Generation Worry
Five mind-easing resources for Nervous Nellies
February 08, 2011
For a generation that grew up wearing baby oil in the sun and riding in cars without seat belts, we sure have turned out to be a bunch of worrywarts. For better or worse, we worry about what we put on our kids' skin. We worry about what their utensils are made from. We worry about the number of minutes they watch TV. We worry about where their toys are made. Exhausting, but true. With that in mind, we rounded up five great resources for policing the stuff that worries us.
Before you take your tot to see the latest Disney release, visit commonsensemedia.org to read expert and parent reviews, and to find out the details of the inappropriate (scary) parts. They also review TV shows, books, games, music, websites, and apps.
If you're nursing and wondering whether it's okay to have another cup of peppermint tea, kellymom.com has a comprehensive list of what's safe (and what's not) while breastfeeding.
Parabens, formaldehyde, and carcinogens, oh my. Cosmeticsdatabase.org rates skincare products for babies on a 0-10 scale for hazards including chemicals, toxins, and allergens.
On thesoftlanding.com, you can search for BPA-free baby products and supplies within categories ranging from toys and teethers to bibs and sippys.
You should of course wash all your fruits and veggies. But for a list of the ones you really really really need to wash, check out the Dirty Dozen list on thedailygreen.com.
O Is For Overkill
Tasteful ideas for personalizing the nursery
January 25, 2011
It's tradition to emblazon a nursery with the new baby's name. But we felt it was time for some fresh (and tastefully subtle) alternatives to the ubiquitous wall letters and initial pillows we see everywhere. So we caught up with Melisa Fluhr and Pam Ginocchio of Project Nursery, who shared five cool ideas for personalizing the décor.
The Monogram. A single, oversized initial (or three) makes a powerful statement on the wall or area rug. Marquee Lights. Babies and toddlers are obsessed with night lights—love this clever initial one. Custom Silhouettes. A classic cutout can look like modern art when it’s applied to baby’s room. Shadow Boxes. Take Darcy Miller’s lead and frame an important keepsake such as the birth announcement, then add sentimental 3-D elements like an itty-bitty hospital wristband and other precious memorabilia. Canvas art. The possibilities are endless in this medium: consider personalizing blown-up photos with baby’s birth date details.
Hey Jealousy
Great gifts for big siblings
January 20, 2011
Any parent of two (or more) will tell you that the best gift for a second baby is one that comes with a little something for the older sibling as well. (It majorly helps cut down on the jealousy meltdowns.) With that in mind, here are five great gift ideas for congratulating newly appointed Big Brothers and Big Sisters.
ERGObaby Doll Carrier, $25
Ergo's pint-sized carrier trumps the usual toy strollers as a modern way to cart around a baby doll, just like mama. ergobabycarriers.com
Magna-Tiles, $49.95
We've never seen a toy that holds a tot's attention longer (a godsend for nursing moms). lakeshorelearning.com
Myself Belt, $24.99
Anything that offers an opportunity for an "I did it myself!" moment is a sure thing. makaboo.com
MJK Knits Flap Hat, $49.99
No matter how competitive a sibling might feel toward a new baby, he or she will dig the idea of matching hats. (And of course parents are total suckers for it, too.) makaboo.com
Lakeshore Week-by-Week Calendar, $29.95
The [fun] routine of changing the day, date, and weather every morning can bring a wee bit of organization and stability to an upheaved kid's world. lakeshorelearning.com
The 2011 Cribsie Awards
Best for baby, tops for tots
January 11, 2011
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the first annual Cribsie Awards, the definitive baby industry awards, recognizing the best brands, products, services, and websites for babes and tots.
Nominations are now open: just fill out the fun, simple (and secure) form to nominate your favorite brands—anything from diapers to mom blogs. We know y'all have some strong opinions; now's your chance to make them count.
Nominations will close on February 4th; finalists will be announced (and voting will begin) on February 18th.
In the meantime, keep up with the Cribsies on facebook and twitter to follow nominees and finalists news, stay plugged into Awards gossip, and of course to cash in on great deals and fun giveaways.
Your Cribsie Awards Hosts,
StrollerTraffic, A-List Mom, and Diapers.com
