The roaring twenties brought us the romance of the Great Gatsby, flappers, and the beginning of art deco. Today I’ve compiled a list of roaring 20’s baby names for both boys and girls.
What comes your mind when you think of the 1920’s. Some might call to mind speakeasies, women’s suffrage, and art deco. I personally loved both the art deco era which began in the mid 1920’s. Of course, the show Downton Abbey, revived a love for the 1920’s. Honestly, I loved the elegance of that era, although I probably favor Edwardian a tad more.
I personally am not a huge fan of modern names, just my personal preference. I find that vintage names are more charming and elegant. Regardless, I decided to put together a list of names from the twenties from both America and the UK. Some names were popular in both countries, while others were favored in either country.
Older Names Are Making a Come Back
Classic names like William, Charles, and Jack I think will always be stylish and regal. But over the last few years older names have been resurfacing on birth certificates. Classic names like Owen, Olivia, Caleb, Charlotte, Scarlett, and other names have resurfaced. Also recently biblical names which had not really been popular since the 1800’s and turn of the 20th century like Elijah, Josiah, and Micah have all experienced a resurgence over the last 20 years. Vintage names are timeless. That’s why I think you love these roaring 20’s baby names.
Celebrity Names
Before I share the most popular names of the 1920’s, I thought it would be interesting to share some of the most popular celebrities in the 1920’s and their names. The twenties brought with the invention of silent film and so the dawn of Hollywood made stars out of ordinary people. Let’s take a look at some well known people in the 20s.
Coco Chanel, fashion designer, owner of Chanel
Jack Dempsey, boxer
Jospehine Baker, dancer
Charles Lindbergh, aviator
Gloria Swanson, film star
Greta Garbo, actress
Georgia O’Keefe, artist
George Bernard Shaw, writer
F. Scott Fitzgerald, writer
Al Jolson, Jazz singer
Albert Einstein, scientist
Scott Joplin, musician
Charlie Chaplin, film star
Louis Armstrong, jazz musician
Henry Ford, automobile manufacturer
John Rockafeller, oil tycoon
Duke Ellington , musician
Ernest Hemingway, writer
Pablo Picasso, artist
Al Capone, gangster
Salvador Dali, artist
Daniel Guggenheim, mining mogul
Bessie Smith, blues singer
Louise Brooks, entertainer
William Morris
William Randolph Hearst, newspaper publisher
Charles Schwab, steel magnate
Andrew Carnagie, steel magnate
Now let’s take a look at some of the most popular names of the decade.
The Top Five
So what were the most popular names of the decade in each respective country. Well in the United States, the top five boy names were: Robert, John, James, William, and Charles. The top five girl names in the US were Mary, Dorothy, Helen, Betty, and Margaret.
So you’re gonna be a mama! Being a mom isn’t all mom jeans and frumpy diaper bags. Here are 10 pretty functional diaper bags to add to your registry.
Hey, friend. If you are here I’m guessing you are a new mama. Welcome to my blog where I share all about my life as a mom and try to help other mamas find their footing. One of the most important purchases you’ll make as a mom is in a diaper bag. In the beginning, you may be a little hesitant to venture out with your little one. That is totally normal. I promise that getting out is very important. In fact, you can read all about how I stay sane as a stay-ay-home mom.
In this post, I’m going to share 10 pretty functional diaper bags. Getting a great diaper bag is so important because being prepared when you are out will ensure you can get your errands and playdates done with minimal stress. Diaper bags don’t have to be frumpy. These days there are lots of cute options. As with everything on this blog, I only link to things I own, I love, or want to own. I’ll be sharing some diaper bags I adore that are owned by other mommies I know. I always do my best to recommend only the better products. Congratulations on your new baby! Let’s dig in, shall we?
This premium luxury diaper bag comes with adjustable straps to use as it as a shoulder bag or you can wear it as a backpack. I really love that option. Believe me, you will too once you have more than one child! It also comes with stroller straps and a diaper changing pad. Complete with 9 pockets, this bag has plenty of room for large items as well. It has a quilted outside pocket that is great for keeping quick things at hand. This diaper bag comes in four shades – tan, black, blush and light grey. It’s also made of cruelty-free, vegan leather.
Skip Hop bags make some of my favorite diaper bags. I really think they have a bag for every mother! This particular bag is one of my favorites. The gold metal accents make the bag look very expensive and the quilted vegan leather really makes it fashionable. This trendy diaper bag comes with stroller attachments as well. Working mamas will love this bag becomes you can even fit a laptop in it! It has two bottle pockets and a changing pad. If you are looking for a good quality mid-range bag this is a great one.
If you are trying to keep your cost down on a diaper bag, this one is my favorite. This really came in handy, but especially when we were traveling. There were occasions when bathrooms didn’t have a changing station or where there was no convenient place to change your baby. Enter the 3-1 diaper bag. This bag is pretty large measuring at almost 17″ long. It has stroller straps and a front pocket with 3 bottle pockets. Inside it has 4 inside pockets. This was really helpful for the mamas who are constantly on the go. It comes in black and a charcoal grey and has a wipe pocket on the side for easy access.
This is a really adorable, functional bag. This diaper bag comes in a large variety of colors: blush, black herringbone, black & white, handsome heather grey, coffee and cream, black with gold, and vanilla latte. Honestly the vanilla latte and the coffee and cream are my favorites. Really lovely. This diaper bag has a whopping 17 pockets. If you are like me and want everything to have a place in your diaper bag, I think you will really like this bag. One nice thing about this diaper bag is that the it has rubber feet on the bottom so when you set your diaper bag on the floor it doesn’t get dirty. Why don’t more diaper bags have that? Once I had two kids, this bag provided plenty of room for both my toddlers things, my newborn’s stuff and my own essentials. Its one of the largest ones at 18″. Comes with an easy “parent pocket” for your stuff as well as a changing mat and stroller straps. Backpack is made of faux leather for easy wiping. Itsy Ritzy has a lot of accessories they sell a la carte so you can customize your bag a bit more. I’ll include them below.
Like the Itsy Ritzy this is diaper bag is also a large capacity diaper bag with plenty of room. I really loved this bag but saw only discovered it once my youngest was growing out of the diaper stage. I love Itsy Ritzy bags because they look stylish. This one looks like a Chanel suit! This lovely diaper bag is an elegant black and white tweed with gold hardware. They also have grey and black version in vegan leather if tweed isn’t your thing. This bag also has 19 pockets both internal and external. Itsy Ritzy bags come with rubber feet on the bottom to keep your bag clean as well as a changing pad. You can purchase a pacifier holder and accessories separately.
My days as a stay-at-home mom have always been so busy. I had no idea they even made bags like this until my friend bought this one. Wow. This diaper bag is white vegan leather with cognac (dark tan) accents. This combo really gives this bag a sophisticated look. For the mama on the go you can fit a laptop in this bag and best of all, it has charging ports! I wish I had this for all the times we were traveling with little ones. That would have been so helpful! The interior of this bag is very roomy. Has insulated pockets on the inside and non insulated bottle pockets on the outside. Includes shoulder strap and stroller straps.
This sweet pink and navy diaper bag is waterproof and is a both stylish and economical choice. This large capacity bag is very spacious and features a wide mouth opening. It has a back opening for quick reach and can be attached to a stroller. On the side you have tissue and wipe holder. You can carry by the handles or wear it is a backpack.
I’ve included this diaper bag for the minimalist mama. This is for the mama that doesn’t want to carry a full diaper bag. I had a good friend from California that never wanted to carry a bulky diaper bag. Instead she used this bag which is basically a crossbody purse except it has a separate area to stash a few diapers and some wipes. In the front is a separate compartment for your things. This is also once you child gets older into the toddler years. You will find you don’t need all the baby stuff. Just diapers and wipes when you head out. This cute purse comes in blush, black, tweed, and taupe.
If you are an animal print lover, I think you’ll love this leopard print and black diaper bag. This is an inexpensive diaper bag This diaper bag is very light weight, only about a pound compared to the 2 lb weight of other bags. One thing that is nice about this bag is that it is machine washable which is why the bag is on the thin side. If you are looking for something more rugged, you may want to pick one of the more expensive bags. This bag has a bottle pockets on the front pouch and adjustable straps.
COST ON AMAZON: $30
I hope I’ve given you some ideas about some of the cute bags out there. Before you go, be sure to download my free Baby Registry Checklist to help get you started with all the things you need before baby arrives.
Ivy League schools. New England coastlines. Sailing. Nantucket. Martha’s Vineyard. Plaid. These are just some of the things I think about when I think about preppy kids. If that’s your vibe, I’ve got some cute preppy baby boy names that have Ivy League written all over them.
This post contains affiliate links. Should you make a purchase through one of the links I provide I may receive a small percentage at no cost to you.
Oh, the joy of naming a baby. I don’t know about you, but I found it hard to name my kiddos. Also, I never realized that I only had girl names picked out, so naturally, I had only boys! I actually fretted quite a bit when I was choosing the names for my boys. Admittedly, I also never expected to get pushback from family members and friends on names I was considering. I have a friend who was even pressured into giving her son a family name. It happens friend and the best advice I can give is to just brush it off and do your thing.
One of the lists I made when choosing a name was preppy baby boy names. I admit I love this style of names so I thought I’d share the list I compiled with you. I’ve also tried to give you some basic meanings when available. When I hear preppy names I kind of think about Ivy League universities and New England coastlines. I think upper-class and clout.
Before you scroll down the list, I know that you’ve got lots to do before baby arrives. That’s why I’ve created the Baby Registry Checklist to help get you started on your registry shopping list. You may also want to check out my post 10 Things You Don’t Need On Your Baby Registry.
Preppy Baby Boy Names
Alexander – though most well known for the Greek emperor Alexander the Great, Alexander is popular in many European countries
Anders – A Norse / Scandanavian version of Andrew, it was also the name of a notable physicist
August – A shortened version of Augustine, August graced three Polish Kings and also Augustus an emperor of Rome
Anderson – A more formal take on the name Andrew
Asher – A biblical name, Asher is the son of Jacob and also means happy and blessed in Hebrew
Aston – A rare name, it means East Town in Old English
Ashton – An Old English version of “Ash Tree Town”
Basil – Originally a Greek name, Saint Basil the Great was an early doctor of the church
Bastian – A suffix shortening of the name Sebastian meaning “venerable”
Beau – pronounced “Bo,” it means “beautiful” in French and has become a unisex name
Bernard – A Germanic name meaning “brave” or “bear”
Blake – An Old English name meaning “black” or “pale”
Blaine – Originally a Scottish surname meaning “yellow”
Brett – An Old English name to describe a Briton.
Brooks – Originally the English surname “Brook” it was used literally to describe someone who lived near a brook.
Bryce (or Brice) – A French name that also graced a saint
Camden – An Old English name that was originally used to describe a place like a valley.
Carlton – This is actually a variant of Charlton, meaning “settlement of free men”
Casey – Originally an Irish surname, It was also the name of hero Casey Jones, (1863-1900) who gave his life to save train passengers
Cecil – An ancient Roman name
Chauncey – A Norman surname of unknown meaning
Charles – A classic name, it is actually a derivation of the Germanic, Karl
Chase – English surname meaning ” huntsman”
Chett – A short form of Chester
Chip – Often a nickname for Charles or Christopher, this name is also occasionally used on it’s own.
Clarke – An English surname that was used to describe a cleric or scribe
Colin – Believe it or not, this is actually a shortened form of Nicolas.
Davis – A derivative of Davis
Desmond – An Irish surname describing the region from which they came
Drake – Old English surname meaning dragon or serpent
Drew – Shortened form of Andrew
Easton – English surname
Edmond – French form of Edmund. The famous bearer is Edmon Halley for whom Halley’s comment is named.
Ellis – A surname that derived from Elijah
Ferris – British surname
Forrest – English surname for someone who lived near the forest. Saw a resurgence with the movie Forrest Gump
Franklin – An English surname meaning “freeman” it was notably the name of American Statesman Benjamin Franklin president Frankling Roosevelt
Francois – The French form of Frank
George – Also considered an aristocratic name because many kings have donned the name
Graham – A Scottish surname that eventually developed into a Scottish given name
Granville – An English surname named after a place in Normandy
Hamilton – Originally an English surname meaning “crooked”
Harris – A name that derived from Harry
Harrison – A name meaning son of Harry
Horatio – most commonly associated with British Admiral Horatio Nelson who defeated Napolean at the Battle of Trafalgar
Hugh – Popular among French nobility
Hyde – An English surname used to describe someone who lived on about 100 acres
Jack – a derivation of John. In the middle ages, it was slang for “man” in the same way we use “guy” today which is why it is common in fairy tales
James – Originally a Hebrew name and used in England from the 13th century
Keaton – An English surname
Miles – Originally derived from Milo, it is a Germanic name with uncertain origins.
Montgomery – An English surname named after a mountain
Nicholas – a Greek name meaning “victory for the people”
Parker – An English surname meaning “keeper of the park”
Patton – English name deriving from Patrick
Pierce – a medieval form of Peter
Prescott – An English surname meaning “priest’s cottage”
Price – Welsh surname from Rhys
Quincy – English surname
Reid / Reed – Old English surname meaning “red”
Rhodes – Old English name meaning “cleared lands”
Royce – Medieval name meaning “rose”
Rupert – German form of Robert
Sebastian – Greek name meaning “venerable”
Spencer – Middle English for pantry or “dispenser of provisions”
Sutton – English surname meaning “south town”
Sumner – Middle English surname for someone who had to summon witnesses to court
Tanner – English occupational surname
Tate – Derived from the English name Tata
Trey – name meaning “three”
Warren – a Norman name meaning “animal enclosure”
William – A Germanic name meaning “helmet” it has graced many Kings in history
Looking for a strong, spirited name for your little guy? I’ve compiled a list of strong baby boy names that have toughness written all over them complete with meanings and a printable list.
Oh the joy of naming your little one. I can recall when we named our boys. We had such an array of different names. From biblical to family names, it’s hard to narrow down the perfect name. After all, the name your give your child will follow them forever. When it came to naming our second son, I was really undecided. Even names that were still on our list from our first son, didn’t totally appeal to me this time. It was strange. I definitely kept leaning towards stronger names.
My oldest son is so gentle and meek. He’s very obedient and tenderhearted. It seems only natural that his name is a diminutive form of John. But what to name my youngest. As it happens, my youngest son ended up being true to his namesake. He is very bold, loud and willful. His own grandmother calls him “a storm” and my husband and I tend to measure our days in hurricane categories. “How was Tristan today, honey,” my husband will ask. “He was a CAT 4! Part of the roof is missing. Our sofa is down two blocks away on the street and water and debris are everywhere.” Ha!
Seriously, I love my little guy but parenting a strong-willed child is harder than I ever imagined. I am, however, really glad we named him Tristan. It fits him perfectly. So if you are looking for a strong name for your little man, I’ve got a good list for you. Some are straight-up bad boy names, others are strong names of prophets. Yet, others have strong meanings like war, battle, and defender.
How to Choose the Perfect Name
Consider Trends
Some names are currently trendy, but in a few years they may seem very dated. On the other hand, consider that very popular names may result in having your child share the name with multiple classmates. There is nothing wrong with picking a popular name, but those issues may be problematic to you. So make sure you talk it over with your partner.
Consider It as a Middle Name
Sometimes if you and your partner disagree on a name, consider perhaps using it as a middle name instead. Sometimes names have a better ring when paired with another name
Consider Cultural and Spiritual Origins
If it is important to you, you may consider whether or not the name has spiritual or religious origins. Many names found in the Bible mean some sort of blessing from God, for example. Also, names and derivatives can be found across different cultures with different spellings and pronunciations. Take my name, Mary which is Hebrew. In Spanish it is Maria and in French, Marie. But there are also derives like Mariam, Marian and Marilyn.
Will It Be A Family Name
Sometimes it’s nice to include a name as a tribute to a family member, living or deceased. Johnny is a common family name for my family, but since my sister-in-law had also married a John, I didn’t want to trample on her ability to name her child John too. So we chose a derivative of John, Jackson.
Say The Child’s Full Name Out Loud
Say the name out loud. I had a friend who had the name Harrison picked out for her son only to realize later that the name was going to be Harry Carey which is also a name for an act of suicide! There are lots of unfortunate incidents where someone’s name also has a double meaning. Take a look at these ill-fated mishaps if you want a good laugh. Then double-check your child’s name!
Will It Be Shortened
Some names have a shortened version or nickname attached to it. My brother Matthew really disliked when people called him Matt. He always corrected people and told them it was Matthew. My poor brother has been correcting people ever since he was little. When you choose a name you may decide against it because of nicknames or shortened versions of it, so maybe be mindful about that.
Strong Baby Boy Names
Abraham (father of nations)
Ace(expert)
Anders (manly, virile)
Alexander(defender of the people)
Apollo (destroyer)
Arne (pronounced Arn-uh) (eagle)
Asger(spear of God)
Atticus(of Attica)
Axel (father of peace)
August(to increase)
Austin(exalted)
Blaze(flame)
Caleb (dog)
Cash (maker of chests)
Constantine(steadfast)
Dash(from the ash)
Destin(determined, destiny)
Diesel (people, race)
Dustin (Thor’s stone)
Gunnar(army)
Gunner (bold warrior)
Gustav(staff of the God’s)
Houston (intelligent)
Hunter (one who hunts)
Idris (prince)
Indiana (land of the Indians)
Isaiah(to save, salvation)
Ivan(God is gracious)
Jarl (chieftain)
Jeremiah(God will uplift)
Jett (black)
Joshua(God is my salvation)
Justice(Doing right by the law)
Kylo(sky)
Maddox(welsh surname)
Magnus (big, great)
Maverick(independent)
Maximus (great)
Montana(from a hilly land)
Nash(ash tree)
Odin(fury)
Osmond (divine protection)
Phoenix (dark red)
Ranger (forest guardian)
Rock(stone)
Rocco (rest)
Ryder(mounted warrior)
Thor(god of thunder)
Tristan(sad, bold, loud)
Viggo(battle)
Wilder (to cause to lose one’s way)
Zane(gift from God)
I’ve also provided a printable version of this list to help you. You can download it below.
I hope you enjoyed my list of strong baby, boy names. Before you go, take a look at my other post, Biblical Baby Boy Names and Biblical Baby Girl Names. Thanks so much for reading and congratulations on your pregnancy. In the comments, I’d love to hear about your own name. Do you love it or hate it? Do you go buy a nickname? Let me know!
Gift your little princess with a special and blessed name. Here are biblical baby girl names, complete with meanings.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
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Having a baby is such a joyous event and choosing a name is such a fun experience. The name you give your child is the first blessing they receive that’s why I think it’s so important to consider the meaning of names. The list below is from both the Old and New Testament and I’ve included the meanings to help you.
My husband and I were very much in love with the name Hannah when we were trying to get pregnant and we had it selected if we ever had a baby girl. But after two very traumatic births and two miscarriages, we felt it was time to stop having kids. Especially since I’d be over 40 when we tried again. Honestly, I was heartbroken at the thought of only having two children and no living daughters. But God was good. My sister-in-law got blessed with an unexpected pregnancy and they named their baby girl Hannah. So I still got to have a Hannah in my life! God is so good. We named the baby girl we lost after our two aunts who were barren and were very close to us, Daphne Guadalupe.
A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches and loving favor rather than silver and gold.
Proverbs 22:1
Tips for Choosing a Name
As I mentioned in my Biblical baby Boy Names post here are some tips that I found helped us during the naming process.
Be flexibleÂ
Consider if any family members should be honored
For names that are loved by one spouse and not by the other, consider using it as a middle name instead as
Consider if the name will be shortened (example: Candace = Candy / Elizabeth = Liz) and whether you want or like that
You may want to consider omitting the names of exes
Say names in full, out loud, to hear how it sounds.
A Word of Advice
I mentioned this in my Biblical baby boy names post as well because I think it’s important to remember, especially for first time mamas. Everyone is going to have an opinion about what name you choose for your child. Some people will hate the name you choose. Others will love it. Just remember that their opinion doesn’t matter. The choice is yours to make an no one else has a say-so. Don’t let other people’s opinions steal your joy from this happy moment.
Biblical Baby Girl Names
Abigail(my father’s joy)
Abijah (my father is Yahweh)
Abital(my father is the night dew)
Adina(slender & delicate)
Adah(adornment)
Agrippa(horse)
Ahna(answer)
Anne (favor, grace)
Apphia(increasing)
Aquila (eagle)
Ariel (lion of God)
Atarah(crown)
Athaliah(Yahweh is exhausted)
Bathsheba(daughter of the oath)
Bernice / Berenice (bringing victory)
Beulah(married)
Candace (queen mother)
Chloe(green shoot)
Claudia (Lame, crippled, female version of Claudius)
Deborah (bee)
Delilah(delicate, weak, languishing)
Diklah(Palm grove)
Dinah(judged)
Dorcas(gazelle)
Drusilla (female version of Dresus, strong)
Edna(pleasure)
Elisabeth/Elizabeth (my God is an oath)
Esther(star)
Eunice (good victory)
Eve (to breathe, to live)
Gomer (complete)
Hagar(flight)
Hannah(favor, grace)
Hosanna (deliver us)
Jael (mountain goat)
Jemima (dove)
Joanna(female version of John, Yahweh is gracious)
Judith(jewish woman)
Julia (female version of Julius, downy-bearded)
Keturah(incense)
Keziah (cinnamon)
Leah (weary)
Lois(more desirable, better)
Lydia (unknown meaning)
Magdalena (tower)
Mara (bitter)
Martha(the lady, mistress)
Mary(bitter)
Michal (brook)
Miriam (bitter)
Naomi (pleasantness)
Orpah (back of the neck)
Phoebe(bright, pure)
Priscilla(ancient)
Rachel (join, tie, snare)
Rhoda (rose)
Ruth (friend)
Salome(peace)
Sapphira (sapphire)
Sarah (lady, princess, noble woman)
Shiloh (tranquil)
Suzannah/Suzanna (common fate)
Tabitha (gazelle)
Tamar (date palm)
Tryphena(delicacy)
Zipporah(bird)
Biblical Baby Boy Names
Be sure to check out my other post with Biblical baby boy names, complete with meanings.
As a new parent, we never truly know what to expect. We aren’t always sure what our little one will need. Here are 10 things you don’t need on your baby registry.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
This post contains affiliate links. Should you make a purchase through one of the links I provide, I may receive a small percentage at no cost to you.
I can still recall the excitement of starting my baby registry! I was thrilled to start planning as soon as I found out we were having a baby. But as a new parent, I had no idea what I actually needed. Babies need so much and stores our out to sell you as much as possible. But there are definitely things babies don’t need. At least, you don’t need to actually put them on your baby registry. So today, I’m sharing 10 things you don’t need on your baby registry.
Some of these things sound like a good idea. But honestly, you might find yourself doing without them. Some of them aren’t practical, while others just don’t get used very often. Regardless, if you’re looking to trim down your registry, these are probably things you won’t miss.
10 Things You Don’t Need On Your Baby Registry
Wipe Warmer
I admit, I had one of these. I used to for nearly the entire time my first son was in diapers. But let me tell you that these things aren’t worth it. First, you have to buy the warmer and the pads that go inside. These pads act almost like a sponge. You keep it saturated with water to keep the wipes from drying out. The result is supposed to be a nice warm wipe for your baby’s tushy. It’s a nice idea.
In Real Life:
It’s cold before it reaches your baby’s sweet rump
The expensive pads need to be changed often
You have to constantly add water to keep them from drying out
Your child isn’t used to cold wipes when you are out of the house
It can get mildew or mold
Baby Towels
I remember building my baby registry and adding several sets of towels. Yes, they are very soft and so it makes us feel to good to protect baby’s skin, right? After all, babies have sensitive skin. I used them fairly religiously for the first month or so. But as time progressed, I ended up using what was at hand and convenient. The caveat is that I still recommend getting baby wash cloths. That matters if you are worried about baby’s skin. But the bath towels really make no difference.
In Real Life
You’ll end up using regular towels that are nearby
They outgrow the towels very quickly
Most are very thin and not very absorbent
Bottle Drying Rack
The bottle drying rack, a place to hang dry all the nipples, couplings, and bottles. It seems like a great idea and it is. But can I just be honest? I rarely used mine. First, more often than not, I ended up putting my bottles and accessories in the dishwasher. The dishwasher basket below was way more helpful. The dishwasher is easy! Furthermore, it washes the bottles with scalding hot water ensuring the bottles get well cleaned. I just the bottles and accessories in the top shelf. Even when I hand washed, the rack was rarely used.
In Real Life
You use things that are more convenient like a drying mat or dishwasher
It becomes a fixed fixture on your counter and looks like a bunch of clutter
It doesn’t really lessen the time it takes to drip dry
Walker
Okay, I know I’m gonna ruffle some feathers here. Now before I go any further, let me tell you I’m pro-walker. There are a lot of people who will tell you they are unsafe. I’m not one of them and I won’t get into that here. My son has a clubfoot and was in boots and bar for the first year of his life. We put him in the walker a lot to strengthen his legs. It has really helped him catch up on his walking. However, this post is about what you don’t NEED. I’m going to tell you right now, your baby doesn’t need a walker. Children didn’t use them for centuries and it’s a totally modern invention.
In Real Life
All children learn to walk organically by crawling and pulling themselves up to stand
Children can have accidents if mommy uses it as a babysitter
They’re bulky and take up a lot of room
Your child may hate it!
Infant Shoes
It’s true. I recall buying a few pairs with my first son. After all, those tiny little shoes are just so adorable! But in real life, they don’t serve much purpose.
While we are at it, you actually don’t need to put any clothes on your baby registry. First, stores turn over clothing stock very quickly. I found it became unavailable on a registry before my shower approached. The second reason is because people actually buy you clothes without having to ask. It’s true. Ask women to shop for a baby shower and they can’t resist clothes. They won’t buy the ones on your registry anyway. They’ll buy the cute clothes they personally see, so don’t worry about putting it on your registry.
In Real Life
Your child will likely prefer being barefoot until they are close to walking (usually around one).
They’ll be in socks and constantly skip the shoes
A Changing Table
Don’t misunderstand me. You absolutely need a place to change your baby. But when I was pregnant, I assumed I needed a changing table. You don’t. You just need a surface to change your baby and that lots of places can be utilized for that. I ended up just using a dresser. I simply put the changing pad on top. When we were done with the diaper stage, it just became a dresser again.
In Real Life
You’ll use a bed, sofa and any other soft surface at hand. You don’t need a whole extra piece of furniture.
You can use a standard dresser and just put the changing pad on top
Baby Bath Products
Yes, your baby will need his or her own bath stuff. But let me be strait with you. Here is something I never knew until I became a mom. Your baby’s skin will react to all kinds of products! I don’t care if it is specially formulated for babies or if it says hypo-allergenic on the label. The truth of it is your baby’s skin will be unpredictable to fragrance, dyes, and other irritants.
In Real Life
You will likely have to do a lot of testing, trying, and searching for the right products. Don’t worry about necessarily adding it your registry.
Your best bet will be Free and Clear detergents. Skip Dreft.
Baby Bedding Sets
When I was pregnant with my first son, I was shocked to learn that there were actual bedding sets with quilts, pillows, bumpers, etc. All of those things pose a SIDS risk to your baby. You should keep the crib free from excess bedding and stuffed animals. So don’t worry about the costly baby beddings sets.
In Real Life
All you need is a fitted crib sheet and waterproof mattress cover.
Opt for a wearable blanket or sleep sack instead
Baby Hats
As you’ve probably seen in stores, they sell little infant hats to help your little one regulate their body temperature. There are lots of ways to keep your baby warm and a hat isn’t super necessary. But here is the thing, all hospitals send you home with one and frankly, I never found that I really needed anything more than that. In fact, both my boys hated having it on. They preferred being kept warm in other ways like swaddles and long sleeves.
In Real Life
The hospital will give you one
Your baby likely won’t care for it
Crib Mobile
Ask any of your moms and grandmothers and they will swear by a mobile. It’s true that babies love mobiles. It gives them something to focus on and babble to in the crib, which in turn helps them goo-goo their way to dreamland. But mobiles are becoming less popular due to the strangulation risk they pose. At least, that’s how I felt, when my oldest son managed to pull his down. I never put it back up and neither of my sons seemed to miss it.
In Real Life
You can use other safe things to help your baby sleep like black out curtains and white noise makers.
They can be dangerous if they aren’t secure.
That’s It
Here is my last disclaimer. You’re the mama. These are just my opinions. No one should judge you if you end up buying these things and find them helpful. Every mama is different and you’ll find the things that help you on your mom journey. I hope you have a happy and safe pregnancy. Good luck, mama!
Thats it! 10 things you don’t need on your baby registry.
Don’t forget to check out my Baby Registry Checklist. I’ve even included a FREE printable checklist to help get you started. Also, don’t forget to PIN this post for later and subscribe to my blog before leaving.
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Start your son off with a blessing. Here is my list for beautiful biblical baby boy names and their meanings.
This page montage affiliate links. Should you make a purchase through a link I provide, I may receive a small percentage at no cost to you.
The joy of naming a baby is unlike any other. It’s a special season as you and your partner search for the perfect name for your new baby.
There is a beauty in blessing your child with a biblical name. The search for the perfect name is a very personal one, but I’m assuming if you’re reading this, you’re interested in some biblical baby boy names for your little man. Here are some tips before we get started.
Tips for Naming
Be flexible
Consider if any family members should be honored
For names that are loved by one spouse and not by the other, consider using it as a middle name instead.
Consider if the name will be shortened (example: Jeremiah = Jerry or Jeremy) and whether you want or like that
You may want to consider omitting the names of exes
Say names in full, out loud to hear how it sounds.
Other Advice
Choosing a name can be fun, but it can also lead to disagreements, especially if you are passionate about a name. Maybe there is a name you picked out years ago, but your partner doesn’t like it. That can be a tough pill to swallow. Therefore, I suggest praying before each naming brainstorm. Give your partner permission to veto names they truly dislike.
Lastly, picking a name is a very special event in having a child. Your child’s name will follow him all of his life and may even be passed down. I hope that you enjoy the process of naming your little. Finally, here is the best advice, I can give. Lots of people, family included, will have an opinion about the name you choose. But their opinion doesn’t matter. That’s between you and the child’s father. Don’t let anyone’s comments bother you or rob you of joy.
Biblical Baby Boy Names
Here is my favorite list of biblical baby boy names with the meanings in parenthesis.
Aaron (high mountain, exalted)
Abel(breath)
Abraham (father of many)
Adam(man, to make)
Amos(load, burden)
Andrew(manly, masculine)
Asa(healer)
Asher(happy, blessed)
Barnabas(son of the prophet)
Bartholomew(son of Talmai)
Benjamin(son of the right hand)
Boaz(swiftness)
Caleb(dog)
Daniel(God is my judge)
David(beloved)
Eder (flock)
Eleazar (my God has helped)
Eli (ascension)
Elijah(My God is Yahweh)
Elisha(My God is my salvation)
Emmanuel(God is with us)
Ethan(solid, enduring, firm)
Ezekiel(God will strengthen)
Gabriel(God is my strong man)
Gideon(feller, hewer)
Hosea (salvation)
Isaac(to laugh)
Isaiah(salvation)
Jacob(subplanter)
Jadon (he will judge)
James(subplanter)
Jared(descent)
Jehoshaphat(Yahweh has judged)
Jehu (Yahweh is he)
Jeremiah(Yahweh will exalt)
Jesse (Gift)
Jethro (Abundance)
Joel(Yahweh is God)
John(Yahweh is gracious)
Jonah(dove)
Jonathan(Yahweh has given)
Joseph (He will add)
Joshua(Yahweh is salvation)
Josiah(Yahweh supports)
Judah(praise)
Jude(praise)
Kenan(possession)
Lazarus(my god has helped)
Levi (joined, attached)
Luke (light giving)
Malachi(my angel)
Matthew(gift of Yahweh)
Mark(the Roman God of Mars, warrior)
Micah(who is like Yahweh)
Michael(who is like Yahweh)
Mordecai(servant of Marduk)
Moses(son)
Nathan(he gave)
Nathanael(he has given)
Nicodemus(victory)
Noah (rest, repose)
Omar(speaker)
Paul (Small, humble)
Peter(Stone)
Philip(friend of horses)
Phinehas(Nubian)
Ram(exalted)
Raphael (to heal)
Rueben(behold, a son)
Reuel(friend of god)
Samson (sun)
Samuel(god has heard)
Saul(asked for, prayed for)
Seth(appointed)
Silas (forest, wood)
Simon(he has heard)
Stephen(crown)
Thomas(twin)
Timothy(to honor God)
Titus(title of honor)
Tobias(Yahweh is good)
Uriah(Yahweh is my light)
Uzziah(my power is Yahweh)
Zachariah(Yahweh remembers)
Before you go
Don’t forget to PIN this list for later. Visit mt other baby names posts like Biblical Baby Girl Names and Strong Baby Boy Names. Before you go, be sure to grab my Baby Registry Checklist. It comes with a FREE printable to get your registry started. Also, in the comments below, I’d love to hear what names you love and why.
It’s hard to know just what what to buy before baby gets here. So I’ve made it easy with a FREE downloadable Baby Registry Checklist.
This post contains affiliate links. Should you make a purchase through one of the links I provide, I may receive a small percentage at no cost to you. Your support helps offset the costs incurred with this blog. See my full disclosure policy for more details.
Hey there girlfriend! Congratulations on getting prego! Having a baby can be very exciting, but it’s also overwhelming. It’s hard to know exactly when and how to get started.
Well, I have done a lot of the hard work for you. As a mama of two, I’m sharing easy baby registry checklist to help get you started. There are lots of things I could add to this list, but I kept it to the main essentials that you need.
When To Start Planning
Having a baby is expensive and it takes lots of preparation. My best advice is not to wait until the end. As a mommy of two preterm babies, you just never know when your baby will get here. My advice is to do a little every week. As you may already know, you feel so terrible in your first trimester so you may not feel well enough to start prepping for baby. In your last trimester, you will be very uncomfortable with every passing week. You probably won’t feel like setting up a nursery in the last month or two. Therefore, my advice is to do most of the work in your second trimester when you feel relatively good.
Tips
Ask close family to go in together on big gifts or compile gift cards
Consider buying unisex colored items for future children
Don’t add too many clothes to your registry. You won’t have to twist anyone’s arm to buy you lots of cute clothes, even if it’s not on the registry.
You may omit breastfeeding items if you are exclusively formula feeding. However, you may want to consider keeping bottle feeding items on your registry even if you’re breastfeeding. Pumping allows daddy and other family members to relieve you from nursing.
Don’t be afraid to register at as many stores as you want. Most stores offer a completion discount shortly after your shower date passes.
Your registry should include everything you need for the first year.
Where to Shop
Babies R Us, used to be the go-to place for baby registries. But with that gone, you may need to spread your registry over several stores. My favorites include:
I hope you have a wonderful and safe pregnancy! In the comments below, I’d love to hear if you’re expecting a boy or a girl and what you are most excited about. Congratulations!
Life changes when your child enters NICU (Natal Intensive Care Unit). Please welcome guest writer, Kira McCloskey, a brave mother of two who is sharing 5 Tips To Survive NICU.
Photo Courtesy of Pixabay
Expecting your first baby is always so exciting. We found out we were having a boy and we would name him Kolton Rian. The middle name (pronounced like Ryan) was after my aunt’s son who lived 2 days in the NICU. It was a way of remembering and honoring him. Around 28 weeks, I started to experience intense fatigue. I went to my doctor and they noticed my blood pressure has risen quite a bit and my urine was showing traces of protein. They put me on medicine and I stayed 2 nights in the hospital for observation. I was also given a steroid to help develop his lungs in case of an early delivery.
We returned home and things were ok. I was told to stay on bed rest and as fun as that sounds it was so difficult for someone who wants to be out and about to do things. At 31 weeks and 5 days I couldn’t wake up. I mean I did wake up, but my body was so weak I had barely any strength to open my eyes. I went to the doctors office right away.
5 Tips To Survive NICU
Tip #1: Listen To Your Body
If you are feeling like this go straight to the hospital, not the doctors office. They admitted me and told me I had pre-eclampsia. I slept that night at the hospital with cords and machines all over the place to monitor me and baby.
That morning I was awaken by a female doctor who I have never seen. She explained the severity of pre-eclampsia and told me that they needed to do a C-section right away. I was puzzled. Do 31 week old babies survive? I had no idea! All I could think of was to ask my husband if our baby would live. He had talked to the staff prior and they explained to him how the NICU works and of course the worse case scenario. I remember asking God to keep him alive. I didn’t care if he would have a disability from being born so early, I just wanted him to live.
Leaving to the NICU
I went into the operating room shortly after and went through the typical process of a C section. I remember asking the strangest questions. It’s funny how we don’t think straight during stressful times. Once he was out, I heard a tiny baby cry and he was immediately taken to a baby NICU bed where they started administrating tubes and his ivy. I knew this was best for him but the thought of not being with him, if he in fact were to take his last breath, at any moment, was the daunting part. I had to prepare myself for any outcome, by accepting this situation and with my faith, I was able to stay calm before he was wheeled away.
After recovery I was taken to see him in the NICU. I don’t remember much. I was disillusioned from everything. He was tiny, yes, but he was moving around and his numbers on the screen were all good. Honestly, at the point I felt relaxed. Although he had a road ahead of him, he was stable right now.
#2: Take some time away from the NICU for yourself
After the first week he was showing major improvements. I felt at this point it might be a good idea to start integrating into a normal life. We decided to go to dinner outside of the hospital. I got my nails done one afternoon and I went home to get some sleep.
It could be just a nap or maybe coffee with a friend, but it’s so important to get outside of the NICU for a little bit. Everyone grieves differently; some in silence and some with an audience. However you feel is appropriate for you. Allow yourself some time to do it. You can also call the NICU to get check ups on baby.
Courtesy of Pixabay
Tip #3: Capture the Moment
You may be taking photos and they aren’t exactly what you had in mind but they are part of your journey. Take pictures to compare progress and know that as your baby gets stronger the pictures will be a reminder of how tiny they once were.
Other ideas could be to journal, create a small craft with their foot print or crochet a blanket. I just recommend taking something from this moment to hold on to. In most cases, you can decorate their area. I created a scrapbook and it has his beanie and (new) tubing that he had on and a preemie diaper so I could show him how tiny he was. If you prefer to post on social media, it may be best to have someone whom you trust post at the beginning or any sensitive information you are willing to share. I will warn you and say that some people say the most insensitive comments and sometimes they don’t realize it.
Tip #4: Celebrate the Milestones
It will keep your spirits up and you can start to see how much your baby is growing. One thing I personally felt got my son hitting milestones is kangaroo care. It’s skin to skin contact. He took the most flawless naps this way. You share your body temperature as well as your scent with the baby; and yes dad can do this too! Also encourage family and friends not to stroke a baby but rather cup their hands under their feet and on top of their head. Some nurses will actually tell people not to touch the babies because it over stimulates them
Tip #5: Stay Patient
Your growing baby wants to be home with you too. They need this care right now and eventually the day will come to go home. My son struggled with feedings and that was his last hu. I can’t even explain how it is to be so close to the finish line to have one thing hold discharge up. You have to remember they aren’t just small their insides are still growing.
Support That Helped Me
Threads of Love: they provide hand made items such as preemie clothing or booties. Check out your local chapter and get in touch with a volunteer. Every chapter is different and they provide this through a ministry of love.
Seek an online support group. Ask your nurse if their NICU has one.
Be friendly and make friends with your neighbors in the NICU. Do not compare baby’s progress though.
See if you can have a professional photographer come in, especially for long term stays. If you are on a budget, ask if they have NICU rates.
Always ask. Many people want to help but don’t know how. Communicate that you really need some rest and if they could hang out in the NICU while you took a nap or that you could really use a meal from your favorite restaurant (mine was Chic Fil A with a lemonade). Don’t expect people to read your mind. It’s hard for them as it is for the parents.
Happy Endings
Kolton ended up staying 31 days in the NICU. He was 4 pounds 6 ounces at birth and he left weighing over 5 pounds. The beeping noises of the NICU will forever play a huge part of the experience. The NICU is a precious place; they give babies special care to thrive and live. If you find yourself in the NICU know that you are not alone and this isn’t a place to blame yourself. Pregnancy has its ups and downs for everyone. We are encountered with challenges in our life and we have a choice to see our glass half full or half empty. Stay strong. Stay preemie strong!
I want to thank Kira for sharing her brave story. I too had NICU Preterm Babies and I wholeheartedly agree with every piece of advice. As Kira said, know that you aren’t alone. I hope 5 Tips to Survive NICU brings you comfort. If you are currently going through this situation, I’d love to hear what helps you in the comments.
I had gestational diabetes with all my pregnancies. It can be overwhelming to manage your special diet. So today, I’m sharing a Gestational Diabetes Trackers to help you keep track of protein and carbs.
If you’ve been recently diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes, I know how deflated you might feel. You might feel that is incredibly unfair and it may suck away much of the joy of the joy of being pregnant. But I think the most common feeling is that of being overwhelmed. Because you will find yourself having to test your blood several times a day and adhere to strict a diet. Geez! Talk about taking all the fun out of being prego!
Before you get down on yourself, let’s talk about what gestational diabetes is. Being overweight may increase the chances of gestational diabetes, but it is not the cause. The cause is actually a protein secreted by your placenta that can make your body resistant to insulin. Insulin is a naturally occurring chemical made by the pancreas to regulate sugar in your bloodstream. High sugar can cause serious pregnancy complications. Since I’m not a health professional, I encourage you to speak to your doctor about the specific risks involved.
Getting Started
Your doctor or nutritionist will give you specific guidelines to follow regarding the amount of carbs and protein you should have. It is important to note, you still need some amount of carbs. Ketosis is not the goal. The goal instead is to have steady, regulated blood sugar. Additionally, it is also important to note, your body is most sensitive to sugar in the morning. No more pancakes, waffles, muffins, French toast or donuts. I know! It’s no fun! Think protein heavy breakfasts like bacon and eggs.
Photo by Eiliv-Sonas Aceron on Unsplash
The first few weeks living with GD can be hard. Not every pregnancy is the same. My intolerance to carbs was different with each pregnancy. The foods also vary. I was able to eat thin crust meat lovers pizza, but a salad with some tortilla chips spiked my sugar. It will be a lot of trial and error in those first few weeks. That’s why keeping track of your foods and what they contain (carbs and protein) can be extremely helpful. Writing it down will allow you to see patterns in the food you eat.
When I was pregnant with my first son, I made these spreadsheets. There were weeks where I had some high blood draws. Having a diary of what I ate was helpful to show the doctor what had caused it. Sometimes, there were sensible reasons why it was high – and that it wouldn’t be happening again.
Using the Gestational Diabetes Trackers
The Gestational Diabetes Food Log contains three meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner. You will also noticed there are three snacks. Snacks are typical on a GD diet. Small snacks between meals may help stabilize your blood sugar. You are always required to have a snack before bed so your fasting blood draw isn’t high. Your health professional will tell you how many snacks you should have.
I’m also providing a Gestational Diabetes Blood Sugar Tracker. Most doctors will either provide a glucometer or provide a script for one. Some doctors may have you log your blood sugar results. That’s where a blood sugar tracker can come in handy. In my case my glucose meter stored the results and was downloaded by my doctor. Once downloaded, I couldn’t go back and look at old results. So writing it down was necessary so I could go back and remember which foods worked and which spiked my blood sugar. Either way, I know this will help you!
Gestational Diabetes Trackers
If you have Gestational Diabetes, you may be overwhelmed by tracking your blood sugar and the foods you eat. I’ve made it simple for you! These two Gestational Diabetes Trackers will help you monitor your blood sugar and your gestational diabetes diet. Tracking your food along with your blood sugar will allow you to see patterns in how certain foods affect your glucose levels. This set contains…
