The first thing to check before buying any bib is the softness. Since baby bibs are often used to wipe up after mealtimes, it is so important that they be soft against a baby’s delicate skin. The best bibs are those made of thick cotton. They will hold up well even after multiple washings and will quickly become any baby’s favorite. For mothers who are concerned about the eco-friendliness of a baby’s attire, find those that are marked organic and are colored with natural dyes. While these were once hard to come by, many baby specific retailers now offer options that meet these criteria.

Here are some cotton baby bibs.

Some of the most memorable baby bibs are those that reflect the sense of humor of the giver or the recipient. With so many funny baby bibs to choose from, you can easily find one that is right up your alley. To give any newborn a sneak peek into the world that awaits him, consider a bib that is made to look like a one-piece shirt and tie combination or perhaps a tuxedo for special occasions. Funny sayings are a perennial favorite, and bibs with in jokes about a parent’s profession will add a personal touch to any gift.

If you are looking for a baby bib that is a bit more universal, baby bib patterns can be found that will match stroller blankets, nursery themes or even a dining room’s décor. For themed showers, finding a bib that will match the theme of the party will ensure that it is something that the mother will like and enjoy using at mealtimes. An additional benefit of the patterned baby bib is its resistance to showing stains, making them a great choice for dinners out or occasions where photographs will be taken throughout the meal. A baby bib pattern will look as good as new from the first bite to the last.

In addition to patterned styles, almost every popular children’s’ character today has their own line of baby bibs. Pass on your love of classic children’s characters with bibs featuring their likeness, or find a bib that matches their favorite toy to make wearing it more fun. Do remember that some of these feature sewn on characters, so read online reviews where available to make sure that they wash well.

Here are some hand made custom baby bibs.

Custom baby bibs are the perfect way to commemorate birthdays or other milestones in a young child’s life. Customized bibs are wonderful keepsakes that a mother can cherish. If you are so inclined, blank baby bibs can be easily customized with an at-home embroidery kit. For those who do not have the time or the skills necessary for do it yourself customization, there are many services that offer embroidery or screen printing to order. Send your favorite photograph or saying and in just a few weeks, a one-of-a-kind baby bib will be delivered. In most cases, this personalization will cost just a few extra dollars but the exact cost will depend on the number of words or the intricacy of the pattern.

Though they are less collectable, more and more parents are requesting disposable baby bibs. These baby bibs are particularly useful when traveling, as they will take up little space in a bag and will not need to be laundered. Most disposable bibs are sold in cases at a low cost. These plain baby bibs are considered lifesavers for on-to-go parents, or for picnics and other mealtimes away from home.

Here are some Baby Bjorn bibs.

The last bib styles of note are the Baby Bjorn bibs. New parents swear by Baby Bjorn for their durable, safe and high quality products and this bib lives up to this reputation. Available in a number of colors, the Baby Bjorn bib is made of a soft, plastic like material that can easily be washed in a dishwasher. At the bibs bottom, there is a pocket designed to catch dropped and spilled food that cuts clean up time and keeps high chairs and clothing relatively stain free. Baby Bjorn bibs are a favorite of both parents and children, and any new mother would be thrilled to receive one at her shower.

Regardless of the occasion, baby bibs make the perfect gifts. Whether you are celebrating a baby’s imminent arrival, first birthday, or would just like to give a “thinking of you” gift, bibs are a thoughtful present that will not break the bank.

Feeding Your Baby Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

Let your baby do most of the work. Babies will restlessly squirm or cry to let you know that they are hungry and you should do your best to provide the breast milk or formula when they demand it.  The more in tune with your babies needs you are the less they will whine and cry about not being fed.

Baby Feeding with a Bottle

In order to establish a close bond with your baby you should always make sure to hold them while they eat whether it is from a bottle or from your breast. You should allow the baby enough freedom to move their arms and legs but you should be careful not to jiggle or shake them while they are eating.

Even though it may be fun to play with your baby it is generally not a good idea to do so while they are eating. Hold your bottle feeding baby or breast feeding baby close to you and make sure they are comfortable and can see your face clearly. Let the baby control the amount of food and do not force them to eat if they don’t want to.

When to Start Your Baby on Solid Foods

Babies can’t live off breast milk and formula forever. Eventually there comes a time when they must learn to eat more solid foods. Generally you will want to start introducing solid foods into your baby’s diet around 4-6 months of age and will want to gradually add new types of food over the course of the next 6 months. You want to wean your baby off of the formula and the breast milk, but don’t ever add solid foods to the baby bottle.

The Kidco Baby Feeding Dish

As you introduce solid foods into your babies diet do so one food at a time. Babies need to take things slow and you need to make sure they aren’t allergic to different foods before you start feeding it to them regularly. As you feed your baby maintain eye contact and offer each spoonful at a moderate pace. Don’t rush your baby into eating and make sure to keep their area and face as clean as you can. Speak to your baby with encouraging and quiet tones.

If you’re feeding your baby with canned or jarred baby feeding products make sure to never feed them directly from the container. Take out enough food for the baby’s meal and then store the rest away. Jars and cans can have foreign bacteria on them that you wouldn’t want your baby to ingest.  Also remember that babies are more sensitive to heat, so if you are going to serve them heated food, give it to them warm.

Meal Time Should Be Fun and Loving

You will probably find that feeding your baby comes naturally. You want to make the process of meal time as fun and loving as possible so that you can build a strong bond with your baby early in his life. Keep a close eye on him for any reactions and avoid foods like honey, overly salted or sweetened foods, and enriched formula until they are old enough to handle them.