7 Frugal & Adorable DIY Halloween Costumes for Baby

Halloween is fast approaching so what better way to bring in October than with some baby costume cuteness!

With the price of costumes seemingly on the rise, why not create unforgettable moments by making the costumes yourself! Here are 7 of the cutest DIY costumes on the net. The materials can be found in or around your home so it's all at little or no cost to you! Check them out then share your own DIY costumes in the comments section.

1,  Chucky and Bride of Chucky. How adorable is this dual costume! This 90's pop culture phenomenon is bound to be recognized by both adults and children alike. Besides 2 adorable tots all you need to complete the look is:

For him:
- jumper and striped shirt
- black & white converse sneakers
- (if you really want to get into it) rubber knife

For her:
- white dress
- black shoes or boots
- black jacket
- black ribbon to be used as choker
- black lipstick

2.  Minion. The beloved Minion is such a great and easy costume idea. All you need to complete the look is pictured:

- jean jumper
- yellow t-shirt
- black string and 2 circle rings for the goggles
- black boots
- (if you really want to get into it) yellow non-toxic body paint


3. Cruella Deville. Who wouldn't recognize this well-known Disney villain in all her adorableness?! While this look may require a little more work, if your up for the challenge you will need:

- red lipstick and black eyeliner
- red shoes
- string of faux pearls
- cigarette holder
- bangle bracelets
- black and white stockings
- Dalmatian print scarf or fabric
- black/white wig
- (if you really want to get into it) a live Dalmatian puppy




4, Biker Dude. Check out this little cutie in this super easy costume! All you need to complete this bad boy look is:

- red bandanna
- sticker tattoos
- brown eyeliner (for mustache/beard)
- blue jeans
- black boots
- (if you really want to get into it) stroller decorated to resemble a motorcycle




5. Harry Potter. Who wouldn't recognize this adorable baby wizard?! He will definitely put a spell on all with this magical getup.  The only thing needed here is:

- maroon and yellow striped scarf
- khaki pants
- black glasses frames
- gray sweater vest
- white long sleeved shirt
- (if you really want to get into it) black cape and wand




6. Charlie Brown. Everyone from young to old will be able to guess the beloved children's character known across generations in adorable getup. It's super easy and only requires a few items:

- Yellow shirt
- black tape to create zig zags
- black shorts
- yellow socks
- brown shoes
- snoopy stuffed animal
- (if you really want to get into it) dress up the other children as the cast of Peanuts!



7.  Hannibal Lector. This 80's villain is sure to still scare in 2015, although in this case he is frighteningly adorable! This getup will require a lot of material and a lot of creativity, so if you are up for a challenge here are the supplies you will need to make it happen:

- orange pants and shirt
- sneakers
- black straps or ties
- cardboard box
- Hannibal Lecter mask (you may have to purchase)
- white sheet or sweater to make straitjacket
- small dolly
- (if you really want to get into it) dress up as an asylum nurse





So there you have it! 7 adorable, creative, creepy, cute costumes that you can make from the comfort of your own home. Save the money you would have spent on a costume and put it towards something more useful - like a SnuggleBunz!

How to “Go Green” without Spending too Much Green

Going green shouldn't mean going broke! There are small things you can do that will in fact save you money - not cost you it. Here is a list of some hacks you can try to make your home, baby, and body happier and greener.

• Instead of buying organic, buy from a farmers market. The produce is locally sourced in most cases and less expensive than grocery stores! If you want to take it a step even further and try out your green thumb, plant a vegetable garden. The seeds are practically free in comparison. 
• Cloth diaper. If you have a baby try cloth diapering. Cost efficient and reusable, cloth diapering is great for the environment and the patterns are adorable! 
• Turn it off and unplug it if your aren't using it! One of the biggest things I learned in my travels to Europe is that they are very conscious of the energy they use. If a room or electronic is not in use, the lights are turned off and the devices are unplugged. A great habit to get into. 
• Make your own cleaning products! Yes. Instead of spending tons buying organic and chemical free products, try making your own. Surprisingly easy to do and much cheaper. A great article to get you started can be found here.
• Use the outside to regulate temperature on the inside. Open your curtains to allow light and warmth into a room and close them if you want it to be cooler. This along with keeping the thermostat at a set temperature, saves money and energy.
• Stop using paper towels! Switch to washcloths, rags and towels. These items are reusable and cost nothing. Only keep paper towels on hand for jobs that absolutely require them (like cleaning up grease). 

These are just a few ways to get started. There are some great resources available if you want to eat, breathe and live green. Here are some websites that can help on your journey:

www.earth911.com

www.treehugger.com

www.sustainablebabysteps.com 

What are other ways to go green? Share your going green wins and fails below!

The only 3 baby registry items you need!

When pregnant with your first child you basically want it all when it comes to furnishing their needs. Fancy travel systems, a bassinet, clothes and shoes, wipe warmers, diaper genies, and the list goes on of items you will quickly learn are useless! That fancy travel system is so big and bulky it is soon replaced by a compact stroller and baby carrier, those outfits and shoes are outgrown so fast, baby doesn't even have a chance to wear them, the bassinet just ends up being decoration in the master bedroom, and the rest of it ends up being sold on craigslist or packed away and re-gifted at the next baby shower. 

Here's how you avoid the unnecessary -  ask for these 3 simple things:

1. Gift Cards. The most convenient and most appreciated gift! Lets mom and dad buy the things they want for the baby and saves you time and energy looking for the "perfect gift."

2. Diapers. You can't go wrong with diapers! When in doubt go up a size. Diapers can be exchanged and will always come in handy. 

3. Bibs. Babies can go through up to 6 bibs per day, especially once they start teething and eating solids. Bibs are a babies best friend!

What were your must have baby items?! What did you find you could or couldn't live without? Share in the comments section. 

Babywearing for the Win! Beginners Guide.

In honor of International Babywearing Week, we'd like to pay homage to a practice that dates back to ancient times. A thousands year old tradition of parents using anything from scarves, blankets, cloth, and shawls to wrap up their little ones so they could do chores, travel on foot, and anything else that required the need for their hands to be free.


Today, babywearing is not as popular in modern countries, thanks to the invention of the stroller, but it has evolved to include not only wraps, but a huge assortment of pouches, ring slings, water slings, Mei Tais, and ergonomic carriers.  The preferred method differs from parent to parent but the overall purpose is the same: to keep your babies close.

Here are 5 different types of carriers and the benefits they provide to your baby. 

1. Pouch Slings. A favorite among new babywearers as it is a quick, easy solution. When sized correctly, a pouch can be put on in about 10 seconds, with no adjusting, buckling or tying – just place baby in and you're ready to go. 

2. Buckle Carriers. Loved by moms of babies and toddlers for many of its benefits including ergonomic support, usability from infancy to toddler, ergonomic comfort, gender friendly and can be easily shared by wearers of different sizes, This carrier is easy to put on and the buckles provide an extra sense of safety. 








3. Mei Tais. These carriers are a cross between a buckle carrier and a wrap. With no bulky padding at the waist or shoulders, they have a more simple and natural feel. Also they are simpler to use than wraps and are easy to put on. They are super versatile and can be used in almost any position you can think of (front, back, or hip).

4. Ring Slings. Another great carrier option for babies and toddlers alike. They are easy to use, quick to get on and off, and come in a gorgeous array of colors and fabrics. They make great infant front carriers and, as your little one grows, they are terrific for hip carries. Ring slings are easily adjustable and long lasting.

5. Wraps. Wraps are hands-down the most versatile baby carrier on the market. While many babywearers initially find wraps intimidating, finding the wrap love can be a revelation! No other carrier offers the comfort and versatility of a great wrap.








Are you now ready to go out and purchase your first ring sling? How about an ergonomic carrier? Is a wrap or Mei Tai more your style? No matter what you choose, make sure it is a great fit for you AND baby. 

Do you already babywear? Whats your favorite carrier?  I personally have two! I love the convenience of my Ergo carrier and the stylishness and femininity of my soft ring sling.  Share yours in the comments section below. 

#wearallthebabies 


For more information about baby wearing, carriers and International Babywearing Week visit http://babywearinginternational.org/

5 Ways to Reduce the Risk of SIDS

Perhaps every new parent's biggest fear in the months following birth is that their baby may die of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). According to the Mayo Clinic SIDS is defined as the unexplained death, usually during sleep, of a seemingly healthy baby less than a year old. SIDS is sometimes known as crib death because the infants often die in their cribs. The anxiety and panic that this fear causes can lead to many sleepless nights. 

A combination of physical and sleep environmental factors can make an infant more vulnerable to SIDS and may vary from child to child. Some of these include low birth weight, brain abnormalities, placing baby on it's stomach or side to sleep, and allowing baby to sleep on a soft surface among several other factors. 



The risk of SIDS can be reduced and here are 5 ways to do it:

1. Keeping the babies crib bare so that their are no objects, such as blankets, bumpers or stuffed animals, that could interfere with their breathing. 
2. Putting baby to sleep alone as they can suffocate if in an adult bed. Parents can opt for a bassinet or mini crib in their bedroom but shouldn't place baby in bed with them. 
3. Breastfeed. Babies who are breastfed in the first six months have a lowered risk of SIDS. 
4. Offer a pacifier. Sucking on a pacifier at naptime and bedtime may reduce the risk of SIDS, but if your baby isn't interested don't force it. Try again another day. 
5. Keep baby warm while sleeping. Babies can easily overheat so avoid thick blankets and opt for sleep sacks or other sleeping clothes instead.

Although the SIDS rate has dropped dramatically over the years, there are approximately 2,500 infants who die of SIDS every year in the U.S., and SIDS is the third leading cause of infant mortality. Taking pre- and post natal precautions to decrease the risk is of utmost importance. You can read more about SIDS at the Mayo Clinics site here.