Pink, Blue Or Undecided?
By Kirsten Hawkins, Fri Dec 9th

The pink or blue question is a moot one these days, isn't it?After all, it's so easy to tell the gender of a baby before thehappy day, so there's no need to guess. Well, that's notstrictly true. Even with the advances in technology, ultrasoundpictures aren't always one hundred percent certain, and manyparents prefer to be surprised. If you're shopping for a newbaby without knowing the gender, you still might have to decidewhether to buy pink or blue.

You could always flip a coin - heads it's roses and lace, tailsyou pick up the little sailor suit. There are more efficient andpractical ways to make sure that you pick up clothing andaccessories that will be appreciated and useful.

Gender-Neutral Colors

The easiest way, of course, is to stick with gender neutralcolors in your choices. As a culture, we're fond of dressingbabies in pastels, but you don't have to limit yourself to paleyellow and baby green to be safe. There are lots of othergender-neutral colors to choose from.

Looking for a crib set that isn't gender-specific? White andivory are good choices, and you can actually get away witheyelet and lace as long as it's not too delicate. A plump whitecomforter and matching crib bumpers work just as well for a boyas for a girl.

Primary and bright, clear secondary colors are another great wayto avoid the gender tangle when selecting clothing andaccessories for baby. Bright red, blue, green and yellowsleepers will look adorable no matter what gender the baby turnsout to be. Pick onesies in turquoise, orange, dark green or red,either all a solid color, or with contrasting ribbing along theedges.

Go for the unusual. Imagine how high the adorable meter willraise if you outfit baby's room in tuxedoed penguins sportingbright red, blue and yellow ribbons, or pick up a t-shirtemblazoned with red, yellow and blue balloons. You can even patyourself on the back for choosing bright colors for the baby'sroom and accessories. As much as we love pastel baby togs,babies respond far better to bright, clear colors.

Gender Neutral Patterns

If you're not sure on the boy/girl issue, keep in mind that youcan err more easily on the boy side than the girl. A baby girlin a t-shirt printed with sports motifs is cute. You justwouldn't put a little boy in a sleeper printed with tiny sprigsof daisies. Teddy bears and duckies are one gender-neutralchoice, but you can find adorable, unique prints that will standout. Some of the more clever that we've seen around lately -Noah's Ark, lions and tigers, traffic signs, seasonal themes(candy canes, pumpkins, corn?).

Other gender neutral patterns that work for boys or girlsclothing include color stripes, odd-size polka dots andabstract patterns. Pick a motif, pick a color and have a blastdressing your baby in clothes and accessories that don't screamboy or girl.

About the author:Kirsten Hawkins is a baby and parenting expert specializing newmothers and single parent issues. Visithttp://www.babyhelp411.com/ for more information on how toraising healthy, happy children.

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