10. Travel Swing -

Travel swings are perfect when visiting family and friends. They can go anywhere - to the park, on a picnic, or a hotel. At home, you can easily move the swing from one room to the next. They are perfect for days when you need free hands to complete the never-ending chores of motherhood ... like laundry.

9. Head and body support for car seat -

These little contraptions really take away the stress and anxiety caused by watching your brand new infant's tender head flop from side-to-side while driving around town, and you can get as elaborate as a full body support cushion. They are easy to use, and can slip right onto the straps of your infant's car seat.

8. Stroller -

A good stroller, designed for your needs (e.g. jogging, travel system, or all-terrain), will soon become your best friend. If you need to get out of the house for an hour or so, a brisk walk around the block will help calm both you and baby.

7. First Aid Kit -

If you are well prepared with the basics of baby first-aid, you'll feel much more confident for those little mishaps that are bound to happen. You can buy a pre-packaged kit or create your own to meet your child's unique needs.

6. Nipple Cream -

First time mothers don't think about nipple cream until it's too late and you're dreading the next feeding. If you plan to nurse, it's best to understand that breastfeeding can wreak havoc on your tender nipples. Lanolin cream is a "must" for any nursing mother, and can save you a lot of uncomfortable feedings during the first few weeks.

5. Pre-prepared Meals -

You won't feel like cooking, and unless you have people around who are prepared to cook your meals, pre-prepared meals are a blessing.

4. Diaper Tote -

Creating a tote is simple. Find a cute bin with a handle and keep it stocked with all of your necessary diaper changing items, such as a folding pad, wipes, cream, lotions, and hand sanitizer. A tote makes changing diapers so much easier and can be transported from room-to-room or house-to-car easily.

3. Baby Sleep Sack -

Have you ever tried to button those snaps on footie pajamas in the middle of the night? It's hard! A baby sleep sack is wonderful in so many ways. They are soft, warm, and perfect for those middle-of-the-night changings.

2. Swaddling Blanket -

There is a good selection of different types of swaddling blankets on the market today, but I haven't found one yet that didn't help ease a fussy baby. Babies love to feel secure, and a swaddling blanket makes it easy to keep baby tucked up tight.

1. Car Seat Canopy/Tent -

A car seat canopy is a definite "must", especially when you transition into the fall and winter months. They are perfect for keeping your baby dry and protected from the elements, and they work well for helping baby stay covered while shopping or moving around crowds. There is a good assortment on the market or you can sew your own. You and your baby will be running around in style.

The post 10 things you must have before bringing your baby home appeared first on FamilyToday.

1. How the Grinch Stole Christmas

starring Jim Carrey - This is the classic tale of The Grinch retold in classic Jim Carrey style. Filled with colorful images, fun plot twists, and a lot of laughs, you and you're family wil enjoy sitting down to watch this classic Christmas tale.

Treat Ideas: Christmas cupcakes topped with green frostin; hot chocolate

2. Miracle on 34th Street

starring Mara Wilson, Elizabeth Perkins, and Richard Attenborough - The 1994 re-make of the classic film released in 1947 will fill your heart with warmth. You'll fall in love with the magic of Christmas all over.

Treat Ideas: Buttery popcorn; Chocolate chip cookies; White chocolate cocoa

3. Rugged Gold

starring Graham Greene and Jill Eikenberry - This is a true story detailing Martha Martin's determination and spirit as she struggles to survive a cruel Alaskan winter alone after her new husband and young son disapear in an accident.

Treat Ideas: Hot cocoa; Homemade biscut donuts (*see recipe below)

4. Seasons of the Heart

staring Leigh Lombardi, Sam Hennings, and Claude Atkins- This classic Feature Family Film will tug at your heart and remind you of the true reason for the Christmas season. After losing her two children, Martha Richards must learn to love another child as her own.

Treat Ideas: Hot Apple Cider; Corn bread and honey

5. It's a Wonderful Life

starring James Stewart- This film is a must-watch for every family during the holiday season. This wonderful film, restored in color or orginal black-and-white, is a definite American classic.

Treat Ideas: Pumpkin Pie; Egg Nog

Fried Biscuit Donuts

Ingredients:

1 can of small buttermilk refridgerator biscuts

Oil for frying

Powdered sugar for coating

Directions:

In a large pot, heat oil to 350 degrees. Dump a 1- inch layer of powdered sugar in large bowl with lid and set aside. Lay out biscuts on cutting board. Using a 1 1/2 inch cookie cutter or soda bottle lid, cut out hole in biscut. (Set biscut hole aside to make donut holes). Fry in oil until golden brown. Flip and fry other side until golden brown. Remove from oil and place in sugar. Shake to coat. Repeat with biscut and holes.

The post 5 best holiday movies to watch as a family appeared first on FamilyToday.

1. Fossil Hunting Expedition -

What better way to spend the day than learning about the ancient life that once inhabited this globe. Fossils can be found throughout the world, and your children will be amazed and enthralled when they discover their very own fossil.

Before you go

• Find fossil locales in your area. You can search for areas to hunt by running a quick Internet search. Local libraries often carry rock hound books and guides for your area.

• Learn about fossils and paleontology

• Visit your local natural history museum

• Learn about the type of fossils that can be found in your area

• Check local, state, and federal laws

• Check private and public land regulations

Things you'll need

• Gloves and backpack

• Rock hammer and chisel (Flat-tipped screw drivers work great)

• Maps and GPS

• Guide books and identification guides

• First aid kit

Remember to stay safe

• Avoid areas that seem unstable

• Never leave kids unattended

• Watch for snakes and other venomous insects.

• Use common sense and respect the land

2. Explore an Old Ghost Town -

Ghost towns offer an invaluable look into our past. Whether you visit a site complete with vacant buildings or the mere shadow of an old foundation, there is a lot to learn and see, and you can almost bet a trip to just such a place will spark your children's interest and set their imaginations soaring.

Before you go

• Find ghost towns in your area by searching the Internet or visiting your local library. Most libraries and city-offices keep an extensive collection on the history of an area.

• Read and learn about the town you plan to visit. Get to know its history.

• Find photos from the past. Get a copy and bring it with you when you go.

• Learn about the people who once lived in that area.

• Check all local, state, and federal laws. There are federal laws in place prohibiting the collection of artifacts and relics.

• Check private and public land regulations.

Things you'll need

• Maps and GPS

• Camera

• Binoculars

• Copy of old photos and histories

Remember to stay safe

• Many ghost towns sprouted because of a mine or mines in the area. Be acutely aware of any open mine shafts or tunnels.

• Never enter an open mine shaft

• Keep children close, and avoid areas that look unstable

• Use common sense and respect the site. Don't vandalize or destroy buildings.

3. Visit an Archaeological Site

• This is a terrific way to expose children to the rich and diverse cultures of the areas in which we live. Be prepared for a day filled with fun and unique learning opportunities.

Before you go

• Local universities and museums are an excellent resource to help you discover current sites.

• Check with your local tourism office for areas of interest.

• Visit a local museum to view artifacts that provide an excellent visual learning opportunity.

• Learn about archeology and the role of an archaeologist.

• Check all local, state, and federal laws. There are federal laws in place prohibiting the collection of artifacts and relics.

Things you'll need

• Maps and GPS

• Camera

• Binoculars

Remember to stay safe

• Most sites are developed for tourism. Follow all the rules and stay on designated paths.

• Keep off any structures

4. Nature Scavenger Hunt

• Whatever locale you find yourself near -deserts, wetlands, mountains, or your local park - we are surrounded by the beauty of mother nature. Create a fun, age-appropriate list and head out for a day of learning and discovery.

Before you go

• Learn about the wildlife in your area

• Create a fun list that is age and location appropriate.

• Create a nature journal, where your kids can log or draw items they find and see.

• Make a display case to present unique items your children collect.

Things you'll need

• List(s)

• Specimen jars

• Notebook and pencil

• Binoculars

• Magnifying glass

• Butterfly net

• Camera

• Identification guides

• First aid kit

Remember to stay safe

• Stay with your group

• Avoid poisonous plants.

5. Tour an Old Cemetery -

Though at first this may seem a little morbid, there is a lot to learn when visiting an old cemetery. Who were the early settlers in your area? How far back do the tombstones date? What was life like during the early days of our history?

Before you go

• Learn about the history of the area

• Learn about the different eras. What was life like during the 1800s? The 1920s?

• Who is buried there? Learn about an individual's life.

• Visit the public archives

Things you'll need

• Notebook

• Camera

• Old photos or histories you've found.

Remember to stay safe

• Keep off of the old tombstones

• Follow all cemetery rules. Be respectful and quiet.

• Do not disturb the graves or remove decorations.

6. Rock Hound for Minerals

-Minerals are so diverse and amazing to discover. Just like finding buried treasure, your children will be enthralled as they unearth crystals and unique stones.

Before you go

• Find mineral locales in your area. Often you can search for areas to hunt by running a quick Internet search. Local libraries often carry rock hound books and guides for your area as well.

• Learn about minerals and how they are formed.

• Visit your local natural history museum

• Learn about the type of minerals that can be found in your area

• Check local, state, and federal laws

• Check private and public land regulations

Things you'll need

• Gloves and backpack

• Rock hammer and chisel (Flat-tipped screw drivers work great)

• Maps and GPS

• Guide books and identification guides

• First aid kit

Remember to stay safe

• Avoid areas that seem unstable

• Never leave kids unattended

• Watch for snakes and other venomous insects.

• Use common sense and respect the land

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