Why are Babies so Cute?

Who can resist the charm of cute babies in this world? Why are they so utterly cute anyway? Perhaps these questions have run through your mind while looking at baby pictures or simply cradling your very own. Babies seem to have that power to put a smile on our faces or tug at our hearts whenever they need loving comfort. A baby can sometimes even soften the heart of a grouchy person.

First, let’s look at the scientific explanations. Genetics has something to do with the way humans respond to little creatures like babies. The way we see our babies might be because we see a bit of ourselves in their tiny features. These traits are being passed on. This is not only true among females but also with males. Grandfathers, uncles and brothers will also see these family inherited features in the newborn baby. Like the female, these males have also preferences on cuteness trait and it keeps getting stronger with each generation. Scientists also associate cuteness with good genes. Ultimately, humans are biologically designed to see babies as cute and care for them.

When one looks up in the dictionary for the word ‘cute’, it’s always synonymous to beautiful, small and attractive. These words are definitely true just by merely looking at the shining eyes and button noses of a baby. By holding their tiny fingers and washing their small feet, people are amazed at how delicate they are. Most of us love the feel of the babies’ soft skin and their innocent gaze. Nature must have intended babies to be so cute in order for humans to love taking care of them.

Even many reluctant moms will always find it in their heart to love their newborns once they see how small and alive they are. Most of us would call babies a tiny miracle because seeing them simply move us. They are signs of hope and their lives become gifts to the family. The cuteness of the baby even draws family members close together and this will certainly strengthen the bond.

Another reason people love babies is because they are innocent. Unlike adults, babies are new to the world and are incapable of malicious acts. They are generally happy creatures with the whole lives ahead of them. Babies will smile at strangers and for no reason at all. They will make funny noises and they will make extended eye contact.

Babies are tiny and people often associate cute with smaller things. Their laughter and smiles are contagious. Because a baby is less aware of the world around, sometimes it will just smile for no reason at all. The power of a simple smile can be uplifting to adults around the baby.

How many times have you seen people smile when they saw a baby? The usual comment will be, “How cute!” Especially among women, maternal instincts make females particularly fond of babies and toddlers. No matter how everyone sees a baby, the truth remains they are very much adored. They are our sources of complete joy and happiness. Seeing them brightens up our days and lightens up our future.





Criss White is a professional article writer who writes about pregnancy, babies, and other family topics, like baby shower themes and baby shower ideas to celebrate a newborn or arriving baby.

Tricks to Get Children to Sit Still During Family Photos

One of the best ways to capture the memories of your family is to have a family photography session. People often like to have these photographs taken while their kids are young as a remembrance that the whole family can look back on after the children grow up. Photos are such a great way to capture the beauty of the moment and to remember the past.

There are also some who think that they have to let their kids pose for pictures so they can frame them, however, making a baby or kid sit for a picture can be quite a challenge for everyone. Word of warning though, picture taking sessions with kids can be stressful if you cannot get your children to sit still for the pictures. If you are planning on taking many pictures and having a lengthy photo shoot, keeping your kids from becoming restless can be even more challenging. Here are a few tips and tricks for keeping children and babies still while taking photographs.

The focal point has to be established so the child will have something to concentrate on. That is the one spot or object that the child will look to so they look good on the picture. However, making them hold that point is the challenge. Fortunately, it only takes seconds or less to click that shutter.

It is easier for older kids as they have a longer attention span. However, there are also some kids that may need to be bribed to hold still. One trick to get kids on their best behavior during these important photo shoots is to give them something to look forward to after the photography is complete, like an ice cream outing or some other fun activity that the kid will enjoy. Remember, the photographer can shoot the picture but a great picture has to be taken and there is no chance in doing that if the child does not sit still.

Babies are easier sometimes for they can just look to their mother and at their favorite toy. Then someone could also hold them still from underneath while the photographer snaps the picture of the baby. Make sure to schedule the photo shoot for a time of day when the baby is likely to be awake and well rested.

The mother could also dance in front of the child or make funny faces to bring the children into good spirits. Sometimes just setting a positive mood will help you get the results that you want. Others simply wave the baby bottle or the ice cream cone. If for a second or two the child reaches out and smiles for the treat, then go ahead and take the picture then.

Of course experienced family photographers have more tricks up their sleeves to make the photography session more entertaining for children and to get the results that you want. Before you know it, you will have photos that you can proudly display at the office, in your home, or even in baby picture frame favors for a party. The point is to take a great picture which is good enough to frame and show off to everyone.

Fun Food Ideas for Kids

With so many candies, chocolates, pizza and other unhealthy foods in the market, kids are now eating less healthy. Because of their taste and looks, unhealthy foods are the ones preferred by kids. While it may be okay to have them occasionally, a healthy balance of food intake can help decrease the number of kids having tremendous weight gain. Obesity is one of the biggest challenges among kids and teens today and by starting with making them eat healthy earlier in life, the better chances they will have for making wise food choices and decisions later on in life.

Give one of their favorites a healthy twist – make a veggie pizza that the kids can make on their own. Prepare the ingredients beforehand so the kids need not have to worry about cutting them. Instead, they can spend time having fun putting different toppings and even designing their own pizza. You can get to know your kids more as they show their behavior and temperament in making the pizzas.

For their everyday snacks, place them in colorful and designed plates to make them look more enticing. Even for adults, food presentation means a lot. Having these yummy and healthy snacks placed in colorful plates or bowls will entice even the pickiest child to eat healthy food that may otherwise seem boring.

Everyone loves cookies, and you can discreetly make your cookies healthier by adding oats and whole grains in them. Add their favorite flavor, whether vanilla, chocolate or honey and your healthy treat will be gobbled up in no time. For different and special cookie treats, you can make your own cookie cutters or bring out those old wedding cookie cutters you have in the cupboard so you can create specially designed cookies. It will be fun as the kids get to see cookies shaped as different fun shapes like stars, snowman or gingerbread men. Cut down on the sugar and butter if possible and use healthier substitutes like stevia instead.

Have healthier but fun alternatives to their all time favorite snacks. That lean and healthy sandwich you can be made into a yummy pita sandwich that’s fun-looking and fun to eat! Give it a dollop of cheese melt, then sneak in veggies as well. Use whole grain or wheat pita bread to add in fiber and other essential minerals in their meal. Vary the fillings so they get to enjoy the pita sandwich every single time.

Wedding Etiquette – Handling Children During Weddings

Having children in your wedding can be fun – it is nice to see their smiles, hear their laughter, or see them play. But just like any other thing, too much of it can be bad – especially for an adult-focused, romantic, and solemn event such as a wedding. While children are sometimes not invited to weddings, oftentimes it is not practical to exclude them. Some guests can’t help it – it’s either they want their children to be a part of this celebration or they just simply need to bring them along as they cannot leave them alone in the house if a babysitter isn’t available or if they are traveling to the event.

If you know that some guests will be bringing their child with them, weeks before the wedding, you can ask a close relative to be in charge of monitoring the children. Most parents will be able to watch over their own kids adequately, but sometimes kids will become bored and rowdy. In this case, it may be good to gather the kids together in another room to play.

As for layout, as you will probably be using wedding place cards, have the guests whom you are expecting to be bringing kids sit at one table. This way, when they see and want to meet the other kids, they need not run across the room to meet and play with them. Put the kid tables near the door or a wall and avoid putting it at the center of the reception hall. If there are fragile items in your wedding reception (for example, wedding favors that are made of glass or crystal), you may consider re-arranging them or keeping them in another room first to avoid people accidentally breaking them. Be sure to keep these out of reach of children.

If your budget will allow it, get a nanny and a small adjacent room to your reception and have the nanny attend to the kids. This way, your guests will have more time to enjoy the wedding as their attention will not be solely drawn to monitoring their kids. Bring some games and toys to keep them entertained.

If you are not expecting kids but some arrive anyway, you should have a backup plan and have at least a small area at your reception where the kids can play. It can be an adjacent room if you feel the kids will be running around or make loud noises.

Having children in your wedding can be manageable. It may not always be easy, but with a few preparations or by having an alternative plan in case some kids show up, you can still maintain the stress-free and worry-free environment that a wedding should have.

Have Fun with Your Toddler Outdoors

The toddler years are important in developing a child’s motor and social skills. This is then the time where you are needed to guide him and spend a lot of time with him for him to develop his confidence this early.

Spring is a great time to spend outdoors, and for you to be able this season with your toddler on the great outdoors will spell not just fun, but learning and quality bonding time together. Listed below are some activities that you can enjoy with your toddler.

You can visit a local zoo, and for a minimal fee, you can be able to show your little one and make him learn at the same time about the different animals. Stay away from the big zoos (almost safari like) where animals like lions and liger are free to run around. Opt for the small zoos as your child may be interested only in the colorful fishes and birds. Bigger and wild animals may be an off-limits zone as well because chances are he might be scared of them and may end up crying.

Planting saplings in the backyard can also spell fun for your child. As he plays with the soil or water, he knows he is helping mom at the same time. This is the opportunity where he can play with soil and not get yelled at for it. Since it is your backyard, you know which areas might be a little too dangerous for him (being near ants or beehives).

You can go near the beach and collect seashells. You can both collect them and decorate your little sand space with it. Get colorful ones with different shapes (be careful with jellies and sharp edges of the shells though) and create houses or sand castles with them. Make them into necklaces or small mementos that can be used for decorating the house, spring wedding favors, or beach themed gifts. These little keepsakes will remind you of the great time you two have had together.

No matter what outdoor activity you choose, remember that what is most important is that you both get to enjoy and maybe even capture them in photographs so when he gets older, you can always look back at the wonderful spring outdoor activities you have had. As any parent would know, there are only a few short years where your child gets to be amused and spend time with you. So make the most out of it and make his toddler years with you as special as it can be.