Nursery Inspiration & New Mom Advice

Pastel colors are a sweet option for your little girls nursery for keeping the space calming and simple. We are so excited to bring you inspiration for a pastel nursery for your little girl featuring our Floral & Dots pattern, available in both a crib sheet and changing pad cover!   This post may include affiliate links. You will not be charged any extra for clicking on these links, but I may earn a small commission!     When designing a room, I like to start with textiles. Often times textiles are where you can bring in your theme, and the colors you'd like in your space! For our Floral & Dots pattern, bringing in neutrals and other soft pastels is a great way to bring it all together. These pink pom-pom curtains are a fun way to bring in another pastel, but with a fun flair! Our Floral & dots pattern is available in both a crib sheet and a changing pad cover, making choosing those fabrics easy (and have you heard we offer bundle and save savings?!)   Furniture is another important piece to your design. I find it easiest to choose a neutral, simple design for both the crib, dresser, and any other furniture you choose to include. This will help for if you want to change themes down the road, or if you are re-using the furniture later for future kiddos! This natural dresser has tons of storage and is a great height for attaching a changing pad to the top.    While we're on the topic of storage, let's talk baskets. If baskets are out of range, feel free to go with whichever ones you like best - but for baskets that will be in your little one's reach once their mobile, I LOVE going with woven baskets. They are strong, yet gentle for your little ones, and they come in a variety of sizes for everything you need to keep on hand for baby. This woven basket with pom-pom accents is fun and gives a little girly flair.   Below, let us know how you would style our Floral & Dots print!  

Decorating your nursery for your little girl can be such a fun experience! Today we are bringing you ALL the inspo on a girly light pink and purple nursery featuring our Girly Plaid print!   This blog may include affiliate links. You will not be charged any extra for clicking on these links, but I may earn a small commission!   First things first, if you're going girly, there are SO many cute girly cribs out there right now - this one is so sweet and has such an elegant design! Seriously? How Darling!   One of my favorite ways to add a simple feminine touch to a nursery is through textiles. Our Girly Plaid crib sheet is a great option for a girly touch. The light pink and purple mix and match easily with neutrals. A simple pattern is a good choice if you are looking for a versatile nursery theme that you can switch up during the year. Another option is adding a fun color to your curtains (I highly recommend black out curtains for your nursery!) These pink black out curtains are the perfect pastel pink and such great quality. You can also consider adding a fun pop of color or pattern in a rug if your space needs one. I'm sure if you have kiddos already, or if you are beginning to accumulate baby items, you are realizing organization and storage are so important. These woven baskets are big enough to hold everything you need for baby, and are soft for when your baby is mobile and you have the hazard of them pulling baskets over! In the comments below, tell us how you would style a nursery around our girly plaid crib sheet! We can't wait to see your ideas.

Struggling to know where to start in your daycare hunt! Consider these eight things we suggest you iron out before starting tours.

Choosing a theme for your little ones nursery is a fun experience during pregnancy. If you have landed on a Safari themed nursery, choosing Safari themed board books can be a fun and thoughtful touch. Safari books are typically bright and full of fun animals for your little one to explore. If you are looking for a fun crib sheet, our Giraffe Print collection is a wonderful place to start!   This blog may include affiliate links. Clicking on these links will not charge you any extra, but I may earn a small commission!    Safari Park Bear and friends are going on a safari in their favorite off-road truck! Join their adventure in this shaped board book surprise. Clever's Wonder Wheels series introduce toddlers to popular vehicles in a grab-able, hold-able format! Sensory Safari Embark on a captivating journey through the animal kingdom with your little one in our enchanting board book, "Sensory Safari". Animal Safari Find out the different names for mother and father animals while on safari — and then lift the flap to find the babies and learn what they are called. Safari Adventure From enormous elephants to lazy lions, there's a different animal on every spread, plus many additional creatures to spot along the way! Wild Animals: Touch and Feel From a koala's woolly fur to an elephant's leathery ear, there are five fun textures to explore in this book that you read and touch!

Being a new parent sleep can be one of the most stressful aspects to figure out with your new little one. Between how long they sleep, where they sleep, when they sleep, what can and can't be in their sleep space, the worries seem to be never ending! I know, mama, but you'll figure out what's best and safest for you and your little one. One aspect some parents don't consider is that babies can not regulate their body temperature quite like we can. Nor can they throw a blanket on or off if they get warm/cold. This blog may include affiliate links. If you click on them you will not be charged any extra, but I may make a small commission!   Let's start with what temperature you should try to keep your nursery. Ideally the room your baby sleeps in should remain between 68-72 degrees. Keep in mind while it may be that temperature where your thermostat is located, it could be completely different in their sleep space! Buying a thermometer or using a baby monitor that indicates temperature can be helpful in maintaining a temperature in this range. This baby monitor is an awesome option - I have used it with all three of my kiddos and loved it!     Next up, bedding! When it comes to babies and safe sleep it's important to use only safe-sleep approved bedding. Our crib sheets are a great option as they have a tight fit and are made of breathable material that helps your little one to regulate their body temperature. Our Tranquil Skies Crib Sheet is a sweet option for your little one.    Now let's chat what to wear! When you are dressing your little one for bed it's important to consider the temperature and if they are using a sleep sack. If they are using a sleep sack similar to this Love to Dream Sleep Sack they may be okay in a pair of thin pajamas, but any thicker and you may want to consider sleeping in a onesie! When in doubt, feel your babies back and you can get a feel for if they are sleeping too warm.    Of course if you ever have any questions about your babies safety or comfort, talk to their pediatrician!   

Have you heard the news? Our business is undergoing a transformation! We are thrilled to announce that we are changing our business name to Cradle Comforts Co. This change marks the beginning of a new chapter for us, and we can't wait to share all the exciting updates with you. What does this mean for you? With our new name, comes a whole host of changes that are designed to enhance your shopping experience. We will be introducing new product offerings that are focused on providing you with even more comfort and convenience. From cozy sheets to soothing bath products, we are expanding our range to bring you the best in comfort and relaxation for your baby and home. What else is changing? Alongside our new product offerings, we will also be unveiling a fresh new logo and website design. Our new look is modern, inviting, and reflects our commitment to providing you with the ultimate comfort experience. We want our brand to resonate with you and make you feel right at home. We are developing eco-friendly products that are sustainable enough for our fabrics to be reused once your baby outgrows their crib. What can you expect? As we make these changes, we are also working on improving your shopping experience. Our website will be easier to navigate, our checkout process will be smoother. We want every interaction you have with Cradle Comforts Co. to be a positive one. So, get ready for a new and improved Cradle Comforts Co.! We are so excited to share these changes with you and to continue providing you with the comfort and relaxation you deserve. Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to experience the ultimate in comfort with Cradle Comforts Co. We are excited for the upcoming changes and growth our company has in store so we can provide you with the safest, most comfortable essentials and products for you and your baby. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or subscribe to our newsletter to keep up to date with our roll out.

Deciding if you are ready for another baby is a personal and complex decision that depends on various factors. Here are some considerations that might help you assess whether you are prepared for another child: Financial Stability: Evaluate your current financial situation. Consider the costs associated with raising a child, including healthcare, education, and daily expenses. Emotional Readiness: Reflect on your emotional well-being and readiness for the challenges of parenting. Consider whether you feel emotionally prepared to handle the responsibilities and joys of having another child. Relationship Dynamics: Assess the dynamics of your relationship with your partner. Open communication and mutual agreement on expanding your family are crucial. Work and Career: Consider the impact of having another child on your career and work-life balance. Assess whether your current job and schedule allow for the demands of parenting. Support System: Evaluate the support system available to you, including family and friends. Having a strong support network can be beneficial when raising multiple children. Health Considerations: Consider your own health and well-being, as well as the health of your partner. It's essential to be physically prepared for the challenges of pregnancy and parenting. Space and Resources: Assess whether you have the necessary space and resources to accommodate another child. This includes living arrangements, sleeping arrangements, and access to childcare. Time Management: Reflect on your time management skills and ability to balance the needs of multiple children. Consider how well you can manage your time between work, personal life, and parenting. Age Gap: Think about the ideal age gap between your current child(ren) and the potential new addition. Some parents prefer a closer age gap, while others may prefer a larger gap. Personal Goals: Consider your personal and career goals. Evaluate whether having another child aligns with your long-term plans and aspirations. It's essential to communicate openly with your partner, consider your own feelings and circumstances, and be aware that readiness can be subjective. Ultimately, the decision to have another baby is a significant life choice that should be made based on careful consideration and mutual agreement with your partner. If you have concerns or uncertainties, discussing them with a healthcare professional or counselor may provide additional insights. In the end, no one can tell you if it's right for you to have another child other than yourself and your partner! While every baby is truly a blessing, it is so important to think through all of the changes that comes with a new baby!  Below- tell me how you knew you wanted another baby, or how you knew that your family was complete!

Put on your boots and get ready to walk through this blog post and get some nursery inspiration for your little cowboy (or cowgirl) in your life! This blog features our Yippee Ki Yay crib sheet and changing pad cover - let's talk about the design that'll make your nursery the talk of the town! Featuring a rugged and rustic cowboy theme, this crib sheet showcases a delightful assortment of Western icons. Wrangle in the cowboy boot, longhorn skull, sheriff star, bucking bronco, horseshoes, and, of course, the classic cowboy hat—all captured in a light tan hue against a dusty brown background that sets them apart in true cowboy fashion.   This blog may include affiliate links. You will not be charged any extra for clicking on these links, but I may make a small commission!    Yippee Ki Yay Color Pallet     Let's start with our inspiration for this blog post, our Yippee Ki Yay design. You can find the crib sheet here, and the changing pad cover here!      Next up, something every nursery needs - ORGANIZATION! Between clothes, toys, diapers, blankets, burp cloths, you get the idea- babies come with a lot of goodies and having organization is a must!  A dresser is a must, and honestly, sometimes the little ones you can get that perfectly match your crib just aren't large enough if you want to store more than just clothes. Our nursery closet is quite small, so when choosing a dresser we knew we'd need lots of good quality space! This light wood dresser is an amazing option that you can attach a changing pad cover to the top of.  Another must - baskets. Between sorting toys and blankets, you will want some type of baskets! I love these woven baskets for their size, durability, and for the fact that if baby happens to fall or roll into these they are soft!    For decor you can of course stick with the cowboy/western theme, or it can be fun to add in some cute little woodland animals! Every cowboy loves their animals, right? This sweet animal woodland mobile would be a fun option to bring a little outdoors, in. Adding in rustic shelves is another fun option to tie in the western look. You can use these rustic shelves for books, a baby camera, or decoration! You will never regret having more storage though.     When designing your nursery choosing your theme and designing can be a fun task! We want to remind you that safety should always be taken into consideration. Our crib sheets have a tight fit to keep your little one safe. In addition, securing furniture to walls is a safety step we can not recommend enough.    Have fun designing your western nursery! We'd love to hear any additional ideas you have in the comments below. 

Sparrows are believed to symbolize community, protection, and simplicity. A calm and serene nursery can be just what your baby needs to have a restful night sleep. Here are some ideas on where to start:   This blog may include affiliate links. You will not be charged any extra for clicking on these links, but I may earn a small commission!    Color Scheme Soft Neutrals: Use gentle hues like beige, cream, light brown, and soft gray to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Pastel Accents: Incorporate pastel colors like soft blue, mint green, and blush pink for a touch of color without overwhelming the space. Wall Decor Murals and Decals: Opt for wall decals or a mural depicting sparrows in their natural habitat, such as perched on branches or in flight. Art Prints: Hang framed prints of sparrows or vintage bird illustrations. You can also create a gallery wall with a mix of bird-themed art and family photos. Furniture Crib and Changing Table: Choose furniture in natural wood tones or painted in soft colors that complement your color scheme. This natural wood color dresser has nice large drawers and is a good height to add a changing pad to the top.  Rocking Chair or Glider: A cozy chair is essential for feeding and soothing your baby. Look for one with a soft cushion and gentle rocking motion. Bedding and Textiles Sparrow-themed Bedding: Our Tranquil Skies crib sheet is the center of this inspiration blog, and is such a sweet option! Rugs and Curtains: Choose a soft rug and matching curtains in complementary colors, possibly with subtle bird designs. Accessories Mobile: A sparrow-themed mobile with small, hanging birds can be both soothing and visually stimulating for your baby. This bird and cloud mobile is a beautiful, calming option. Stuffed Animals and Toys: Add a few sparrow or bird plush toys for your baby to cuddle and play with. Lighting Soft Lighting: Use a combination of soft ambient lighting and a cute, bird-themed nightlight. A lampshade with bird motifs can also add to the theme. Storage Baskets and Bins: Use woven baskets or fabric bins with bird designs for storing toys, books, and baby essentials. These neutral woven baskets are a good option and can work with many themes! Personal Touches Name Banner: Create a personalized name banner with sparrow decorations to hang above the crib. DIY Projects: Consider making some DIY projects like a birdhouse shelf or hand-painted bird knobs for drawers. Plants and Nature Elements Indoor Plants: Incorporate a few easy-to-care-for indoor plants to bring a bit of nature inside. Make sure they are non-toxic and safe for a nursery. Natural Elements: Use elements like wooden branches or nest-inspired decor to enhance the natural feel of the room.

Celebrating the Fourth of July with a baby can be a fun experience, but it's important to keep safety and comfort in mind. Here are some tips to ensure a happy and safe holiday! This blog may include affiliate links. You will not be charged anything for clicking on these links, but I may earn a small commission. Plan Around the Baby's Schedule Naps and Feeding: Try to stick to your baby’s regular nap and feeding schedule as much as possible to avoid crankiness. Quiet Time: Have a quiet space available if your baby gets overstimulated. Choose Baby-Friendly Activities Parades: If attending a parade, find a spot that's not too crowded and bring ear protection for your baby. These are a really good and comfortable option for your little one. Picnics and BBQs: Set up a shady spot with a blanket and some of your baby’s favorite toys. Stay Cool and Hydrated Clothing: Dress your baby in light, breathable clothing and a sun hat. Shade: Use a stroller with a canopy or bring an umbrella to provide shade. Hydration: Keep your baby hydrated with regular breast milk or formula feedings. Sun Protection Sunscreen: Apply baby-safe sunscreen to any exposed skin if your baby is older than 6 months. Shade and Hats: Use hats and clothing to keep your baby’s skin covered and protected from the sun.              Fireworks Safety Distance: Watch fireworks from a safe distance to protect your baby’s ears and avoid exposing them to the loud noises. Ear Protection: Consider using baby ear muffs designed to protect their hearing. Bedtime: If fireworks are past your baby’s bedtime, consider watching from home or another quiet location to avoid disrupting their sleep. Bug Protection Insect Repellent: Use a baby-safe insect repellent if you’ll be outdoors in the evening. This lotion is a good option - it's much easier to apply than sprays!  Netting: Use a mosquito net over strollers and play areas. Safety First Crowd Safety: Keep a close eye on your baby in crowded areas to avoid getting separated. First Aid: Bring a small first aid kit in case of minor injuries. This is a great travel-sized option, you just may want to add in medicine for little ones if needed! Capture the Memories Photos: Take plenty of pictures to commemorate your baby’s first Fourth of July. Mementos: Consider creating a small scrapbook or photo album of the day. By keeping these tips in mind, you can create a fun and memorable Fourth of July celebration that’s enjoyable for both you and your baby.

Have an upcoming birthday for a little girl in your life? Choosing a present they will love (and hopefully not already have) can be a challenge! Below are some thoughtful and age-appropriate gift ideas. (PS - a lot of these are great ideas for little boys too!) This blog may include affiliate links. You will not be charged any extra for clicking on these links, but I may earn a small commission. First, you can always choose an educational toy! Think building blocks, Lego Duplo sets, or a fan favorite, magnet tiles! These magnet tiles from Picasso have proven to be built well through many years of use in our house.   You can also consider musical and interactive toys. Think toddler-sized instruments (um, cute!)- tambourines, guitars, maracas! Interactive books are also a great idea! Toddlers likely have a favorite cartoon character, animal, or nursery rhyme and there are surely interactive books to match! The books with sound buttons are always a hit. This sweet animal sound book from Eric Carle is one of my girls favorites!   Pretend play items are a safe bet for toddlers. Think dress up outfits, dollhouses, baby dolls, farm play sets, kitchen play sets, etc! Anything a toddler can be creative with. This farm play set is a fun option (with animal sounds!) that a toddler will likely play with for years!   A lot of kids enjoy arts and crafts. When gifting for others I recommend mess free options - like this Crayola Magic Light Brush, this Bluey Mess Free Coloring Book, or this Crayola Mess Free Touch Light! While messes are fun, parents are sure to appreciate a mess-free option for their little ones creative output!   Last but not least, subscription boxes! There are all sorts of subscription boxes that will automatically ship weekly, monthly, or quarterly to the kiddo you purchase them for. A few that families love include Lovevery, KiwiCo, and Crunchlabs!   In the comments below, share present ideas that you have for toddlers. Is there anything you would add to the list?

Designing a masculine nursery can be a fun project for your new little one! Here are some ideas to create a space that feels both stylish and comfortable: This blog may include affiliate links. You will not be charged any extra for clicking on these links, but I may earn a small commission!  Color Scheme: Choose a palette of masculine colors such as navy blue, charcoal gray, forest green, or earthy tones like brown and tan. You can also incorporate pops of color like mustard yellow or deep red for contrast. Furniture: Opt for sturdy, timeless furniture pieces like a dark wood crib, a leather or faux leather rocking chair like this one, and a solid wood dresser with clean lines like this one are a good place to start. Industrial-style furniture can also add a masculine touch.  Wall Decor: Consider decorating the walls with artwork or prints that reflect a masculine theme, such as vintage cars, sports equipment, or geometric patterns. You could also create a gallery wall with framed black and white photos. Textures: Incorporate different textures to add depth and interest to the room. For example, you could use a plush rug, faux fur throw blanket, or denim curtains. This dark rug with simple lines can fit with any bedding/wall decor you choose. Speaking of bedding, our herringbone haven crib sheet is a great choice for any nursery decor, but would be the perfect simple option for a masculine nursery theme! Accent Pieces: Add personality to the nursery with masculine accent pieces like a vintage trunk for storage, a metal table lamp with an Edison bulb, or decorative elements made from wood or metal. Theme: If you want to go with a specific theme, consider options like wilderness, adventure, nautical, or vintage airplane. Use themed decor sparingly to avoid overwhelming the space. If you are thinking an adventure or wilderness theme, these simple wilderness prints would be a good fit for a masculine nursery. Storage Solutions: Invest in functional storage solutions to keep the nursery organized and clutter-free. This could include baskets, shelves, and storage bins in coordinating colors and materials. Lighting: Choose lighting fixtures that complement the masculine aesthetic, such as industrial-style pendant lights or sleek floor lamps with metal accents. Make sure the room has both ambient lighting and task lighting for functionality. Personal Touches: Finally, don't forget to add personal touches that reflect your style and interests as well as items that hold sentimental value. This could be anything from family heirlooms to handmade decorations. By combining these elements, you can create a masculine nursery that is both stylish and inviting for your little one.

Designing a nursery with a macaron theme is a fun way to add pops of color to your little ones nursery in a sweet way! Look below for ways to incorporate macarons into your little ones nursery. This blog includes affiliate links. If you click on them you will not be charged any extra, but I may earn a small commission.  Color Palette: Macarons are known for their pastel colors. Consider using soft shades like blush pink, mint green, lavender, baby blue, and pale yellow as your main color palette.   Furniture: Opt for furniture in neutral tones like white or light wood to complement the pastel colors of the macarons. This light wood dresser would look great, and is also a great option for if you decide to switch to a different theme as your little one grows.   Accent Pieces: Scatter plush macaron pillows or stuffed toys around the room for a playful touch. You could also incorporate macaron-shaped lamps, mobiles, or wall hooks for added charm.   Textiles: Choose curtains, rugs, and upholstery in coordinating pastel hues to enhance the overall theme. Look for fabrics with subtle texture or pattern to add visual interest. These pastel pink blackout curtains are cute and will help to darken your nursery to help your little one sleep! Storage: Utilize decorative baskets or bins in pastel colors to keep toys, books, and other essentials organized. These woven pastel bins are sturdy, and the pastel colors would go great with a macaron theme.   Bedding: Lindsay Ann Artistry has your back with macaron crib sheets and a macaron changing pad cover!                     Wall Art: Hang framed artwork featuring macarons or French patisserie scenes to add a sophisticated touch to the space. Consider DIY projects like a macaron garland or shadow box display filled with miniature macaron trinkets.   Accent Wall: If you're feeling adventurous, consider painting one wall in a soft ombre effect, transitioning between different pastel shades inspired by macarons.   Personal Touches: Add personalized elements like a name plaque above the crib or a custom-made wall decal featuring your baby's name alongside adorable macaron illustrations. Remember to keep safety in mind when decorating the nursery, especially with regards to furniture placement, crib safety, and the materials used in decor items. With a little creativity and attention to detail, you can create a charming macaron-themed nursery that both you and your little one will love!

Touch and feel baby books are wonderful tools for stimulating sensory development and fostering early literacy skills in infants and toddlers. These books typically feature various textures, such as soft fur, bumpy surfaces, smooth materials, and more, allowing babies to explore through touch as they listen to the story. One of the great advantages of touch and feel books is that they engage multiple senses simultaneously, which can enhance learning and retention in young children. For babies, who are still developing their motor skills and sensory awareness, these books provide a tactile experience that helps them understand the world around them. When choosing touch and feel books for babies, it's essential to consider the durability and safety of the materials used. Books with sturdy construction and securely attached textures are ideal for withstanding the enthusiastic exploration of little hands. Keep reading for some of my kiddos favorite touch and feel books! This blog may include affiliate links. You will not be charged any extra for clicking on these links, but I may earn a small commission!    Baby Touch and Feel - Animals Such a fun and sweet book that highlights animal features in a fun and engaging way for your little one   Baby Touch and Feel - Noisy Baby Animals A sweet interactive touch and feel book- and as a bonus when you touch and feel there are five fun animal sounds!   Never Touch a Porcupine! Part of the Never Touch series - each page has a different silicone texture and the book is filled with fun rhymes.   Baby Touch and Feel Splish! Splash! Full of bold and bright illustrations and touch and feel to help improve fine motor skills, this book has it all!    Beines Touch and Feel Crinkle Cloth Book  Fun and noisy crinkle books for your little one to explore!

Choosing a gift for a one-year-old can be exciting, but it's important to consider age-appropriate and safe options. Here are some ideas for gifts that can engage and entertain a one-year-old: This blog may contain affiliate links. You will not be charged anything for clicking on these links but I may earn a small commission!  Soft Plush Toys: Choose soft, cuddly stuffed animals or characters. Look for ones with different textures or features like crinkly fabric or a squeaker inside.   Board Books: Thick, durable board books with bright colors and simple illustrations are perfect for little hands. Look for ones with textures to touch or flaps to lift. My girls have all loved this Where's Spot Board Book with flaps to lift! Stacking Toys: Simple stacking cups or blocks can provide hours of entertainment and help develop fine motor skills. Musical Toys: Instruments designed for little ones, such as small drums, xylophones, or soft shakers, can introduce them to the joy of making music. Interactive Learning Toys: Choose toys that engage the child's senses and promote learning, such as toys with buttons, lights, and sounds. This Koala toy from Fisher Price is a fun one! Soft Puzzles: Large, soft puzzles with large pieces and simple designs are great for developing problem-solving skills. Ride-On Toys: A ride-on toy with a low seat and stable base can help with balance and coordination. Baby Swing: An indoor or outdoor baby swing can provide both entertainment and a sense of motion. This Little Tikes swing is durable and easily hung! Clothing and Accessories: Cute and comfortable clothing or accessories like hats and socks make for practical yet delightful gifts. Building Blocks: Large, soft building blocks are safe for little ones to play with and can help develop their motor skills and creativity. Bubble Machine: A bubble machine can create a magical and visually stimulating environment for a one-year-old. I have loved this bubble machine and the price is great! Personalized Items: Consider personalized items like a custom baby blanket, onesie, or toy with the child's name.   Always ensure that the chosen gift is safe for a one-year-old, free from small parts that could be a choking hazard, and made from non-toxic materials. It's also a good idea to check with the parents regarding any specific preferences or restrictions they may have.