The Kelton Research survey comes to the conclusion that mothers frequently make such higher-priced purchases based on guilt, instead of considering all possible benefits. More specifically:

• 58 percent think regularly about the baby products to buy their child.
• 37 percent feel guilt about not being able to afford the name brand baby product.
• 59 percent are stressed about their general finances.
• 53 think about budgets for baby products each day.
• 75 percent have reduced spending on themselves

Advertisements may partially be to blame. Mothers, as the survey explains, are more attuned to parenting- and baby-focused advertisements, and the wording and emotional appealing often induce guilt. About the correlation, Sandra Gordon, national baby products expert and author of Consumer Reports Best Baby Products, 10th edition, mentioned:

“This study sheds light on what moms are going through from both an emotional and economic standpoint. Moms are so intent on absorbing as much baby-related information as possible, and making the right purchasing decisions, that it can be easy to overlook inexpensive options that are just as safe and effective for their baby.”

Mothers, as a result of going for the brand names, end up spending too much. In this economy, secondhand baby products are an alternative. Although not all items should be purchased secondhand, toys and clothing, which a baby goes through extremely quickly, are some of those that can be.

After the rash, Alba began to research the chemicals added to the supposed baby-safe detergent, and found that many, in fact, aren’t particularly safe for babies. She was additionally appalled to find that flame retardant chemicals are added to breast pillows. Profiled in The New York Daily News, Alba explained her approach to her recent endeavor, saying:

“It was exhausting. I had a baby, I was working. I didn’t have time to go everywhere. And I get it. Everything has a green leaf on it or brown or beige. I’m like, just because it’s eco why does it have to be brown, beige, or have a green leaf on it?”

Addressing these points with The Honest Co., Alba developed patterned diapers outside the typical organic palette of green and beige while still using nontoxic materials. Because green products, in general, cost more than their standard counterparts, the Dark Angel star made sure her line is affordable. Presently, her diapers appear to only be available online.

As this actress’ latest outside project shows, even safe- or innocuous-seeming baby products may, in fact, add toxic chemicals to a child’s space. If you, as well, aim to go green with your baby, research all products, from diapers to soaps to crib mattresses, before purchasing.

Statistics and warnings only go so far, however. A piece in South Carolina newspaper The State delves into greater detail about the practice’s dangers and the recent realization that some SIDS cases may in fact be brought on by cosleeping.

First, think about a baby’s motor skills and strength level, as the State piece points out, and examine your own limbs. Outstretching your arm and laying it down on the bed, possibly over a sleeping baby, becomes a suffocation hazard, as the child cannot move away or lift up the limb. Worse, parents or older children may roll over onto the baby.

Following Richland County coroner Gary Watts, the State piece looks into better determination methods for Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome – Unsafe Sleeping Conditions. In the event such a tragedy occurs, the coroner asks the caregiver to reenact the sleeping situation, examining all potential causes of death. Aside from a family bed, a baby is equally vulnerable when left sleeping on an arm chair or sofa, in a crib with comforters or pillows, or in the sharing a space with a dog. Unlike SIDS, however, Sudden Unexpected Infant Death specifically involves a dangerous sleeping area.

Breaking the habit, especially as cosleeping has been passed down through generations, can be difficult. But like fire retardant pajamas and playgrounds of metal and concrete, cosleeping is a seemingly-safe practice that is in fact quite dangerous. To the press, Watts explained:

“My grandmother did it, my mother did it, and I know I did it. But it’s unsafe. At some point, you have to realize it’s a danger to the infant. If you want to have a child in the room – put him in a bassinet beside your bed.”

According to Us, the extreme security supposedly involved taking over an entire floor of Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, with Jay-Z putting $1.3 million forward for the privilege. One anonymous source called it “insane,” while another parent sharing the space felt the security pushed all other families out. He told the magazine:

“They just used the hospital like it was their own and nobody else mattered. […] They locked us into the NICU and would say, ‘You can’t come out to the hallway for the next 20 minutes.’ When I finally was able to go back out, I went to the waiting room and they’d ushered my family downstairs!”

Do you think the famous couple really took such extreme measures, or are witnesses (anonymous, of course) just being overly sensationalistic? One hospital spokesperson says that, while stiffer security was put into place, the couple only reserved a sixth floor suite.

Only a few days old, Blue Ivy was announced with a publicist’s statement and already has a song written about her. Reading much like a birth announcement, the statement said:

Hello Hello Baby Blue!
We are happy to announce the arrival of our beautiful daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, born on Saturday, January 7, 2012. Her birth was emotional and extremely peaceful, we are in heaven. She was delivered naturally at a healthy 7 lbs and it was the best experience of both of our lives. We are thankful to everyone for all your prayers, well wishes, love and support. Beyoncé & JAY Z

Toy manufacturers don’t list whether and which chemicals are contained in their products. However, because BPA harms brain and behavioral development by mimicking estrogen, 18 states have put 70 laws in place to ban chemicals in products – such as BPA in baby bottles. Although states are taking on this responsibility now, a national law regarding this issues, the Safe Chemicals Act, is in the works.

If it becomes a law, the Safe Chemicals Act would replace the 35-year-old Toxic Substances Control Act, which has never been updated. Once in place, chemical manufacturers would be required to disclose health information and safety about compounds and to restrict the most harmful substances.

Although states are increasing awareness, manufacturers are addressing chemical concerns themselves. Johnson & Johnson, in response to its Baby Shampoo, is removing chemical traces from its products. In May 2009, Johnson & Johnson’s baby shampoo was found to have two potentially cancer-causing chemicals, and two dozen products were recalled over two years. Although the brand is still improving its products in the United States and abroad, it has removed phthalates from its baby products.

Finding eco-friendly baby products is difficult, and parents looking to create a chemical-free space for their child end up spending more. If the Safe Chemicals Act becomes law, however, parents may have an easier time finding BPA-free and other chemical-free baby products.

Before a baby arrives, expecting parents are advised to plan financially, as a new baby ends up costing $12,000 its first year. Parents end up paying $250,000 until a child turns 18, without college tuition factored in. The BabyCenter survey shows that, while new parents prepare ahead of time, money is the top thought on many new mothers’ minds, followed by parenting.

According to the survey, new mothers also find themselves having greater roles in financial decisions (60 percent), and 30 percent split them with a partner. Her financial responsibilities also increase, encompassing decisions on purchasing new products, budgeting, spending, managing savings, and financial planning. Mothers end up spending less on themselves and, for their family, go after deals or coupons, rethink finances, discuss spending with their partners, and save more.

Saving, particularly, goes up with new parents – but for different reasons. The survey states that pre-child couples were more concerned about paying off debts. After a child, however, their focus shifted toward providing for the family and future: saving up for a child’s education, planning for retirement, and lowering expenses.

Regarding the outcome from the survey, Linda Descano, CFA(R), President and CEO of Women & Co., mentioned in a release:

“As every parent knows, having a baby changes everything – and finances are not an exception. The life change of a baby brings about new and substantial financial needs and questions. After having children, moms are increasingly taking charge of not just day-to-day spending, but also the longer-term planning of the financial future of their family.”

Designed for boys and girls 18 months to 14 years old, Oscar de la Renta’s children’s line is expected to hit stores in fall 2012. At the moment, however, the fashion house appointed Catherine Monteiro de Barros, who formerly worked with Portuguese brand Papo d’Anjo, to vice president of children’s wear. Although known primarily for opulent gowns, Oscar de la Renta previously put out limited edition children’s clothing; these pieces, on the other hand, are for parent who “want their children to look like children.”

High-end designer children’s clothing is nothing new. In October, the New York Times did a piece on this phenomenon; preceding Oscar de la Renta are Gucci, Burberry, Fendi, and Stella McCartney. Not all children’s lines from these high-end brands are the same, however. While some essentially shrunk down their adult styles into children’s pieces, others, like Oscar de la Renta, specifically made clothing with children in mind. Fendi is another brand, and about their children’s line, Silvia Fendi told the press:

“There is a fashion element to the collection. But it is important that it be clothing that works for children and that it be made well from good materials.”

Although somewhat of a paradox, high-end children’s clothing has become more visible with tabloids snapping pictures of Suri Cruise, Bradjelina’s kids, and any other stylish celebrity spawn. But, while many of these stars’ kids are decked out in children-only brands, high-end fashion houses expanding to younger ages is new.

• Naturepedic mattresses come in sizes for babies and children of all ages. A practical present, Naturepedic mattresses are waterproof and are made out of organic cotton, free of harmful chemicals and allergens.

• Yellow Label Pink Cuddle Dolls are fully made by hand – neither child labor nor machines are involved. All toys, which are appropriate for babies and possibly toddlers, are made in accordance with Fair Trade Practices.

• Baby Planet Zoey Strollers are environmentally friendly and safe. This model can be used with timi & leslie diaper bags, has all-terrain wheels, and keeps the baby secure with a five-point harness.

• Cotton Monkey Crib Bedding is colorful and made from organic cotton and wool, which is antimicrobial and resistant to dust and mites.

• Eco-friendly diaper cakes from Rattlecake make an ordinary item special for the holidays. Parents are always in need of diapers, and each cake is made out of 80 to 150. Attached to the outside are various baby toys and products. To be green, each eco-friendly diaper cake is made out of Seventh Generation Diapers and has various organic cotton baby products and toys surrounding.

• Lassig Vintage Metro Diaper Bags combine style with an environmentally-friendly design. The outside has a bright pattern, while the inside contains all features a parent needs to bring a baby along. Each bag contains no PVC, nickel, AZO dyes, or phthalates.

• Go practical. While opulence can be saved for later in a child’s life, new parents, and even those of toddlers, need clothing and diapers in large quantities. Every little bit helps, so why not consider this in picking out a holiday gift? For clothing, know a baby’s size or age beforehand. If the parents clearly dress their child in pink or blue, also take this into account. Diapers, on the other hand, are ordinary but can be dressed up to look festive. Rattlecake.com has various holiday diaper cakes that are both useful and fun in appearance. Each cake has 80 to 150 diapers, in addition to various baby products decorating the outside with a holiday theme.

• There’s no such thing as too many toys. Yet, children – and their parents – can be stuck with useless toys. Play for babies and toddlers, on the other hand, isn’t just for fun; it assists with building sensory, motor, creative, and critical-thinking skills. But, don’t think about picking up a Baby Einstein DVD. Rather, find toys in black, red, and white or with different textures, sounds, and patterns for a baby. For a toddler, find general but soft items for creative and active play, such as blocks, stuffed animals, or dolls.

• Think about what a parent needs. Does a new mother want a more stylish diaper bag? Give her one that looks like a designer handbag but has all the features a new parent needs. Does a couple need a stroller, car seat, or other furniture? While most parents already have these items, some may not, and a gift of one is helpful.

Thousands, if not millions, of names are out there for your baby. But, unless you’re a celebrity going for a name that truly stands out, keeping it traditional is often in your child’s best interest down the line. For the list, BabyCenter.com not did not include spelling variations as separate names (“Sophia” and “Sofia” are counted as one, for instance), and the full list can be read on their website. For your reference, here are the top 10 names for each gender:

Girls’ Names
Sophia
Emma
Isabella
Olivia
Ava
Lily
Chloe
Madison
Emily
Abigail

Boys’ Names
Aiden
Jackson
Mason
Liam
Jacob
Jayden
Ethan
Noah
Lucas
Logan

Just like you, your baby is stuck with a name for life, unless he or she decides to change it many years from now. But while a name may have a certain ring or eye-catching spelling to it, it carries far more weight – especially its meaning. For all 20 of the names above, do you know what each means? Do you want your child’s name to have such a connotation?

At the same time, trends for baby names come and go. Do you want your child’s name to be unique, or like many others’ out there? In 20 years’ time, will your child’s name seem dated?