Preparing For Baby

When two people decide to have a baby, there is a lot of preparation that goes into it. Being financially stable helps out drastically, as there are many things to purchase for your expecting child. Some people become so overwhelmed with the thought of having a baby that they lose sight of everything they need to buy for their little one. Some of the big items that should be on your list might be, a crib, a changing table, lots of diapers, bottles, a car seat, burping blanket, baby food and clothes. These things are essential for your child.

You can go to any baby or children’s store and purchase the items you need for your baby, however, at Keeping In The Loop, you can customize your items the way you like as well as buy products you won’t be able to find anywhere else. Their personalized gift sets, baby crib bedding sets, nursing covers, lampshades and plush toys are sure to make your baby’s room comfortable and bright.

It is important to be as prepared as possible when expecting a child, however, there is no way that anyone could ever be 100% fully prepared for such a tremendous responsibility. Making a list of the things you feel you need is always a good way to go. Also, having a baby shower will take a lot of the stress away since there will be people who will purchase most of the necessities for you. Expecting a child is one of the most wonderful things you will ever feel. Don’t make it a hectic time.

Cute Cuddly Carriers

When it comes to carting around a baby, kangaroos are on to something. Humans have it much more difficult. Strollers can be a pain. They’re clunky and you have to worry about transporting them in addition to your baby. Simply holding your baby can save you the hassle of lugging around a stroller, but then you’re down an arm. Running errands is now a juggling act. And if your little one is moving around on their own, you know it’s only a matter of time before those little legs wear out and they’re dragging behind you.

Let’s face it. Popping your little guy or girl into a pouch doesn’t seem like a bad idea. No more inconvenient strollers. No more juggling acts in the supermarket. And no more free-roaming toddlers. Well, we’ve got a solution for you.

Our new CuddlyWrap Baby Carriers fuse the idea of a pouch together with a practical garment. They’re simple, they’re cheap, and they’re a lifesaver. Don’t let your young ones hinder your ability to move around and get things done. Of course, we love them to death, but sometimes things would just be easier if we could put them in a pouch. Well, now you can!

Tips when Purchasing a Baby Shower Gift

Do you need a gift for a baby shower while on a budget? Or maybe you aren’t sure where to start looking for a gift? Well don’t sweat it because Keeping in the Loop wants to offer you advice on how to shop and purchase the perfect baby gift!

The best place to start shopping for an infant gift is the couple’s registry. Most expecting couples will register online or at local retail stores. If it is the couple’s first baby try to pick something on the registry that they will use and is practical. It is also a good idea to find out if the couple knows what the sex of their baby is. This will help narrow down gift choices as well as help you decide on color choices. If the couple is choosing to be surprised go with a neutral color like yellow.

Although sticking to the registry is a sure fire way to know your gift will be enjoyed, don’t be afraid to get creative especially if you are on a budget. If you at least look at the registry you can get a feel of the couples style and taste and can go from there purchasing the ideal gift. A great way to keep a gifts cost down that will also be useful for baby is to make a basket. Any new mother will appreciate a basket filled with diapers, lotions, pacifiers, Onesies etc. Or you could make a basket just for mom. Giving birth is no cake walk and a basket filled with scented soaps, bubble bath and other pampering items may just be what the doctor ordered when mom comes home from the hospital.

Baby clothes are hands down adorable and fun to shop for. However, babies grow quickly so if you are planning on giving the new mother cute clothes to dress her bundle of joy in, buy them in nothing smaller than 3 months. Chipping in with someone else for a gift is a wonderful idea if you want to give the couple a big necessity such as a stroller or a crib.

If you still aren’t sure about what gift you want to give the expecting couple you can never go wrong with a gift certificate. That way you’ll know they will be able to get exactly what they want and need. However, do not stop looking for the perfect gift until you have visited and browed the Keeping in the Loop website. At Keeping in the Loop we offer the most unique and original baby gifts, designs, and themes!

Growing Up Is Hard To Do

The transition from crib to bed can be difficult for a toddler. The age when a child is ready for their own bed varies depending on the child. Most toddlers switch to a bed between the ages of 1 ½ - 3 ½. A parent should make the decision to move their child from the crib to a “Big-Kid-Bed” when the child becomes too big for their crib, more active, or is potty trained.

You should never rush a toddler into a bigger bed if they are not ready. If your toddler climbs out of their crib, do not rush out and buy a bed for him or her. First try lowering the mattress so the rails are higher and more difficult to climb over. If your toddler is still showing signs of wanting their own bed after you have tried other alternatives, then it is time to seriously start the transition to a “Big-Kid-Bed”.

One of the most important details of this transition is to make it exciting for your toddler. Get them excited about becoming a “Big Kid” and take them with you when picking out their new bed and/or bedding.

Spoil Alert!

It seems as if children these days have entirely too many of the same play toys. Birthdays and holidays are filled with gifts that mimic the last birthday or holiday’s gifts. Whatever happened to the simple doll for a girl and truck for a boy? Sometimes children are still young enough where they won’t even remember if, instead of a toy, you gave them money to put aside for things such as schooling, a car or a home. However, most children want what they want when they want it. Parents and family members need to understand that the child doesn’t make the rules – putting your foot down, during times like these, is your responsibility.

Getting your child something with substance is a great idea for when they grow up or eventually have their own children. Items such as wooden cribs, plush stuffed animals, bucket or beach hats and themed hooded towels for when getting out of the tub, can be used and reused throughout the years. Children’s imaginations can run wild for hours on end. Therefore, buying them a new toy every time you go to the corner mart or toy store is, sometimes, unnecessary. It’s not that getting your kids toys is bad, (every kid deserves toys) it’s just sometimes better to get them things that they might not necessarily appreciate now, but will in the long run as well as be able to use down the road.

It’s only natural that we spoil our children. We want the best for them while giving them the best along the way. However, making sure that you’re not feeding into your child’s “I want, I want, I want” phase is crucial when bringing them up. If you have to, search for more unique toys either online or at outlet/flea markets or ask friends and family to pass down older toys. The value of a dollar has gone straight out the window because, well, now we live in a children’s world and man, it’s expensive.

Healthy Pets are Happy Pets

Do you want the best for your dog or cat? Feeding and taking care of your pets using all natural products is the best way to show them you care. EcoPure is an example of a company that develops natural products for improving pet health and care. Some people believe the development of diseases such as cancer and diabetes that were once foreign to pets is caused by artificial ingredients used in food, shampoos, vitamins, etc.

Pets need special shampoos that will not irritate their skin and will avoid causing dandruff to their coat. These problems are the most common cause for veterinarian visits. EcoPure uses natural ingredients like Cedar wood, and Eucalyptus in their shampoo products. Cedar wood is used as an antibacterial, antifungal, and insect repellant agents. Eucalyptus also acts as an antifungal and antioxidant agent. Both of these all natural ingredients give the shampoo its appealing smell. There are no chemicals added to the shampoo and can be used for pets of all ages!

Food products like ecoPure treats contain no added sugar, no added preservatives, no added salt, and no artificial coloring. They come in yummy flavors such as Papaya Cranberry, Raspberry Pumpkin, Blueberry Pomegranate, and Apple Peanut Butter.

These are only two of many great all natural products from ecoPure designed to improve your pet’s health. For more products by ecoPure check out the Keeping in the Loop website to get your pet a jumpstart to a healthier, longer, and happier life!

Treat Your Pet with a Self-Watering Bowl

Having a dog around the house can often times feel as though you have another kid to take care of. Okay, maybe not quite, but it’s pretty darn close. You have to make sure they get exercise, food, and healthcare, right? Of course, you don’t have to necessarily parent a dog like you would a child, but at some point that child grows up into an adult. Puppies, however, will grow into dogs, but dogs rarely move out and start taking care of themselves. And, most people don’t mind taking care of dogs; it’s really not that difficult. But from time to time it’d be nice if they could get themselves a glass of water.

Now your dog can. Well, before you get ahead of yourself, no, there isn’t a new breed of dogs that can reach into the kitchen cabinet, snag a glass, and fill it up with some ice cold tap water. But, there are bowls that automatically refill when your dog and lapped up the last drop.

These self watering bowls are convenient for both you and your pup! We all get busy from time to time, and it’s never a good feeling when you see your dog panting and you’ve left his water bowl bone-dry. So, give yourself one less thing to worry about, and let your pet quench its thirst whenever it needs to. You can find self-watering dog bowls, along with many other pet supplies, under our pet section!