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Is it up to you to throw a baby shower for your friend or relative? If so, why not wow them with a jungle baby shower theme.

There are so many different ways that you can create a jungle theme from the decorations to the food and drink.

The most common baby shower food consists of cake, cookies, chips, peanuts, and mints. There is usually punch served at the baby shower too. If you are going to use a jungle theme, you can be a little more creative in the shapes and the foods that you choose.

Here is a common list of baby shower foods and how you can make them into animal shapes to serve your guests.

Turn boring cookies into jungle animals

Instead of buying or making a traditional round cookie, you can make the cookies with animal shapes. Monkeys, hippos, lions, tigers, and zebras are the most common jungle themed animals and you can purchase these animals cookie cutters online. You can make a simple peanut better cookie or sugar cookie in animal shapes. Decorate the cookies with an animal face to give it a realistic look. If you don’t have time to bake the cookies and make the animal shapes then buy the shaped animal cookies at almost any store.

Sandwiches and more

Depending on what time your party is, you may want to serve finger sandwiches. Use your animal cookie cutters to create animal shaped finger sandwiches. You can also do animal shaped Jello in different colors.

Desserts

You will need desserts for your party and there are several ways to incorporate the jungle theme into the food. Monkeys love bananas and so does your guests. Make frozen banana pops by taking a banana and placing it on a stick. Dip the banana into chocolate and then roll it in nuts. Buy some Styrofoam to poke holes into so you can stand up the banana popsicles while they harden in the freezer.

Trail mix is always a good food to serve at any party. You can rename it “Monkey Mix” so it will match with the theme. Add dried banana chips, coconut, peanuts, raisins, and sunflower seeds to a large bowl and mix it together.

No baby shower would be complete without a cake. You need to have a jungle themed cake as well. You can have the cake professionally made or you can make it yourself by finding a customized jungle themed cake pan. Bake the cake a day ahead of time so you have time to make another one if it doesn’t turn out right.

How you organize the food also affects how people feel about it. You want to create a jungle theme so to do that you can cut several leaves out of green construction paper. These leaves need to be rather large in size but you can have several different sizes to make it look authentic. Place the leaves all over the table. Display the animal crackers and cookies in the middle of the table and everything else around it.

With a few clever additions and creativity, you'll have pulled off a wonderful baby shower theme that even the pickiest guest will enjoy.

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If you had a beloved dog growing up, chances are that you want your own child to experience the love, joy, and fun of having a furry companion.  Pets are more than animals that your parents may have given you in a little pet gift basket when you were little; they are treasured members of the family – that is, they can be if you choose the right one!  Bringing a dog into your home requires more than an impulse trip to the pet shop.  You have to think about the needs of your family, as well as the needs of the dog.  One of the most important considerations is breed.  Here is a look at some of the best breeds for kids and families.

Bulldogs.

Believe it or not, these are ideal pets for kids.  Their short, sturdy build makes them a terrific match for any toddler who loves to climb, push, pull, and prod the dog.  Bulldogs do not tend to be excitable, another very important quality to look for.  They are typically not high energy and have a short coat of hair so they will not be terribly high-maintenance.  If you barely have time to bathe and play with your own kids, this dog won't add to your burden!  Bulldogs are generally obedient, gentle, and friendly to kids and other pets.  Plus, who can resist that wrinkly face?

Collies.

Though they require more grooming, and you will likely have more dog hair adhering to your clothing, collies are a great fit for families.  They are gentle and can be easily trained. They tend to be protective of their owners, and owners' children.  One caution: they may try to herd your family!  If you curb this behavior when your collie is a pup, it will not become a nuisance.

Newfoundlands.

This is the gentle giant of the canine world.  They are often referred to as “nature's babysitters” because of their wonderful, patient, and gentle demeanors.  One trait common to newfies is that they think they are lap dogs.  They love to hang inside and be with the family.  Newfoundlands shed, require grooming, and may bump into things in small rooms – but they are lovable, protective, and loyal.  This is a dog that will lie at your feet or jump into a lake to save you.

Irish setters.

If you have a lot of space and an active family, an Irish setter may be a great addition.  They like to play, run, and exercise every day, so they are not ideal for busy families who are gone for long periods of time.  On the other hand, if you have a yard and want to use it, this red-coated beauty is social, easy to train, and wonderful with children.

Golden retrievers.

Among the most popular of breeds, the golden retriever is also very energetic and requires exercise and space.  They are great for kids because of their legendary patience, kindness, and gentleness.  Retrievers are smart and have a great disposition.

Labrador retrievers.

These are also very popular, and for good reason.  They are smart, loyal, gentle, patient, dependable, protective, and gorgeous!  They are a bit bigger than golden retrievers, and both breeds will need brushing.

Poodles.

If anyone in your family has allergies, a poodle is a great choice. They shed very little, and they make wonderful playmates with their patience, good attitude, and love of playing.

The right dog for your family may be on this list – or it may not be. It may be a mutt.  Even more important than the specific breed is the demeanor of the dog.  Is he good with children? Does he mind if your toddler pulls on his fur?  Do you like him?  Does he like you?  Your family's dream dog may be a poodle or it could be a pit bull.  In any case, balance the breed’s tendencies with the dog's own qualities and behavior when making your choice, and always make sure he meets the family before you make any final decisions.

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Every parent wants the best for their baby, and for many, that means opting to use cloth diapers.  Why?  What are the benefits?  One of the biggest is expense: a typical family will save over $2,600 by using cloth over disposable. Many times, family members or friends will sneak cloth diapers into diaper cakes or diaper bags because they're firm believers and it's no wonder why!

The benefits for your child are equally important to saving money: cloth diapered babies tend to have less diaper rash and skin irritation and they will probably be potty-trained before their disposable diaper-wearing peers.

If you are hesitant to use cloth because you fear sticking your baby in the hip with a big diaper pin or you wonder if you'll be able to wrap them correctly in order to prevent leakage, don't worry. Today's cloth diapers are much more parent-friendly and easy to use.

There is no doubt about it: diapering technology has advanced.  While it means drier bums, it can also mean intimidation for new parents.  How do you start?  Which fabric is best?  Do you need liners, doublers, or both?  And what in the world is an AIO or an AI2?

The first step is to learn about the different kinds of cloth diapers.  This isn't your grandma's square of linen anymore; you have incredible options, including:

• All in One (or AIO).  This diaper includes all the parts you need, such as an inner soaker and waterproof cover.  They are relatively easy to use and do not require additional supplies.  Many people consider them just like disposable diapers in terms of ease – the only difference is you wash it instead of throw it away!  On the con side, these take longer to dry and they can cost between $16 and $30.  Remember, though, you can use the same diaper for years.  BumGenius is a highly recommended brand, particularly their organic AIOs.
• All in Two (or AI2).  Because AIOs take so long to dry, AI2s can be a great choice.  They come apart to speed up drying times.  You simply fasten the soaker, or the inner absorbent part of the diaper, to the outer cover.

The downside to both AIOs and AI2s is that they are quite expensive because you have to have enough on hand to last until you do washing next.  Having 10 – 20 $30 diapers is a big upfront expense.  But there are some other options.

• Prefolds. These are the least expensive option.  They look like squares of cloth but have prefold seams to help make diapering a bit easier.  You fold them into a rectangle and put them inside a diaper cover (which are inexpensive and can be reused between changings). You then fasten the cover, and you are done.  You can also skip the cover and fasten the cloth diaper with a Snappi. Prefolds can be used throughout your child's diapered life – and beyond.  They can be used as diapers, liners, and soakers, as well as baby bibs (or mainly burp cloths) when thoroughly cleaned.
• Pocket diapers.  These have a waterproof outer layer and then a layer of suede cloth or microfleece inside.  In between the layers, in the pocket, you can put whatever you want for lining and increase absorbency if you need to.
• Fitted diapers. These have elastic and fasteners built in so you do not need snaps or Snappis. You will need a separate cover.  These are like a combination of prefolds and pockets.

Most parents use a combination of these options.  For instance, they may use prefolds at home and then use AIOs, AI2s, or pocket diapers for going out or when a babysitter or less experienced diaperer is watching the baby.  ClothDiapersMadeEasy has a convenient chart to help you determine how many diapers you need, depending on which option(s) you choose.

The “how” is slightly different with each type of diaper.  AIOs, for instance, work just like regular disposables.  Prefolds are probably the most intimidating at first, but you just need to practice – and invest in a few great covers and a diaper pail with liners. You can find some great video tutorials on YouTube, like the one shown below.

The most important tip is do not be intimidated.  You will soon find that it is easy to use cloth diapers, even prefolds.  You may have some new parent mishaps at first, but everyone does – even those who use disposable diapers!

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Baby baptisms are special occasions. It’s the time when you will dedicate your baby to Christ and promise to raise him or her in a Christian tradition. You’ll also have god parents to choose who will promise to raise your children should anything happen to you and your husband, and who also will guide your child along through life.

So, who gets invited to this big day? It will depend on how you want to do it. First off, you’re going to pick two people to be god parents. These are typically the two closest members of your family—one male and one female. But it can also be anyone you choose from a close family friend to a cousin. It is considered an honor to be chosen as a god parent, so no one is likely going to turn your invitation down. Just be sure you choose someone trustworthy and who you know will be in your life forever.

The Catholic tradition baptizes babies. Other faiths have adult baptisms if they have them at all. So, it’s a cultural as well as a traditional custom used by only certain religious groups. When thinking about inviting people to the actual ceremony, consider their religion as well as their relationship to you. You want to include everyone from your immediate family as well as the people closest to you in your family. Aunts, uncles, cousins and other close family are always invited.

When it comes to your friends outside of your family, consider a few things. Will they have to travel a far distance to make it to the baptism? Will they be uncomfortable in your church if they are from another faith? Will it pose an inconvenience to them to have to make arrangements to come (are they ill or unable to travel)?

Most times it’s more a factor of how many people your event hall or home can hold rather than a person’s situation that will dictate who you invite to a baptism. For instance, if you’re having the reception at your house and only have room for 20 people, you’re going to have to start cutting some of your friends out. However, if you have a hall booked and can accommodate any number of people, go ahead and invite everyone you want. If someone is unable to travel, they can politely say no. They will usually send a baptism gift anyway even if they can’t make it.

You need to invite everyone to the actual baptism as well as the reception. The highlight of the day is seeing the baby get baptized. Many people have the event catered afterwards, but you can cook everything the night before and refrigerate it. When everyone gets to your house, just start warming things up. You can also decorate your home, and/or prepare baptism favors for your guests.

Baptisms are sometimes held on Saturday mornings so as not to interfere with the normal Sunday mass schedule. But you can ask at your church if Sunday afternoons are offered. Sometimes it’s easier to have it on a Saturday rather than a Sunday when people have to be up early for work the next day. But it will depend on when your church offers baptisms.

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Baby showers are some of the most joy filled occasions. You can have them just about anywhere you like. If you’re getting ready to start planning a baby shower for a friend, consider lots of options before deciding where to host it.

Many baby showers are held at someone’s home. This could be the home of the mother of the guest of honor or her mother in law. Proud Grammas to be often want to host a shower and will offer their houses. That’s one place to start.

If you don’t have the room at your own home, consider having it out at a local coffee house or tea room. A coffeehouse is a great atmosphere because it’s casual and low key and you can often make yourselves comfortable in a small section of the room. You won’t have catered fare, but if you want to have coffee and pastries without having to pay a rental fee or serve an expensive restaurant meal, this may be the place for you. Just be sure to check it out with the coffee house’s manager. You may even find they’ll make you a special dessert or throw in a little something extra for you.

A tea house is ideal if you can find one. They are rare in some areas and plentiful in others. If you are fortunate enough to live near one, set up your date and you practically have the whole party done for you. The atmosphere at a tea house is cozy and the food is bite sized. Depending on the tea house, you can also order more of a family style lunch or bigger sandwiches. They may even have a full menu you can choose from with heartier fare, but most ladies enjoy sipping tea with small cakes and finger sandwiches. Center your baby shower theme around whatever you are having there to work with.

If none of these options work for you, check out a local community center or historical site. Community centers are there for you, the community, to use. Many charge nothing or just a nominal donation fee. Many historical museums have rooms for the public to use. Aquariums and zoos do as well. You can set everything up and then enjoy the museum or aquatic or animal life too.

Many other venues exist that don’t charge a high fee, if anything at all. Having a baby shower at a restaurant during a non-busy time can almost ensure you the place to yourselves. Have it on a Wednesday afternoon or on a Friday at 11:00. If guests can’t take the time off, choose a weekday time right after work when the restaurant will still be less crowded rather than a Saturday or Sunday.

There’s no limit to the ideas you can come up with when you really start thinking. Don’t forget about beach side clambakes or outdoor parks if your climate allows for it. Set up the feast on picnic tables and play Frisbee and bring all the kids. Don't forget the baby shower favors! It can be a fun day that includes everyone.

For other ideas, ask recent moms at the park or playground where their baby showers were held. You may just hear of a place you never knew existed. It’s worth it to ask for word of mouth recommendations. You never know what may turn up.

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