Babies & Kids Blog » 2009 » May

It’s that time of year—when parents everywhere open the windows, put away the Wii, and tell their kids in no uncertain terms:  “It’s a beautiful day!  Go outside and play!”  My mom used to lock the doors behind us until approximately dinner time.  Times have changed!  Even so, fun is still to be had and here are some great outdoor toys to keep your kids busy:

Crayola 3D Giant Chalk Set: $11.99

This is the must have chalk set for kids this year.  Every kid I know wants this!  The chalk set comes special chalk and 3-D glasses.  When worn, the glasses make the sidewalk designs pop out in 3-D.  Very cool.  Plus, it all washes off with water.

Banzai Wiggling Water Sprinkler: $14.99

Fun for all ages!  The sprinkler has an extra long hose and 15 wiggly sprayers.  Water your lawn and entertain your kids at the same time!

Little Tikes Auto Pitch Batting Trainer: $24.98

For beginners this is a standard easy T-ball set.  It can change into an automatic pitch-up machine or kids whose skills are a little more developed.  Push the foot switch to release five time-delayed balls.  It plays a sound to tell your child the ball is coming.  Great for developing muscle coordination and motor skills and so fun too!

Wham-O Slip‘N Slide Double Wave Rider: $19.00

The Double Wave Rider lets two kids slide at once.  Perfect for hot summer days.  Kids can race each other or take it slow and enjoy the cool water.  The slide is huge: 16 feet long!  It is sure to bring lots of laughs!

Little Tikes EasyScore Basketball Set: $22.84

This one is for the little people!  Toddlers love this basketball set.  You can keep it indoors too!  It’s great for developing motor skills.

Intex Sun Shade Pool: $19.99

This pool keeps baby shaded.  Made for babies, but big enough for pre-school aged children too.  The extra wide walls make it more comfortable.  So fun for baby, and mighty nice for mama too:  put your feet in, and sit back with some cold lemonade while baby splashes away!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more affordable outdoor toys.
Discounts on sports toys.

My daughter, trying out the potty

Every parent with a toddler dreams of the day their child is potty trained.  With disposable diapers costing at times over $100 a month and cloth diapers being a bit of a hassle, having a potty trained child is a life altering event for both kids and parents alike.  Before you run out and buy big kid underwear, here are some suggestions.

Potty Learning:  Children teach themselves to use the bathroom, so it really should not be called “training”.  You provide the gear and offer guidance but it’s all up to your child.  You might be ready, but your child may not be.  Don’t pressure them and don’t try to start too soon.  Toddlers love to have control over something and if they feel that you are trying to push them into using the potty, they will push right back and refuse.  It’s not worth the battle.  As Dr. Sears says, “You can lead a baby to the bathroom, but you can’t make him go.”

Treat your child as an individual:  Girls are known for being fully potty trained before boys.  You cannot compare your toddler to their siblings, the neighbors, or their friends.   Children are potty trained anywhere from approximately two years old all the way to five.  If your little one is the last one on the block to still be in diapers, don’t worry.  It will happen—do you know anybody who started college wearing diapers?

Watch for the signs:  When a child is aware that they are urinating or having a bowel movement it’s a huge developmental leap.  You may notice your child hiding behind the couch or even announcing when their diaper is wet.  Some will even remove their own diaper and ask for a clean one.  These are all signs that they may be getting close to potty time but even then, it can take months.

Baby Bjorn Potty Chair: $27.95

How to start:  Buy a potty chair.  Put it in the living room and ignore it.  You child will check it out, sit on it, put their toys in it, etc.  After awhile, move the chair a little at a time towards the bathroom.  After a couple of weeks, give the potty chair a place of importance in the bathroom.  Encourage your child to sit on it (with their diaper on!) while you use the restroom.  Talk about how great it is to potty like a big kid.  When your child is accustomed to his, show them that they can sit on the potty without a diaper.  If they go to the bathroom, give lots of praise.  If they don’t go to the bathroom, do not make an issue out of it.  If you are relaxed, your child will be too.

Big Kid Time:  Get lots of underpants for your child.  (LOTS!)  Personally, I do not recommend disposable training diapers as they do not allow the child to feel when they are wet.  Let your child go bottomless for a bit every day and when they urinate on the floor, show them where the potty is.  Yes, it’s a messy job so make sure you have a good carpet cleaner handy.  Offer lots of praise, and as an added bonus: candy.  You’d be surprised how far a little sweet bribery goes with toddlers.

Above all, have fun.  This is such a short period in the grand scheme of things so you may as well try and find some humor in it!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for potty training books and potty training seats.

Kingston Rossdale turned 3 yesterday.  Monday night Gwen Stefani - and the thousands of fans at her concert in Salt Lake City - treated him to a special rendition of “Happy Birthday”!

Kingston has joined his mother on tour with No Doubt after spending April and early May on the road with Daddy Gavin Rossdale.  Gavin talked to People about touring with toddler Kingston:

“He likes to watch the same thing over and over.  For King, basically it’s The Cat in the Hat, Over the Hedge and Cars,” says Gavin.  “We went through The Polar Express. I could have been in that film, I know it by heart!”

Adds the doting dad: “I’ve got loads of surf videos.  Now he uses the phrase ‘that’s boring.’  He’ll turn it off — he knows how to operate the DVD player.”

Sounds like Kingston is a typical toddler!

In other celebrity news, three gorgeous models are expecting.

Victoria’s Secret Angel Adriana Lima is due this winter.  Adriana’s husband is NBA Marko Jaric.

No official word has been released yet, but Gisele Bundchen is also reportedly expecting and due in late fall.  This would be baby #2 for Giselle’s husband, football star Tom Brady.

Model Laetitia Casta is due in August with her third child.  Congratulations!

In slightly more scandalous news, Mel Gibson’s girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva is expecting a child.

Mel has been separated for three years from his wife of 28 years, Robin.  She recently filed for divorce.  Monday night on Jay Leno, Mel said this about his marriage:

“My wife and I, our marriage ended three years ago and we’ve been separated ever since then.  These things happen.  It’s unfortunate, it’s sad, but you know she is an admirable woman… When it’s all said and done, I did a pretty good hatchet job on my marriage myself.  I’m to blame.  If you’re inclined to judge, put it here.”

Don’t worry Mel, I think we were pretty much already pointing our fingers at you, Buddy!

Purchasing your first baby crib is exciting—until you actually start shopping.  With so many choices and options, it can be difficult to choose.   Start by determining your price range.  The most expensive cribs are not automatically the best just because they cost more and you shouldn’t feel guilty if you buy a cheaper model.  The most important thing is safety and durability.  Here are some suggestions to make your crib shopping experience easier.

Safety First!

All new baby cribs available today will meet minimum government standards regardless of price.  A safe crib should have tight-fitting mattress with almost no space between the mattress and the frame.  Carefully check that the crib has no cracked or broken slats.  Make sure all the hardware is included.

Antique or used cribs are desirable to many, but you must make sure that slats should be no more than 2 3/8″ apart (approximately the width of a soda can) and corner posts should not be higher than 1/16″.  Avoid cribs with decorative cutouts on the headboard or footboard.

Convertible crib?

Convertible cribs that turn into toddler beds are very popular and seem like a great bargain but consider whether or not you will have more children—you may end up having to buy a toddler bed so a sibling can use the crib.  Also, most cribs require the purchase of a special kit to be convertible which adds to the cost.

Drop sides?

Cribs are available with single side drop or double-drop sides that slide down.  Recent safety concerns have caused Toys R Us to begin phasing out the sale of drop side cribs.  Another option is a drop-gate crib with a fold-down side.   The safest choice would be to stick with a crib with fixed sides.  If you do end up with a drop side crib, make sure that it’s easy to lower the side while you’re holding baby.  The knee push lowering method is the easiest.  Make sure that the sides do not lower so much that baby can climb out.

Adjustable Mattress:

Adjustable crib mattress height is important so that you can easily put a sleeping newborn to bed at the highest setting and lower when the baby is older and mobile.  Look for a crib with at least two or three mattress heights is nice.  How is the mattress supported?  Avoid vinyl straps that could wear out.  Look for metal bars or a metal spring system to support the mattress.

One thing that many parents overlook is whether or not the crib can be wheeled around the room.  Look for sturdy casters when you’re shopping for a crib.  They make vacuuming MUCH easier!

Now that we’ve talked about the important stuff, let’s talk about the fun part: style!  Do you want a big fancy cherry wood crib?  How about something sleek and modern?  With possibilities are endless!  I recommend that you choose something fairly simple that will blend with whatever décor you choose for baby’s room.  My daughter’s crib has simple lines and is black and it looks great in her pink room.

Here are some great cribs:

The Da Vinci Kalani 3-1 Crib: $307.64

The sides do not move, ensuring stability and safety.

The Oeuf Sparrow Crib ($690) meets or exceeds all safety standards and has a sleek modern design.

The Dream On Me Contemporary Crib ($114.75) is proof that you can get everything you’re looking for in a crib and stay within budget.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more affordable baby cribs.

Dora the Explorer has been the favorite Nick Jr. show among preschoolers for the last several years, but a new show is set to take the top spot.  Yo Gabba Gabba is a half hour show hosted by “DJ Lance Rock” and the story lines surround the interaction between the “Gabba Friends”: Muno (a red cyclops), Foofa (round and pink with a flower on her head ), Brobee (a little green monster), Toodee (a blue cat-dragon) and Plex (a yellow robot).  The episodes have musical segments (with bands that mom and dad probably like!) and animated stories.  There is lots of dancing and lessons about how to be a good friend, being polite, sharing, etc.  The characters are lovable and cute and kids LOVE them.

If you have a toddler or preschool aged child, you’ve probably found yourself scanning the web for Yo Gabba Toys.  They haven’t been around long, but the product line is expanding.  Here are my top picks!

Yo Gabba Gabba Grooves Guitar: $15.99 - The guitar plays several Yo Gabba Gabba songs.  Toddlers love to push the buttons and dance. It is a favorite at our house!

Yo Gabba Gabba DJ Lance Magic Dance Hat & Glasses: $24.99 - DJ Lance defines cool for the under 4 crowd.  He’s a wicked dancer and best of all, he seems like the nicest guy ever.  You just want to hug him!  Kids will be beyond thrilled to get to dress like him.

Yo Gabba Gabba Play Tent: $23.99 - Children can put on their own shows and have all kinds of fun hiding inside.  If you’re lucky, they may even nap inside!

Yo Gabba Gabba Dance Time Dancing Brobee: $21.99 - The first time my daughter saw this, she fell onto the floor she was laughing so hard.  It’s goofy and loud, just the kind of thing little kids love.

Looking to redecorate your toddler’s room?  This Yo Gabba Gabba bedding set ($69.95) is super cute and would work for a boy or a girl. It’s specifically made to fit a toddler bed and is affordable.

I hope this list has helped all of the Yo Gabba families out there—and if you are new to Yo Gabba Gabba just wait—soon you’ll be singing along with your kids to all of the songs!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more Yo Gabba Gabba toys.

The first weeks of life are new and frightening to your baby.  They’ve spent 9 plus months in the comfort of your womb, snuggled in tight and warm with lots of restful white noise.  Swaddling mimics the secure feeling of being in the womb and when done correctly, can dramatically reduce newborn crying.

You might notice that your newborn startles himself awake or seems frightened by his own movements.  He may cry for what seems like “no reason”.  Your baby feels lost in this big wide open world and he is struggling trying to find the snug comfort he needs.

So how do you do it?

Step 1:  Lay a blanket on a bed (or soft and safe surface) and fold down the top-right corner about 6 inches.  You will want a blanket slightly larger than the average receiving blanket because you want your swaddle to stay bundled and not unfold when the baby moves.   Some blankets, such as the Miracle Blanket (pictured above) are specifically designed for swaddling.

Step 2:  Lay baby down on his back with his head on the fold.

Step 3:  Pull the corner near your baby’s left hand across his body, and tuck the leading edge under his back on the right side under the arm.

Step 4:  Pull the bottom corner up under your baby’s chin.

Step 5:  Bring the loose corner over your baby’s right arm and tuck it under the back on his left side.

This tight full body swaddle is great for the first month or so, but as time goes on you may notice that your baby is more comfortable with his arms free.  Also, after the first month you will want to loosen the swaddle around the hips so you do not interfere with your baby’s normal growth.  Watch an instructional clip on how to swaddle below.

YouTube - Watch  .

Be very careful that you do not over dress your baby.  Check your baby to make sure he is not too warm.  Never, ever place your newborn or infant on his stomach, especially when he is swaddled.  When you do lay your baby down, make sure that the area is clear of blankets and pillows.

If you would like to know more about swaddling and other methods for helping your baby to be content longer and sleep better, I highly recommend the book “The Happiest Baby on the Block” by Dr. Harvey Karp (Lowest Price on Smarter.com: $4.64) .

It is the single most helpful book I used when my daughter was an infant.

Good luck new moms!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for affordable swaddling blankets and receiving blankets.

Every parent needs a decent lightweight stroller for walks around town or zipping around the mall.  Here are ten models that you can easily throw in the back of the car for everyday use.

1. Maclaren Volo Stroller: $129.99 - The Volo only weighs 9 lbs!  It’s easy to steer with a sunshade, has a  5 point harness and side ventilation making it a great choice for older babies or toddlers.  The simple design is also aesthetically pleasing.

2. Peg Perego Aria MT:  $99.99 - Peg Perego strollers are made in Italy, and they are cute and modern in design.  The Aria will last you from the newborn period all the way through preschool.  It has a reclining seat, sunshade and even a cup holder for mom’s water!

3. Peg Perego Pliko P3 Stroller: $344.33 - Okay, this one is pretty expensive.  It also happens to be my personal stroller so I have to rave about it a little bit.  I dragged it home from Italy because I fell in love with it so much.  It’s a little heavier, at 16 lbs., but still very manageable.  It features a rear footboard for a second older child to ride, has a reclining seat, 5 point harness, cup holder for parents, and height adjustable handles which have been great for me and my husband as we’re both tall.  It also rides like a dream!

4. Combi Flare Stroller: $73.30 - Pretty light at only 11 lbs.  The Combi has a 5 point harness, sunshade and a seat that reclines for an infant.  What makes the Combi stand out is that it folds down and becomes very compact, which is great if you have a smaller vehicle.

5. Maclaren Triumph Stroller: $139.99 - At around 11 lbs, it’s not quite as light as the Volo, but it has a few more features for the slightly higher price tag such as a reclining seat which allows babies as young as 3 months to ride.

6. Evenflo XSport Convienence Stroller: $59.99 - Okay, I know that not everybody wants to spend half a car payment on a stroller.  Here’s a cheaper model that has features that rival the more expensive models.  The XSport has a large storage basket, an adjustable sunshade and taller handles.  It also folds down to almost nothing for easy storage.  It has a three point harness, which may not be best for young babies.

7. Chicco C6 Stroller: $64.99 - The Chicco is light, at 11 lbs and has a 5 point harness.  The seat reclines slightly for younger babies and the shoulder strap is great for travel. It comes in several fun colors too!

8. Inglesina Swift Stroller: $199.99 - A reclining seat with leg support is nice for younger babies.  It has a basket, sun shade and 5 point harness.  It folds down making it very easy to travel with.  The Inglesina offers a lot of features for not a lot of money.

Need a Double Stroller?

9. Safety 1st Two Way Tandem Stroller: $119.99 - This stroller allows the babies to face out or face each other.  How cute is that?! They can talk to each other while they ride!  It’s 25 lbs, which isn’t bad considering there are two seats.  The rear stadium seat also reclines for an infant, so this would be awesome for a family with a baby and a toddler.  Best of all, it’s affordable!

10. Graco Quattro Tour Duo Stroller: $209.00 - Stadium style seat in the back with simple one button push folding make it great for parents with two little ones.  Toddlers can ride up front until they are 50 lbs, so this one will last!  It’s a bit heavy at 39 lbs, but with all the features it may be worth it!

Every family has different needs, so choosing a stroller can be a struggle but hopefully I’ve helped to narrow it down!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop though a variety of strollers and stroller accessories.

Safety 1st Vineland Solid Wood High Chair : $129.99 Now: $74.98

Look how lovely this high chair is!  Solid wood, with an adjustable tray that is dishwasher safe!  It’s so hard to find a high chair that is functional but not gaudy.  The wood is dark and the cushion is neutral, so it truly would look good in any kitchen.  It also supports up to 50 lbs, so you can use it well into toddlerhood.   I made the mistake of buying a high chair that was so huge and plastic that it was an eyesore and nearly impossible to store.  I love that the Vineland tray is simple and doesn’t have all kinds of toys attached.  High chair toys can be nearly impossible to keep clean!

Foogo Leak Proof Sippy Cup: $15.95 Now: $9.99

Also on sale right now is the Foogo Leak-Proof Sippy Cup with Handles.  It’s stainless steel so it keeps drink cooler for much longer.  The spout is soft so it’s easy on tender gums.  It’s also BPA (Bisphenol A) free, dishwasher safe, and best of all—because there is no condensation, there are no water rings on your furniture!  Cool, huh?  My little girl would love a cup like this.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more affordable high chairs and sippy cups.
Discounts on baby feeding products.

Elizabeth (Munro) Adeney is a 66-year-old business woman from England.  Instead of preparing for retirement, she’s due to give birth to her first child in June.  Her friends say she is feisty and just as healthy as many younger women.  Elizabeth wants a child to leave her estate to when she dies.  Elizabeth underwent IVF (in vitro fertilization) in Ukraine, where standards for IVF are very lax.

Shockingly, Elizabeth is not the only senior citizen choosing to give birth late in life.  In Spain, Carmela Bousada became a mother at age 67 and Omkari Panwar from India delivered twins at 70.  The oldest mother with a baby in the United States is Aleta St. James, at age 57.

Omkari Panwar

Pregnancy past age 40 brings about many complications and the older the mother the more serious and risky it becomes.   When Omkari was due to deliver her twins via C-section, doctors were not even sure if she would survive the surgery.  Diabetes, high blood pressure, and preterm labor are common among older pregnant women.

But is it “wrong”?  On one hand, why shouldn’t a woman have a child, regardless of her age?  If she has the means and is physically able to care for a child she has every right to do it.  Motherhood should be judged on ability, not on how old you are.  Some would say that it is better for a child to have a mother with the financial means and the emotional and intellectual maturity to raise a child instead of a younger and possibly disadvantaged woman.

On the other hand, IVF treatments were designed for women of childbearing age whom due to biological complications (infertility) can not physically conceive.  Is it fair to allow older women that chose not to have children in their younger years to undergo IVF?

My personal feelings about the issue lean more towards wondering why these older women choose not to adopt.  Do you know how many babies in England alone are waiting to be adopted by somebody like Elizabeth?  Feeling the yearn to become a mother is normal, but isn’t a little selfish to insist on going to dramatic lengths to birth your own biological child?  Why?  So they’ll look just like you?  Does it really matter?

At 30 years old and the mother of one, I’m already exhausted.  I’m going to use my golden years to relax!  Retirement is a reward for all we go through with our careers, families and children. Who wants to chase a toddler when you could be playing bingo and knitting?

photo sources: ABC news, Times Online UK

There is a point in every woman’s pregnancy when she looks in the mirror and wonders where her body went.  Stretch marks, dry skin, swollen ankles…it’s easy to not feel pretty when you can’t even see your toes.  Are you also uncomfortable?  Maybe it’s your underwear that’s getting you down!  Why stuff yourself into your pre-pregnancy lingerie when there are so many beautiful and functional options out there.  Comfortable, practicable, luxurious, and yes…even sexy!  Here are some ideas:

Nightgowns and pajamas need to be lightweight and comfortable.  This set from Belabumbum is made from super soft cotton, is flattering enough to wear around the house when the inlaws are over, and the babydoll top allows for nursing.

Bird’s Nest Nursing Babydoll & Pant Set: $96.00

Check out the adorable matching pj set for baby!

Bird’s Nest Baby Kimono Set: $36

This nursing set from Bellamaterna features a “bralet” to support your chest without having to wear an uncomfortable underwire bra.  The set is stretchy and soft and won’t fade or pill in the wash.

Anytime Nursing Camisole Plus Cup: $86

This v neck nursing set from A Pea in the Pod combines the comfort of lounge clothing with pretty lingerie style lace. It’s flattering to any body—pregnant and post delivery when some of those baby pounds are still hanging around.

Short Sleeve V-Neck Nursing 2 Piece Set: $119.99 on sale

Your bra size will most likely change dramatically during pregnancy, and yet so many women ignore the fact that they need a special bra just for pregnancy and nursing.  Here are a few bras that combine comfort and beauty:

Condessa “Cassandra” Nursing Bra: $39.99

Whoa, Mama! That’s a nursing bra?!  Condessa is known for making sexy nursing lingerie, and this “Cassandra” bra is no exception.  Pearl snaps on the front open for nursing, and the stretchy microfiber and cotton makes it comfortable and quick drying.

Bravado’s “Sugar and Spice” bra ($47) is just that—very sweet and just little sexy.  It’s practical enough for daily wear, but pretty enough to show off.  It features a “CottonFlex” lining for comfort and breathability.

Are you sick of your underwear rolling down your tummy?  There’s a solution for that too! Bravado’s “Sugar and Space” panties ($13.50) are cut to fit around your belly.  And, they’re cute too!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more nursing bras and maternity lingerie.
Discounts on Condessa maternity clothing and Bravado maternity clothing.