Both my girls have already discovered the art of expressing themselves, and it’s not just through their artwork. My 7-year-old loves to don a pair of sparkly sunglasses or anything bearing a peace sign, while the 3-year-old has figured out that she exudes coolness if she sports Snoopy attire (don’t worry, tomorrow it’ll be Hello Kitty or some other character of the moment). Maybe that’s why graphic T-shirts are all the rage these days, showing up everywhere from runways to kids’ clothing catalogs. The latest line to catch our eye is from Chi Chi Baby, featuring 11 distinct prints for sizes 2T-5T. With bold prints that proclaim hip lingo like “wild child” and “rock star,” both boys and girls will gravitate to these stylish shirts, [&hellip
Gear for Baby Walnuts Archive
Yesterday I was shopping at a toy store on Long Island’s North Shore when I came face to face with some rather irate creatures. It was a window display filled with Angry Birds stuffed animals, keychains and other merchandise inspired by the well-known video game. My 7-year-old, of course, was in heaven, and my 3-year-old was waving–or should I say, “flapping?”–her arms wildly, much like a little bird herself. I can’t deny this trend any longer, even if I don’t admit to playing the game myself. And while these birds have soared beyond the handheld remote and into toy stores, they’re now joining the baby world with their own new arrival: SwaddleDesigns’ Angry Birds Ultimate Receiving Blanket. This gift is sure to delight new parents [&hellip
It’s hardly Christmas, but next winter, my sister’s co-worker will be having her first baby. She has just started checking out all the baby gear she’ll want to register for, and it got us to talking about all those things she’ll need in the first few months. When my girls were born, I was fortunate enough to have a bassinet handed down from my sister. It was simply outfitted in a white eyelet bedding and a basic mattress. Today’s bassinets are not only more functional, but they aim to offer a better night’s sleep for both baby and mom. Kolcraft’s Preferred Position 2-in-1 Bassinet & Incline Sleeper is specially designed for the colicky newborn who benefits from a boosted sleeping position. This bassinet features a [&hellip
My mom is heading to California today to visit my brother. Before she left, we were talking about just how many families she’ll be seeing on her flight to family-friendly San Diego. (Hopefully, no one will be kicking the back of her seat for next five hours…) As anyone traveling with young kids can tell you, schlepping through an airport is no picnic. And if you’ve got a baby in tow, anything that helps make your trip a bit more bearable is worth its weight in gold. The QuickSmart Backpack Stroller is the answer to the over-packed parents’ prayers. It’s a lightweight (less than 9 lbs.) stroller that comes pre-assembled (finally, one less thing to put together!) and folds up in four relatively quick steps. [&hellip
Last week, I took my 2 girls out for a bite at a kid-friendly restaurant near our home. My husband had evening plans and we were in the midst of a heat wave, so it seemed like a fine idea. I forgot how much 2 little girls can talk (both at the same time, mind you), but with a glass of Chardonnay, a bread basket full of warm pretzel sticks and coloring books for the little ladies, I was well-armed. While nibbling on our appetizer, I couldn’t help but notice a toddler at a nearby table who was having a ball. Much to his mother’s horror, he dipped every fry several times in ketchup before aiming them towards his mouth. Naturally, he missed his target [&hellip
In my family, if you were said to have ‘thick skin,’ it meant you didn’t let things get to you. I’d like to think that over the years, I’ve developed quite a few layers that have enabled me to withstand criticism…at least for the most part. Growing a protective shell doesn’t happen overnight unless, of course, you’re a turtle. And when you’re a new parent shopping for baby gear that will stand up to wear and tear, this animal’s tough exterior comes to mind. How fitting that Kolcraft’s TurtleTot Activity Center is centered around this very creature. The newest stationary activity center to come to town, it features Toby TurtleTot who sits amidst a group of playful pals–a worm, butterfly, bee and rattle–inviting your little [&hellip
Whenever I need to “take a moment,” I head to my favorite indoor spot (that is, if I can’t make it to the beach): a makeshift window seat in my bedroom that looks out onto a pond. The very combination of the scenery and idea of being able to retreat to a safe haven instantly lowers my blood pressure and returns me to a calmer state of mind. When you’re a baby and the entire world is a source of stimulation, noise and activity, you too sometimes just want to take a breather. The I-feel infant rocker is just what little ones are asking for, if they could tell us what they needed. Smooth, sleek lines on this combo metal/wood seat offer a secure place [&hellip
Have you ever had a day like this? My family and I were briskly walking the streets of midtown Manhattan when, out of nowhere, the rain came pelting down. The forecast had called for “a chance of showers,” but this was a full-blown soaker. Not only did I forego raincoats for my daughters in favor of sweet cardigans to go along with their summer finery (OK, so they were simple sundresses, but you can feel my pain), but we only had one umbrella between the four of us. While my 7-year-old and I ducked under the umbrella, my husband braved the rain with my 3-year-old strolling along. The only one who didn’t appear to be miserable was the little one, as she closed out the [&hellip
Lots of traveling moms I know complain about how annoying it can be to schlepp their kid’s car seat through the airport. I don’t envy them; the few times we’ve done it, my husband’s wrist looked like he was suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. If you’re planning to fly the friendly skies anytime this summer, you won’t have to struggle with the bulk of a cumbersome seat, thanks to the new Britax Car Seat Travel Bag. Designed to fit most standard car seats, this sturdy bag features carry handles and padded shoulder straps, so you can carry it backpack-style. Or, if you’re so inclined, use the built-in wheels and pull it behind you. Worried that you’ll lose your gear at the baggage claim? A handy [&hellip
As the school year winds down, that can only mean one thing…No, not you pulling your hair out because the kids are driving you crazy (already!). It”s time for that annual rite of passage: the family vacation. While gas prices aren’t anything to sneeze at, lots of people I know are still planning on hitting the road with the whole gang at some point this season. Some will be taking longer car rides across state lines, while others are looking into a few long weekend trips. If your car is anything like ours, fitting two kids in the backseat, let alone a third child, doesn’t allow much wiggle room–or rooms for all those travel toys. That’s why we are loving the Bubble Bum booster seat. [&hellip