The Cradle

There seems to be more and more "mom" websites, online shops and blogs popping up in the virtual sphere these days. The vast majority of these sites and business have been started by stay home moms who feel that they shouldn't have to choose between rewarding work and nurturing their family. 3 cheers for stay home moms!

I recently came across a cool parenting and social networking website called The Cradle. It is beautifully put together and filled to the brim with very current and interesting articles such as "How to break the news to your boss about your pregnancy", "Is plastic safe?" and decorating tips from the very best experts in the field. What's more, there is even a section just for dads-to-be! My favourite part of this site has got to be "My Cradle", where you get to create your own custom web page and pregnancy blog for free!

To celebrate their launch, The Cradle is offering a super holiday giveaway. You stand a chance to win a Bugaboo stroller, a Svan high chair, wall decals from 2Modern and more if you sign up before 20 Dec. Sadly, the contest is open to US residents only. =(

Parents.com

We are a firm believer that children learn the most through play. I came across this article at Parents.com called "Let's Play" and thought I will share it with other moms and dads. Apparently, these baby games will boost your infant's smarts and emerging social skills. Even if it doesn't, it is still fun!

Parents.com is an amazing online resource for parenting. It is packed with loads of information from pregnancy to bringing up teens. Do check it out!

From the Hips

This book just came out this week. I have not read it but apparently lots of people, including Gwyneth Palthrow, are already raving about it and given it their stamp of approval. It was written by recent moms and longtime friends Rebecca Odes and Ceridwen Morris when they couldn't find the kind of book they were looking for when they were pregnant and just had their children. Apparently, it offers tips on everything during pregnancy to integrating the baby into your home. There's also a helpful resource guide to all things baby related. You can go to Amazon for more information.

PBS Parents

I just found this amazing website called PBS Parents. I love PBS documentaries as I find them very responsible in educating the public and are interesting to watch as well.

There are many wonderful resources on PBS parents. They have useful advice on various topics, such as how to instill creativity in your child and insights to understanding how your child thinks, feels and learns from infancy.

For instance, they say that while very young babies cannot paint or make up a poem, they actively engage in playful exploration of their environments. They explore with their senses as they look, listen, feel, and test their influence.

"To promote the openness to experience that underlies and expands playful exploration, try holding or "wearing" your infant in a soft carrier (such as a sling, a front carrier, or a traditional baby wrap worn on the back). The pre-mobile infant will have a new and dynamic point of view. He will not only have more experiences than in a seat or swing, but will also feel the caregiver's own emotional responses to these experiences through the adult's heartbeat, breathing patterns, skin temperature, and muscle tension. Assuming a confident, competent adult is holding him, he learns openness to a variety of experiences."

I knew I was doing something right with carrying Vera in the pouch!