Remember the first time you left the house with the baby? You probably had a diaper bag the size of a Volkwagon Beetle, stocked with enough diapers and wipes and clothes for a three-week road trip. And that was just to run to the market to pick up some milk. Remember those days?
It's a rookie mistake that we all make.
Even after you figure out that really, you only need to take a couple of diapers and a small pack of wipes and you can totally skip that full change of clothes and just stuff an extra onesie in there -- even then, there's always something you feel like you Absolutely Must Have in the diaper bag. When my sons were babies, it was a blanket -- must have the blanket! In case the baby wants to, uh, lie on the floor at the grocery, I guess. I don't know why I felt like I needed that blanket, but it was always in the bag.
When they got older, my must-have was antibacterial hand wipes, at least two packages at a time, because kids touch everything! and then touch you! and themselves! eew! My kids, of course, also used the hand wipes to clean everything, including the windows of my car, which was kind of gross.
These days, my kids are in school full time and I'm not toting a baby bag any more. But I still never leave the house without a good supply of Kleenex (it's in the Mom Rules: Mom must always have Kleenex for you) and a camera. Because you never know when the kids will do something cute -- or when they will sneeze.
What's on your must-have list when you leave the house?
After a brief hiatus, ParentPicks is back! This is where we take full advantage of your wisdom and experience and ask you to share it with other parents. Whether you have one child or six, chances are you have come across a product, an idea, or a solution to a problem that is just what another parent is looking for. This month, let's see if we can dig out some great storage solutions for kids of all ages.
From birth to college, it seems that kid's lives are all about the stuff. And unless you live in a mansion with a children's wing, you know how all that stuff tends to take over the entire house. How do you keep it under control? Have you discovered the world's best toy box? A simple and stylish way to keep art supplies organized? What about all those stuffed animals that seem to multiply like rabbits?
Having just moved into a much smaller home, I am personally on the edge of my seat awaiting your great ideas for conquering the clutter and taming the toys. Send me your solutions and in two weeks, I will be back to share your picks with our readers.
Kathryn Crawford, managing director of The Baby Website, explains the overspending this way: new moms get together for coffee and playdates, which are a "breeding ground for competitiveness." So the Yummy Mummies try to out do each other -- but instead of dressing themselves up, they dress up their babies. "The thing is that mums want to be seen to be doing the very best for their child, and providing the very best, and if this means spending more money than they had intended, so be it."
The survey also found that these moms knock themselves out for playdates at home, cleaning house and cooking and spending hours putting on their makeup. And -- most interestingly -- it also found that moms are more likely to take the advice of other moms before shopping, rather than relying on advertisements or product guides. So when all the other mommies are buying the really expensive baby shoes, it's easy to see where the slippery slope starts, isn't it?
Do you ever overspend on your kids? Or do you stick with a budget, no matter what the other tots are wearing?
If you can't get political enough this season, then perhaps you can share even more of your opinions via your baby's tummy. That's right, world, just when we thought we'd said "ENOUGH!" to all the witty slogan T-shirts out there (no longer midriff-bearing, thank goodness, I am SO over that), the onesie-with-commentary takes center stage.
Check out these witty onesies (and a few bibs) courtesy of website urlesque, which provides interesting tidbits and goings on about the wonderful machine that is the world wide web. Whether you're a democrat or republican, you'll be sure to find something to sport your baby in with political style. Or, perhaps you have no real affiliation, but you are committed to causes like stopping global warming--there's a cute onesie for that one too.
Several of the onesies featured center around our current lame duck president, but most center on Obama and McCain. Of all the 28 pictures, the only onesie I've actually seen is "My mama's for Obama." Several naturally also poke fun at Hillary Clinton. None, of course, center on Sarah Palin, although I'm sure we'll see those soon enough. Just give the witty minds enough time! The one I found most clever made good use of Obama's slogan, "Time for a change." It features a baby who needs his diaper changed (it's promo Obama but the republicans could get a good laugh out of it too!). Very funny!
Funny onesies aside, regardless of what you clothe your kid in this season, PLEASE VOTE IN NOVEMBER!
Welcome to Tried and True, a monthly feature where cool products are put through the ringer -- from our family to yours.
I'm not going to lie. Style plays a huge part my family's purchasing decisions, whether it be furniture, baby goods or clothing. With that being said, I'm also a busy parent and FUNCTION is just as important. Who cares if I have a the most stylish item in my home if it doesn't meet my family's needs? What's the point?
Over the past couple of years, my family has made a priority to use as little plastic as possible. We bought the wooden Svan Highchair for our son, and it has served us well over the past two years. However, I'm extremely nit-picky (especially when an expensive price tag is involved), and a couple of minor issues have kept me from announcing to the world that it's the Best Highchair Ever.
When considering a highchair, the most important issues to me are:
1) Is it constructed with the least amount of plastic possible? 2) Is it space efficient? (We live in a smaller home where space is a premium.) 3) Can the highchair grow with my child, beyond the toddler years? 4) Is it stylish and complement the design elements of my home?
I must say, I have found my personal Best Highchair Ever. The Stokke Tripp Trapp.
The U.S. Consumer Safety Commission has announced the recall of about 600,000 Simplicity Brand Drop Side Cribs due to an entrapment and suffocation hazard. The drop side can come off the tracks and create a gap in which a baby could become trapped. There has been at least nine incidents of this happening, fortunately with no injuries.
The recall includes cribs with the following model numbers: 8620, 8745, 8748, 8755, 8756, 8778, 8810, and 8994. On a label on the headboard under the mattress support, you will find a date code. If your date code ends in 05DH, 05GB, 06DH, 06GB, 07DH or 07GB, your crib is included in the recall. The model names being recalled include Aspen and Crib N Changer Combo, Gabrielle, Camille, Providence and Shenandoah. Only the brand name 'Simplicity' can be seen on the label on the headboard. This recall involves models using a different style of hardware than the ones recalled in September 2007.
If you have a recalled crib, you are advised to stop using it immediately and find a safe, alternative sleeping place for your child. You should return the crib to the place of purchase for a refund or store credit. Here you will find contact information for retailers who sold the cribs.
Since the original warning, the CPSC has become aware that some of the bassinets in question include the Graco logo and a Winnie the Pooh motif. Consumers are urged to check their models to be sure they are not included in the list of recalled Simplicity bassinets.
Although SFCA Inc., the company which purchased all of Simplicity, Inc.'s assets at public auction in April, 2008, refuses to officially recall them, many retailers have voluntarily removed the bassinets from their shelves. Those retailers are providing refunds or store credits to customers who return their bassinet to the store where purchased. A list of those retailers can be found here.
Optave Inc., of Alpena, Michigan, in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, is voluntarily recalling their Action Baby Carriers. The chest strap on the carriers can come loose from the shoulder straps, potentially allowing the baby to fall. Such a "feature" would seem to be counter-productive to the product's intended purpose. Luckily, there have been no injuries reported.
The carriers affected by this recall were sold in various colors and patterns, and were available under the "Action Baby Carrier" brand name in retail stores across the country and on the internet in May and June of this year, for $80 to $90. If you have one of these carriers, do not use it in a position that requires the use of the chest straps. Instead, contact Optave for a free set of replacement straps. For more information, contact Optave Inc. at toll-free (866) 208-0269 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site.
Wipes. Once you have a child, it seems impossible to get away from using them. They're everywhere and made to use for everything baby related. And there are so many different kinds to choose from, you find yourself sampling until you find the "right" wipe for your family. Some prefer the all-natural variety, some prefer antibacterial. Others prefer the sensitive skin version, and some just go for whatever is cheapest. Heck, you can even make your own baby wipes at home.
But, are wipes all they're cracked up to be? Are they really safe for all the uses for which they are available? I use them to wipe up during a diaper change. And I use them to wipe my hands. And I use them to wipe down the table after my son has his meal. And I've been known on occasion to use them to wipe his face after said meal. I've used them to wipe his nose instead of traditional tissues because they keep the skin on his nose from drying out.
My husband came home from Costco with a box of 700 wipes. Yes, 700. And all for the low cost of like $17. But are they good for the environment? Do they disintegrate or pile up in a landfill somewhere like everything else? Is it worth it for the convenience? And what about the organic versions versus the regular kind? Is there any real advantage to using chlorine-free wipes as opposed to generic ones? So many questions, so many wipes. They're invaluable when it comes to diaper changing duties, but other than that are they really worth it? I come from the cloth napkin world where little is thrown away or not reused, but I love the cleanliness and simplicity of the wipe. Is there any middle ground?
What is your favorite type of wipe, or have you found a way to get things (and your kids) clean without them?
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced the recall of about 118,000 wooden puzzles, infant rattles, pacifier holders and stroller toys made by Habermaass Corp., of Skaneateles, N.Y. Small pieces on the toys, including glued on mirrors and/or prisms can detach and pose a choking hazard to infants. The head of the ladybug puzzle pieces pose a choking hazard as well. Habermaass has received 15 reports of incidents in which detached pieces ended up in the mouths of young children.
The recalled items are pictured and described in detail in a chart that can be found here. They were made in Germany and sold at specialty toy stores nationwide and at specialty online retailers from January 2002 through August 2008 for between $10 and $35.
If you have one of the recalled items, you should immediately take it away from your child and contact Habermaass to receive a free replacement product or a full refund. You can reach them by calling (800) 468-6873 ext. 107 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or by visiting their Web site.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced the recall of about 44,000 Phil & Teds e3 Single Buggy, e3 Twin Buggy and sport v1 Single Buggy Strollers due to a laceration hazard. The manufacturer has received nine reports from consumers who have cut their fingers on the hinge locking mechanism when folding or unfolding the stroller. In May of 2006, 425 e3 Twin Buggy Strollers were also recalled.
Made in China and imported by Regal Lager Inc., of Kennesaw, Ga., the strollers were sold at baby furniture and baby products stores nationwide from August 2003 through August 2008 for between $400 and $650 each.
The single strollers have metal frames with three wheels, a cloth seat and canopy. The twin strollers have a metal frame with four wheels, side-by-side cloth seats and double sun canopies. They were sold in various colors including red, orange, green, black, charcoal and navy. The Phil & Teds logo is located on the crotch piece of the harness.
If you have one of the recalled strollers, you should stop using it immediately and contact Regal Lager to obtain a free hinge cover repair kit and instructions. You can reach them by calling (877) 242-5676 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or by visiting their Web site.
Some people claim that cloth diapers are safest for babies, but there's one family in Brazil that thinks a disposable diaper can be a lifesaver -- literally. Eighteen-month-old Caua Felipe Massaneiro fell thirty feet from a window in his family's third floor apartment and lived to talk about it thanks to his diaper.
The boy fell but instead of hitting the ground directly, his diaper got caught on a security spike embedded in the concrete wall that surrounds his apartment building. Caua hung there for a moment and then "the diaper opened and the baby fell to the ground, but at a much slower speed," said one police officer. "The diaper obviously lessened the impact of the fall and saved the baby's life."
Caua was taken to the hospital to be treated for minor fractures, but is doing well and is in stable condition. It is unclear at this time whether or not the diaper was in need of changing.
This product recall is a little different than others in that it isn't actually a product recall. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 convertible "close-sleeper/bedside sleeper" bassinets do not meet the safety standards regarding spacing of the metal bars and pose an entrapment and strangulation hazard to infants. The products would be recalled, but SFCA Inc., the company which purchased all of Simplicity, Inc.'s assets at public auction in April, 2008, refuses to recall them. SFCA claims they are not responsible for products previously manufactured by Simplicity.
Clearly somebody needs to be responsible for the products because according to the CPSC, two infants have already strangled to death between the bassinet's metal bars - a 5-month old girl earlier this month and a 4-month-old girl in September of 2007. Since SFCA won't recall them, the CPSC is issuing a warning and urging all consumers to share this warning with day care centers, consignment stores, family and friends to ensure no more children are injured or killed sleeping in this bassinet.
The Simplicity 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 convertible bassinets have metal bars spaced farther apart than the 2 3/8 inches maximum allowed by federal crib safety standards. The metal bars are covered by an adjustable fabric flap which is attached by Velcro. The fabric is folded down when the bassinet is converted into a bed-side co-sleeping position. If the Velcro is not properly re-secured when the flap is adjusted, an infant can slip through the opening and become entrapped in the metal bars and suffocate. This warning does not cover bassinets produced in recent months that have fabric permanently attached over the lower bar.
Do you read parenting books? For real, as in from cover to cover? Did you get anything at all out of the book? Was it overall a great buy with an excellent philosophy, or was there at least one nugget of sage advice that has helped you shape your parenting style? If the answer to that last question was yes, then perhaps parenting books are good for you. For others, not so much.
I remember when I first started writing for ParentDish--way back in the Blogging Baby days. I was pregnant and trying to figure out if I had what it took to be a parent. I bought oodles of parenting books and tried to plow through them as best as I could. I found lots of conflicting information, some of it outdated. I had lots of conversations with other parents and got more of the same. I even asked them what parenting books they recommended. Some loved certain books, some hated said books. One such book was "What to Expect when You're Expecting." I wrote a post about that and got innumerable comments of both praise and abhorring. So it is with any sort of parenting advice.
Once you become a parent, generally all the things you were so scared of dissipate. You become more confident in your decision making and parenting abilities. Most of the time, you actually become a better wife, daughter, friend, sister, etc. in the process. Did the parenting books help? Maybe, maybe not. Being a parent did. The things we all fear--that we'll be bad parents, that we'll hurt our children, that they'll be taken from us through our own negligence--seem to go away the more we actually practice parenting. And that means whatever parenting style comes most naturally to us or works out best for us. And it is different for every person. I don't think it really matters how much attention you paid to WTEWYE--you're probably doing OK in the mommy or daddy department. Parenting books, if you actually have time to read them (see: before children) might offer some insight, but only you will be able to determine the right approach to raising your kids.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced the recall of about 10,000 Taggies Strollin' Along Stroller Activity Bars due to a choking hazard. The importer has received three reports of the shiny material on the ear of the elephant detaching and children putting it in their mouths. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.
Made in Hong Kong and imported by International Playthings Inc., of Parsippany, N.J., the activity bars were sold in specialty stores nationwide and online from February 2007 through July 2008 for about $23 each.
The recall involves multicolored, fabric and plastic stroller activity bars featuring a yellow giraffe, a purple hippo and a blue elephant attached to a 12" long elliptical base with straps that attach to a stroller. The Taggies and Earlyears® logo labels can be found sewn into the seam on the lower left front of the activity bar.
If you have one of these stroller bars, you should immediately stop using it and contact International Playthings for a free replacement toy. You can reach them by calling (800) 445-8347 or by visiting their Web site.
Remember the first time you left the house with the baby? You probably had a diaper bag the size of a Volkwagon Beetle, stocked with enough diapers and wipes and clothes for a three-week road trip. And that was just to run to the market to pick up some milk. Remember those days?
Like the US, Great Britain is in the midst of a credit crunch. But that's not stopping new moms from overspending on baby gear.
Optave Inc., of Alpena, Michigan, in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, is voluntarily recalling their 
This product recall is a little different than others in that it isn't actually a product recall. According to the 
