v 3 issue 38: Girly Girls

Calling All Girls

This issue is just for girls (and mom's!). Find our favorite picks for girly girls and mom's this spring.

Cover by Carrie Steffe



1 Detailed crochet flowers, a petite wrap around ribbon and covered buttons in back come together to make this dress from Halabaloo a classic. So pretty, it's deserving of a keepsake box and family heirloom status. This delicate beauty is made from 100% cotton and comes with a nontransparent underlining for no unneccessary peek-a-boos!
2 No more running for the phone or searching for the almighty pacifier. Progeny Inc. has tweaked the cleverness of June Cleaver's apron by adding lots of pockets to hold the added accessories of a modern day Mom. Keep your outfits stain-free & the tools of motherhood at your fingertips all with the added bonus of gorgeous prints, flattering fits, and three length choices!
3 Shoes that squeak? What a treat! Squeakeez by Aleja LAkroy are delightfully designed shoes embellished with flowers, bows, and all things little girls adore. Twenty styles to choose from...all with the added touch of a super silly squeaker.
4 Sure to be treasured by any little girl is this beautifully crafted floral gold cuff bracelet available at silverbaby.com. A little organza pouch and a satin bow add just the right touch for a keepsake gift. Be sure to check out the site. It's not just the girls wearing these fabulous cuffs!
5 From weekend bags to laptop covers, Melissa Beth Designs can handle all the carrying needs of busy Moms. The versatile "baby-umptious" diaper bag is just one example of many functional styles available. Wear this one over the shoulder or as a backpack...you pick! Either way, this bag is great for keeping things organized and ready-to-go.
6 All little girly girls must have a pair of metallic sandals from Robeez. While still comfy and washable like the Robeez you may be used to, these metallic numbers step it up a bit in the style department. $27.95, Robeez.com.
7 For stylish hair clips turn to Jen Pezzolla's designs at sweettaia.com. Hair clips are kept sweet & simple here with satin, stripes, and polka-dots, but no ruffles & no lace. Just right for the girls who like to be girly, but don't want the added frills. Available for $7.- to $9.- each.
8 The Sunset Dip-Dye Dress is a perfect addition for the soon-needed summer wardrobe. With the warm days coming up, this cotton candy colored sundress keeps tots pretty with a lightly ruffled collar and cool with an airy cotton fabric. Just the right dress for a special occassion on a hot summer day.


This week's Mom Tips


Financial tip:
Take care of your family in case of death. Purchase a term life insurance policy to protect those who rely on you.
Green tip:
Avoid creating trash wherever possible: when ordering food, avoid receiving any unnecessary plastic utensils, straws, etc. (ask in advance), buy ice cream in a cone instead of a cup, don't accept "free" promotional products, buy products with the least amount of packaging, etc. Every little bit of trash avoided does make a difference!
Cleaning tip:
Have a coffee stain? Heat the area with a hot wet cloth then dab the area with white vinegar. Rinse well with water and then use a white paper towel to suck up the water. Repeat until the stain is removed. Dry well with a blow dryer or fan.

Time saving tip:
Clean with one product at a time and a roll of paper towels. By doing all the mirrors or dusting at one time and not switching between cleaning products you will actually save time. Switching between tasks can take longer than completing the same task in quick succession.


Recession-Proof Party Ideas
PART TWO: THE CARNIVAL

Some parents spend thousands of dollars on their kids' birthday parties, while a majority spend somewhere between $250 and $750. Are these over the top parties really more fun for the kids than say a party within a smaller budget? Both provide many delights and thrills for the kids.

Lisa broke down the elements of a "Carnival" themed party; one that would cost parents $5000 and one that would cost $250. Now, with the difference in cost, how could these parties be at all similar? Well, take a look. They're definitely more similar than different!

FIRST, LET'S GO OVER THE TOP:
Carnival Party on $5000 for 25 kids
Invitations:
The invitations would be custom-designed by a stationary store and professionally printed ($150) and hand-delivered to each party guest by a professional clown ($150).

Decorations:
Professional balloon arches would greet the guests as they entered the carnival ($200×3). Besides the balloon arches, bunches of helium balloons would decorate the entire party area ($400). A big top tent ($350) would be rented for the entertainment to take place under. The party would have rented tables, linens, and table ware that matched the carnival theme ($500).

Activities:
Upon entering the party, the children would be given a carnival knapsack with a t-shirt and cap with their names monogrammed on each ($15×25). The kids would wear their t-shirts and caps at the party, and the knapsacks will capture their prizes from the carnival games. The knapsack ($10×25) will also hold an empty popcorn box and a string of booth tickets for the games.

Ten professional carnival game booths ($500) would be rented and staffed by professional clowns. Game booths could include: Ring Toss, Duck Pond, Balloon Darts, NBA Hoops, Crazy Ball, Coin Pitch, Tin Can Alley, Plinko, Large Hoopla, and Milk Toss. When the kids win a game, they are given a prize. These can include pencils, bouncing balls, yo-yos, bubbles, plastic sunglasses, etc.

A bouncing carnival inflatable ($200) and dunking tank ($150) would be additional fun activities.


Under the big top, an additional clown ($150) would entertain kids with her routine, along with a juggler ($150) and a stilt-walker ($150).

Food:
A hot dog vendor ($150), Sno-Cone Machine ($150), and popcorn vendor ($150) would all be available for the kids to use their tickets to buy their birthday lunch. The kids will be able to enjoy their food at the party tables. A fancy cake ($75) would be made for the party by a professional bakery. An ice cream sundae cart ($150) would be available to accompany the cake.

Goody Bags:
Kids would take home the monogrammed knapsack filled with prizes from the games, the t-shirt, cap, a fancy, over-sized lollipop ($5 x 25), and their own mini-clown costume, with a red nose, clown collar, and face makeup ($5 x 25).


NOW, LET'S SPEND $25 PER KID ATTENDING:
Carnival Party on $250 for 25 kids

Invitations:
The invitation would be hand-made by printing carnival tickets off of the computer with all pertinent details. These invitations can either be hand-delivered by your child at school and/or mailed to the guests ($10).
Decorations:
Purchase a helium balloon tank ($30) and blow up balloons ($20) on your own for the party. Make one large balloon arch on your own, and/or have balloons located all over the carnival party area. A few carnival Mylar balloons would be a very special decoration to attach to the birthday kid's chair.
Purchase streamers ($10) in an array of bright, primary colors and have them bunched heavily together from the ceiling, when the kids enter the carnival they can walk through the streamers to the fun.

For the big top, hang a very large sheet over four standing poles to create the affect.
Purchase primary colors of table ware and set the table. Over the party table, hang a mock trapeze ($3) with a stuffed Monkey ($2) on it for added décor.

Activities:
Upon entering the party, hire a favorite babysitter who is creative with paint ($40) to be on hand to paint little carnival animals on the guests' faces.
From there, the kids would receive an empty popcorn box and a string of tickets to use at the different activity booths.
Turn very large appliance boxes into carnival booths for the activities. Ask for parent volunteers to run the various booths, and hand out prizes. The prizes ($25) can be little toys found at a Dollar Store, i.e. spinning tops, bouncy balls, plastic animals, Pop Rock candy, etc. At the booths, the following activities could be organized using stuff that you have around the house:
* Fishing Game: Mock up a fishing pole with a paper clip on the end and have the kids throw the line over the box where the adult clips on a prize that the kids reel in.
* Hula Hoop Throw: Have the kids throw a ball through hula hoops to win a prize.
* Have a wading pool on hand with little Rubber Ducky toys floating. Little ones can pick up a rubber ducky, look for a number on the bottom, and receive a prize that correlates to the number.
* Balloon Darts: Blow up balloons and have them taped to a cardboard box. Have kids throw darts to see how many they can break. Make sure to have additional balloons as each one ones pop away.
* Guess the number of marbles in a jar.
* Enjoy a Water Balloon Toss. Have kids pair off in two's and start to throw water balloons to one another. After each successful toss, have them take one step back and continue with the toss. The last team still throwing the water balloon wins.

Under the big top, have an additional adult volunteer or the babysitter you hired for face painting, entertain kids with a silly routine.

Food:
Have a traditional BBQ with hot dogs and hamburgers ($40), and put out bowls of peanuts and popcorn. Have Cracker Jack boxes, animal crackers, and cotton candy bags lining the party table for additional treats ($10).

Make a carnival birthday cake yourself or a batch of cupcakes that the kids can decorate as an additional activity ($10). You could also host the kids making sundaes by providing three flavors of ice cream, chocolate sauce, peanuts, and cherries as another party activity.

Goody Bags:
Kids can take home a bright-colored cup filled with the prizes they won from the games, as well as extra boxes of Cracker Jacks and animal crackers ($2). Make sure to put the kids' names on the cups as a personal touch.


Where are the savings? (Money Saving Tips for Throwing Kids' Parties)
1. Make your own invitations, decorations, and games/activities.
2. Hire a babysitter or ask family and friends to provide the entertainment.
3. Make your own food and birthday cake.
4. Keep the cost of prizes and goodies reasonable.
5. Keep the number of your guests within reason.


These tips work for any theme for your kids' next party. Your kids will enjoy their parties regardless of the amount of time or the money you have to spend!


For more of Lisa Kothari's party etiquette advice, check out her recently-released Dear Peppers and Pollywogs...What Parents Want to Know About Planning Their Kids' Parties, available at www.Amazon.com for $9.95. Also be sure to visit Lisa's website at www.PeppersPollywogs.com before you plan your next celebration!

v 3 issue 37: Asian Invasion

This issue highlights our favorite Asian-styled finds. We have filled this issue with brocades, kimonos and more.


Cover by Shannon Stewart






Asian Invasion


1 The crossover collar and Asian holiday inspired prints of these dresses capture the spirit of Asian design we love! The dress slips over heads with the greatest of ease, working with the child not against the child. Both available at Tea Collection.
2 The simple & clean design of the kimono dress by Kate Quinn Organics offers a fun, modern style for infants and kids. The dress can be worn alone as a hip, stylish outfit or with a pair of roll-over pants for a more playful look.
3 Pockets on the inside, pockets on the outside (for a total of 10 pockets!), a matching fold-up changing pad AND a wipeable, washable lining make the Kyoto Sport Utility Bag the epitome of stylish function. No need to buy all the extras for organization, it all comes right here in one sleek and chic package!
4 A hint of eastern philosophy is reflected in the soothing colors and embroidered designs of the kimono shirts at Baby Naturopathics. The quality & softness of these organic cotton shirts are as "pure" as the children who will wear them!
5 When a kimono is no longer worn it is delicately taken apart and transformed into hair accessories...giving it new life and allowing it to continue to be passed on from generation to generation. Following Japanese tradition, these vintage barrettes are lovingly crafted into the shape of a Japanese plum blossom or "ume". The barrettes vary in color and are available with a single blossom for $9.- or triple blossoms at $16.
6 Ruffles and ribbons adorn these two piece layette sets by Tralala. No fuss kimono top and matching pants come in a variety of prints all capable of making little girls as pretty and proper as a geisha!
7 Mio Piccolo's contribution to the fabulous "Asian invasion" is this gorgeous oversized baby blanket made of plush minky fabric combined with the rich red silk of the orient. Receive 10% off your next purchase by typing in LITTLEONE in the discount code section of your shopping cart!
8 Who needs socks when you can get these super cute kimono boots for only $18.! Great fabric choices will be sure to get everyone asking, "Hey peanut! Where did you get those fabulous boots?"



This week's mom tips
Financial tip:
This one sounds easy but isnt always easy to do! Pay your credit cards off every month to avoid interest fees and late fees.
Green tip:
Reduce tree use in your home. Replace paper napkins with cloth napkins, purchase bleach-free toilet paper that is made from post-consumer waste, print documents on bleach-free, recycled paper, and leave messages on a reusable message board instead of note paper.
Cleaning tip:
Unclutter your kid rooms. Store half of your kids' toys and switch them around every few months.
Time saving tip:
Reduce your shopping time by shopping at only one grocery store. By getting to know the layout of a store you will be able to locate less common items easily and will save you time.


Your funny kids
Kids say the funniest things, don't they? You sent us your funny kids' sayings and we had to share!
My son Bryce who was 4 at the time, said his dad was so lazy that he couldn't even roll over!
-submitted by Whitney

I was watching the news one night and it was about a woman being kidnapped. My daughter was 5 at the time and said "Mom, do bad people take pretty women?" and I said "Yes, sometimes... why?" and she said "Is that why you do your hair so ugly!!"
-submitted by Leslie

One night while sitting around talking with family, I asked my sister if she wanted to join our fast that our church does each year with us. Before either of us could say anything else, my dear nephew said I think my Mom and Dad do that already, " I heard Dad ask Mom if she wanted a "quickie" one time. We all died laughing!!
-submitted by Pamela

On a road trip a few months back, we swung through McDonalds drive-thru for a quick lunch. I ordered 2 hamburger happy meals, no mustard. We get the food and start heading down the road. All of sudden from the back seat my 4 year old begins to scream. She furiously states while looking at her burger: "They didn't give me pickles, I PAID for pickles and they didn't give them to me! Turn around!"
-submitted by Hope

To give you a little background, our precious Dylan is the laid back, easy going kiddo of the bunch while our little sweet Connor seems to be the "discovery baby" of the two and seems to always find himself in the middle of chaos. Well lately, we've started calling him by his first and middle name (like so many parents do when their little bugs get into trouble) so you'll hear "Connor David....Connor David..." on occasion. Dylan evidently has picked up on this usage of the middle name with his little brother and even will call him "Connor David" when he sees Connor is about to get into something he shouldn't. Well, the other day Dylan was asking me for his 3rd cookie in about 3 minutes and when I told him 2 cookies was the limit, he looked right at me, put his hands on his hips, narrowed his eyes, and in the most stern voice says to me "Mommie David."
-submitted by Samantha

When I was pregnant with my second child, I would always encourage my oldest, Emilee, to talk to her baby sister. One day we were sitting on the couch and I said to her "say hi to Gracie". So she leans over me, grabs my cell phone, flips it open, places it on my belly and says "Hi Gracie".
-submitted by Diana

We love hearing about and seeing your funny kids...submit your kid's comment or photo to contact@tottrendsweekly.com

v 3 issue 36: Room Revamp

Room Revamp

Looking to spice up your tot's room? We have found lots of goodies that will make a great addition to any child's room.



Cover by Christine Rozak



Room Revamp

1 Classic charm with a modern twist makes MiGi one of our top picks for crib bedding and nursery decor. It's designer quality with the perfect price tag! The Splash Diaper Stacker is just one example of a great find at only $19.99.

2 Safe for babies, functional for tots & stylish for kids. Loom Pop Bins are made of 100% natural canvas with sturdy handles for durability that lasts. Internal coil supports keep bins upright for easy storage and strapping helps to hold them together for compact storage when not in use.

3 P'kolino creates multi-purpose furniture designed with fun, function and play in mind. The clothes tree is a cool way to keep clutter off the floor. What makes this clothes tree better than the average clothes tree? When stripped of jackets...it changes into a creative play sculpture for the fruitful imagination of a child.

4 Comfort, quality and clean lines come together to create the kid-friendly chairs & loveseats by Cubino. Durable foam construction, machine washable covers and the ability to adapt to numerous room designs make these seats absolutely fabulous for kids and moms alike!

5 Kelly B. Rightsell Designs combines a talent for sparking the imagination with creative, original artwork designs. The result is traditional nursery pieces parents can combine to create the perfect nursery full of daydreams and delight!

6 Tidying up is a cinch with a little help from the Land of Nod. With an open concept and a fresh look these storage bins are sure to store all kinds of toys, books and trinkets with the greatest of ease. Who knows...the children may actually help with the cleaning!

7 Looking for a little inspiration for your revamped room design? Switchplates with an urban flair, available at alaModeStuff.com, may be just what you're looking for. With an array of styles to choose from in either single, double or triple switch plates, you can cost effectively add just the right touch at only $10.00- $14.00.

8 With a splash of color and a pinch of modern design, Stella Stackable storage bins can help create a clutter free environment in a snap. Keeping the planet and your child's safety in mind, the Q Collection Junior line of children's furniture is manufactured in a sustainable manner with non-toxic materials to maintain the company's mission of creating people safe, planet safe furniture.

9 DwellStudio Wall Art is a collection of simply attractive & colorful designs screenprinted on staple free gallery wrapped frames. Whether in a nursery or a toyroom, the organized arrangement of the shapes & pictures of this modern art is sure to add a little orderly inspiration to a sometimes chaotic world!


Get your kids organized

If the mess is so overwhelming to you that you feel you cant even tackle the problem anymore it is time to get your kids involved. Depending on their age and abilities your child should be able to assist you each day with a few chores. Before you know it, you will be well on your way to keeping an organized home.

We have listed chores that your kids should be able to help with:

1 Make the bed every day! Even your 2 year old can help you do this (though they wont do a great job they will learn that making the bed each day is part of their routine which will help you when they are older).
2 If you do one load of laundry a day it wont become so overwhelming on the weekends. Have your older child help separate the laundry by colors.
3 Kitchen cleanup. Kids as young as 4 should be able to scrape their plate and put it on the counter.
4 Clean up the living room each evening prior to bed time. Make the kids pick up their toys and put them in their rooms prior to heading to bed.
5 Start a nighttime routine for your family. Include in this time picking up the house of their toys and clothes, putting their dirty clothes in the laundry and setting out their clothes for the next day.
6 Set a clean up time in the evening when everyone picks up their space. Show your kids exactly how you want their room picked up…label bins with photos so that your kids know what should go in them (or words for older kids who can read).
7 Reduce plastic toy buildup. When going through fast food drive-thru’s ask them not to include they toy. For birthdays and holidays ask for gift certificates to activities instead of toys.
8 Stuffed animals must go! They not only can cause health problems due to buildup of dander and more but they cause massive clutter chaos. For those favorite stuffed animals consider a hammock for them up near the ceiling or Boon’s stuffed animal holder is a great ‘pillow’ that keeps them contained.
9 Purchase a rolling under bed basket/bin. This will make pick-up easy for the kids and easy on your eyes!
10 Consider investing in a ‘do it yourself’ custom closet like those from Easy Closets. They make storage of clothes, toys, books, movies, games and stuffed animals easy and look fantastic!


This week's mom tips

Cleaning Tip:
To remove water spots on stainless steel, rub area with a clean, soft cloth dampened with white vinegar. Then wipe dry to avoid spots.

Time Saving Tip:
No time to read? Find the book you want to read on tape and listen in the car, while cleaning the house or walking. Save money by borrowing audio books from your local library.

Financial Tip:
More than 20 percent of 401(k) plan participants don't invest enough to get the maximum company matching contribution. How much you have to invest to get the employer match and how much your employer will match varies. Ask your HR department or the plan administrator how much you need to invest to get the maximum company match. Then change your contribution level to qualify for this incredible benefit. If your spouse has a better policy, consider putting more money in their 401 (k) plan.

Green Tip:
Use soy candles. Soy candles are made from a renewable resource, and are completely biodegradable. They emit no carcinogens, and burn much cleaner than paraffin-based candles. And soy products support farmers!

v 3 issue 35: Sweet Dreams

It's time for bed and sweet dreams. This issue is full of bedtime treats that will make night time easy and fun.



Cover by Heather Jenkins




Sweet Dreams



1 Swaddle your cherub in the heavenly softness of robbie adrian luxury organics. These precious blankets are made of 100% certified organic cotton or fleece fabric and are topped off with a natural silk trim in a ruffled or straight edge. Makes an elegant & unforgettable present when tucked inside the available keepsake gift box!
2 The TykeLight by Mobi will make nighttime fun as they explore their room, tent or backyard. The TykeLight is fully rechargeable and has a soft glow nightlight feature, as well as brighter lights as you click the bottom. Illuminates up to 10 hours on a single charge and even glows while charging. The impact resistant plastic means its safe and durable. $25, Baby-wise.com.
3 Goodbye sleepless nights. Hello Sandman! Dreamerz is Grandma's warm glass of milk with a new twist. They have added two safe, all-natural & scientifically proven ingredients, Lactium and Melatonin, to promote a state of relaxation and sleepiness. In three yummy flavors of chocolate s'nores, creme de la REM & vanilla van winkle, you are sure to pleased with the flavor and effectiveness of this fabulous nighttime concoction.
4 Keep the kiddies in bed longer with the help of Arf Kids. This revolutionary product is a triple function alarm clock, night light and sleep aid which is simple for children to comprehend. With a little practice and patience, children will quickly understand when the bunny is in bed they should be in bed & when the bunny is awake they can be awake!
5 Ease your child into a bedtime ritual with the help of a soft and friendly ladybug which lights up walls and ceilings with the stars of the night sky. With the press of a button, children can change the color of illumination between ruby red, emerald green and sapphire blue. The Twilight Ladybug Nightlight is also portable and has a built in 45 minute timer!
6 We are lovin' this funky Kashwere fabric robe in bright and savvy colored stripes. Kashwere is an utterly fantastic soft and cushy fabric children will love to cuddle in before bedtime. Check out this great find along with many others at sleepyhead.com.
7 Swaddling is a safe and effective way to make babies feel secure and comfortable by mimicking the close quarters of the womb and reducing wakefulness due to startle reflexes. We love these wraps because they are the right size (bigger than we are used to here in America!), the right price (a 4 pack for $44.-) & the right fabric for perfect swaddles. The open weave design of soft breathable muslin used in the aden + anais baby wrap ensures warmth by allowing body temperature to adjust naturally without overheating. Special wraps are available for a little extra winter warmth!
8 Dim the lights and induce restful sleep with the Downtime Sleepy Hat. The super cute hat, with it's built-in sleeping mask, works by decreasing visual stimuli and creating a dark environment to help babies safely fall off to sleep and/or keep them asleep for longer periods. Plus, the clever closed eyelash design of the flip down mask clues onlookers to do not disturb!
9 Make sleepy memories into creative art at friends with a fish. The idea is simple and unique. Send in favorite pajamas, stuffed toys or any adored memorabilia and friends with a fish will create samples of artwork to be treasured by you and your child for years to come.



Q&A from our readers
One of our readers inquired for your advice:


My 3 year old will not go to sleep unless my husband or I lay down with her. When we have friends over this is very difficult as one of us has to go upstairs to be with her for 30-40 minutes to get her to sleep. Now that we have a baby on the way we have to fix the problem.
-Missy, mom to Meghan. San Diego, CA.

So many of you sent in your advice, thank you!

Each night slowly move closer and closer to the door until you're out of their room. - Jennifer

The couple should buy Dr. Weisbluth's book, Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child. The book contains excellent information about how to correct many different sleep problems. I wish I had read it before I had my daughter. I now buy it for everyone I know who's expecting. Hopefully this will help! - Kelly; Phonix, AZ.

I suggest that you create a really good and predictable (routine) that includes a bath and a story and some snuggle time before the lights go out. Once the light goes out you need to tell your daughter that you love her and tuck her in snuggly and then leave the room. If she protests you have to be loving but firm and tell her that it is bed time and that she needs to go to sleep on her own. This may be met with tears and protest but your daughter’s needs for your affection and attention can be met during waking hours. It may not seem kind and loving to leave a three year old in her room crying but it may be the only way that she can learn. If she gets out of bed take her back to bed without talking and put her lovingly back in bed and again leave immediately. -V.S. Milton

I hate bribery... but you could try some small trinket OR special toys to put by her bed - make the limit of ONE and only ONE short story, remind the child that after one story and prayer you will leave the room with the toy beside the bed - if the child stays in bed w/ no pouting/crying then in the AM the toy is for keeps - worth a try - you may want to start w/ small toys or it could cost a lot - good luck - sweet dreams!! Tiffany; Parsons, KS.

Try the 10 minute rule. Let them fuss for 10 minutes and then go in, then add 5 minutes every time you have to go back. If they come out of the room, walk them back in queitly and do not speak, just lay them down. It does break you heart, but if you stick to your guns, you will have a sleeping toddler in no time and more time for adult time!! -Shawn

Sweet Dreams Baby - Tips for a Good Night's Sleep

If your newborn is not getting enough sleep you'll be sure to have a fussy baby on hand. A fussy baby can mean more sleep deprivation for already worn down new parents. In fact, the American Sleep Association states that adults need at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night which is nearly impossible during your newborn's first few months. For a newborn baby 5 hours of straight sleep is considered "sleeping through the night" and 16 hours of sleep a day is generally required for infants overall. It's also important to create a sleeping environment that's comfortable, soothing and safe for baby. It will not only help your baby ease into successful sleeping habits but hopefully allow you to enjoy more sleep filled nights.

Important Tips for a Good Night's Sleep:

* Make good nutrition a priority - assure your baby is getting well balanced meals through out the day so that she doesn't wake up hungry.
* Provide a consistent bedtime routine for your baby - children function better under a regular sleep routine so make sure to keep things consistent. For example, giving your baby a bath and reading her a bedtime story before bed every night will help your baby wind down.
* Make sure baby has a comfortable sleep environment - check the room temperature, make sure baby is not too hot or cold in her sleepwear, dim the lights to signal it's sleep time, add soft lullaby music to set the mood.
* A safe sleep environment is important - make sure there aren't any loose blankets or stuffed animals near baby's sleep space so she's not endanger of suffocation.
* Nap times should be consistent - an over tired baby with no naps will get fussy towards the end of the day and a baby who naps too long may not sleep through the night.
* Allow your baby to soothe herself to sleep - it's ok to rock your baby until she's drowsy before you put her down. However, do not allow her to fall completely asleep in your arms. This will help her learn how to soothe herself to sleep and less dependent on you.

For more resources on sleep information for your baby and you check out the following:
Elizabeth Pantley's No Cry Sleep Solution:
http://www.pantley.com/elizabeth/index.html
Ask Dr. Sears:
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/7/T070300.asp
American Sleep Association:
http://www.sleepassociation.org/index.php
American Academy of Sleep Medicine:
http://www.aasmnet.org/

Melissa Moog is Founder of Itsabelly Baby Concierge, a premier baby planning service that helps new and expectant parents navigate the world of all things maternity and newborn. Itsabelly has been featured in Pregnancy Magazine, Cool Mom Picks and Metro Parent. Melissa is also the Pregnancy Planning Expert for The Bump. For more information on Itsabelly see: www.itsa-belly.com