Looking for The New Parent Handbook?

Surprise! Squidoo moms and dads have written that manual together

It's here. And it's free.
I know: it was poor planning on the part of Mother Nature: giving you a complex piece of equipment like a baby without so much as a pamphlet full of operating instructions. So here you are, frantically searching the Internet for baby care information (or possibly tips on getting the baby out in the first place). Lucky for you, you've stumbled upon this page at Squidoo because I've created a quick guide to some of the fabulous parenting lenses that can be found at Squidoo. The result is this lens.

Because you and your baby will be going through all kinds of exciting changes during the months and years ahead this lens is organized into the following modules, which follow each age and stage as well as a couple of key themes:

1. Maybe a Baby.... (conceiving of becoming parents)

2. Positively Pregnant (pregnancy)

3. The Gear Guide (shopping for baby)

4. Oh, Baby! (baby's first year)

5. Toddler Mania (ages one and two)

6. Parent Zone (parenting info)

7. Activity Guide (activities for kids and parents to do together)

8. Family Travel Guide (family travel info)

9. Projects and Causes (charity walks and other family projects)

10. When Life Has Other Plans (unexpected circumstances)

Note: This lens was compiled in the days before Squidoo Groups. I try to keep it current by adding newer lenses. I always welcome your suggestions for additions. Thanks.

Maybe a Baby....

Is there a good time to have a baby? How do you know if you're parent material? What should you expect once you start trying to conceive?

Get Ready to Get Pregnant: Think of this lens as "what to do before you get pregnant" -- a his-and-hers guide to health issues to contemplate before embarking on Project Baby.

Positively Pregnant

Excited? freaked out? both? join the crowd!

What to Exclude When You're Expecting: Lensmaster Monica Moody is my new best friend -- and not just because she wrote such nice things about The Mother of All Pregnancy Books in her lens (because, face it, we authors live for that stuff). It's because I love her writing style and her wacky sense of humor -- and the fact the she still has a sense of humor even though she has two toddlers. The woman is a survivor. Her pregnancy guide is too funny -- and her spinoff Baby Poop 101 lens featuring a poop decoder is a must-read (although I worry that some Type A+++ new parent is going to start screaming at the thought of blue poop and forget to click through on the link to Smurfville). Personally I thought "blue poop" meant "ate blue crayon." Shows what I know about poop. (Celine would be so disappointed in me.)
What to Do First When You Find Out You're Pregnant: Lensmaster Kimberly Dawn Wells, aunt-to-be, has pulled together a list of pregnancy websites, books, DVDs, t-shirts, calendars, and other resources that she hopes will be helpful to Kate and Elvis, the very lucky parents-to-be.
Baby Gifts They're Guaranteed to Love: Lensmaster and author Stephanie Gallagher's guide to buying or creating the perfect baby gift -- a link you might want to share with family and friends. (As Gallagher helpfully points out, sometimes "the perfect gift" is some hands-on help.)
Maternity Clothes: Lensmaster Andrea Benoit -- who bought 95 percent of her own maternity wardrobe online -- points out some terrific online shopping destinations for materinty wear. But that's not the most valuable part of her lens. What will make you want to add her to your lensroll are her sensible tips on saving money and timing those maternity shopping trips.
Once a Month Cooking: Mark Askey shows you how to "eat well without eating out" by mastering the art of batch cooking. You'll find links to batch cooking recipes, plans, cookbooks, and once-a-month cooking stores, plus tools for the once-a-month gourmet. If you're planning to stock the freezer before baby arrives, consider this lens a must visit.
Everything You Need to Know About Homebirth: NEW ! Lensmaster and mom-to-be Michelle M is planning a homebirth in a few months' time. She's been researching up a storm, and she's pulled together her favorite homebirth links in this inspiring and informative lens devoted to homebirth.
Pregnancy, Birth, Baby, and Beyond: The Quick Guide: This lens was actually my first Squidoo lens, but it's new to this guide. I've revamped it by giving it a narrower focus (pregnancy, birth, and baby only). You'll find articles, web links to top pregnancy research resources, and some fun, stuff, too (facts about the history of the pregnancy test, and so on.

Oh, Baby! A New Mom or New Dad's Guide to Life After Baby

Lenses featuring practical advice on the unexpected and joyful new parent turf

Baby Sleep Solutions: This one's my baby: a lens devoted to the subject of babies and sleep (or, to be more precise, babies and parents and lack of sleep).
Baby Sleep Books: The Exhausted Parent's Guide to Finding the Best Baby Sleep Books: An offshoot to the previous lens, Baby Sleep Books helps you to figure out which sleep books are most likely to be compatible with your parenting style, your baby's temperament, and the day-to-day realities of your family's situation. There's no one-size-fits-all sleep solution, after all.
Help Me Make Breastfeeding Normal Again: Joanna Bradshaw is a mother with a mission -- and that mission is simple. She wants to make breastfeeding "normal" again. She's determined to counter the image that "normal" means "formula feeding." And she wants to make it clear that the real "yummy mummies" are the ones who breastfeed: "Surely one can't be yummy in the truest sense unless one is lactating," she writes.
Yes! Adoptive Moms Breastfeed, Too!: Lensmaster Amy Ballinger-Cole has created an informative and inspiring lens for adoptive moms who are considering breastfeeding and who want to explore their options. "It was destiny that I saw the movie Like Water for Chocolate years ago," Amy writes. "When the main character breastfed a baby that she hadn't actually birthed, I thought 'No way! Impossible.' Wrongo!"
Flying With Baby: So it's time to make that first airplane trip with your new baby. You can wing it (literally). Or you can consult Lensmaster Andy C -- a father of two small children who has clocked a lot of family flying time over the years. Andy has even picked out adorable outfits so that your little one can arrive looking cuter than cute for that first-ever visit with the grandparents.
Kids' Birthdays: It doesn't take long for baby's first birthday to roll around -- a milestone day for both you and your child. Lensmaster Darla Manninen has lots of great advice for you on planning a first birthday bash that will be fun and memorable -- and that won't break the bank. (See "Parties Gone Mad" for sensible tips from Darla on not going overboard with the birthday party spending.)
Baby Sleep Questions: Got a question about babies and sleep? This lens is designed to help you find the answer. (This one's an offshoot to my main Baby Sleep lens.)

The Don't-Waste-Your-Money Gear Guide

Shopping for baby -- for the unwealthy, non-celebrity parent

Baby Gear on a Budget: Lensmaster and new mom Sarah Fink shares her wisdom on what was -- and wasn't -- worth purchasing for her baby. Particularly valuable on this page: "We're Glad That We..." (a section where Sarah offers a list of things to do before baby).
Cool Baby Clothes: Lensmaster (and Squidoo community development manager) Heath Row has a noble mission: to spare this generation of babies the indignity of being dressed in ugly baby clothes. So he's searched the web for fun and funky baby gear. His great "lens voice" lets you know he's not taking it all totally seriously, and you shouldn't either. I mean, your baby's not going to hate you forever because you didn't buy her what all the celebrity babies are wearing right now. Really.
Funky, Chic, and Cool Laptop Bags: Here's the deal: parents need laptop bags just as much as anyone else on the planet. (Parents with laptops, at least.) But Kate Trgovac's carefully hand-picked collection of laptop bags are too cool to be reserved for laptops alone. Some of these bags are crying out to find new life as diaper bags. And with dads constantly lamenting the lack of "guy-ish" diaper bags on the planet, doesn't this sound to you like a match made in heaven? (What Dad wouldn't be proud to carry around one of Kate's picks from Columbia or Casuri or STM?)
Gear Recommendations for the Modern BabyDaddy: NEW ! If What Not to Wear launched a spinoff show called What Not to Carry, John W. Golden would be on hand to help steer the modern daddy clear of fashion faux pas -- like carrying a change bag that screams "girlie." Check out John's very guyish diaper bag picks in this truly one-of-a-kind lens.
Strollers: As the name implies, strollers is a no-nonsense guide to your baby's first set of wheels. What's a bit unexpected is the fact that it's written by a 67 year old grandfather as opposed to, say a mom or dad in the stroller trenches. But there is a logical reason for lensmaster gigjc's strollermania: his daughter Anik Giguere-Biollo runs a baby stroller website.
Cloth Diapering: Get the lowdown on cloth diapering (both sides of the cloth vs. disposable diaper debate; how to choose between the various types of cloth diapers; proper washing techniques; and much more) from lensmaster mom of five Aerie. She's even included patterns for those who want to make their own.
Cheap Photography: Get a Digital Camera!: NEW ! If you're having a baby, you're going to be taking lots of pictures. More pictures than you ever imagined you'd be taking. (Remember how you used to mock other people who used to send you too many pictures of their baby? Well, you're going to leave them in the photographic dust.) You have two choices here: buy a traditional camera and take out a baby photo mortgage or buy a digital camera and save a ton of money on prints and developing. Most parents go for option two, which is why Angela Harms' guide to Cheap Photography is a must-read for parents-to-be.

Toddler Parenting Tips: Expect the Unexpected and Expect to Have Fun

Great resources if you're living in the Land of Toddlers

Mealtime Solutions: Your Toughest Family Mealtime Problems Solved: This lens -- which I created -- includes tips on dealing with challenging toddler eating habits (like wanting to eat cereal for breakfast) as well as links to some of the top food and nutrition links I came across while researching my book Mealtime Solutions for Your Baby, Toddler, and Preschooler.
Throw An Unforgettable "Construction" Themed Kids' Party: Kel -- a busy stay-at-home mom who somehow finds the time to put together great lenses -- shares here mother wisdom on birthday parties with this great guide on throwing a construction-themed birthday party for the lucky kid in your life.
Childproofing Challenges: Keeping toddlers safe is a full-time job -- and then some. Fortunately, there are childproofing techniques (and products) that can help you to rest a little easier. That's what lensmaster TW zeroes in on in this lens -- ways of keeping your toddler out of harm's way.

Fresh Thinking from Other Parents

Honest advice and solutions -- and not the same old, same old

My IKEA Makeover: Kids' Rooms: I got hooked on IKEA a long time ago -- back in my pre-kid days. (And I just spent a small fortune on IKEA office organizer stuff yesterday, including a giant magnet board that was decidedly kid-like.) So lensmaster Monica Moody (Squidoo's DIY groupmaster) had me at "hello", given the subject of this particular lens. If you're as addicted to IKEA as you are to Squidoo, you'll want to check out Monica's guide to decorating with a lot of style, and not a lot of money, courtesy of IKEA. Monica also has a related lens: My IKEA Makeovers: Kitchen and Living Room.
Noodle & Bean: Lunchbox Ideas: If you're looking for new and creative lunch ideas, you'll want to check out this lens. Lensmaster and mom of two Lisa Kelsey has put together an exhaustive guide to lunch. She's even included some fun pop culture lunch links, including one that gives you the lowdown on the history of the lunchbox.
Back to School Guide: Just in time for a new school year: my guide to easing the kids out of their summer routines and into their school-year routines. You'll also find a hand-picked list of related Squidoo guides that can help you get to back-to-school season without completely losing your mind -- guides to making kids' lunches, cooking less often, and generally getting things done.
Inclusion: Lensmaster Linda Moran is a licensed teacher, published author and writer, and the mom to two teens and two tweens. The oldest teen has Down syndrome. She created a lens to talk about how terrific inclusion can be when it's done right (as it was for her son), so she set up this lens to share her family's experiences.
Mom Writes: Mary Tsao's lens features content from her blog, Mom Writes. If you are tired of feeling guilty about every single parenting choice you make (or paralyzed by indecision because you feel too guilty to make any decisions at all), you'll find Mary's lens and blog refreshing.

Fabulous Fun Guide

Unlimited great times ahead for you and your kids

How to Build a Cardboard Castle: Imagine how thrilled you would have been if your parents had helped you build a castle like this when you were a kid. (Or even a castle 1/100th as snazzy as this one.) The very aptly named Mr. McGroovy tells you everything you need to know to create the best-ever cardboard castle with your kids.
Making Your Own Envelopes: Ever tried making your own envelopes? It can be a lot of fun -- and Lensmaster Valerie Franek tells you everything you need to know to get started designing one-of-a-kind envelopes with your kids.
Dog Gone Knit: Free Dog Sweaters: Got a preteen or teen who likes to knit -- and a family pet who doesn't mind playing runway model? Lensmaster and self-admitted Squidoo addict Dave Pye has put together this list of the best free online knitting and crochet dog sweater patterns.
Art Journals: Here's another great project for older kids -- starting an art journal. In this inspiring and informative guide, lensmaster Lisa Vollrath provides tips getting started with this fun and addictive hobby.
Altered Books: Lensmaster Cyndi L gives you the inside scoop on the altered books craze. ("Cut, glue, and paint! Why would anyone want to treat a book that way? Didn't we get punished for doing that when we were children? Come and see what can be done with books that were destined for the landfill...")
Spookiest Halloween: Get ready for Halloween with help from this guide to all things spooky. Lensmaster Car3less has activities, games, recipes -- even cool facts about the history of Halloween.
Stamps, Ink & Paper: Lensmaster Webseitler (a mom of two) got hooked on rubberstamping after a friend sent her some homemade baby cards after her daughter was born. While she's never considered herself a crafty person, she quickly discovered that you don't have to be Martha Stewart to enjoy this fun and highly addictive craft activity. You just have to be someone with a creative spirit. You'll find all kinds of ideas and truckloads of inspiration in this practical how-to guide to rubberstamping -- a great activity for parents and kids to enjoy together.
Knitting for Baby: NEW ! Knitting is enjoying a major revival these days -- particularly amongst preteens and teens. If you've got some extra-big kids in your family who are eager to make something for their new baby brother or sister, this lens from stay-at-home mom Kookaloo features plenty of ideas, inspirations, and patterns.
Crochet for Baby: This lens is also from Kookaloo -- creator of the Knitting for Baby lens. It follows an almost-identical format except, this time, the projects and patterns you encounter are for crocheting rather than knitting. Another great lens!
50 Kids Birthday Party Themes: NEW ! Birthday Cake guru Janet21 has assembled instructions on decorating cakes with 50 of the most popular kids' birthday party themes, including photos, step-by-step instructions, and leads on sourcing all the materials you'll need to make them. She even gives you permission to get someone else to make the cake for you, if you're not exactly "chef mom." Now that's my kind of lens!
Summer Parenting: 63 Hot Parenting Tips + 24 Cool Activities for Kids: NEW !
It's summertime and the living is easy -- if you know how to tackle some of the parenting challenges that go along with the season of relaxed routines. This is my guide to sidestepping potential problems so you can focus on enjoying the fun of summer and the many joys of being a parent. The lens talks about sleep, mealtimes, travel, fitness, fun activities (including links to classic playground games), safety, and staying cool if you're pregnant during the summer months.

Family Travel Guide: A DIY Guide to Planning a Family Getaway

Fun for Families in Ottawa, Canada: Lensmaster and mom of two Dani Girl has created this guide to exploring Ottawa, Ontario, with kids. Lens highlights include the lowdown on area museums, a trip to a chocolate factory, and excerpts from Dani's very popular blog.
Flying With Baby: So it's time to make that first airplane trip with your new baby. You can wing it (literally). Or you can consult Lensmaster Andy C -- a father of two small children who has clocked a lot of family flying time over the years. Andy has even picked out adorable outfits so that your little one can arrive looking cuter than cute for that first-ever visit with the grandparents.
Family Vacation Group: FAMILY VACATION GROUP LENS!
You'll find endless inspiration if you're trying to decide where to go, what to do, and how to keep your kids entertained along the way. You'll even find tips on saving money. After all, there won't be a trip if you can't afford to go.
Family Vacation Guide: NEW ! Looking for inspiration as you try to plan that one-of-a-kind vacation getaway for your family? The interactive tools and in this top quality lens -- a recent Lens of the Day -- will give you plenty to think about.

Projects and Causes

Getting your kids involved with projects and causes is a great way to teach them to become involved citizens of the world. Here's a sampling of the projects and causes that Squidoo lensmasters are involved with or passionate about.

Second Harvest: As lensmaster Jason Dojc explains, Second Harvest collects and delivers unused fresh food from Toronto's restaurants and small grocery stores to shelters across the city, thereby providing enough food to provide roughly 13,000 meals every day.
Charity Walks: Give a little of your Sole(s) in 2006!: If you've participated in some charity walks, as most of us have, you'll know that a lot of families participate. You'll see babies in strollers or in baby carriers; toddlers and preschoolers in wagons; and other kids often out-pacing mom and dad! It's a great way to keep active as a family and raise money as a family. Get the lowdown on lots of the major charity walks in this guide by lensmaster Michael Gibbons.
How YOU Can Make A Difference In The Fight Against Cancer: Lensmaster Aurelio Zucco has some very creative and inspirational thoughts about what individuals can do to make a difference in the fight against cancer. Maybe your family will be inspired to take on one of these projects -- or maybe Aurelio's list will inspire you to come up with unique projects for the causes that matter most to you kids. We can make a difference in this world. That's an important message to give to your kids.

When Life Has Other Plans

Because life doesn't always stick to the pregnancy and parenting blueprint

New !

NICU Parent Support Lens: The NICU Parent Support Lens is designed to provide support to parents whose children are in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The lens was created by Comfortdoc, parent of a former NICU baby; a respected physician and health educator; recognized grief and loss expert; and author and founder of the NICU Parent Support Site.

The Mother of All Blogs and Yahoo! Parenting by Ann Douglas

Updated ! The Mother of All Blogs is my home in the momosphere -- where I blog about motherhood, blogging, parenthood, pregnancy, and life as a mother who writes. I've accumulated quite the collection of links in my sidebar (my sidebar is longer than my blog!) and those links will lead you to a motley assortment of parenthood resources, writing resources, and other resources that relate to my varied interests (e.g., the history of motherhood, the history of ideas, links to some of my favorite artists' websites, and much more).

Yahoo! Parenting by Ann Douglas is my brand new blog. It's located on Yahoo! Canada's brand new lifestyle channel. It only officially launched about two weeks ago -- we're talking about a really newborn blog here -- but the blog is developing its own unique personality and following. It's newsy and the crowd who hang out there are really into chatting back and forth about whatever it is we're discussing (the baby bomb, teens and stress, the need for a recess revival, etc.) We'd love to have you join in, if you'd like to drop by. PS -- You don't have to be Canadian. You just have to be fun to hang out with.

Guestbook: The Message Board

So what do you think? Do you know of some other terrific Squidoo lenses that would fit well into this guide? Leave me a note to pass along leads on lenses parents -- and parents-to-be -- should know about. Or just say hi, if that's all you have time to do before your toddler dive-bombs the keyboard.

JJ37

Oops - forgot to click on the stars!

Posted November 01, 2007

anndouglas

Great idea, Comfortdoc. You'll see I've added a new module, above.

Posted June 18, 2007

Comfortdoc

You might want to include the NICU Parent Support Lens in a "When Things Don't Go As Planned" category for the Parents of the 9% of pregnancies that don't quite go as planned. Supports the MOD.
Thanks.

Posted June 14, 2007