reassuring than having an expert to call for help, and that’s what our team provides.”

Kahan added, “With the low cost of membership and the high value of care, we want parents to see us as a vital part of their medical solution, a subscription that every family should have to navigate their children’s health.”

The Blueberry Pediatrics app is currently available for users in California, Florida, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas on iOS, Android and online. To use the app, join Blueberry Pediatrics for a monthly membership fee ($18 for one month).

After you join, a call will be scheduled with Blueberry’s Chief Pediatrician and you’ll be introduced to the Blueberry pediatric team. When a question, concern, or illnesses creeps up, just use the app to schedule a virtual appointment with a board-certified pediatrician and you’ll be chatting within 15 minutes.

You’ll also get an at-home medical kit (one time $100 fee) that includes a finger pulse oximeter, ear infection kit and forehead thermometer. Visit the Blueberry Pediatrics website here for more information.

—Erica Loop

Photos courtesy of Blueberry Pediatrics

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Pediatricians 101: How to Choose a Doctor for Your Newborn

by Sarah BlightDecember 26, 2020

You’re so busy preparing for the physical needs of your soon-to-arrive baby, it’s easy to forget that finding a pediatrician is something that may take some time and effort. And it should be done before baby arrives. To make things easier on you, we’ve simplified the process to six easy steps below.

photo: David Salafia via flickr

Step 1: Determine what factors are important to you in a pediatrician.

Things you may want to think about are:

Location
How many physicians, physicians assistants, nurse practitioners are in the practice
Ease of making/getting appointments
Experience levels of the staff
Regular business hours and after-hours care
If there are separate waiting rooms for sick kids and well visits
Their philosophy of care
Where they have hospital privileges
How they prefer to communicate with you

Step 2: Check your insurance to see which providers are in network.

It’s helpful to get a basic idea of which providers are available to you through your insurance. Sometimes, it’s worth it to pay more out of pocket for an out-of-network provider. That, of course, depends on your insurance plan. Give your insurance a call to find out the low-down on what your financial obligation will be for both in- and out-of-network options.

photo: iStock

Step 3: Ask your friends for recommendations.

Your friends’ personal experiences with their providers is always a great step toward getting narrowing down what may be a good fit for your family. Ask your buddies about both positive and negative experiences they’ve had with their pediatrician’s practice. One additional step is to join a parents group on social media for your local area and ask them for feedback. Parents love to share their experiences with important team members like pediatricians. And you are sure to find the honest scoop on providers in your area when asked. You will probably notice that several physicians get repeated mentions as providers that are amazing or those who fall short of the mark. Check these physicians against your insurance list to get an idea of where to go from there.

Step 4: Interview pediatricians over the phone.

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of pediatricians, review their websites and schedule an interview to discuss the factors above. While this may be more difficult to do with COVID-19 restrictions in place, it’s not impossible. If the pediatrician is not available, ask to speak with a physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner or nurse. In every other area of our lives we talk to the people “doing the work.” So talking to your prospective provider should be no different. Even if they are a busy, thriving practice (which can be a good sign), they should be able to spend 5 minutes telling you about their practice before you give them your business.

photo: ElenaBuzmakova_Borisova via Pixabay

Step 5: Verify if they accept your insurance.

While you are chatting with the pediatrician’s office, verify they are accepting your insurance and new patients. Your insurance website may not be up to date and it can be very frustrating to find a perfect fit, only to realize the office no longer takes your insurance or isn’t accepting new patients.

Step 6: Make your choice & set it up.

Now that you’ve gotten the scoop on the pediatrician’s offices in your area, you are now ready to choose the lucky practice that will partner with you in your baby’s health! Let them know that you would like to have them as your provider as soon as your little one arrives and ask them if there is any paperwork you need to fill out prior to that. Find out their protocol once your baby is born now—how soon they will want to see your baby after birth and when you should call to make your first appointment.

Congratulations! You can now check off one more thing on your “must do” list for welcoming your sweet bundle and get back to choosing diapers, bottles and other baby essentials. Stay tuned for our second article on important questions to ask during your first pediatrician appointment.

—Sarah Blight

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Sing & Dance through a Winter Wonderland with Laurie Berkner

by Jennifer SwartvagherNovember 13, 2020

Get in the holiday spirit! Children’s musician Laurie Berkner invites everyone to share the magic of the season at two special “Holiday Party” Live Virtual Family Concerts on Sunday, Dec. 13 at 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET on Berkner’s website. For double the fun, a family ticket grants admission to one or both livestreams.

“With all that’s going on in the world, I feel so lucky to still be able to share our annual Holiday Concert and celebrate with families this year! These will be my final virtual family concerts of 2020, and I’m so proud and moved by the community that we have built together in these past months,” says Berkner. “Seeing videos of kids and families sharing loving moments and dancing together to my music makes all of the hard work that we put into each of these livestreamed events completely worth it. I truly can’t wait!”

Berkner encourages fans of all ages to decorate their homes and wear their holiday outfits to this show, whether it be a fun sweater, fancy holiday clothes, cozy winter pajamas, or even a Santa suit.

“Get out your holiday lights, dreidels, nutcrackers, candy canes, Hanukkah gelt, wreaths, and stockings!” says Berkner. “Maybe your Christmas tree or menorah is already out. You could make a gingerbread house, an ornament, or some hot cocoa, and bring them to the show. Let’s build a winter wonderland together!”

Longtime Laurie Berkner Band member Susie Lampert will be a special guest at these holiday concerts, which will feature such traditional, secular songs as “Jingle Bells” and “Frosty the Snowman,” along with originals from Laurie Berkner’s well-loved album, A Laurie Berkner Christmas, like “Santa’s Coming to My House Tonight.” Laurie will also celebrate Hanukkah with “Candle Chase” and “The Dreidel Song.” She’ll perform an array of her greatest hits, too, including “We Are The Dinosaurs,” “Victor Vito,” and “Pig On Her Head.”

Your little ones should plan on bringing their instruments (jingle bells if you have them), dancing shoes and a stuffed animal to participate in the sing along.

A fun-filled virtual lobby will feature pre-show music and videos, holiday games and a fun snowflake craft activity to bring to the concert. For those who’d like to spend a few minutes chatting one-on-one with Laurie after the show, special Meet-and-Greet tickets are available.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Laurie Berkner

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Rainn Wilson Is Hosting a Zoom Meeting––For Your Pets

by Karly WoodApril 27, 2020

Everyone is getting their fair share of Zoom meetings lately, and Freshpet is making sure that no furry friend is left behind. The company is partnering with comedian, actor and writer Rainn Wilson for the first ever “Zoomies” conference meeting for pets!

Wilson will host with his pitbulls and potbelly pigs, and will be chatting with pet parents about work from home “pet peeves.” The Zoomies meeting will take place on Thursday, Apr. 30 from 2:00 to 2.30 pm ET.

photo: Courtesy of Freshpet

The event is free and open to everyone! If you’d like to join (and hear some top-secret news from Freshpet), you must register in advance for the event here.

––Karly Wood

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The 4 Hidden Threats on Social Media You Need to Discuss with Your Kids

By Priya Rajendran

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

November 22, 2019

Photo: Patricia Prudente on Unsplash

Today’s tech offers some serious shortcuts. In an afternoon, we can book restaurant reservations and doctor appointments while hosting group video conferences all from our phone and order dinner for your favorite delicious Thai place. Our devices offer collaboration, convenience, and location freedom.

We love most of what technology brings to the table.

Which is why it’s so disappointing that these helpful tech innovations also have a dark side that can be as scary as the post holiday credit card bill. Sure, we as parents love the educational opportunity the internet affords and we certainly don’t mind quieter car rides and focused toddlers. Secretly we know books can’t compete with video game highs and chatting with their friends on Snapchat.

But the potential consequences stalk us and have the ability to affect our kids’ sleep, mental focus, access to creativity, and overall safety. But with the weather getting colder pushing activities indoors and gadgets surely on the kids’ lists, now is the perfect time to talk to your kids about the risks and dangers of being online.

Here are four hidden threats on social media you can talk to your kids about:

#1 Who is Lurking In Your Friends List? Teach them that you never know who’s lurking in your friends list. Make sure you only add people you already know.

#2 Strangers Can See You. Privacy is tough for kids to understand. They should really get the differences between private and public posts, and the fact that the whole web can see what they are writing, and potentially use it to harm them or their families.

#3 Online, People May Have Secret Agendas. Your kids should understand that sometimes Instagram might present an alternate, glossier version of reality and that in particular some of the influencers that they follow show lives that are not often reality and understand what sponsored posts mean—that they are being marketed to.

#4 Online, the Bullies Have No Faces. Being bullied online? Log off, and tell an adult. Never keep it in and never join in on bullying another peer.

We asked the parents on my app how they keep their kids safe online. These are just some of their ideas:

One of our moms, Sandi, talked about how her and her husband created a firewall that automatically blocks questionable content from their kids devices. She stressed the importance of teaching kids never to give out their real name, phone or address and never send photos to anyone online.
Elizabeth talked about the importance of password locked screens to have full control of when your kids go online.
Another mom uses Linda Stade’s social media contract that will help your kids know how to keep safe online.
Pauline brought up the importance of watching out for bullying, and how to help support a student your kids might observe are being bullied online.

There are many practical ways to teach your kids to know how to safely use social media, and there’s no better time to arm them with excellent tools they can use for the rest of their lives.

Priya Rajendran

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Priya Rajendran is a developer and “Silicon Valley tech mom” who’s created S’moresUp an innovative iPhone and Android solution to the problems of managing family’s day to day life, with over 100,000 moms and dads already on board. She’s a technology veteran who lead the team behind Paypal's Wallet.

This New “Friends” Themed LEGO Set Is Totally There for You

by Shahrzad WarkentinAugust 9, 2019

Always dreamed of visiting Central Perk? Now you can build your own with the new LEGO Ideas Central Perk set.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Friends, LEGO is releasing a brand new set that allows brick builders of all ages to recreate the iconic coffee shop where Monica, Chandler, Rachel, Ross, Joey and Phoebe spent so many hours chatting over their java.

Designed to look like a TV set filming the series, the incredibly detailed cafe features the seating area with a couch, armchair and two chairs, as well as the coffee counter and Phoebe’s stage where she famously performed “Smelly Cat,” among other gems.

The set comes packed with seven new minifigures including Ross Geller, Rachel Green, Chandler Bing, Monica Geller, Joey Tribbiani, Phoebe Buffay and Central Perk manager, Gunther.

There are also tons of accessories adding to the authenticity, like Joey’s pizza box and “man bag,” Rachel’s tray and coffee cup, Monica’s muffin and Phoebe’s guitar.

The new LEGO Ideas Central Perk set is priced at $59.99 and will be available in stores and online starting Sep. 1.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of LEGO

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Surviving Mommy Cliques

By Shanna Trombetta

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

July 12, 2019

Photo: http://www.pexels.com

Like many first time parents, when my daughter was born I signed her up for every activity, from baby yoga to music class, I could find. The goal was to make friends and to get out of the house, so as not to be too overwhelmed by the new normal of “parenthood.” What I found in those first experiences, was women who were willing to be more vulnerable and open their hearts to new friendships. Mamas bonded over breastfeeding, nutrition, sleep, play groups, and mama’s nights out to regain sanity. It truly felt like a community, where everyone was included and I felt lucky to be part of such an empowering group of women.

Fast forward to preschool. Groups of mom’s circle around each other after drop-off, chatting and sipping lattes. Even better are secret play dates with a select few families where allegiances form. Quickly, feels a bit like middle and high school cliques that you thought were a thing of the past. What happened to the empowering community you were a part of during those glorious baby years?

Suddenly, you fall into this trap of trying hard to fit in, if not for yourself, for your child—all in an effort to keep her from being a social outcast. You worry about inserting yourself into conversations without talking too much or too little. You stress about outfit choices and you spend copious amounts of time worrying about the number of play dates your child is invited to. It’s exhausting, and downright consuming.

But, then you somehow wake up from this fog, let go of the pressure to be perfect, and take on a whole new perspective. Maybe you don’t have to fit in with everyone and that’s ok! Maybe you’ll find your people while volunteering for a school event. Or perhaps your child has connected with a new friend and you invite her to a playdate at your house, and you find friendship when you meet her parents. You come to the realization that it’s fine not to be invited to every event, but focus on the people who include you and want to be part of your life. You make sure to greet everyone that you come into contact with and include everyone, even if you’re being excluded because that’s who you are.

All you can do is continue to shine and be your best self because in the end that’s really all that matters.

Shanna Trombetta

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Shanna is a part-time elementary teacher, stay-at-home mommy to two beautiful girls and a blogger. She blogs about a range of topics that help make juggling parenthood with children a little easier. She loves to learn from her daughters and most of all laugh.

Study Says Kids Benefit When Their Moms Have Close Friends

by Shahrzad WarkentinApril 20, 2019

It’s easy to see why a strong support system of friends is important as a mom, especially when you have babies and young kids. However, new research shows the benefits of mom friends extend to your kids as well.

A new study conducted by Cornell University found that kids of moms who had strong social circles (aka an awesome mom tribe), scored higher on cognitive development tests, which measure language along with motor, socio-emotional and adaptive behaviors.

photo: Priscilla du Preez via Unsplash

The researchers believe the stronger scores could correlate with the fact that moms who have more close friends socialize more, which exposes their kids to more language and socialization early on. In other words the more time you spend chatting with your mom friends at the park, the more your kids pick up on.

Having a stronger social network could also mean that a mom feels more supported and less stressed and anxious, which could lead to improved parenting skills. Regardless of the reason, having great mom friends clearly has many benefits.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

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3 Ways to Keep Kids Safe Online, So You Don’t Have to Ban the Internet

By Kara Doyle

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

March 21, 2019

Photo: bruce mars via Pexels

So that “Momo challenge” thing isn’t real—but the fact that parents need to be watching their kids’ online definitely is. Banning media and certain websites will not work. Why? Because the internet is constantly evolving and changing. And let’s face it: technology will play a significant role in the way they learn and communicate in their futures.

Here are the three things that I am doing to help my kids understand how to use technology.

1. Set time limits and stick to them.

At first, I was letting my nine-year-old use her internet-connected devices whenever she completed the things I needed her to finish, almost like a reward. When she started always choosing that reward, I decided I was doing things wrong. I really didn’t like the idea of her not wanting to do all of the things that make being a kid fun! So we talked about it. A lot.

At first, I took away all tech, cold turkey. It wasn’t fun for her, and she felt like she was the “only one” who couldn’t use it. After a little while, she remembered that she loves to read and color and play hide and seek with her brother, and I remembered how little she is.

Now she is allowed to use a device for more random spurts of time. Sometimes I let her use it for five minutes, but sometimes she can play a game or watch a slime tutorial for 20 minutes. I try not to let it be longer than that.

2. You do NOT have to stand over their shoulders, but you do need to be present.

Make sure your kids are somewhere you can see and hear them while they are spending time online. Check in on them, and ask them what they are doing. If your kid has a favorite YouTuber, you should know who it is. If your kids like to play a particular game, try it too.

Let your kids know you are interested in what they find interesting! When you do this, they are more likely to share things with you as they get older.

3. Have a real talk about what it means to be safe online.

This is an offshoot of the “stranger danger talk,” except it’s the online safety talk. Chatting is an option on nearly every site our kids are using today. Please tell your kids how important it is never to give information about themselves to anyone online. However, let them know that if they do make a mistake, they can tell you. The last thing you want them to do is to keep a secret that could harm them.

Let them know that if they see or hear something they don’t understand, YOU are available to help them and that you won’t be mad at them for telling you.

Our kids navigate tough stuff every day. They are bombarded with things that a lot of us didn’t have to deal with when we were little. The most important thing that any of us can do for our kids is to communicate with them, on their level, consistently. Play, talk, read, sing, build and every once in a while, watch that cool new unboxing video with them, too.

Kara Doyle

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

As a teacher, I've always relied on love and a sense of humor to get through the day. When I became a mom, I decided to tackle the job the same way. I believe that every day is a chance to share some smiles with the people you love.

ML Interest Tag: chat

Your Epic Baby Shower & Baby Sprinkle Planning Guide

Your baby shower (or maybe it’s a baby sprinkle?) will be off the hook with these fabulously fun ideas

Baby Sprinkle & Baby Shower Themes

Baby Shower Games & Activities

Baby Sprinkle & Shower Gift Ideas

Favors for Your Baby Shower

Related reads

This New App Is Like a Pediatrician in Your Pocket

Related reads

Sing & Dance through a Winter Wonderland with Laurie Berkner

Related reads

By Priya Rajendran

Priya Rajendran

This New “Friends” Themed LEGO Set Is Totally There for You

Related reads

Surviving Mommy Cliques

By Shanna Trombetta

Shanna Trombetta

Related reads

3 Ways to Keep Kids Safe Online, So You Don’t Have to Ban the Internet

By Kara Doyle

1. Set time limits and stick to them.

2. You do NOT have to stand over their shoulders, but you do need to be present.

3. Have a real talk about what it means to be safe online.

Kara Doyle

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