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close contact: nuroo pocket

 Gear for Baby Walnuts, The Accessorized Walnut
May 212013
 

Next week, my older daughter will turn 9. When she was born, I was only able to hold her for a brief moment before she was whisked down the hall to the nursery (apparently, her temperature was down and she needed to warm up). Somehow, I felt like I was cheated out of those tender first bonding moments between mother and child. Because I have a few mom friends with newborns who also have older kids, I’ve been hearing about their guilt over not spending time with their own babies. “How can I enjoy my little one when I am busy reading stories/checking homework/making dinner?” For moms like these comes a new baby product unlike any other we’ve seen: the NuRoo Pocket. Upon first glance, it looks like an ordinary wrap-style shirt with a baby discreetly tucked inside. But it’s more than that. Unlike traditional slings and front baby carriers, the NuRoo Pocket isn’t an accessory item. Instead, you wear this product, keeping your baby as close to your skin as possible. And for the harried new mom who’s craving that together time, this product can turn that wishful thinking into real life. We took a closer look at the NuRoo Pocket and watched a straightforward demo that takes the guesswork out of how to get started. (What sleep-deprived parent won’t appreciate that?) Your baby will be able to nestle inside an inner no-slip pocket that is secured once you fasten the pocket closed; there are no ties or straps to contend with (a big plus). The support belt that goes around your lower abdomen provides extra security, not to mention peace of mind. And once you’re ready to take your baby out, there’s no need to remove the NuRoo Pocket — just gently reach in and lift out your baby, supporting her head, of course. Of course, we expect you’ll miss that closeness before long…

In a Nutshell: Make like a mamma kangaroo and keep your baby right where she belongs with this practical pouch.

NuRoo Pocket_Cuddle

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crown jewels of the nursery: bratt decor chelsea darling

 Gear for Baby Walnuts, The Accessorized Walnut
May 022013
 

In a few short months, the wait will be over. We’ll finally be able to “meet” Kate and William’s royal bundle of joy. As people around the world speculate on what name the couple will decide upon and who the godparents will be, our thoughts are focused on more “important” things: Like what stroller they’ll be using and what clothes the new babe will be dressed in. That being said, we turn our attention over to the royal nursery. If Kate just so happens to be one of our loyal readers (hey, don’t laugh; it could happen!), may we offer a suggestion? Bratt Decor’s Chelsea Darling line exudes an elegance like no other room decor we’ve seen. Not only does the antique silver finish on this collection make a unique statement, but its versatility extends the life beyond the diaper days. Once a baby outgrows the cradle, it can be converted into a generously sized crib and later toddler bed. Of course, we don’t expect the Royal Family to be short on space, but it’s nice to know these pieces won’t take up the entire space. That means plenty of room leftover for a fetching armoire and matching changing table. Oh, and that sweet baby, of course.

In a Nutshell: Nursery decor that’s fit for a king. Or princess-to-be. The Chelsea Darling will be available this summer.

DarlingSilverRoom

 

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sugar-free strolling (and schlepping): cybex by jeremy scott

 Diapering for Walnuts, Gear for Baby Walnuts, The Accessorized Walnut, The Traveling Walnuts
Apr 262013
 

When I was pregnant with my first daughter, I knew I wanted an old-fashioned pram in which to parade my new little love around town. By the time my second daughter arrived on the scene, I had grown weary of the neutral-colored baby gear I had acquired along the way. Sure, a cream-colored bouncy seat may have fit into my traditional home decor, while a steel grey car seat meshed well with my car’s interior. But at the end of the day, I found everything to be a bit…oh, how can I put it? Bor-ing. If someone had told me that those first few months of life with a newborn would be filled with lots of cat-napping, diaper changes, rattle shaking, sleeping, bathing, feeding–did we mention sleeping?–punctuated by a bunch of mini milestones, I might have done things differently, especially in the baby gear department. First-time moms who dare to be different will have no trouble showing their sense of style this season, thanks to the brand-new Cybex by Jeremy Scott collection. We got word of the line just as it was making headlines and boy, are we jazzed! Having been in the baby biz for quite a while now, we can safely say that we’ve never seen anything this awe-inspiring before! Jeremy Scott, the fashion visionary, has lent his colorful eye to an entire “Food Fight” baby gear design motif that takes “playful” to the nth degree. Soda pop duking it out with a hot dog? Popcorn kernels pummeling a defenseless burger?  A refreshing departure from an infant world saturated with ho-hum prints and yawn-inducing solids, the Cybex by Jeremy Scott is one baby line that remembers what it’s like to be a kid–and celebrates it. The Cybex by Jeremy Scott collection of strollers, car seats, a diaper bag and other accessories will be available in June.

In a Nutshell: A stroller that packs a punch. A diaper bag that defies its identity. Because now, you get to be a kid…all over again.

CYBEX-by-Jeremy-Scott-2013-City-Pram-viertelCYBEX-by-Jeremy-Scott-2013-Baby-Bag-tnCYBEX-by-Jeremy-Scott-2013-Aton3-viertel

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wrapped and ready: comfy cradle

 Feeding the Little Walnuts, Gear for Baby Walnuts, The Traveling Walnuts
Mar 122013
 

Whenever it was time to feed my baby daughters, I was never without my Boppy. The donut-shaped nursing support pillow that made a name for itself as a must-have baby shower gift, this product got quite a bit of mileage over the years. But because I did not take it along with me whenever I left the house (Lord knows how much other baby gear I had to lug around!), I always felt the substitutes lacked the same comfort that this mommy security-type blanket offered; couch pillows and folded-over comforters just didn’t do the trick. So when I heard about the mom-invented Comfy Cradle, I knew this mompreneur was onto something. Designed by an Ohio mother of two who realized there must be a better way to hold her baby while nursing, this mini support pillow is the ideal solution. Unlike a throw pillow or blanket that won’t stay in place, the Comfy Cradle wraps around your arm and is secured via Velcro, ensuring that the support stays put even if your baby wiggles around. The best part? Once you have finished feeding, you can easily transfer your baby into her crib without disturbing her (a big plus if she conks out while feeding). Available in a variety of fun prints and patterns, the Comfy Cradle is made from a machine-washable cotton and a hypoallergenic filling. It’s just slowly rolling out into stores, but is also available on the Comfy Cradle Web site. We think it’s bound to be a baby-shower hit.

In a Nutshell: “Oh my aching….arm?” If you’re feeding your baby and using the Comfy Cradle, chances are you’ll never have to utter those words ever again.

PBJ promo (2)

signature style: vera bradley baby

 Bathing Walnuts, Diapering for Walnuts, Feeding the Little Walnuts, Gear for Baby Walnuts, The Accessorized Walnut, The Pregnant Walnut, Walnut Footwear
Feb 262013
 

I admit that I’m not much of a  personal shopper, but when it comes to kids’ clothes, I can’t resist. This time of year, our mailbox has been stuffed with catalogs ranging from Growing Up Garnet Hill , to crewcuts. I love every minute of paging through the glossy spreads and perusing the frilly frocks, sweet sundresses and tons of stylish warm weather items. Maybe all these clothes remind me of my own teen years, as I lay sprawled across my canopy bed with magazines like Sassy, Seventeen and YM checking out all the back-to-school possibilities. Or maybe it’s because checking out kid stuff is so much more satisfying than all those women’s swimsuit catalogs that quickly find their way into the recycling bin (thanks, but no thanks). Shopping for my girls is almost like building a wardrobe for a new baby, and with the Vera Bradley Baby brand debuting  this spring, it’s more fun than ever to welcome a bundle of joy. We were tickled pink to get our hands on the VB Baby look book this week. From bibs to bodysuits, plush bunnies to diaper bags, each item embodies the true Vera Bradley style in a signature floral print. As a gift giver, I try to put myself in the place of the recipient, wondering what would would catch her eye if she were the one doing the shopping. I know from experience that most new moms not only appreciate the practicality–will I use this gift?–but the presentation. And Vera Bradley Baby does not disappoint in either department. Sweet first shoes are accented with soft bows, while stylish bibs in a patterned print are poised to stand up to any pureed veggies (what’s the point of a white bib, anyway)? As we usher in the season of spring, baby showers and of course, all those new babies, we’re predicting the VB Baby line will go far, appealing to dedicated fans (like my mother-in-law and my niece) and attracting a new generation of fashion-forward babes. The Vera Bradley Baby collection will arrive in stores on March 14.

In a Nutshell: Welcome to the world, Vera Bradley Baby! The quilted handbags powerhouse moves into kiddie territory with an entire product line that’s as sweet as it is stylish.

Layette Set_Lilli Bell

 

 

 

 

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christmas comes early: maclaren holiday giveaway

 Gear for Baby Walnuts, The Accessorized Walnut, The Traveling Walnuts
Dec 122012
 

Who doesn’t love getting gifts for a new baby? If you’re a new or expectant mom ready to welcome a new arrival in the new year, have we got the contest for you! Maclaren’s ‘Tis the Season holiday giveaway is offering select new merchandise on the next few weeks on its Facebook page. Today’s featured contest, ending at 11:59 p.m. EST: 4 Universal Organizers to contain all your stroller accessory needs. Next Tuesday, December 18th, 4 Footmuffs will be given away and on Thursday, December 20th, you’ll be given the chance to win one of 4 Quintessentials Stylesets. Mark your calendars and good luck!

 

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portable play: tiny love take-along mobile

 Gear for Baby Walnuts, The Playful Walnut, The Traveling Walnuts
Nov 142012
 

When my girls were babies and we hit the road (even for a day trip to my parents’ house), I was always lugging tons of gear for my own precious cargo. Stroller, portable crib, booster seat…you name it. While I couldn’t, of course, duplicate all the comforts of home, judging from the trunk of my car, you’d have thought I was! For those babes on the go who can’t quite settle down without a little traveling music, comes the ideal solution. Tiny Love’s Take-Along Mobile looks just like the standard-size model snapped onto her crib back at home, but in a travel-friendly version. It attaches to most strollers, car seat carriers and play yards, so your little one will never feel compromised. Five different melodies play up to 30 minutes of continuous music–plenty of time to get your little one off to Dreamland–as three little friends twirl and whirl overhead, inviting little ones everywhere to conk out and get some shut-eye. And if you’ll be traveling this holiday season, some extra zzz’s are definitely in order.

In a Nutshell: This mobile’s on the move, just like you and your baby. Whether you need it to stimulate or soothe, it goes wherever you do.

 

 

 

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taking one for the team: kolcraft mlb baby gear

 Gear for Baby Walnuts
Nov 132012
 

Attention, moms-to be: When it comes to planning for your new arrival, don’t forget to include your better half. Sure, we know you’re super-excited about choosing colors for the nursery and buying all those cute little outfits. But what about the father-to-be? Chances are he’d like to feel part of the equation–and not just when it comes to picking out paint samples. In honor of dear ol’ dad comes an entire line of Major League Baseball products from Kolcraft, designed especially for the newest addition to your team. Whether it’s a potty ring, umbrella stroller or step stool, each product is embossed with your guy’s favorite team logo. So if he’s helping out at home or just out taking a stroll, he’ll feel like his vote counts for something. (Just don’t tell him you’ve decided on Passion Pink for the baby’s room.)

In a Nutshell: Step up to the potty…er, plate with this baseball-inspired line of baby gear. Kolcraft’s MLB collection will be available in January 2013.

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functional fruit: dr. brown’s coolees soothing teethers

 Gear for Baby Walnuts, The Healthy Walnut
Oct 152012
 

Cutting those first teeth has got to be one of the more painful experiences for a new baby–not to mention the mom who’s suffering alongside her. When I was a kid, my childhood doctor told my mom that an adult, much less a helpless infant, couldn’t bare the excruciating pain. Back in the good old days, a simple silver spoon fresh from the freezer worked in a pinch. Today, moms’ choices for babycare woes are much more plentiful. We’re especially taken with one of the new Dr. Brown’s teethers, just launched this week at ABC Kids Expo, one of the country’s largest baby products trade shows. You may recognize the Dr. Brown’s name from his award-winning line of bottles, and this is one doc who understands his little patients’ needs. Not only is the Coolees Soothing Teethers line eye-catching (your baby will be more than willing to chomp on this brightly-colored watermelon), but its design is perfect for little hands. The squishy green “rind” is easy to grasp, while the red “fruit” center is textured with plenty of space to gnaw on. The best part? No seeds to contend with.

In a Nutshell: Teething is no fun. Treat your baby to one of these fruit-tastic teethers for instant relief, and give her something to smile about.

 

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sitting tall and proud: safety 1st sit! booster

 Feeding the Little Walnuts, Gear for Baby Walnuts
Sep 262012
 

When my younger daughter moved from her high chair to a booster seat, it was a memorable moment. Not only could she now truly join us at the dinner table, but having her in our company literally put her at our same level–and judging from the look on her little face, it meant the world and more. If the transition from baby to big kid chair is looming in your child’s near future, consider your options carefully. While some seats claim to make the move a smooth one, not all offer the extra comfort and security your toddler still needs. We’ve got our eye (and our bum) on the latest booster seat to hit the market. Safety 1st’s Sit! Booster gives a much-needed lift to your growing tot who’s too big for a high chair, but not quite ready for a grown-up seat. It boasts a firm back for extra support when sitting “way up there,” and a 3-point harness to protect against potential spills. We love the cushy styling that fits with most contemporary decor and the fact that it wipes clean–something any modern-day mom can appreciate. In fact, we love this booster so much, we’re giving away one free Safety 1st Sit! Booster to a random reader. Enter to win by contacting  The Talking Walnut and include your name and address. The contest ends on Friday, September 28, 2012 at 5 p.m. Good luck!

In a Nutshell: Look who’s at the dinner table now. This booster gives toddlers a leg up and keeps them sitting safely.

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