bathing bonanza

 Bathing Walnuts, The Safe Little Walnut
May 202011
 

Got any bathing baby beauties in your house? Well, then you’re in luck. 4moms is getting ready to launch its Cleanwater Collection of bathtime products, and is holding a giveaway. Every day from now until the line’s debut on June 15, the company will be awarding a winner with this new product destined to make tubtime more enjoyable for both you and your little one(s). Each recipient receives one Cleanwater Infant Tub, one Digital Spout Cover and one bath sponge.  Both the Infant Tub and the Spout Cover feature color-coded digital thermometers that show the water temperature at a glance. What’s neat about the Infant Tub is that it lets clean water flow in while dirty water flows out, while the bath sponge adds support for newborns. When your baby outgrows the Infant Tub, the Digital Spout Cover will protect her from any bumps and bruises on the faucet.

In a Nutshell: Bathtime just got a whole lot easier with this high-end tub and accessories. Enter to win the Cleanwater Collection giveaway today. Good luck!

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soak up the sun safely

 The Healthy Walnut, The Safe Little Walnut, The Traveling Walnuts
May 172011
 

On Day 2 of a super soaker rainy stretch, it’s hard to imagine we’ll soon be trading in this wet spring for sweltering heat. In my family, the hot summer sun is nothing to scoff at; my girls have unfortunately inherited my fair complexion and I make a point of slathering them in sunscreen so much that the sun’s damaging rays don’t stand a chance. Of course, when my little ladies aren’t under my wing and it’s time to re-apply the lotion, it helps to have a way to make this chore both convenient and not so involved, especially for kids. Sunbow Sunscreen Sun Sticks are handy, portable sticks that stow away easily in camp backpacks. Not only do they offer optimal protection with an SPF 45, but they come in kid-friendly designs (yellow formula featuring SpongeBob and pink in a Dora the Explorer motif). I used to roll my eyes at character-influenced products, but in this case, if it helps my 7-year-old remember to take her SpongeBob stick out of her bag and use it, I’m all for it.

In a Nutshell: It may be OK for a sponge to soak up some rays, but when it comes to kids and the sun, the two work best in moderation–and with the proper protection. This sunscreen stick aims to keep kids covered, so they can enjoy the summer without the sunburn.

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biker babes

 Gear for Baby Walnuts, The Playful Walnut, The Safe Little Walnut
Apr 292011
 

My toddler is frustrated. Not that that’s an unusual occurrence, but it’s because she can’t quite bicycle as well as her older sister. Granted she is not yet 3 years old, but she takes her inability to master new things right away very personally (don’t we all?). When we took the girls out for a bike ride around the neighborhood, the little one was having difficulty grasping the concept of keeping her feet on the pedals; she just wondered rather loudly “why it won’t go?” So we resorted to her dragging her feet (literally and figuratively) as my husband pushed her from behind. Needless to say, his back was killing him before we made it down the street. For parents with aching backs everywhere comes an ingenious new set of wheels designed with the preschool set in mind. The YBIKE PEWI (pronounced “pee wee”) is described as a hybrid walking buddy for kids 9 months-3 years old. It helps little ones develop basic motor and balance skills well in advance of the bike-riding age. Its friendly smiley face design will capture kids’ attention right from the start. Mind you, this isn’t a traditional walker that kids simply sit on and move around using only their feet; the PEWI lets them hold on to it and take their steps, or they can sit right on it. Because they have complete control over their movement, there’ll be less opportunity for frustration. And fewer visits to the chiropractor for you.

In a Nutshell: Don’t push your tot into pedaling before she’s good and ready. Let your budding bike rider build up her balancing skills with a set of wheels that’s just her speed.

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safekeeping keepsake

 Gear for Baby Walnuts, The Safe Little Walnut
Apr 282011
 

Baby monitors have come a long way since the days of scratchy walkie talkie-type gadgets that could pick up your neighbor’s juicy phone conversations. Because the rooms in our humble home are relatively close together, and also because I had very “vocal” babies, no monitor ever truly wowed me enough to bother with. Now in stores, there’s a monitor that isn’t only a listening/viewing device, but a modern-day keepsake.  Baby Moments Digital Video Monitor has the ability to capture up to 50 photos at a time, so you can download them to your own computer and share with co-workers, friends and far-away family members. Then, when the video monitor isn’t being activated, you can use this multitasking tool as a picture frame to show off your favorite shot of your baby in action–even if she should be sleeping. As far as trying to catch the dirt on your neighbor’s love life, well, you’re on your own with that one…

In a Nutshell: Caught on camera: your baby won’t be able to a do thing without you seeing it firsthand on this hi-tech monitor.

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with kid gloves

 The Healthy Walnut, The Safe Little Walnut, The Traveling Walnuts
Mar 242011
 

When I hear my daughter utter those famous words, “I have to go to the bath-rooommm,” I cringe. Even though she’s been potty-trained for a few years now, I absolutely dread having to visit public restrooms (and what mother doesn’t)? Forget the fact that they’re filthy, smelly and always crowded; my 6-year-old still holds on to the sides of the toilet bowl no matter how often I remind her to keep her hands to herself. If you’re a mom like me who finds herself in this type of situation more times than she’d like to, you may appreciate gLovies. Aiming to keep germs at bay, these disposable hand covers are perfect for slipping on when making a pit-stop. I was never a big fan of shopping cart covers, which I found cumbersome and could never remember to bring along. gLovies, on the other hand (pun intended!),  are especially convenient as you can stash a pair in your purse and be ready to hit the road. Simply put, they just make bathroom visits a bit more bearable. Now if someone could do something about the smell…

In a Nutshell: Give your kid a hand and make her next rest stop visit less gruesome and germ-free. Pack a pair for your next road trip.

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read your baby like a book (really)

 Diapering for Walnuts, Feeding the Little Walnuts, The Healthy Walnut, The Playful Walnut, The Pregnant Walnut, The Safe Little Walnut
Mar 082011
 

As one of my favorite PSA ads professes, it’s too bad babies don’t come with an instructional manual. Do you remember what it was like to leave the hospital with your bundle of joy, only to arrive home and realize you didn’t have the slightest clue what you were doing? (I’ve been a mom for nearly seven years, and some days, I still feel that way!) To make newborn care a little less daunting comes a new book that aims to take the guesswork out of much of the day-to-day crying/burping/feeding/sleeping that has become your routine. Written by occupational therapist Megan Faure, The Babysense Secret focuses on picking up on your baby’s cues by reading her body language. Does that cry mean she’s too warm or that her diaper needs to be changed? Is she fussing because she doesn’t want to play anymore or because she’s bored? This book seeks to provide answers to questions like these that can practically drive newbie parents to the brink of insanity. Hey, when you’re the one going through it, you know how flat-out exasperating and exhausting it can feel! To complement the teachings of Faure’s book, there’s an entire line of baby products that hinge upon the concept of interpreting and understanding your baby’s “language.” From winter- and summer-weight swaddling blankets, to nursing pillows that promote bonding, these products encourage new parents to fully immerse themselves in this all-too-fleeting period of their child’s life. Because even if it’s not always easy, caring for a baby is one experience in life for which there is no substitute.

In a Nutshell: “Baby” and “sense” in the same sentence? Don’t laugh just yet. This book may be just the ticket to the most pressing, head-scratching moments of your child’s first year.

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a womb with a view

 Gear for Baby Walnuts, The Healthy Walnut, The Safe Little Walnut
Oct 152010
 

Swaddling my daughters was something I never did quite right. While I consulted the Web and tried to follow instructions on how to create a ‘baby burrito’, it just didn’t seem to be working…seeing how they were still crying! TrueWomb is one product that aims to banish that insecurity for new moms by making swaddling as easy as 1-2-3. This sleep system is made up of different parts: the SwaddleTech Pouch, which lets a baby’s legs assume a fetal position when they’re at rest; a SecureSleeve that keeps her arms in place; and a ComfortWrap belt to keep her completely secure. Note: TrueWomb may take some getting used to, but before you know it, you’ll feel like you could swaddle your baby in your sleep. And with fewer tears and better sleep, that means more shuteye for you, too.

In a Nutshell: Swaddling your baby getting you all tied up in knots? Take a deep breath and start over with the TrueWomb system, available in four different sizes.

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mommy is watching you

 Gear for Baby Walnuts, The Safe Little Walnut
Sep 082010
 

When my now-teenage niece was a baby, my sister had a baby monitor that picked up  more gossip from her neighbor’s house than baby cries. After her second daughter was born, that monitor was replaced with a more updated model that detected every movement and sigh from her little one. My, how far we’ve come! Today’s baby monitors have built-in webcams and can work up to  hundreds of feet away from the nursery. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line model with all the bells and whistles you can dream up, then check out Mobicam Digital. It works with up to 3 cameras and boasts powerful nighttime vision–almost as good as your cat’s–for up to 30 feet. For the extra vigilant parent, there’s wide angle viewing, so you can see more than your fair share of your baby’s room. And if you’re at work and want to see what your little is up to, the Mobicam has Internet viewing capabilities. Just be sure to close the site when your boss walks by your desk.

In a Nutshell: Want to check up on your little one’s every move? This monitor will satisfy the most inquisitive caregiver.

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come on baby, light my fire

 The Safe Little Walnut
Jul 162010
 

What parent wouldn’t relish one room in the house that doesn’t scream “baby?” I know my husband wishes there were more places in our home that weren’t all about kids–from toys spilling out of otherwise-concealed storage bins, to outlet covers galore, there is clear-cut evidence that yes, we have young children living here. Because we consider our dining room a prime entertaining spot, with our fireplace and seating area, it’s one space that begs for practicality, but that must still be safe for prying hands. Jamboo Creations takes the sting out of childproofing with HearthSoft, a makeshift fireplace cover that doubles as a comfortable seating area. It’s made from a flame-retardant poly-foam material that slips right over a hearth, without requiring any special assembly. It wipes clean, which you’ll really appreciate when your little one manages to spill her juicebox. But what you’ll really love is how much it’ll make you feel…well, like a grown-up. And some days, that’s frankly all you’re asking for.

In a Nutshell: Say goodbye to those useless foam rubber safety corners that are always popping off, and enjoy a fireside story safely with your kids.

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put a lock on it

 Gear for Baby Walnuts, The Safe Little Walnut
May 262010
 

How many times have you heard the phrase, “Better to be safe than sorry?” The words never ring more than true than when you’re traveling and you’re at the mercy of others who are, shall we say, “interested” in your stuff. Grab Guard is one device worth having if you’re extra concerned about keeping your belongings secure. Think of it as a miniature padlock for your backpack, purse..even a diaper bag. Remember fumbling with your high school locker? This simple device makes up for all those frustrating moments. Simply select a two-digit combination, punch in the numbers, pull the lock and you have access to your all your personal items. Did we mention that this doesn’t look like your old school lock either? The Grab Guard comes in  a variety of colors, including lime green which my daughter loves it. Hey, with the “G” right on the lock, let her think it stands for Gucci. Yes, safety can be fashionable, too.

In a Nutshell: You can never be too careful. You’ll thank yourself later for taking this extra step.

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