Babies & Kids Blog » 2009 » June

If you’re about to have a baby, be prepared to spend the next several months in a rocking chair with your little one.  Here are two great glider rockers that are on sale right now:

Foundations Safe Rocker Glider: $449.99 $399.99

Foundations’ SafeRocker Glider features a fully enclosed tip-resistant base that prevents your curious little ones from accessing the gliding mechanism.  An extra-wide seat and extra-thick high-density foam cushions keep you comfortable while you rock babies to sleep.  Side pockets in the arm cushions let you store supplies close at hand.  Removable fabric cushions are easy to clean.  Sturdy hardwood is sure to withstand heavy use for years.  Meets strict California 117 fire standards.

Foundations Lullaby Glider Rocker: $229.94 $179.99

The Foundations Lullaby Glider Rocker features a spring-reinforced seat that offers a smooth, quiet glide.  Durable hardwood and a tip-resistant base make this a safe, sturdy choice.  The extra-wide seat and extra-thick high-density foam cushions keep you comfortable while you rock babies to sleep.  Deep pockets in the side panels let you store supplies close at hand.  Remove the fabric seat cover and side panels for easy cleaning.  Meets strict California 117 fire standards.

Rock on!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more adult rocking chairs.

The sudden and unexpected death of Michael Jackson brings about questions of the custody of his children.  No matter how you felt about him, the truth of the matter is that he was a dad to three children and those three children are in mourning and in need of love, comfort, and familiarity.

Debbie Rowe, who was briefly married to Michael and delivered his oldest two children, apparently never fully terminated her parental rights.  There is currently a lot of speculation about whether or not she will try and regain control of the children.

Sources close to Rowe say she plans to ask for custody of the children, and that she will collect a substantial amount of child support from Jackson’s estate.  Whoever gets custody of Jackson’s children will not automatically gain control of the children’s inheritance, however, according to legal experts.

Jackson family attorney Londell McMillan says Rowe has not contacted them about custody.

Rowe’s attorney said in a statement, “Ms. Rowe’s only thoughts at this time have been regarding the devastating loss Michael’s family has suffered.  Ms. Rowe requests that Michael’s family, and particularly the children, be spared such harmful, sensationalist speculation and that they will be able to say goodbye to their loved one in peace.”

Jackson’s third child, Prince Michael II, nicknamed Blanket, was conceived using a surrogate mother he never met.  Jackson’s wishes would be more influential in determining the custodial fate of Prince Michael II than his older siblings.

Most people would agree that Michael’s mother Katherine should raise the children.

I have two concerns about that:

1. The children would be raised around Michael’s dad, who is a known abuser.

2. Katherine is by all accounts an elderly lady, and may not be physically able to care of three young kids.

I’m wondering why Michael’s siblings aren’t voicing any willingness to care for his children.  I know there has been tension over the siblings over the years, but in death all of that should disappear especially for the sake of the kids.

Here’s hoping that the media frenzy dies down a little so these kids are advocated for properly.  No matter who their father was, they deserve as much privacy and respect as anybody else.

Image: tmz

Soft sole baby shoes are all the rage right now.  Why?  Well, first: they’re really cute.  More importantly, they allow baby to walk in a similar fashion to walking barefoot.  Barefoot walking allows the arch and foot muscles to develop correctly.  Unlike regular children’s shoes with a stiff body and hard soles, soft sole shoes are very flexible with soft, pliable soles.  Until toddlers have been walking for at least a few months, the only purpose of footwear is to protect the child’s feet and to offer some grip on a smooth surface.  For prewalkers, shoes are not necessary.  Many pediatricians, including the Dr. Sears, recommend that children under two not wear shoes all.  It’s not recommended that you put a regular hard sole shoe on a pre-walker or a beginner walker.  Did you know that many children’s shoes are too small?  Make sure to have ¼” to ½” from the longest toe to the shoe (when standing) when purchasing shoes.

Here are some adorable soft sole shoes:

Robeez Infant/Toddler Poppy Sandal: $22.71

Bright and fun, these shoes are skid-resistant, made of durable leather and comfortable.  Great for indoor or light outdoor use.

Pediped Chocolate Charlie Loafer: $30.00

So cute and preppy!  Soft leather with a foam cushion for extra protection and comfort.  Hand-stitched around soles with lots of ventilation.

Baby Girls Green TRUMPETTE Soft Sole Infant Dress Shoes $26.99

I love the funky green!  So sassy and comfy!

ShooFoo Infant Ducky BaSoft Sole Shoe $27.97

Non-slip leather sole for stellar traction, and breathable leather uppers plus so adorable!

Robeez Classic Mary Jane Slip-On $27.95

Elastic goring provides easy on-and-off wear on a little mary jane constructed from soft, breathable leather that flexes with each movement.  Sweet!

With shoes like these, you can be sure your little one’s precious tootsies will be looking good and feeling great!

Find at Smarter.com:   Find more soft sole baby shoes.

If your kids are spending the summer in various activities outside of the house, chances are you’re packing them lunches.  You may be caving to the pressure to buy pre-packaged convenience foods but the truth is:  they aren’t healthy and they’re a waste of money.  Here are my suggestions for lunches on the go for the summer and during the school year.

Ditch the soda:  It’s way overpriced and kids shouldn’t be drinking it anyway (or adults either!).  Buy a cool refillable water bottle.  Buy the individual powdered water flavorings.  Most of them have almost no calories and they are a great way to get kids to drink water.  Plus, kids will love opening the tiny package and pouring it in to the bottle themselves.

Keep it all cold with an ice pack:   Nobody likes warm lunch meat.  Get an insulated bag that fits an ice pack.

Dip it:  You know all those dipping sauces you get at the Drive-Thru?  Save them!  Throw them in the lunch bag with veggie sticks.  What a great way to entice kids to eat veggies!  You can also save your fast food condiments so that kids can spread them on their sandwiches at lunchtime!

No ordinary sandwich:  Use a whole grain tortilla, lettuce wraps, a pita…the possibilities are endless!  You can even use cookie cutters to turn a plain and boring sandwich into something fun!

Sweet treats:  Don’t load up the lunch bag with cookies and candy.  Try dried fruit or homemade granola.  It’s okay to indulge now and then, but a homemade chocolate chip cookie is always going to be more wholesome and healthy than anything made by a magic elf in a tree.

Be a copycat:  You know those boxes of individually sliced cheese, meat and crackers that your kid throws a fit for every time you go to the store?  They’re way expensive considering the amount of food you get.  Make your own!  Do you own slicing and carefully package it all together and you’ll not just make your kid happy, you’ll save money.

Another must have food item among children today is drinkable yogurt.  Again, the cost is sky high!  You can buy a small yogurt and throw it in the blender with enough milk to make it thin and smooth and serve it in your own cool container.  You can even freeze it in ice cube trays, add some toothpicks for handles, and make it into frozen yogurt pops!

You may be thinking “My kid wants what he sees on commercials and whatever his friends have.”, but I think you will quickly find that children really do appreciate the extra care you provide when you prepare their lunches yourself.

Images: oprah.com, missoulian.com

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop through a variety of affordable lunch boxes.

Sarah Jessica and Matthew’s twin daughters were born via a surrogate.  Marion Loretta Elwell Broderick and Tabitha Hodge Broderick were born at 3:58 p.m. on Monday, June 22nd in Ohio.  Marion weighed in at 5 lbs., 11 oz, while Tabitha was 6 lbs.  Marion and Tabitha have a big brother, James Wilkie , age 6 ½.  The couple released this statement: “The babies are doing beautifully and the entire family is over the moon.”

Sadly, the events leading up to the twins’ arrival were not so happy.  The surrogate carrying the babies for Sarah Jessica and Matthew was repeatedly harassed.  Her home was even broken into by police officers looking for dirt to sell to the tabloids.  Her computer and voicemail were hacked and even her friends and family were threatened.  Parker said she was worried about the woman “and the safe delivery of our children.”

Sarah Jessica, who is 44, said in an interview airing on Tuesday on NBC that the woman’s telephone and computer have been hacked into, and she had received threats.  Her friends and relatives had also been targeted, she said.  “She’s had friends threatened and family threatened and she’s had family of friends threatened.”

“The most unsavory of things have been done,” Parker has said.  “She’s had her phone hacked, her personal computer information hacked, she’s had threats against her and true harassment. …There’s simply no excuse for doing this to somebody.  It’s not acceptable.  I am incredibly outraged by the sort of extraordinary and unprecedented invasion of her privacy.”

There is a criminal investigation in progress relating to the break-ins.  Hopefully justice will prevail!  This poor woman gives of her time and sacrifices her body to give children to a couple that cannot have them biologically and this is the kind of treatment she receives?  Sickening!

Congratulations to the family, and hopefully their surrogate finds peace in the future.

Image: nydailynews

If you’re ready to move on to something a little faster than a stroller, you may be interested in a bike trailer.  There are many factors to consider when buying a bike trailer, but once you have one you’ll find that you really enjoy it.

How serious are you about biking?  Do you have a top of the line bike?  If so, you should look for a bike trailer that will protect your bike and not cause unnecessary strain to the frame.  This means you’ll probably end up spending more.  Bike trailers cost anywhere from $200 all the way up to the $1000 range.

A bike trailer can attach to your bike two different ways: with a rear axle mount or a frame mount.  Axle mount trailers are better for your bike since they don’t put as much stress on the frame.  On the other hand, frame mount trailers are usually cheaper.  Some models have an external frame that extends around the wheel, making it more stable.

You will find that the wheels of all bike trailers have either steel spokes or mags.  Mags are stronger and usually, cheaper.  However, they cannot be adjusted by a bike shop like steel spokes can be.

How many children do you plan on carrying?  I recommend that you avoid the single kid trailers.  They are easier to pull around, but you want to make sure that you have a little extra room for a sibling, friend, or even toys and all the junk kids carry around.

Every trailer has some sort of padding.  Some models will have extra padding and some may have a “helmet shelf” which is a place where he or she can rest their helmet heavy head during the ride.

Many bike trailers convert into strollers.  Look at how easy it is to convert from a trailer to a stroller.  If you do choose one that converts into a stroller, make sure that it fits into your vehicle.  Look for a trailer that provides good ventilation.  Many models are made of reflective and UV-protected material.  It’s a good idea to get a rain cover in case of sudden rain.

Make sure the trailer you’re looking at is meets safety standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).  This shouldn’t be hard to find.

Now that you’ve read about all of the “rules”, do yourself a favor and test drive one.  Borrow a trailer from a friend or relative first just to see if you’re even comfortable pulling that much added weight.  Pulling a trailer can be a little tricky, and not everybody is comfortable with it.  Then, if you feel good about it and you’ve narrowed down a few models, go into a store and try them out.  Any reputable dealer will let you try before you buy. Once you’re set on which one you want, you can come back home and look for the lowest price online!

My top picks:

InSTEP Quick N Lite Bike Trailer: $149.95

“Light and fast aluminum frame makes family rides more fun and less work. Trailer converts to stroller in seconds without tools, while bright bold colors keep you visible on the road. Features: 6″ alloy wheels Rust-free rims Assembles without tools Converts to stroller Durable aluminum frame Weather shield for rain protection. Seats 2 children. Rear storage area, quick-release wheels. Folds flat to store. Screened canopy for ventilation.”

Schwinn Trailblazer Trailer: $192.99

“Built on an aluminum frame, it features larger 20″ wheels that make pulling it behind a bike effortless. Features: 20 spoked alloy wheels / pneumatic tires with quick release design for easy storage. Aluminum frame design is lightweight and strong. Universal coupler attaches quickly and easily to most bikes. Zippered weather shield provides extra protection for passengers in poor weather. Fits in trunks and storage areas of most vehicles when folded.”

Image: Tripadvisor

Cheese, grapes, toast with jelly, yogurt and pudding.  Those items are staples in our house because they are the only things my 21 month old daughter will eat.  Some days, she even turns her tiny adorable nose up at them.  It’s frustrating and at times, infuriating.  It’s my job to keep her, well……alive.  Her health is totally dependent on me.  What are you supposed to do when all of your efforts are rebuked by stubborn toddler?

A recent study, by the Department of Epidemiology and Public health at University College London, reported that pickiness over food is 78 percent is genetic and 22 percent environmental.

So, bad parenting and bad cooking aren’t totally to blame.  But, what can we do to encourage better eating habits?

The Mayo Clinic Suggests:

Respect your child’s hunger — or lack thereof:  Young children tend to eat only when they’re hungry.  If your child isn’t hungry, don’t force a meal or snack.

Stay calm:  If your child senses that you’re unhappy with his or her eating habits, it may become a battle of wills.  Threats and punishments only reinforce the power struggle.

Keep an eye on the clock:  Nix juice and snacks for at least one hour before meals.  If your child comes to the table hungry, he or she may be more motivated to eat.

Watch Dr. Ben Danielson from Seattle Children’s Hospital give some great advice about picky eaters:

The University of Michigan’s hospital has these tips for parents of picky eaters:

Don’t worry about vegetables, just encourage more fruits:  Because vegetables tend to be hard to chew and some of them are bitter, they are commonly rejected by children and even by many adults.  Keep in mind that fruits and vegetables are from the same food group.  There are no essential vegetables.  Vegetables can be largely replaced by fruits without any nutritional harm to your child.  This is not a health issue.  Don’t make your child feel guilty about avoiding some vegetables.

Avoid conversation about eating at any time:  Don’t discuss what your child eats in your child’s presence.  Trust your child’s appetite to look after your child’s caloric needs.  Also don’t give praise for appropriate eating.  Don’t give bribes or rewards for meeting your eating expectations.  Children should eat to satisfy their appetite, not to please the parent.  Occasionally, you might praise your child for trying a new food that he does not like the taste or texture of.

I am setting new goals for myself regarding meals for my toddler:  I am going to include her in food prep and respect meal times as a family event and actually sit down and eat with her at every meal.  I have a tendency to run around and “get things done” while she eats her lunch.

I’m going to worry less and trust that she’ll eat as much as she needs.

Do you have suggestions for dealing with a picky eater?  Leave us your tips in the comments section!

Image: americanfeast.com

It’s hot.  You’re pregnant.  Nothing fits right.  Somebody just ate the last of the ice cream.  The waistbands on all your shorts are mocking your maternity belly.  What’s a sweaty and miserable pregnant woman to do?  Get yourself a maxi dress.

They are comfortable, cute, and flattering.  Here are some great choices:

Gap Long linen-blend madras dress: $78.00 $39.99

“Cool and light. Long and lean.  It’s exactly how you want to feel this summer.  Our linen-blend maxi-dress does the trick, with a fitted bodice, smocked empire waist and sleek silhouette that stays close to your curves.  In beautifully bright madras plaid.”

Madras is really in right now. This is really cute!

Old Navy Maternity Crochet-Trim Maxi Dress: $29.50 $25.00

“Take your style to the max in this sophisticated ankle-length dress.  Crochet trim, wooden buttons and a tiered hem create a look that’s both lovely and laidback.”

The crochet trim makes this basic dress stand out. I love the tiered hem!

Liz Lange for Target Raspberry Maxi dress: $49.99 $39.99

The raspberry color of this dress is beautiful.  You could dress this up or down.  The waist tie is really cute.

Want to splurge?  Check out these pricey beauties:

Olian Maternity Dahlia Print Maxi Dress: $148.00

I love the pattern and color on this one so much!

This one isn’t a maxi dress, but it’s just adorable AND is marked WAY down!

Juicy Couture Maternity Empire Tie Dress: $188.00 $93.90

“Cute, fluttery dress in soft jersey cotton is styled with puffed sleeves, a square neckline and ruffled bottom tier. An elastic Empire waist is cinched with a beaded drawstring.”

I don’t JUST love the price reduction on this dress—I also love the color and the style—it could easily be worn after the baby arrives!

Banish the sweatpants, Mommies-to-be.  Look to maternity dresses like these to keep you feeling cool and looking cute all summer long!

How much television should a toddler be allowed to watch?  Honestly, I am hesitant to even write about this.  I’m feeling a little guilty lately.  I’ve been turning on Noggin during breakfast and lunch.  We had a few rainy days, what else is there to do besides watch a little Dora?  The other day I really wanted to jump in the shower so I turned on the boob tube again.

Television is a touchy subject.  When I realize I’ve let a half hour of TV turn into an hour, I feel like a bad mother.  Some of my mommy friends leave the TV on all day.  Some act as though TV is the source of all evil.  My personal issue is with advertising.   A lot of the advertisements that are shown during children’s programming are highly inappropriate.

I decided to look into what the experts have to say about TV and toddlers.  I figured it’d either reassure me that what I am doing is okay or scare me into canceling cable.

Dr. Dimitri Christakis, the George Adkins professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Research Institute stated in an article last year:  “There have been a lot of studies that explored this, and early television is associated with delayed language, delayed cognitive developments, shorter attention span.”

Uh, oh.  Here comes that Mommy guilt…But wait!

A new study by the researchers at Children’s Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School negates the “TV is bad for your toddler” argument, finding that hours in front of the television, while not beneficial, doesn’t seem to harm young kids, either.

“In this study, TV viewing in itself did not have measurable effects on cognition,” said Dr. Elsie Taveras, senior author of the study and pediatrician at Children’s.  “TV viewing is perhaps best viewed as a marker for a host of other environmental and familial influences, which may themselves be detrimental to cognitive development.”

When asked about television and toddlers, Dr. Sears said:  “I think it is a good show if the child is interacting with it, singing along, or dancing along.  If the child just “zones-out” and stares at the tube, then you should probably find a different show.”

As of now, it seems as though the general consensus is that while television is not helping your child at all, it’s probably not hurting them either.  Carefully choosing what they watch and limiting how much they are watching is important. Filling up the rest of the day with one on one time and enriching activities seems to be the key.

Tomorrow: No TV at lunchtime. Mark my words!

Images: ABC news, wkyc.com

Future Playmate?

After The Girls Next Door ended on E!, Kendra Wilkinson got her own show.  Now, she has something even better!  A baby is on the way!  Kendra, 23, is engaged to NFL player Hank Baskett.

“Hank and I are thrilled to announce that we are expecting our first child together,” Kendra, 23, tells E!’s Mark Malkin.  “We are touched by the outpouring of support by our family, friends and fans.”

I wonder if the baby will call Hef ‘grandpa’?

Ana Ortiz: Any Day now!

Ugly Betty’s Ana Ortiz is just days away from delivering!  Her due date is June 25h.  She recently told People that she feels she’s ready but is glad to have mother of four Vanessa Williams nearby:  “I got Vanessa Williams on speed dial for any mommy emergencies!”

Baby Number Two for Carnie Wilson:

Carnie Wilson delivered Luciana Bella Bonfiglio via C-Section on Friday.  They’re calling her Lucy for short.  She weighed in at 6 lbs., 5 oz and was 19 inches long.  Lucy has a big sister, Lola.  Cute names!  Carnie is currently hosting the new version of The Newlywed Game.  Maybe her girls will start a new version of Wilson Phillips someday…

Kelly Rutherford becomes a second time mom in the midst of turmoil:

Kelly Rutherford, from Gossip Girl, welcomed her second child, a daughter named Helena Grace Rutherford Giersch, on Monday the 8th.  Weighing in at 8 lbs., 12 oz, Helena arrived at 9:20 p.m and is “doing just fine,” says a rep.  Kelly is in the middle of divorce proceedings with her husband Daniel Giersch.  Kelly’s rep says that Daniel was invited to attend Helena’s birth, but Daniel says he learned of the new baby’s birth on the news.   The couple already has one son together, Hermés Gustaf Daniel. Hopefully Helena’s arrival is bringing them all happiness during this tough time.

Remember a few weeks ago when we talked about Mr. Morality, Mel Gibson and his pregnant girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva?  Well the charming couple wrote a song together!  Want to hear it?  Let me save you the trouble..Entertainment Weekly described it as “something you’d hear at a fancy hotel bar during cocktail hour.”  Yikes!

Images: celebrity-babies.com