The Talking Walnut

In light of the recent recall of Maclaren strollers, the company has issued an official statement to its customers. If you own one of these strollers, or know someone that does, be sure to contact the company to receive a hinge cover kit. Here is what Maclaren has to say to consumers:

At Maclaren safety is at the heart of what we do because of the consumers we serve. It is with the youngest consumers in mind that we design our products with the utmost care and engineering, not only to provide a smooth ride but a safe one.

We regret that children have been injured while using our product and we acknowledge that parents may be upset or even angry. That is of our deepest concern and makes us even more committed to serve you better.

As many of you know we have voluntarily recalled our strollers in the United States and are providing hinge cover kits to remedy the problem. We fully understand that the recall has not been perfect and that consumers have had some difficulty requesting the hinge cover kits. Over the past few days we have improved our system and it is now better suited to respond to the needs of our consumers.

While the recall is only in the US market we are providing kits to any of our customers no matter where they may live.

Parents expect a Maclaren stroller to be of the highest quality and safe for use. Our long record of safety is why we are one of the most trusted names with parents around the world. We are confident that the action we have taken will rebuild and maintain that trust. Ensuring safety is crucial to the long-standing relationship we have built with parents for more than 40 years.

Our commitment to parents is to provide the safest stroller on the market. There is simply nothing more important to Maclaren than the safety of a child.

These days, it makes even more economic sense when you can find a product that extends its life cycle beyond a few months. And when you’re a mom who feels like she’s carrying around everything but the kitchen sink, a diaper bag that can outlive its intended purpose is a real find. Chelsea & Main has come with a line of diaper bags that, with a little ingenuity, can be used when you’re not toting baby necessities. I like the Metro Messenger style because–yes–even a dad can use it and not feel like all eyes are on his bag. The JetSetter tote (shown above) is another favorite since you can take out the changing pad when you’re not using it and fill the side bottle pockets instead with your cellphone and bottled water. And since all of the bags in this line are under $25, you won’t feel as though you’re breaking the bank if you pick up more than one.

In a Nutshell: Who says that fashion comes at a price? These diaper bags will make up the difference in cost for all those diapers you’ll be buying over the next few years anyway…

Tis the season to be…stressed? How is it that as soon as Halloween is over, the mad holiday rush immediately sets in? You know what I mean: your mailbox is teeming with catalogs galore, the supermarkets have already swapped Christmas trees in place of pumpkins and your kids are drawing up their wish lists faster than the blink of an eye. All the more reason not to let the craziness get to you and instead take some time to pamper yourself. And if you’re a new or expectant mom, you have even more of an excuse for some much-needed TLC. Maclaren’s beginning line of bath and body care products has something for everyone. From the Alleviating Leg Lotion to refresh tired skin, to the Purifying Bath & Shower Elixir to give her an invigorating way to begin her day, moms will truly relish these great-smelling, organic-based products. If you’re looking for an early holiday gift that will relax and soothe via aromatherapy, check out the new Harmony candle that is scented with cinnamon and cloves…pure bliss. And with those cold weather days slowing starting to creep into the calendar, favorites like Calming Bath Milk and Soothing Delicate Soap will be helpful in winding down little ones’ days too.
In a Nutshell: These skincare products are worth treating your best gal pal–or even yourself. If a name like Cocooning Massage Oil doesn’t make you want to hunker down and chill out, what will?

Yes, you read that right. Safeguarding your little one against possible dangers in the home needn’t be boring. A cool new company named Rhoost has taken childproofing and given it an edge with corner protectors and cabinet covers that are functional and fashionable. How fitting is it that one of their products is named Edge Om (left)? Unlike those utilitarian-looking covers you have on the four corners of your coffee table (yup, you know the ones), the Edge Om (left) has a special strap and locking fastening system, so you don’t have to worry about scuffing your furniture. And what’s great is that it comes in–gasp!–actual colors that blend in with your home decor (say sayonara to boring see-through plastic and hello to black, plum, brown and green). If your little one is already trying to break into your off-limits cabinets, then also check out the Sling Hub. It fits across cabinet door knobs with an adjustable hook-and-lock that will puzzle even the most persistent tot. The latticework-style design may just throw off your toddler and force her to move on to something else. Like turning over your wastepaper basket…

In a Nutshell: It’s not part of a yoga chant, but the Edge Om and Sling Hub will make the chore of babyproofing so relaxing, you may feel as though you’ve just done a Downward Dog.

You might not think your little one could possibly be experiencing any stress in her young life. (After all, she has someone to cater to her every move, lots of love and attention from your family…what’s not to like?) But if you were also blessed with a bundle of colicky nerves, there’s one routine that can either cause you further anxiety or you can make it your saving grace. I’m talking about bathtime. Sure, it can be a big sudsy funfest for older kids, but some infants seem to find it exciting as a day at the dentist. When my younger daughter was born, my older girl couldn’t wait until she could be alongside her in the tub. We were both unpleasantly surprised to discover just how much she hated it! Maybe if we had a Spa Baby tub, it could have been all bubbles and bliss. This product joins the rising number of European-inspired upright tubs for babies. You may recall the washPOD that we reported on this past spring. Spa Baby follows a similar concept, offering a clear-walled round-shaped tub (as opposed to the standard longer walls design). It also sports more of a bowl shape as compared to the cylindrical look of the washPOD. The idea of being able to bath baby while she’s in a fetal position is meant to resemble the womb and be calming to your little one. (Maybe she won’t fuss as much because she also has less space to move around!). One caveat moms should note: This tub is designed for infants up to 10 months, although I suspect that age could go even younger and is up to the mom’s discretion and baby’s comfort level.

In a Nutshell: This is one trend that appears to be catching on with moms looking for a way to bond and that is bound to be big at baby showers.