discreet feeding: undercover mama nursing shirt

 Feeding the Little Walnuts, The Accessorized Walnut
Apr 202012
 

During a recent walk on the boardwalk at our local beach, I happened to notice a woman sitting on a bench, her stroller parked nearby. A large blanket was draped across her upper body, which surprised me, given the warmth of the morning sun. But after doing a double-take and realizing that the stroller was empty, I then saw that it was her baby who was underneath that blanket and that she was simply breastfeeding her child…except it appeared anything but simple. She continued to shift her body weight and adjust herself and her baby as she nursed. Even while joggers, walkers and other passersby went about their business, it was clear that this woman did not want any onlookers (such as myself) to pay her any mind. I couldn’t help but think of this mom when I learned about the new Undercover Mama camisole tank this week. Designed specifically for breastfeeding moms who’d like a little less unwarranted “attention,” this is the first nursing cover-up we’ve seen that actually works with your existing wardrobe. It works in one of two ways: either by slipping a loop under your bra’s clasp and folding the hook behind it, or by slipping a hook on your bra’s strap and folding the loop behind it. It may take a bit of getting used to, but like your baby’s car seat or stroller buckles, after you’ve done it a few times, it will feel like second nature. The added incentive? You can save money not having to buy a nursing bra and special shirt. And with the warm weather ahead of us, who wants to wear a hot blanket over themselves–and their baby–anyway? We think Undercover Mama is on to something: breathe-easy breastfeeding. Sounds like a trend worth following…

In a Nutshell: Goodbye, gawkers. Now you can nurse your baby in public without commanding any undue attention.

 

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disposable me: icky products

 Feeding the Little Walnuts, The Green Walnut, The Traveling Walnuts
Mar 282012
 

Lunch out with little kids is no picnic.  Because many of our local restaurants must keep up with a steady flow of kiddie customers, we sometimes dine atop tables that are, shall we say, not exactly up to snuff? Combine that with having to wait for your food indefinitely, and you have the makings of a rather unpleasant dining experience. For moms eating out with little ones comes a new line of eco-friendly products that won’t make the intended fun turn into a fiasco. Icky Products Color Me Placemats are ideal entertainment for kiddies in waiting (for their chicken fingers, that is). One handy box contains 10 stick-on, biodegradable mats and 3 non-toxic crayons, so little ones can busy themselves and eat their yummy meal without picking up the latest bug. Just stick one of these in your diaper bag the next time you head out for a bite, and you’ll be set…at least until dessert. And if you’ve got a little one in tow, Icky’s Disposable Bibs are great in a pinch. These terribly convenient paper bibs come 12 in a pack, and are compostable to ease your guilt in helping save the planet. We’ve seen our fair share of green products and know how much they get a bad rap for being unfashionable. Well, don’t worry about sacrificing style with these babies. They come in fetching Matisse and Blast Off prints to keep your little darling looking as good as that food tastes. Bon appetit!

In a Nutshell: Going green on the go? Here’s a couple of feeding time finds to whet your appetite…

 

they’ll be singing for their supper

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not your basic bottle: pura kiki

 Feeding the Little Walnuts, The Green Walnut
Mar 212012
 

Back in the day, figuring out what bottle to feed your baby with wasn’t considered rocket science. Buzz words like BPA and PVC didn’t have moms on high alert, worrying whether their child would ingest toxic substances while drinking from her “ba-ba.” Plastic didn’t conjure up images of towering landfills, but was simply something you used to box up your leftover meatloaf. But because today, we live in a different world and have a myriad of product choices, figuring out what’s best for our kids can be a bit more challenging–even when it comes to something as ordinary as selecting a baby bottle. Well, we had an eye-opener this week when we learned that some of those bottles dubbed “BPA-free” may, in fact, may still leach harmful chemicals. One product that isn’t confused about its identity is Pura Kiki, the bottle that proudly wears the 100-plastic-free label across its base. Made from stainless steel and medical-grade silicon, Kiki features a non-plastic nipple designed to stay put (that means no leakage). And even if you have a fussy child who prefers a particular nipple or spout, this bottle works with other major brands, such as Avent, Dr. Brown’s and Born Free. Once your baby has graduated to a sippy cup, simply upgrade her bottle to a sip-style spout. We like the fact that Pura also makes stainless water bottles for big people, so your whole family can drink safely. Cheers!

In a Nutshell: BPA what; PVC whom? Don’t worry about deciphering the latest acronyms. With Pura Kiki, your baby can enjoy her ba-ba–and so can you.

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re-fined dining: re-play kids’ tableware

 Feeding the Little Walnuts, The Green Walnut, The Healthy Walnut
Feb 292012
 

My daughter’s very first “big girl” dinner plate has finally met its maker. After countless washings and many meals, the barnyard animals lovingly laminated on the divided sections are practically peeling off. A bit of a dining hazard…unless you want a side of toxic plastic with those mashed potatoes. These days I know I’m not alone when keeping an eye out for kids’ products that don’t have a zillion potential dangers lurking in their construction. And when it comes to mealtime, I’m especially mindful of safety first. It’s why the new Re-Play line of kids’ dishware and cutlery calls out to moms like me. Made from recycled milk jugs, this line is as environmentally-friendly as it gets. At first grasp, I could tell these products were tougher than they looked; the springtime hues of these sturdy plates, cups, bowls and utensils belie their sturdy exterior. Not only could we load up those plates with a well-rounded meal of chicken, rice and veggies, but they stood up to one dish-washing after another. Plates that don’t fall apart at the seams make this mom very happy. (And not having to explain why a horse on that plate no longer has a head  is even better…)

In a Nutshell: This line of BPA-free kids’ dishware will make you “re-think” exactly what kind of dinner you’ll be serving up tonight.

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good snacking to go: kraft and stonyfield farms

 Feeding the Little Walnuts, The Green Walnut
Feb 272012
 

As I empty out the remnants of snack foods from last week’s winter break, my bag tells the tale of our between-meals diet. Mini boxes of raisins, discarded cracker wrappings and crushed Goldfish dot the interior like a modern day version of abstract art. (While I strive to make mostly healthy choices for my family, I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to a stray gummy bear squashed in there.) Because we spent our February break in and out of the airport, portable was the name of the game and let’s just say that after three days of Triscuits, my girls craved a little something different. Since we’ve returned home, I’ve had the good fortune to come across two snack-worthy treats for traveling diners–especially those with bite-sized appetites. Granola lovers will delight in the latest snack bar incarnation: Kraft MilkBite. A combination of milk and whole-grain granola makes for a satisfying, mid-morning (or afternoon) treat. We like that the good stuff is cleverly disguised in a variety of flavors, including strawberry, peanut butter, oatmeal raisin and–believe it or not–chocolate (!). We put a few bars through some “rigorous” testing and found them to be a real crowd pleaser. If you’re a mom who’s on the lookout for no high fructose corn syrup, you’ve found it with MilkBite. And if you’ve got a yogurt lover in the house who’s finally tired of yogurt tubes, Stonyfield YoKids Greek is all the rage. It has the rich consistency of the Greek yogurt fad that’s making headlines, without adding to waistlines. Packed with protein and calcium and available in strawberry and raspberry, this is one richly rewarding food choice. We’re big fans of yogurt as it is, so when this family decided to “go Greek,” there was no turning back. Maybe someday, my entire family will graduate to full-sized meals with all four food groups (sigh). In the meantime, we’re savoring healthy eating via snacktime!

In a Nutshell: Kraft MilkBite is, bar none, a nutritious alternative to ho-hum granola bars; Stonyfield YoKids Greek gives sophisticated kids a sampling of haute cuisine, dairy-style.

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u can touch this: kiinde kozii

 Feeding the Little Walnuts, The Safe Little Walnut
Jan 312012
 

Late night feedings are no picnic, and certainly not made any easier with a blistered finger. I can remember the time I awoke in the wee hours one morning to the cry of my young daughter, and stumbled into her nursery. Like so many other times, I hastily filled an empty bottle with water, mixed it with powdered formula and set it in her trusty bottle warmer. I don’t know who found it more infuriating to wait for that bottle to warm: half-asleep me or my sobbing daughter. After what felt like forever, it was ready…or so I thought. Grabbing it too fast proved to be a mistake, as I silently chided myself for burning my hand. From then on, I made certain to keep a small towel nearby–a makeshift pot holder, if you will–to prevent future accidents. It’s moments like those that make me realize as a seasoned mother, not all bottle warmers come equal. If you or a friend is registering for baby gifts, be sure to check out one of the newer ones on the market: the Kiinde Kozii. As fun to say as it is easy to use, this device takes the guesswork out of warming breast-milk or bottle-formula to a comfortable temperature. A built-in time counts down until a bottle has fully warmed. Once the timer turns off, the warmer shuts off, reducing the risk of handling a too-hot bottle. Because Kozii can heat either plastic or glass, you can also use it to warm baby food jars. That means fewer accidents in the kitchen, too.

In a Nutshell: This warmer makes preparing baby’s bottle practically effortless, and worry-free.

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weekly wardrobe: petites frites bibs

 Feeding the Little Walnuts, The Accessorized Walnut, The Green Walnut
Jan 262012
 

When my older daughter was born, I received a gift of seven bibs, each one embroidered with a different day of the week. An adorable concept…if only the bibs hadn’t been white. Once she grew and moved on to solid foods, it wasn’t long before those beautiful bibs were permanently stained with mashed peas and peach puree. The “Friday” bib looked more like “Fdy,” while “Sunday” became just plain old “day.” (Easy for a sleep-deprived mom to figure out which bib to wear, but somehow I don’t think that was the point…) That’s why we can appreciate the Day-of-the-Week Bib Set from Petites Frites, a collection that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the touch. Made from an ultra-soft, two-ply cotton blend and colored with baby-friendly dyes, these bibs come in two assortments–rainbow and cornwall–and are awash in a eye-popping palette that will stand up to spit-up, strained peas and everything in between. We’re especially fond of the mood monikers, a different one reserved for each day of the week. We can relate to “Foggy Friday,” and are optimistic for a “Sunday Funday.”

In a Nutshell: Pack a little punch into your baby’s mealtime routine with a variety of bibs that will get you through all those round-the-clock feedings.

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smart from the start: Similac baby bottle

 Feeding the Little Walnuts, The Healthy Walnut, The Traveling Walnuts
Jan 102012
 

Talk to any new mom, and she’ll tell you she doesn’t feed her baby with just any old bottle. If she considers herself an A-list mom who wants the healthiest/safest things for her little one (and what mom doesn’t?), she’s probably done her research and figured out which crib promises the best night’s sleep, which stroller has the smoothest ride and which bottle reduces spit-up and fussiness. Now, thanks to the advent of the Similac SimplySmart bottle, the homework has been done for you. The makers of the well-known powdered formula brand have taken their expertise in feeding and applied it to their first-ever baby bottle, designed to make feeding a more enjoyable experience for moms and their babies. At first glance, you’ll notice the SmartClose, a blue shield that takes the mystery out of determining whether or not the top has been properly closed (translation: fewer leaks). Inside the bottle you’ll notice a clip-on contraption, the EasyMix, which ensures that powdered formula and water have been properly combined (simply shake or swirl the bottle, and the EasyMix does the rest).  On top of the extra-wide opening for easy cleaning and extra-large, easy-to-read numbers (in ounces), we love the On-the-Go powder cap, which is sold separately and lets you take enough formula in a sealed cap that snaps right on to the top of the bottle. Similac was a brand I trusted as a new mom; I’ve no doubt the SimplySmart bottle will make an ideal companion to the formula line.

In a Nutshell: Bottle-feeding just got a whole lot smarter with the Similac SimplySmart bottle. Whether feeding on the go or right at home, this innovative bottle has all the makings of a smooth meal.

 

oh my darling: cuties.com

 Feeding the Little Walnuts, The Healthy Walnut, Wired Walnuts
Dec 092011
 

My 3-year-old’s new favorite fruit is the clementine. She can’t get enough of them, and I can’t say I blame her. They are sweet, incredibly juicy and easy to peel and eat. From a mom’s perspective, I like that they’re portable and pack easily when we’re on the go, and don’t result in sticky, orange fingers. In fact, theirs is a rather invigorating, citrusy scent that I much enjoy this time of year. Because I tend to buy clementines in bulk, I am forever experimenting with different brands and currently can’t resist Cuties Clementines. Bursting with flavor and packed with vitamin C, they are the perfect addition to lunch, snacktime or anytime hunger strikes. If you happen to have a resident cutie who also loves clementines, you’ll want to check out Cuties.com. On top of giving you the nutritional lowdown of this fun fruit, you can upload pictures of your little darling and enter to win daily and weekly prizes–everything from Cuties T-shirts and toys, to one extremely lucky grand prize recipient of a college scholarship valued at $150,000. A different theme contest runs every week, and next week’s is cutest dress-up. Time to grab the camera and start filming; your amateur video may just pay for your child’s future education. And that’s a lotta clementines!

In a Nutshell: Orange you glad you captured the time your toddler clomped around in Daddy’s shoes? Now it’s time to upload that footage and enter to win on Cuties.com.

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just getting warmed up

 Feeding the Little Walnuts, Gear for Baby Walnuts, The Traveling Walnuts
Oct 282011
 

The first time we took my baby daughter on a long road trip, I dreaded the moment we’d have to pull over and stop to feed her. I kid you not, I must have spent the better part of the car ride wondering aloud if the bottle warmer we had just bought would actually work, whether it would fit into our car’s adapter outlet properly and how long it would take to heat up her formula. (Yes, you can feel sorry for my poor husband; I do, too–in retrospect.) As luck would have it, my concerns were right on the money: after sitting in a fast food parking lot for what felt like forever, the bottle was only mildly warmed. But, if we didn’t get back on the road fast, my ever-patient spouse warned, we’d get caught up in rush-hour traffic. Torn between giving my young daughter formula that was room temperature at best and heeding my wise husband’s sage advice, I fed her in a hurry…but without much success. She only drank a few ounces before turning her head away and letting out a disgusted cry. Believe it when I say I felt her pain–and it was a long time before we took another road trip. Today’s moms don’t have to wrestle with such aggravation when feeding their baby on the go,  thanks to Toasty Bottle. This baby bottle warming set that works without the hassle of batteries, car adapters or hot water is almost too good to be true. Simply remove the plastic packaging from the warmer and pull off one side of the adhesive strip. Next, wrap the warmer around your filled bottle and attach the adhesive to the warmer. Now, open the Velcro enclosure on the Toasty Bottle holder and place your wrapped bottle inside. The warming packets retain heat as soon as they are exposed to the air and stay hot for less than 30 minutes, giving your baby plenty of time to eat–and burp. Rest assured that the warmer packets use natural ingredients like iron powder and salt, so you don’t need to worry about any harmful chemicals coming into contact with your baby’s bottle. We can’t say the same for the high level of road pollution on the LIE, but that’s another story…

In a Nutshell: Get your baby to her destination safely and on a full stomach with this no-fuss, no-muss bottle warming system.

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