The Best Safari Baby Shower Ideas
The Best Safari Baby Shower Ideas
When hosting a baby shower choosing the perfect theme is part of the fun of party planning. You get to use your creativity and showcase your talents for the expecting mother and guests to enjoy.
Party Submitted By Janessa Morton Resendes!
A Safari Themed Baby Shower will definitely set the tone for a cute and intimate gathering to celebrate the expecting parents and new baby! The possibilities are endless when it comes to planning a Safari Themed Baby Shower with all the fun animals and jungle greenery this Safari Theme is sure to be a hit!
Janessa is a teacher but does party planning as a hobby. Her kids are 5 and 6-year-olds and she says they always have pretty fun parties. Janessa styled this Safari Themed Baby Shower for her sister and she said, “I’m pretty simple. The only person I used was a cake lady, and the rest was me. It’s a lot of work, to say the least… my sister created a safari themed nursery for baby Gavin so that’s what inspired me to go with the Safari theme.”
Check out all the beautiful photos we’ve included showcasing all the beautiful details and creativity that went into styling this Safari Themed Baby Shower.
10- Must Have Baby Products for the First Year
10 Must-Have Baby Products for the First Year
If you're expectant with your first child, chances are you have no idea of the newborn products you’ll need. We thought ahead and prepared a guide of all the essentials you should have for the first year. The products range from baby clothing to safety products. Take a look.
Welcoming a newborn baby can be very exciting and very scary at the same time, especially if it's your first time. One thing that makes the first-year smooth is having all the necessary products the baby will need.
We have prepared a detailed checklist of all the must-have newborn products to make work easier for you. Starting from feeding, bedding, diapering to clothing, we've got you covered.
Check this out:
Baby Clothes
Baby clothes are sized by age. However, some brands can vary in their sizing, so it's crucial you check weight and height description to help you find the right outfit.
Some babies wear three-month outfits straightway and never need the newborn size. But since there is no way of knowing, it's safe to have a few newborn outfits.
Also, buy a few clothes with the next size that your baby will need before they get there. Kids grow up really fast.
Accepting hand-me-downs and buying second-hand clothes can help you have multiple size options to choose from.
The best newborn products as far as clothing is concerned should be soft, durable, and roomy. They should also be made from materials that can withstand multiple washings. Avoid clothing with ribbons, tassels, and strings to avoid choking hazards.
Consider organic clothing as it is made with no chemicals or harsh dyes. The setback is they are a bit expensive. Regardless of the cloth type, you can use friendly detergents to avoid skin irritation.
2. Car Seat and Stroller
The first journey with your baby will be from the hospital to your home. Most hospitals will require you to have a car seat to make sure the baby is safe. The car seat is also to ensure you have a smooth ride during clinics and outings. Invest a reasonable amount of time in choosing the best car seat and don't compromise on quality for a cheaper one.
Another gear you need is a baby stroller. You obviously want to take your baby around the neighborhood. It's crucial you choose the best umbrella stroller in the market to allow your baby to sit and nap comfortably during walks without getting sunburns.
3. Diapers and Wipes
This should be on the top of every must-have newborn product list. Babies use the most diapers and wipes in their first year. The number will reduce as they move towards their first birthday. So, stock up on lots of them as they're a necessity.
With that said, diapers are one of the most sensitive newborn baby care products because of diaper rash, which is very common. To avoid the latter, choose a quality diaper and make sure it fits to prevent skin irritation.
As for the wipes, you can choose to go with reputable brands or any wet wipes for the purpose. Make sure they're hygienic and safe for the baby.
Consider having a changing station at home with all these products. There is a good amount of diaper-changing in the first months, and the changing station makes it easier.
4. Feeding Essentials
Whether you'll be bottle-feeding or breastfeeding, it's essential to have enough bottles and nipples. Newborns only drink around 4 ounces of milk at the beginning, so you can start with four ounce-bottles and upgrade to 8 ounces as the baby grows.
You'll also need milk bags, formula, and a breast pump as they're the most critical baby products needed for a newborn for the first year.
Once your baby is six months old, they'll probably be ready to eat solid food. It's therefore good to have food smashers, baby spoons, washcloths, bibs, and bowls on standby. A high chair with a tray also comes in handy as you can move it around and attach it to your dining table set.
5. Bedding Essentials
It's vital that you make sure you research the best products for newborn babies when shopping for your baby's beddings.
However, for starters, you can co-sleep with your toddler. This way you'll have your baby close to you, making feeding easy.
When you decide to move them to their crib, find one that has perfect safety features and an excellent mattress to ensure your baby is comfortable.
Also, avoid leaving quilts, blankets, and pillows as it could increase the risk of SIDs. Using Swaddlers instead of blankets can help prevent suffocation issues as well.
6. Bathing Essentials
You can give your newborn a bath once the umbilical cord dries and falls off. You can either place the baby bathtub in your tub or use the kitchen sink. Make sure you choose a tub that is strong and durable. Remember to include shampoo and no-tears formula baby wash on your newborn baby bath product list. To avoid any chemicals, use no fragrance shampoo and body wash.
Include newborn hair products to detangle the hair as combing their hair can be painful for them.
After the bath, wrap your baby with a soft hooded towel, and use washcloths to clean the ear area.
You can also add a few toys in the tub to make the washing experience playful for the baby.
You'll also need other products for grooming purposes like baby oil. The newborn baby girl products are similar to newborn baby boy products at this age, so don't stress too much.
7. Safety Needs
You need to make sure your baby is safe even when they're in another room. Fortunately, there are both audio and video monitors in the market that can help you watch your baby.
A baby monitor becomes even more critical once the baby starts to roll and crawl as they can easily injure themselves.
Before your baby starts moving, make your home baby-friendly to prevent accidents by adding safety gates, latches, outlet covers, etc.
8. Baby Carriers
While you're on the go, it's not always possible to hold your baby in your hands the whole time. And at times, you prefer not to carry your baby stroller with you. For this reason, it's essential to have a baby carrier. It helps you snuggle your toddler close to you and still be hands-free. Therefore, you can use one while you're at home doing chores or taking care of older kids.
As with any other baby product, a baby carrier should be chosen with utmost care. The straps and harness should be secure enough to hold the baby and allow you to support them. Although baby carriers come with multiple benefits, it's recommended you use them only when necessary.
9. Baby Entertainments
Babies love to have fun, and you'll also be able to move around the house when they're engaged. Every newborn loves a pacifier, so that should be the first toy you get for your baby. Play gyms and bouncy seats also work well for kids who aren't mobile yet. They enjoy the sights, sounds, and other bouncy features.
Once your toddler starts to move, you'll need to upgrade toys to rattles, musical toys, and other interactive games.
10. Health Care Products
After getting the best products for newborn babies to cater for their daily needs, you'll need medical products. It's crucial that you have a few healthcare items with you. They include a first aid kit, digital thermometer, teethers, baby brush, etc.
Also, talk with your pediatrician to learn what over-the-counter medications you need to keep in the house.
Final Thoughts
We hope our newborn products checklist will help you in the preparation of your newborn. Visit our blog for more articles on baby products, and get first-hand reviews to help you choose the right products.
About the author
Rachel Burns is an experienced copywriter and photographer with a design diploma. She works with startups, entrepreneurs, bloggers, and companies from around the world. In addition to writing articles and promotional materials, she enjoys hiking, reading, cooking, and spending time with her family.
How To Host A Virtual Baby Shower
When we think of baby showers, we typically imagine a group of a dozen or so close relatives and friends all gathered together celebrating the approaching bundle of joy!. Although celebrations around the world can be postponed- some things can’t be postponed- like the birth of a baby! Due to Covid-19, your in-person baby shower plans have probably changed or even postponed, but let’s face it, one of the best parts of the baby shower is getting some gifts that you are in dire need of day 1 of the baby’s arrival. We are coming up with solutions to mom’s to be so you can still celebrate the upcoming arrival.
Connecting Family and Friends to celebrate your baby shower.
We’ve collected all of the best ideas to help you plan your online Virtual Baby Shower!
When we think of baby showers, we typically imagine a group of a dozen or so close relatives and friends all gathered together celebrating the approaching bundle of joy! Although celebrations around the world can be postponed- some things can’t be- like the birth of a baby! Due to Covid-19, your in-person baby shower plans have probably changed or even canceled, but let’s face it, one of the best parts of the baby shower is getting some gifts that you are in dire need of day 1 of the baby’s arrival. We are coming up with solutions for mom’s to be so you can still celebrate the upcoming arrival.
Introducing the virtual baby shower. That’s right: virtual. All online, no matter the distance. The concept of virtual baby showers is not new, we have been including our loved ones who can’t be there for some time now by virtually. having them on video chat here and there. The difference is now it is just not Aunt Becky in Georgia, it is pretty much everyone that will need to attend online. So it takes a bit more organization and effort so it’s enjoyable for everyone.
What is a Virtual Baby Shower?
Virtual or online baby showers are generally the same concept and usually will happen before the baby arrives The difference is you will only have one or two people attending in person with you vs. 10 or 20, and more than likely, they are living in the house. Once the baby is born, it is a great time to have Virtual Sip and See, which we will cover in a later post.
We should acknowledge mom-to-be’s feelings now- a virtual shower isn’t going to totally replace the one you have been dreaming and planning since you found out you were expecting. This situation isn’t normal, so if you are feeling a bit down or disappointed—it is ok, that’s normal. It will be different, but that does not mean you can’t celebrate, register, have a theme, open gifts, play games, and everything else you dreamed of!
If you are thinking of taking your baby shower virtual, here’s our expert guidance on how to pull off an amazing and unique virtual baby shower.
Who Hosts a Virtual Baby Shower?
The nice thing about Virtual Showers is the rules are thrown out on hosting. Here are FOUR options
1) The expecting parents to host their own shower. Start planning your shower for free at LYFETYMES, -everything you need in one place to plan any party or shower.
2. You can also have a close friend or family member help you host.
3. But even if your Co-host or Co-Hosts live far away, it’s still totally possible to coordinate via LYFETYMES, since the party is entirely virtual anyway and you can be added as Guest Of Honor.
4. Check out our LYFETYMES Vendor Marketplace to find party services such as event planning, balloon stylist, photography, catering, and more.
Steps to Hosting a Successful Virtual Baby Shower
Virtual Showers can still be festive and engaging. It does not just have to be a Face-time call, you can make it as memorable as you want, but if you want it to be as successful as possible, then it does require some planning and effort. Here is a quick rundown of how to get it done!
Start Planning Your Party at LYFETYMES -It is a free one-stop-shop for all thing parties.
No more Paper Invites-Create your Free Party Website to text/email to guests to RSVP to your party, you can add a virtual party link, so all they have to do click and party with you! Digital invitations are super popular and totally boring. At LYFETYMES, you can create your Shower Website in a few clicks, add links to your registry and personalize with any picture or short video. Guests can RSVP and get all the party details from your site and just simply click on the virtual party link when it is Shower time! We also have Digital Thank you’s you can email once the shower wraps.
Add an easy registry link for guests to send gifts to your door! Including a registry is a great way to receive cash or gifts directly.
Determine where in the house, backyard, or space you will use for the party, a fun backdrop can be great for gift opening, a central focus of the room for photos. Zoom just launched backgrounds you can add to virtual call which is fun or you don’t want to worry about decorating.
Determine Theme and Decor and order to your door ahead of time there are a ton of delivery solutions, like yard signs, food, cake, and balloons that can be dropped outside your door. Tableware isn’t really necessary. Streamers and balloons? Definitely be camera-ready. Check out the best Balloon Bar we have found yet here.
Make an agenda, especially for your video call - make sure you have put some thought into the shower flow- the last thing you want is a boring virtual party with no structure!
Cue The Music! Get in the mood with our favorite Baby Shower Songs here!
Drinks! Check out the Parents 20 Fun Baby Shower Cocktails and Mocktails Recipes.
The Tech- Video Chat Services
There are lots of solutions out there to choose from, we recommend going with a free video service like Zoom, Skype, Facebook messenger rooms, or Google Hangouts. As long as you and your guests have an internet connection and a phone or computer with a webcam, then they can join. These are the top four easiest video solutions we have found:
Zoom: Zoom is free for everyone to use, allows up to 100 connected devices (500 for an extra charge), and doesn’t require you to download an app, though there is an app option. All you need is an internet connection and a web browser (you can use a computer, tablet, or smartphone). The host sets up a virtual room with a unique ID and password, then sends out the information to guests. Guests don’t need an account to gain access to the party. Keep in mind: The free version of Zoom allows up to 40 minutes of meeting time per room; additional time is available for purchase, but you can also close out the room and start a new one, with that said, if some of your guests are not technical, this could prove to be trying exercise. Additionally, Zoom has come under fire lately for privacy concerns, but they claim they’re taking measures to increase security.
Facebook Messenger Rooms- Facebook is launching this feature to compete with Zoom. Messenger Rooms make it easy to spend quality time with friends, loved ones, and people who share your interests. Create a room right from Messenger or Facebook, and invite anyone to join your video call, even if they don’t have a Facebook account. Rooms will soon hold up to 50 people with no time limit. Facebook plans to add ways to create Rooms from Instagram Direct, WhatsApp, and Portal as well. Features will include 14 camera filters and changeable backgrounds.
Google Hangouts: This service only works if you have a Google/Gmail account, which is free and fairly easy to sign up for. Google Hangout video calls allow a maximum of 10 devices, but up to 250 participants if the call is audio/phone only. They just launched the tile view comparable to Zoom and planning on adding noise-canceling features.
Skype: One of the most well known and been around a while. Skype is free to use on any computer, tablet, or mobile device, and it doesn’t require you to download the app if you’re using a computer web browser. The key differences: it allows up to 50 devices, and there’s no password protection.
Gift Opening at a Virtual Baby Shower
So with any Virtual Celebration, we suggest you flip around the traditional agenda! People love to see their gifts opened and you want to keep the shower engaging and not everyone can stay on for over an hour so start your first activity with drinks and gifts! You open the gifts sent to you (because you provided the information on your LYFETYMES Guest Website) on camera for everyone to see. Or you can have guests hold onto their gifts during the shower and open them for you on camera so you can see (then they can send them to you later). Or you can do a combination of both! We are seeing delays in shipping due to Covid-19, so the earlier you plan and get the word out, the better!
Virtual Baby Shower Games
You can still have a ton of fun playing Baby Shower Games with your guests- but keep it simple!
The Price Is Right: Have guests take a moment to fill out a card with their best guesses for the price of each item as they join. Toward the end of the shower go through the list and the person with the closest price of each item scored one point. The guest with the most points won bragging rights! Get copies of the game card that you can download and print for free HERE from https://realhousemoms.com/ Tip: Look up prices ahead of time!
Baby Bingo- Everyone loves bingo—and when it’s baby-themed, it’s even better. Use these printable bingo cards to get the party going when the mom-to-be opens presents. Instructions: Have Guests print out bingo cards ahead of time. Each gift that the mom-to-be opens at the shower becomes a clue for bingo. You can download a free set of 24 Bingo Cards to print HERE.
If you are wanting to be more adventurous, check out our How To Throw A Drive-By Baby Shower article here!
7 Must-Try Virtual Party Games
So you've settled on hosting a virtual celebration but have no idea what to do during the live stream? What about a few party games to keep things fun! Check out these five completely VIRTUAL party games with little to no prep work!
7 Must-Try Virtual Party Games
By April Sharer and Carmen Lopez
So you've settled on hosting a virtual celebration but have no idea what to do during the live stream? What about a few party games to keep things fun! Check out these five completely VIRTUAL party games with little to no prep work!
1. Two Truths and a Lie
Two Truths and a Lie is the perfect ice breaker for a virtual party! It can be played with any number of people. As the host, ask guests to prepare two truthful statements about themselves and one lie. Each person in the group gets a turn. When it Is your turn, tell the group two things about yourself that are true and one untrue thing (your lie). Be sure not to say both of your truths first and then the lie because that makes it easier to guess. Mix the order up each time it is your turn. Everyone in the group has an opportunity to try to guess which statement was the lie. Once everyone in the group has guessed, the person will reveal what was true and what was false. The person that answered correctly can go next. This game can go around as many times as you would like or so that everyone gets a chance to go once. You might learn some surprising things about your party guests!
2. Charades
Most everyone knows the rules to this game, so little explaining will be necessary! For those that are unsure how to play, virtually Charades requires the player to mime or imitate a specific action or subject that the rest of the team has to figure out. Direct your guest to a word generator for their word. Taking turns, each guest acts out the word from the generator as all other guests shout out their guesses. This tried, and true party game will be a favorite at your virtual celebration!
3. Minute to Win It Challenges
Minute to Win It started as a game show where contestants had to complete a task using household items in less than a minute to move on. It is now becoming a simple but fun party game. As the host, come up with a list of challenges that can be completed with everyday household objects. It might be a good idea to send out a supply list for each guest before the party to help guests prepare. Also, to ensure that everyone can be included in the challenges. Frugal Fun 4 Boys is another great resource.
Man Vs. Clock
In this version, one player will be trying to beat the clock for each challenge you created. They will have to complete that challenge within a minute. It's best for you to keep track of the time on your end. For this game, I recommend choosing a different person for each challenge. You could also divide your guests into teams.
MINUTE TO WIN IT FOR TEAMS
Split guests into teams. For every game, choose one player from each team to go head to head. For example, one person from each team will be given the list of supplies and game instructions. When you say go, the first players to compete will start the challenge. The first team to complete the challenge receives a point. The guest or team that accomplishes the most challenges wins! These games are fun, inexpensive, and typically hilarious!
4. Thumper
This game will keep you on your toes and get your brain working! Each guest chooses a silly face or hand gesture as their "symbol." The host can choose to be the leader and start the game or pick a guest to lead. Make sure every guest shares their Symbol with the party. The leader then performs their Symbol, immediately followed by the Symbol of another player. This player then performs their own gesture, followed by another player’s gesture. Symbols continue to be passed from guest to guest until someone responds too slowly or misses their cue. To take this up a notch when someone makes a mistake, everyone must drink, and that person then becomes the leader for the next round.
5. Most Likely To
This casual game is fun to play with a group of longtime friends. Take turns creating "Most likely to ________" statements and ask guests to cast their votes using the chat function on the video call. The person with the most votes can take a drink or do a dare. There are no winners or losers in this game, but should definitely be shared laughs! You can have guests download the Most Likely To app on the App Store, or come up with your own. Beware the app is 18+.
6. Spin A Tale
This game promotes creativity and will have guests thinking on their feet. To start the game, make up the first line of a story. Then choose a guest to add a line to your sentence. Members take turns adding to the story until the whole plot develops! Let the story go along on its own route, that is what makes the game fun; you never know what each guest is going to add and where the story will end up.
Here are some ways you can start your tale…
· Today I woke up at 8 a.m. and saw….
· Sofia woke up on the couch this morning and tried to remember how she got there…
· I was supposed to have a virtual meeting today, but…
· When I looked outside my window, I saw…
· Today during quarantine, I started discovered my hidden talent…
7. Online Games
I'm sure you've heard of JackboxTV offering plenty of games to play online. However, besides Drawful2, most of the games have to be purchased to play them. Playingcards.io offers free card games that can be played virtually with your guests. They have also added an online version of Cards Against Humanity.
Feeling overwhelmed with party planning? Check out our LYFETYMES Vendor Marketplace to take the stress away. Find vendors that offer party planning, decor, catering, photography services, and more.
Host an Awesome Drive-By Baby Shower
Honk If You're Having A Baby!
Having a Baby Shower is part of the excitement when becoming new parents. With the Coronavirus and Stay At Home order in place around the world. Many of these special celebrations are being canceled. Unfortunately, pregnancies cannot be rescheduled. These are milestones that need to be celebrated because we will never get them back.
Plan A Drive-By Baby Shower Ideas
by Liz Grisham and Carmen Lopez
Honk If You're Having A Baby!
Having a Baby Shower is part of the excitement when becoming new parents. With the Corona virus and Stay-At-Home order in place around the world, many of these special celebrations are being canceled. Unfortunately, pregnancies cannot be rescheduled. These are milestones that need to be celebrated because we will never get them back.
From drive-by celebrations to virtual ones, people around the world are getting creative on ways to continue the celebrations. Drive-By Baby Showers won't replace traditional ones, but they will make the expecting parents feel loved. Read on to discover how to plan the ultimate Drive-By Baby Shower Parade.
How or Where to Set Up?
Depending on the neighborhood and if you have a driveway available, set a time and date for friends and family to line up their cars and drive by your house. If you are living in an apartment complex, schedule a meet up at an empty parking lot where you can wave at your guests from afar. It could be a church lot or school parking lot. Decorate your driveway or car trunk with balloons and garland. Grab a chair, kick back and be ready to feel the love as friends and family greet you with honks and cheers.
Layout some fun printable games like baby bingo and baby word scramble, and your guests can fill them out or take home to play together virtually through a Livestream. You can find some fun baby shower printables at The Spruce.
We can't forget the gifts, so make sure to set up a spot for guests to drop off gifts.
Expectant mothers are not only anticipating the arrival of their little ones, but they are panicking about being prepared for their little love. The stores are bare, and necessities have become hard to find at times. Help the mom-to-be stock up on essentials such as diapers, wipes, sanitizer, and food, so everyone is staying safe at home
Shower Me With Love Baby Shower Parade
How many can say they've had a parade for their baby shower? Not many!
Getting all loved ones involved by having them decorate their cars for a drive-by parade is an exciting way to celebrate in these crazy times. Your loved ones will be even more excited to drop off their gifts when they get to see the visuals you have been spending hours planning on Pinterest. Get everyone even more involved by holding a fun prize for the winner of the best-decorated car, and it will make their drive-by appearance feel even more special! Gift cards make for good prizes and will be easy to mail out to the winners. They are also a great way to support your local businesses at this time.
How To Plan A Drive-By Baby Shower or Parade
Here is a quick rundown of how to get it done!
Start Planning Your Party at LYFETYMES -It’s a FREE Party Planning and Free Guest Websites for all thing parties.
No more Paper Invites or boring e-invitations-Create your Free Party Website to text/email to guests to RSVP to your party, you can add a virtual party link, so all they have to do click and party with you! Add a Picture or Video to capture guests’ attention!
Title Your Party “Drive-By Baby Shower” Make the location of your party your house and explain in the comments section of your Website guests should drive by the location.
Add an easy registry link for guests to buy gifts to drop off at your door! Including a registry is a great way to get what you want and need.
Have a “Drop Station” and decorate it so they know. Fun to add yard signs, balloons, decorate a porch, add garage door banners, or decorate your front door.
Set up your social distance spot, where you can wave, say hello, and thank them
Get Your Guests involved- have a contest of best-decorated car, sign or custom.
Video yourself opening gifts or host a Virtual Gift Opening Happy Hour so guests can enjoy seeing you open gifts.
Hosting a Drive-By Baby Shower probably wasn't what you pictured your celebrations were going to be like, but it's a great way to overcome the circumstances. Nothing will make you feel more showered with love then your friends and family making time and coming out of their shelters to celebrate your growing family.
Need Help Planning a Drive-By Shower or Parade, visit our LYFETYMES Vendor Marketplace or plan for free at LYFETYMES.com