1. The long-life lock from China. When a child turns one month old, family members typically throw a huge celebration, during which they adorn the infant with either a bracelet or necklace bearing the long-life lock. The long-life lock is a pendant made of silver or gold, usually in a cloud-like shape and adorned with characters and symbols representing wealth and longevity. Some of these pendants also have three small bells attached to them, which jingle to delight the young child. The pendant could either be hung on a silver or gold chain, or on a red string because red is considered a lucky color in Chinese culture. As high infant mortality rates were an unfortunate reality in the past, the long-life lock was traditionally given to infants to grant them luck for a long and prosperous life.

2. Talismans from Egypt. When a baby reaches about seven months of age, he or she is showered with gifts from relatives in a tradition known as the Sebou Ceremony, which is a traditional naming ceremony for the baby. Though the ceremony begins soon after the birth of the child, it is only several months later when the infant is given talismans. Talismans are written prayer scrolls, typically tucked into delicate gold or silver cases that are then pinned to the baby’s clothing. The cases may also be adorned with precious stones, such as turquoise, as blue is considered a lucky color in Egyptian culture. These are believed to protect the child against any bad luck and illness that he or she may otherwise encounter.

3. Evil eye charms from Greece. Infants are typically given small glass charms and pendants called evil eyes when they are just a few days old, and will continue to wear these charms into adulthood. The evil eye charms are typically hand crafted and circular in shape. It is blue, with concentric white, blue, and black circles within it to represent an eye. The charms are typically pinned to the infant’s clothing until the child grows old enough to wear it as a necklace or bracelet. These pendants are believed to ward off the evil eye, which is a curse that can befall anyone who receives a glance in an unfavorable way, such as glances from those who are jealous or generally malevolent. The evil eye curse causes dizziness, confusion, headaches, and other undesirable effects, so pinning an evil eye pendant onto a baby’s clothing will protect it from suffering any such curses.

4. Baby papoose from Native Americans. Though it is not a trinket as bracelets and charms are, the papoose is still a beautiful accessory. Native Americans used the papoose to transport their infants as well as a way to keep their helpless babies with them as they went about their daily routines. The papoose is made from carefully selected young tree branches, which were bent into an oval cradle-like shape in which to nestle the baby. The cradle structure was then usually lined with lichens and moss to keep the baby snug and secure in the papoose. The entire papoose can then be carried as a sling or on the mother’s back. The flat cradle board is typically decorated in the tradition of the parents’ particular tribe.

The next time you are thinking about the perfect baby shower present or something for your own little one, consider some of these traditional and beautiful baby accessories from around the world.

By-line:
This guest post is contributed by Alisa Gilbert, who writes on the topics of bachelors degree.  She welcomes your comments at her email Id: alisagilbert599@gmail.com.

We are excited to add two new colors to our very popular Stretch Corduroy Pant line. Check out our new Raspberry Red and Black Licorice Cords!

Our signature Ambajam frog is featured on both pants – a saucy orange on the Raspberry Red Cords and a subtle black frog on the Black Licorice Cords.

Shop now until November 30th and enjoy 20% off our our entire Stretch Corduroy Pant Line: Chocolate Brown, Pretty in Pink, Raspberry Red and Black Licorice.

Looking to create a eye-catching outfit? Pair our fun stretch corduroy pants with one of our coordinating baby and toddler T-shirts.

The Mille Fleur appliques pair very well with the new red cords and the Mod Dot and Swirly Red variations look great with the black cords.

Promo Code: Cord20
offer valid: 11.1.08 – 11.30.08
offer excludes Sale Items

Layering is important so that when you do go inside, your baby isn’t too hot.  You can start with a long sleeve tee or onesie, then add a hoodie jacket and top it off with a cuddle up blanket.

It’s a good idea to keep an extra blanket in your car because sometimes mother nature surprises us.  Especially when summer is winding down, you may not expect the evening to cool down so much and so quickly.  You don’t want to get stuck waiting for soccer to be over with out a warm blankie. 

Having a hat or beanie will also be helpful and it’s nice if you can get kids used to wearing these at a young age so they don’t pull them off right away.

Enjoy watching the season change and the leaves fall and stay warm.

Shop from these local mom & kid brands at discounted prices!

• Ambajam
• Baby Candy
• Bruz Wear
• Dreem
• Jackaboo
• JP Lizzy
• Lonnie’s Treasures
• Monkey-Toes!
• Pig Pen Designs
• Ridgeline
• Artisans
• Sweet Pea Cakes, Etc.

Saturday, July 12th  
11AM – 4PM 
Lovely Confections Bakery

We are honored to be a part of the celebrity gifts put together by Backstage Creations at the 43rd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.  Some of America’s top country music stars and celebrities are now proud owners of some of our favorite baby products.  Here are some photos from the event:

Singer Blake Sheldon poses with our mini cuddle up blanket while pacifying himself.

Little Big Town’s Kimberly Roads Schlapman with her daughter Daisy Pearl snuggle up with an Ambajam mini cuddle up. 

Phillip Sweet having some fun.

Karen Fairchild with an Ambajam cuddle up.

George Wallace looks happy with his cuddle up.

Jimi Westbrook and Karen Fairchild – Little Big Town

Poppy Montgomery smiling with her cuddle up.

Rascal Flatts with Ambajam cuddle up poking out of the bag.

Rebecca Herst with her pink cuddle up.

Rodney Atkins Son snuggling with an Ambajam cuddle up.

Sarah Buxton displaying her cuddle up.

Check out additional the coverage on:

Celebrity Baby Blog.
Zimbio

The ACM awards were held on May 18th in Las Vegas, NV.

We will always want the best for our baby.  That usually includes what we will dress the baby in.   Going to baby clothing shops can be a thrill for moms and often times we will spend more money on the baby’s clothes than we do on our own clothes.  Here’s a few things to consider before you start shopping and buying things that may not work out for you.

Tee Shirts
There are thousands and thousands of adorable baby tees out there, so when you are choosing yours look for a couple things.  How big is the head opening?  Some are too small and when you try and put it on your baby’s head  it’s a battle you may lose.  How long is the tee-shirt?  If it is too short it will constantly ride up to your baby’s neck.  Consider having your baby wear a onesie under the tee.  Sometimes the material underneath helps to keep the tee down.

Pajamas
While you are looking for the cutest pajamas to fit your baby, make sure they are also soft in the inside.  Put your hands and fingers all the way to the bottom if you can.  Make sure there is nothing itchy around the neck and check the tag too.  If it is a cool time, consider getting footsie jammies instead of footless jammies.  If you by the footless jammies, make sure the elastic isn’t too tight at the bottom and try and get the ones that snap to the top.  The CPSC also warns to make sure the item you are buying is flame-resistant.  This will usually be noted on the label.

Onesies
In the early months your baby will be asleep for the majority of the time.  So you want them to be comfortable.  Onesies are a great choice because babies can move freely in them and they are usually made of cotton so the material is very giving.  As your baby grows, the snaps on the onesies become important.  They should close firmly so the onesie doesn’t come undone and ride up.  You can also find extensions to make the onesies longer so you can use them longer.

Sleepers, Sweet Peas or Bunting
These come with a few different names, but basically it looks like a nightgown that ties at the bottom.  They look cozy at first, but some of them are too narrow at the bottom, so what ends up happening is your baby will try and kick his or her legs around and be limited by the sleeper.  This will more than likely be very annoying to your baby, so make sure the bottom part of the bunting is wide and roomy enough for your baby to kick around in, even after it’s been tied at the bottom.

Baby Blankets
Aside from wanting a cute pattern, the way the blanket feels is very important.  If it is itchy, chances are your baby won’t love it.  If the stitching on the blanket is the hard plastic type, your baby may even be scratched by it.  Darker colors will hide the dirt because more than likely you will end up putting the blanket over your baby in the stroller or car seat and at times it will drag on the floor.  That said, having 5-7 blankets is good so you can always start the day out with a clean one.

Socks and Mittens
It wood be great if all socks were made to fit babies feet snug like a bug, but the majority of them will fall off and you’ll end up losing one or both.  Mittens will often fall off as well.  These are items that you may not want to buy many of until you know they work for you and your baby likes them. 

Hats or Headbands
If you are going to buy a hat, make sure you can return it.  Often times babies take them off immediately.  Also, keep in mind the size of the hat and the size of your babies head.  If it’s too small it may end up giving your baby a headache.  Same goes with headbands.  If they are too tight, you’ll end up with a red ring around your babies head.

Shoes
When choosing shoes for your baby make sure they are not too tight.  While they may still fit, your babies toes may be curled up in them and they may be very uncomfortable.  Many babies take the shoes off after awhile, if not immediately, but if you start young you may get them used to it.

Sizing
Don’t buy too many of the same item in the same size.  If you find a onesie that is on sale and you absolutely love it, buy a couple in a larger size.  With things like tees, onesies and pajamas you can get away with buying the next size up.  Keep in mind that if it is summer time and you see a sweater on sale, buy ahead not for the size your baby is now.  Also, remember that some sizes vary from brand to brand, so if you aren’t sure, go a little bigger.

Rule of thumb
Remember that most baby clothes are made to appeal to parents.  Babies don’t really care what they look like, but they do want to be comfortable.  Anytime you buy baby clothes, feel the inside of the item.  Run your fingers around the neck area and make sure it feels soft.

Shop between May 1-May 30 and receive 20% off your baby hoodie jacket order.

Our baby hoodies are the perfect weight for year round use and make a great addition to any child’s wardrobe.

Regular Price $52.00
Super May Special $41.60

To order click here

Enter the following code at checkout: JKT20

Here are some Ambajam cuties snuggled up in their baby hoodie jackets!

 

Shop our sale page between 4/1/08 and 4/30/08 and receive an additional 25% off ALL sale items.

This is a great time to stock up on some fun onesies, blankets and pillows whether you’re shopping for your own kids or looking for gifts for others.

Here are some examples of the great deals you can find.

12-18 month Ringer Baby Onesie:
Regular price: $26.00 Super Sale Price: $13.00

Ruffled Cuddle-up Baby Pillow (select fabrics)
Regular Price: $50 Super Sale Price: $25.00

Click below to check out all the items currently on sale.
What’s on Sale! 

Limited stock available so shop NOW!

Playful Promos will be announced on the first of every month.

Make a connection for us at your favorite local baby boutique or gift store and enter to win a Mini Cuddle in your choice of color.  Just send us an email with the name of the store and contact person.

Some suggestions…

* Onesie+Mini Cuddles = FREE SHIPPING
* T-shirt +  Ruffled Pants = FREE SHIPPING
* Cords + Belts = FREE SHIPPING
* Cuddle-up Blankets = FREE SHIPPING
* Cuddle-up Pillow = FREE SHIPPING
 
Use the promo code below during check-out to receive Free Standard Shipping on your order.

Playful Promos will be announced on the first of every month.
Click here to pass this Playful Promo on to your friends!
 
Online Promo Code: FreeShip50
Offer Expires 3.31.08
Only Standard USPS Priority Mail Shipping applies to this promo

Make a connection for us at your favorite local baby boutique or gift store and enter to win a Mini Cuddle in your choice of color.  Just send us an email with the name of the store and contact person.

10% off Hoodie Jackets

Shop between 2/1/08 and 2/29/08 and receive 10% OFF  Yummy Latte Hoodie Jackets & Strawberry Shortcake Hoodie Jackets for your baby or toddler.

Use the promo code below during check-out to receive your 10% discount. 

Playful Promos will be announced on the first of every month.
 
Online Promo Code:
JKT10
Offer Expires 2.29.08
Discounts do not apply to gift wrap or shipping

Make a connection for us at your favorite local baby boutique or gift store and enter to win a Mini Cuddle in your choice of color.  Just send us an email with the name of the store and contact person.