Kids Products
- Craft Supplies to Entertain Kids
- Kids' Products Buying Guides
- Buying a High Chair
- Britax Car Seats On Sale
- Little Girl Hair Products
- Wii Fit for Families
- Toxic Chemicals in Baby Products
- Great Games for Kids
- Potty Training Tips
- Maya Wraps
Craft Supplies to Entertain Kids
Posted by
Jennifer White
Jennifer White
A trip to Office Max yesterday yielded a new stash of art supplies for under $15. This resource will keep my children entertained for hours.
I finally accepted the fact that I needed to expose my daughters to safety scissors. I had been putting that off for quite some time. My reason was not to protect them from potential knicks and cuts of the fingers, but for much more vain reasons. I am terrified they will cut their hair.
Shameful, I know. I can only say that I am holding on to my own inadequacies of my own childhood. Having come from a low-income family, I suffered at the hand of my father who picked up the shears in an attempt to play barber. It was not pretty.
But I am not resigned to the fact that they are old enough. I can only hope my eldest daughter grasps my command to only cut the paper that I give her.
So yesterday's purchase of construction paper, safety scissors, glue sticks, and a star-shaped paper punch had my girls entertained for hours. They were stewing in their own creative juices as I worked on preparing chicken noodle soup in the kitchen. They created, I cleaned. It was a very productive day.
My refrigerator, which now serves as a gallery, is evidence in of that. Not only is the fridge clean, it's well decorated!
Shameful, I know. I can only say that I am holding on to my own inadequacies of my own childhood. Having come from a low-income family, I suffered at the hand of my father who picked up the shears in an attempt to play barber. It was not pretty.
But I am not resigned to the fact that they are old enough. I can only hope my eldest daughter grasps my command to only cut the paper that I give her.
So yesterday's purchase of construction paper, safety scissors, glue sticks, and a star-shaped paper punch had my girls entertained for hours. They were stewing in their own creative juices as I worked on preparing chicken noodle soup in the kitchen. They created, I cleaned. It was a very productive day.
My refrigerator, which now serves as a gallery, is evidence in of that. Not only is the fridge clean, it's well decorated!
Posted by
Jennifer White
Jennifer White
This index is a listing of the various buying guides for children's products. Parents can find the information they need to make informed purchases.
I thought it might be helpful to create a listing of the various buying guides I have written for baby and toddler products these past several months.
Top High Chair Recommendations: Best Picks for Feeding Seats for Babies Many parents look for high chairs that are easy to use and to clean. However, parents should consider safety features of the high chairs that meet their budget.
Best Kids' Sunscreens & Sunblocks: How to Choose Sun Lotion Protectant for Children Most parents do not know what to look for when choosing a sunscreen for their child. This article details what families should look for in sun lotion protection.
Infant Car Seat Buying Guide: How to Choose a Carrier Car Restraint for a Baby When purchasing a child car restraint, it is important for parents to look for certain features that fit their family's needs.
Safer Crib Bumpers: Better Options for Bumper Pads Crib bumpers have been associated with several crib deaths. Parents who wish to use crib bumpers should carefully select bumper pads with specific safety guidelines.
Picking Quality Crib Bedding: Buyer's Guide for Baby Crib Sets Parents must know what to look for when purchasing crib bedding for their nusery. They will need to choose quality blankets, bumpers, and sheets to hold up in the wash.
Shopping Cart Cover Buying Guide: Protect Baby from Germs When at the Grocery Store Disgusted with how dirty supermarket grocery carriages can be? Concerned that you are exposing your baby to germs? Consider a shopping cart cover to keep baby clean.
Top High Chair Recommendations: Best Picks for Feeding Seats for Babies Many parents look for high chairs that are easy to use and to clean. However, parents should consider safety features of the high chairs that meet their budget.
Best Kids' Sunscreens & Sunblocks: How to Choose Sun Lotion Protectant for Children Most parents do not know what to look for when choosing a sunscreen for their child. This article details what families should look for in sun lotion protection.
Infant Car Seat Buying Guide: How to Choose a Carrier Car Restraint for a Baby When purchasing a child car restraint, it is important for parents to look for certain features that fit their family's needs.
Safer Crib Bumpers: Better Options for Bumper Pads Crib bumpers have been associated with several crib deaths. Parents who wish to use crib bumpers should carefully select bumper pads with specific safety guidelines.
Picking Quality Crib Bedding: Buyer's Guide for Baby Crib Sets Parents must know what to look for when purchasing crib bedding for their nusery. They will need to choose quality blankets, bumpers, and sheets to hold up in the wash.
Shopping Cart Cover Buying Guide: Protect Baby from Germs When at the Grocery Store Disgusted with how dirty supermarket grocery carriages can be? Concerned that you are exposing your baby to germs? Consider a shopping cart cover to keep baby clean.
Posted by
Jennifer White
Jennifer White
As a first time mom, I didn't have a clue what to look for in high chairs. Here are some of the traps I fell in to when purchasing a high chair.
It really is a wonder that anything I purchased or registered for when I was pregnant with my first child works at all. I was so excited about having our baby, but I really did not do much legwork at all in researching baby products. I honestly think I just went scan happy with that little gun they give you at Babies R Us.
Here are some of the major mistakes I made when I registered for my high chair. Passing it along to you all in hopes of helping you out.
Here are some of the major mistakes I made when I registered for my high chair. Passing it along to you all in hopes of helping you out.
- Don't base what you register for on the pattern.
- Avoid cloth covers and stick with vinyl.
- Avoid ruffles. Huge pain to clean all the food that gets stuck in the pleats.
- A reclining seat with tons of positions is not at all necessary. In fact, it is unsafe to feed children while reclined (AAP). Children should be able to sit up on their own. Seat recline does make it easier to get babies in and out, or if you are using it to bottle-feed baby on his own.
- Make sure that if it has a reclining seat, the seat recline can be fully upright.
- Make sure the distance between the tray and the seat back is 7" or less. Further will result in food in the lap.
Posted by
Jennifer White
Jennifer White
Britax car seats (carriers, convertibles, boosters, and forward facing seats) are noted as some of the best performing car seats on the market. Sale ends June 29, 2008.
Ok, people. If you've read my many car seat articles, you will undoubtedly note that car seats manufactured by Britax are commonly in my top picks list for a variety of types of restraints.
This is with good reason. Britax car seats tend to be cutting edge in safety features and in ease of use and installation. They are well made and most models are a favorite of Child Passenger Safety Technicians. Further, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Adminstration have given high marks for ease of use to the Britax line.
The problem with these seats is the price tag. However, if a parent watches sale ads, she may find some great deals. This week is on such deal. Buy.com is offering 15% off on Britax car seats and strollers. Not only that, but it is very likely the seats will qualify for free shipping.
If you have been considering purchasing a Britax or a top-performing seat, now is the time to act. Sale ends June 29, 2008!
This is with good reason. Britax car seats tend to be cutting edge in safety features and in ease of use and installation. They are well made and most models are a favorite of Child Passenger Safety Technicians. Further, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Adminstration have given high marks for ease of use to the Britax line.
The problem with these seats is the price tag. However, if a parent watches sale ads, she may find some great deals. This week is on such deal. Buy.com is offering 15% off on Britax car seats and strollers. Not only that, but it is very likely the seats will qualify for free shipping.
If you have been considering purchasing a Britax or a top-performing seat, now is the time to act. Sale ends June 29, 2008!
Posted by
Jennifer White
Jennifer White
Looking for children's hair products that stay in place and look cute? Need a detangler, good brush, or comb? Or how about suggestions on how to braid her hair?
My toddler is 3 1/2 and has very long, rather thick hair. My husband has particularly advocated her hair to be long and all one length with no bangs. I must admit rather pompously, that her strawberry blonde hair is very pretty. However, long hair has certainly challenged me to find ways to keep her styling simple and cute. I've told my husband that if hair styling becomes a battle, I am bringing out the hair shears. Luckily we've been able to keep battles at a minimum. She's cooperative and very happy to have long hair. Here are some products and advice on how to keep toddler hair styles simple and cute.
Style Little Girls' Hair Easily: How to Take Care for a Toddler's Hair Without Tantrums : Parents and little girls who like their hair worn long might use these suggestions to make the brushing, combing, and styling of hair a time of cooperation.
Articles by Contributing Writer: Sarah Tennant
Using A Boar Bristle Hairbrush: A Cleaning, Conditioning and Polishing Tool For Hair:
Types of Braids for Hair
Tips for Tangled Hair: How to Avoid, Prevent and Remove Knots From Hair
Awesome Products for Toddler Hair:
Style Little Girls' Hair Easily: How to Take Care for a Toddler's Hair Without Tantrums : Parents and little girls who like their hair worn long might use these suggestions to make the brushing, combing, and styling of hair a time of cooperation.
Articles by Contributing Writer: Sarah Tennant
Using A Boar Bristle Hairbrush: A Cleaning, Conditioning and Polishing Tool For Hair:
Types of Braids for Hair
Tips for Tangled Hair: How to Avoid, Prevent and Remove Knots From Hair
Awesome Products for Toddler Hair:
- Goody's Stayput Girls' Collection: We particularly the wide no slip headbands and the Stayput Character Barettes. The barettes will stay in on young toddlers with very fine hair. Thicker hair will likely only be able to pull back temple sections of hair.
- The Little Stinker Store: an wonderful online shop by a work at home mom. She makes custom bows, barettes, and headbands. Great selection of ribbons.
- Blue House Soaps Natural Spray Detangler: One of my personal favorites that I use too.
Posted by
Jennifer White
Jennifer White
Wii Fit may be a great tool for getting everyone in the family up and moving.
Wii Fit debuted this Tuesday and my family got one. I must admit that I was a little intimidated by the balance board at first. However, we got to know each other and got along just fine.
While I won't be sharing what it said my weight and BMI is, I am proud to relate that my "Wii Fit Age" is five years younger than my actual age. So I must be doing something right.
We had fun using Wii Fit to practice the balance games, strength training, yoga, and aerobic exercises. While I have my doubts that Wii Fit will give the same advantages of working out at the gym, I do think it will inspire activity in families.
It's not just about getting kids moving, but parents as well. Wii Fit makes fitness fun, which for many people that's half the battle.
Hopefully I'll be making by BMI goal in a few weeks.
While I won't be sharing what it said my weight and BMI is, I am proud to relate that my "Wii Fit Age" is five years younger than my actual age. So I must be doing something right.
We had fun using Wii Fit to practice the balance games, strength training, yoga, and aerobic exercises. While I have my doubts that Wii Fit will give the same advantages of working out at the gym, I do think it will inspire activity in families.
It's not just about getting kids moving, but parents as well. Wii Fit makes fitness fun, which for many people that's half the battle.
Hopefully I'll be making by BMI goal in a few weeks.
Toxic Chemicals in Baby Products
Posted by
Jennifer White
Jennifer White
The list of possible dangers in common baby products keeps growing. Recently, Friends of the Earth released a compelling study on "Killer Cribs."
Children's safety has always been an big concern of mine. Some friends of mine think I obsess over it too much, but I like to think that I strike a good balance from making sure I am an informed parent and not being a paranoid parent.
I recently received a press release concerned about the toxic chemicals used as a fire retardent. It would seem that these chemicals are used on a myriad of baby and children's products. Cribs, mattresses, toys, the list goes on and on.
Before I publish an article on the topic, I realize I need to do more research on the issue. The press release has perked my curiousity, but I am not informed enough just yet to jump on any band wagon.
Arguments from Friends of the Earth, a grassroots environmental group, state "Due to their prevalence in common household products, these chemicals have been found in breast milk and in children. Infants and children are especially vulnerable to the health effects of these chemicals as they impact development at critical stages of growth."
California legislation is currently investigating the reports and likely may inact actions against the chemicals usage. This follows on the heals of recent concern and legislation of BPA in bottles, pacifiers, and other infant products.
I need to do some more legwork before I form an opinion, but I do think the issue merits some thought and attention.
For more information: Killer Cribs
I recently received a press release concerned about the toxic chemicals used as a fire retardent. It would seem that these chemicals are used on a myriad of baby and children's products. Cribs, mattresses, toys, the list goes on and on.
Before I publish an article on the topic, I realize I need to do more research on the issue. The press release has perked my curiousity, but I am not informed enough just yet to jump on any band wagon.
Arguments from Friends of the Earth, a grassroots environmental group, state "Due to their prevalence in common household products, these chemicals have been found in breast milk and in children. Infants and children are especially vulnerable to the health effects of these chemicals as they impact development at critical stages of growth."
California legislation is currently investigating the reports and likely may inact actions against the chemicals usage. This follows on the heals of recent concern and legislation of BPA in bottles, pacifiers, and other infant products.
I need to do some more legwork before I form an opinion, but I do think the issue merits some thought and attention.
For more information: Killer Cribs
Posted by
Jennifer White
Jennifer White
Children love games.Here are some resources on great board games for kids.
I have been excited that many other Suite writers have been offering their expertise to feature some children's game reviews for our readers.
My 3 1/2 year old is currently all about children's game. Not only is she gaining some necessary academic skills, but she's growing in character. She is learning how to be a gracious winner and loser. She's practicing taking turns, sharing, and exhibiting patience.
Finally, it also provides some great opportunites for one-on-one time. We get to focus on each other without distraction. Games are fun outlet for both kids and parents.
Here are some recent articles on children's games that are worth the read.
Updated Classic Board Game Gifts: Fun New Versions of Old-Fashioned Favorite Games Now Available
Bop It Download & Bop It Extreme 2
Go Diego Go! Game for Toddlers
Review: Hyper-Dash by Wild Planet
My 3 1/2 year old is currently all about children's game. Not only is she gaining some necessary academic skills, but she's growing in character. She is learning how to be a gracious winner and loser. She's practicing taking turns, sharing, and exhibiting patience.
Finally, it also provides some great opportunites for one-on-one time. We get to focus on each other without distraction. Games are fun outlet for both kids and parents.
Here are some recent articles on children's games that are worth the read.
Updated Classic Board Game Gifts: Fun New Versions of Old-Fashioned Favorite Games Now Available
Bop It Download & Bop It Extreme 2
Go Diego Go! Game for Toddlers
Review: Hyper-Dash by Wild Planet
Posted by
Jennifer White
Jennifer White
Need some suggestions on potty training? Here are some useful products that can make toilet training an easier process.
I am somewhat surprised that my littlest munchkin in well on her way to using the potty consistently. Other than night time and nap time, she is accident free and loving being out of her diapers. I realize that other than noting her obvious interest and providing her with some support, I cannot take much credit for that. It is all her. She is ready to learn.
I think that one of the biggest ways I can support her in this process is to not hold her back with disposable pull up potty training pants. As I explained in a recent article on cloth potty training pants, disposable pull ups seem to perpetuate accidents rather than teach children (and parents) to be aware of potty learning cues.
I much prefer using cloth training underwear. My favorite padded training pants readily available at common department stores comes from JcPenney. Their Wee Essentials Padded Training Pants, mentioned in the link above, are soft, absorbent, and comfortable.
Other great training pants available at on-line specialty shops are the Imse Vimse Training Pant and Snap-EZ AIO Trainer. Both of these training pants feature a water proof covering. Accidents are a bit easier to clean up, but better for toddlers as there is no doubt they are wet or soiled.
Another potty learning product that might better motivate children is the potty chair. For some kids, the style of the potty is quite irrelevant. For others, a special potty chair might be just what they need to be inspired. A detailed selection of interesting potty chairs is detailed in the article Unique Potty Chairs: Recommendations for Motivating Toilet Training Seats.
I think that one of the biggest ways I can support her in this process is to not hold her back with disposable pull up potty training pants. As I explained in a recent article on cloth potty training pants, disposable pull ups seem to perpetuate accidents rather than teach children (and parents) to be aware of potty learning cues.
I much prefer using cloth training underwear. My favorite padded training pants readily available at common department stores comes from JcPenney. Their Wee Essentials Padded Training Pants, mentioned in the link above, are soft, absorbent, and comfortable.
Other great training pants available at on-line specialty shops are the Imse Vimse Training Pant and Snap-EZ AIO Trainer. Both of these training pants feature a water proof covering. Accidents are a bit easier to clean up, but better for toddlers as there is no doubt they are wet or soiled.
Another potty learning product that might better motivate children is the potty chair. For some kids, the style of the potty is quite irrelevant. For others, a special potty chair might be just what they need to be inspired. A detailed selection of interesting potty chairs is detailed in the article Unique Potty Chairs: Recommendations for Motivating Toilet Training Seats.
Posted by
Jennifer White
Jennifer White
Looking for a miracle that will make parenting easier? Learn how this must-have baby product can address many needs of parent and child.
Recently, Barb Hacker, Suite's Parenting Methods Feature Writer, graced us with an article in Kids' Products entitled Six Uses for a Maya Wrap: Slings as Shopping Cart Seat Belts, Blankets, Changing Pads & More. It is the source of inspiration for this week's blog. I didn't need the muse to sing to me too loudly, as next to my cloth diapers, my Maya Wrap has been my favorite baby item.
Babywearing has exploded on to the parenting scene with tons of claims of how it reduces crying, influences "quiet alert time" which has been related to higher intelligence, promotes emotional and physical development, and aides mothers in the recovery of post partum depression. All of those things are wonderful, but I will be flat at honest. The thing I love the most about my Maya Wrap is that it makes parenting so much easier for me
My second born child had bowels problems and was often in a great deal of pain. It seemed that the only thing that would provide any sort of comfort for her was my Maya Wrap. Meanwhile, I had a 20 month old toddler who still very much needed mommy. My Maya Wrap kept my hands free while I could address the needs of my eldest child. The Maya was nothing short of a miracle for me.
21 months later, my Maya still is used on a regular basis. My now toddler has gone through independent streaks and occassionally has preferred to be out and about, but she still has days where her cherubic face comes to me dragging the sling with her. "Hold me," she says.
I daresay that the Maya was not just my favorite baby item, but hers as well.
Babywearing has exploded on to the parenting scene with tons of claims of how it reduces crying, influences "quiet alert time" which has been related to higher intelligence, promotes emotional and physical development, and aides mothers in the recovery of post partum depression. All of those things are wonderful, but I will be flat at honest. The thing I love the most about my Maya Wrap is that it makes parenting so much easier for me
My second born child had bowels problems and was often in a great deal of pain. It seemed that the only thing that would provide any sort of comfort for her was my Maya Wrap. Meanwhile, I had a 20 month old toddler who still very much needed mommy. My Maya Wrap kept my hands free while I could address the needs of my eldest child. The Maya was nothing short of a miracle for me.
21 months later, my Maya still is used on a regular basis. My now toddler has gone through independent streaks and occassionally has preferred to be out and about, but she still has days where her cherubic face comes to me dragging the sling with her. "Hold me," she says.
I daresay that the Maya was not just my favorite baby item, but hers as well.