Indestructible sunglasses for kids? Never heard of ‘em. My almost 4-year-old has already been through 3 pairs, and they never manage to make it through an entire season. Whether her shades end up in the bottom of my beach bag, haphazardly having been crushed by a carelessly tossed rock or seashell, or are inadvertently stepped on (don’t ask), it seems kiddie sunglasses can’t withstand the power of play…until now. At the suggestion of a loyal Talking Walnut subscriber, we decided to check out Babiators, a line of child-sized sunglasses designed to outlast your kid (or at least until she makes it to grade school). At first glance, we were a bit suspicious; how could anything that fits into a package the size of travel-sized toothpaste possibly be durable? Well, let’s just say we were pleasantly surprised. We stretched these babies, we bended them, we took them on and off our resident child tester (trust us, this was tough work)…and still they managed to maintain their shape. Upon further inspection, we learned that Babiators were actually designed by a fighter pilot, which explains the secure fit. The fact that they offer 100-percent UV protection from the sun’s harmful rays was an extra bonus; if you’ve read our earlier posts, you know how serious the Talking Walnut is about adequate sun protection. And because these sunglasses come in an array of eye-popping frame colors, including limelight lime, we know that ultra-bright coverage will come in handy for those summer days ahead. Babiators are available in either junior (ages 1-3) or classic (ages 3+).

In a Nutshell: Kiddie sunglasses aren’t only about making a fashion statement. This kid-proof brand stands up to standard wear and tear, and looks great while doing it.

Tags: Babiators, child sunglasses, kid sunglasses, sunglasses for babies, sunglasses for kids

Today I am recovering from Mohs surgery. If you’re not familiar with the term, it’s a dermatological procedure that removes cancerous skin cells. Having been blessed (or shall we say “cursed”?) with a Irish complexion, it’s my second time I’ve had this procedure in five years, and one I hope my own fair-skinned daughters will not have to experience. Sunscreen usage wasn’t nearly as prevalent when I was growing up as it is today; we spent our childhoods blissfully ignorant of the sun’s harmful rays. And while I remembering my mom slathering me with that infamous Coppertone scent, there were clearly times when we missed a spot or two, or endured a painful burn after failing to reapply lotion after a long day of sun and surf. Because of my own experience, I am particularly mindful of protecting my girls’ skin when we head out for a day at the beach. As much as they protest about having to stand still for “sooo longgg,” I’d much rather them learn early on about the importance of adequate protection–instead of having to learn the hard way. Because it’s never too soon to start using sunscreen, I’m hoping more moms will add sunblock to their diaper bags when heading out to beach or park this coming season. One particular brand to consider is the new Green Babies zinc oxide sunscreen. Featuring a broad spectrum SPF 30, this water-resistant lotion is safe for babies ages 6 months and up, and is PABA-free. Whether you choose the unscented version or the one enhanced with tangerine essential oil, you’ll love how it goes on smooth and doesn’t leave behind that greasy feeling that many brands seem to do. Because it’s formulated to work on tender kid skin, as well as tough grown-up bodies, it means one less bottle to pack. And a sunburn-free day can really feel like a day at the beach after all.

In a Nutshell: Since May marks National Melonoma/Skin Cancer Awareness month, make it a smart summer by stocking up on sunscreen that works for everyone in your family.

Tags: Green Babies, kids' skincare, kids' sunscreen, National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Awareness month, skin cancer awareness, sun safety, water-resistant sunscreen

There’s nothing worse than hearing your baby cry; to this day, I still can’t bear the sounds of my kids in distress. Maybe it’s the way my brain is wired, as I hear from other moms who complain that their husbands can successfully tune out the tears. No matter who jumps up first to tend to a inconsolable kid in the middle of the night, it only takes a short time as a parent to know that those sounds of distress are often the result of a fever. If you’re lucky enough to have a baby who takes her infant drops willing, then you’re lucky enough. We had one of those, and mistakenly thought that’s how all babies should be. Not the case with Kid #2. Even Mary Poppins and her spoonful of sugar couldn’t make the medicine go down for this little girl; it practically required a two-person operation to hold her down to administer the meds. Battles like these shouldn’t be necessary and fortunately, now they don’t have to be. FeverAll, a new acetaminophen suppository, to the rescue. Let’s face it: no one wants to have to go that route when their kid is a sick. But, if you have a baby who won’t stop fussing or who continues to spit up her drops, or even an older child who might be vomiting, this medicine will seem like a godsend. Because the Infants’ Strength version is deemed safe for babies ages 6 months and up, it’s ideal to add to your medicine cabinet. Trust us,  they’ll be plenty of other parenting struggles down the road for you to master.

In a Nutshell: Fight a fever quickly and without hesitation with this easily administered suppository for babies and children up to age 12.

Tags: acetaminophen for babies and kids, FeverAll

Getting both kids to sleep in on weekend mornings is nothing short of a miracle. If one decides to stay in bed, the other must naturally bound out of her room with a bundle of energy. And no matter how many times we tell them to stay put, arming them with plenty of books/games/bargaining deals (“if you stay in bed until 8, you can watch SpongeBob in the morning), like so many parenting moments, our words appear to fall on deaf ears. Just in time for the return of Daylight Savings comes an adorably clever time-telling tool that just may do the trick. The BabyZoo Sleep Trainer is a smart clock that, at a quick glance, lets kids know whether or not it’s time to be up and at ‘em. Designed in the likeness of a precocious little monkey, Momo keeps his eyes closed when a child should be sleeping and opens his eyes when it’s time to wake up. Sleepyheads who want to take a sneak peek at those passing moments will have no trouble distinguishing hours from minutes, as Momo’s tummy is an old-fashioned analog clock and there’s a smaller digital clock at the top. Older kids will like the cool jungle-sounds alarm (in lieu of a harsh, buzzing sound) that can be turned off on weekends, school breaks and any day they can sleep in. How about giving it a try (yawn) this weekend or, better yet, tonight?

In a Nutshell: What parent couldn’t use a little extra shut-eye? Here’s a sleep training gadget that aims to buy everybody a few more zzz’s–no monkeying around.

Tags: BabyZoo Sleep Trainer, Daylight Savings Time, kids' clocks, sleep trainer clocks, sleeping training for kids

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.

Tags: BPA-free, eco-friendly kids' products, green kids' products, kids' dinnerware, organic kids' products, Re-Play, recycled kids' products

Life as a mom is hardly a Bob Dylan song. The days of being completely carefree and going wherever the wind may take me are on hold…at least for now. Instead, my routine follows its own predictable rhythm of bus stops, preschool drop-offs, homework, dinner and the three B’s: bath, book and bed. Even with a schedule that hums like a well-oiled machine, there’s always those little snags that slow us down: a pair of shoes whose dread wears out, a backpack whose zipper that goes unstuck and kids’ hair. You heard me right on that last one. Yup, combing and styling my girls’ finer-than-fine hair is a never-ending battle. On the one hand, I have a 7-year-old who can’t quite grasp the concept of parting your hair on one side and keeping it that way. And the 3-year-old’s stubborn streak carries over to having her clips match her clothes…and deciding to pull them out no less than 5x a day to see what they look like (ever hear of a mirror, kid?). Fortunately, I’ve gotten one kid hair-styling task mastered–and one that no one messes with–and that’s untangling. I love the idea of hearing a comb slide effortlessly through their poker-straight locks, fresh from the bath. And that’s thanks to a simple spray of Bayberry Naturals’ Organic Leave-In Detangler. This is truly the fruit of the hair goddesses–and it smells like it, too. Because this detangler works best after it sits on your hair for a minute or two, it gives this time-pressed mom another moment to choose a book for storytime. If you’re a fan of green-minded kids’ products, you’ll be pleased to hear that the Organic Detangler contains no sulfates, no parabens, no phthalates and no artificial fragrances or dyes. Let’s just say it’s as healthy to smell as it is to put on those precious little heads.

In a Nutshell: No messes with these tresses anymore. Because the only “Tangled” in your life should be a Disney movie.

Tags: Bayberry Naturals, eco-friendly kids' products, green kids' products, haircare products for kids, kids' haircare products, organic baby products, Organic Leave-In Detangler

How I long for the balmy days of spring when the dry air doesn’t rob my sensitive skin of whatever moisture it manages to retain. Sadly, my girls have inherited my extra-dry skin, including chapped lips, and they are quickly leaning that licking them 1,000 times only makes it worse. While we’re lucky that we’ve been blessed with a relatively mild winter so far, the forecast calls for snow this weekend, followed by a sharp cold snap. That can only mean one thing: extra lip balm. And with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it only stands to reason that our lips could use a little extra TLC. Well, get ready to pucker up this February 14th when the makers of Vaseline will offering 100 limited-editions jars of their famous Lip Therapy in a bejeweled jar of Swarovski Crystal. Your lips have never been treated this well! To enter to win, log onto Vaseline Lip Therapy on 2/14 at 1 pm EST. Good luck!

In a Nutshell: What mom doesn’t deserve a little treat? Before you kiss your kids good-night, treat yourself to a chance to win this V-Day Vaseline contest.

Tags: Swarovski Crystal bejeweled Vaseline Lip Therapy Original, Valentine's Day, Valentine's Day contest, Vaseline Lip Therapy

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.

Right about now, I’m feeling like the holidays are catching up to me. I’m all shopped out, have more wrapping ahead of me and still need to go out and pick up last-minute essentials like extra tape and batteries. Speaking of which, I could use a little recharging myself…can you relate? If the holidays have left you a bit frazzled and you realize you still need to make it to New Year’s without losing your spirit, it’s time to indulge yourself. No, I don’t mean to spring for that new pair of shoes you’ve been eyeing all season. I’m talking about something to invigorate your senses and start your day off right. Maclaren’s beginning collection is exactly what this weary mom desires. It’s a new line of organic bath and body care products that your entire family can use. We love the eye-opening scent of the shower elixir that gives you that fresh-from-the-bath smell, and as your day winds down, slather on some beginning body lotion for a calming effect. Other products in the line include shampoo, body butter and lip/cheek balm–winter essentials for dry, parched skin. With New Year’s right around the corner, beginning is a timely way to start off 2012 on a healthy, happy note.

In a Nutshell: New year, new you. The body/bath line that’s gentle enough for babies works on big kids, too. Here’s to babying yourself in 2012!

Tags: baby skincare, Maclaren, Maclaren beginning, organic baby products, winter skincare for kids

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.

Tags: clementines, cutest kid video, Cuties.com, kids' video contests, prizes for best kids' video