This is the year 2014, but for whatever reason, new moms are still doing the exact same things that their friends did in ’05, and their mothers did in ’85. Let’s move towards the future…

Most moms these days find out they’re pregnant and 4 months later they’re perusing the aisles of Buy Buy Baby or Baby’s R Us with a scanner for their baby registry. Then, a few short months later they’re surrounded by 70 of their closest lady friends oohing and ahhing and the exact same baby things that their colleague got at her baby shower and everyone is eating crust-less sandwiches and enjoying melt away mints. Let’s shake it up!

You’re not the same person as your best friends, your sister, or your colleagues, so why should your pregnancy and the celebration of your new baby be the same as theirs?

Top 5 reasons we’re stuck in this monotony:

  • Franchise, big name stores lack diversity and innovation
  • It’s considered “rude” to plan your own shower
  • Many new moms lack knowledge about the what, why, and where for the best baby gear on the market & just register according to lists
  • We don’t know any better
  • We don’t know how to change it

Here’s my solution…a “Pinterest Pregnancy”

Having a Pinterest Pregnancy, Austin Moms Blog

Create boards on Pinterest for your family and friends to view so they know your style, your nursery vision, and what you like. Plus, you can “pin” items from top baby brands that can’t be found in mainstream baby stores! Share these boards on Facebook and let your friends and family know that you’d like to do things differently and you don’t plan on “registering”. Also, I understand that traditionally it’s poor etiquette to request gifts for showers, be it your wedding or a baby shower, but let’s be honest- babies are expensive! Your friends and family are happy to celebrate with you and they’re happy to help you get the things you need to make the transition from married lady to mommy smooth.

Board 1: Baby Showerbabycake

  • Pin ideas for your dream cake, cupcakes, or treats
  • Pin color schemes you like
  • Pin your favorite party foods
  • Pin shower games you think might be fun (some even included printables for your gracious host)
  • Pin creative invites that drop the hint for your style
  • Pin hints regarding what you want the guest list to be like- coed, family/friends, or if you’re like me…the whole universe is invited to celebrate!

Board 2: Nursery Ideas

If you’re like me, you’ve probably been pinning cute pictures for a vintage nursery, a rock/glam nursery, a cowboy nursery, etc., but create a new board that’s streamlined and reflects the style and vision you have for this particular baby. This helps those friends & family members who’d like to get you a monogrammed blanket or a glider that need to know your color scheme.

  • Pin your crib or bassinet
  • Pin a rug or two
  • Pin nursery art that’s easy to get a hold of from places like Etsy or other online retailers
  • Pin examples of gliders, rockers, stools, etc.
  • Pin sheets you like (3-4 sets of organic sheets!) and even window treatments
  • Pin lamps and chandeliers
  • Pin bookshelves, toy bins, and closet organizers
  • Pin diaper changing stations and baskets
Photo from US Magazine

Board 3: Baby Registry

Registering for a new baby can be overwhelming to any new mom, especially when there’s so many resources for “Must Haves”, and they all have conflicting information. Have no fear, you can hire a Maternity Concierge inexpensively to help with your registry or follow these tips for “pinning” your perfect registry (and suggested brands to search):

  • Pin a stroller (Uppababy or Bugaboo)AIO green
  • Pin the carseat/carrier (Nuna Pipa or Maxi Cosi)
  • Pin the bottles you’ll use (I LOVE Mimijumi and Dr. Brown’s glass)Dr Browns Glass Bottle
  • Pin the cloth diapers you want if you’re a cloth diaper mama (search Fuzzibunz, Smart Snugs and Kangacare)
  • Pin a diaper pail (DIY options or I love the Ubbi)
  • Pin the baby wearer or sling you think you’ll like or pin several (Happy Baby Wrap or Baby K’tan)
  • Pin an infant bath & bath toys (I love Angelcare and Boon, plus the Blooming Bath flower)
  • Pin products for bath, diaper cream, skin, etc. (use organic only! Earth Mama, Little Twig, or Original Sprout are great)
  • Pin babyproofing items (Rhoost products are no adhesive, no screws and 100% nontoxic)
  • Pin clothes you like
  • Pin swaddles and swaddle sacks (Woombie and Swaddledesigns are personal faves)
  • Pin a bumbo, a bouncer, and/or a swing
  • Pin a diaper changer (I love the PateMM Pad and the Keekaroo Peanut Changer)

Would you do a “Pinterest Pregnancy”?

If you don’t already, follow Austin Moms Blog on Pinterest, HERE!

PinterestPregnancy

 

 

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