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close contact: nuroo pocket

 Gear for Baby Walnuts, The Accessorized Walnut
May 212013
 

Next week, my older daughter will turn 9. When she was born, I was only able to hold her for a brief moment before she was whisked down the hall to the nursery (apparently, her temperature was down and she needed to warm up). Somehow, I felt like I was cheated out of those tender first bonding moments between mother and child. Because I have a few mom friends with newborns who also have older kids, I’ve been hearing about their guilt over not spending time with their own babies. “How can I enjoy my little one when I am busy reading stories/checking homework/making dinner?” For moms like these comes a new baby product unlike any other we’ve seen: the NuRoo Pocket. Upon first glance, it looks like an ordinary wrap-style shirt with a baby discreetly tucked inside. But it’s more than that. Unlike traditional slings and front baby carriers, the NuRoo Pocket isn’t an accessory item. Instead, you wear this product, keeping your baby as close to your skin as possible. And for the harried new mom who’s craving that together time, this product can turn that wishful thinking into real life. We took a closer look at the NuRoo Pocket and watched a straightforward demo that takes the guesswork out of how to get started. (What sleep-deprived parent won’t appreciate that?) Your baby will be able to nestle inside an inner no-slip pocket that is secured once you fasten the pocket closed; there are no ties or straps to contend with (a big plus). The support belt that goes around your lower abdomen provides extra security, not to mention peace of mind. And once you’re ready to take your baby out, there’s no need to remove the NuRoo Pocket — just gently reach in and lift out your baby, supporting her head, of course. Of course, we expect you’ll miss that closeness before long…

In a Nutshell: Make like a mamma kangaroo and keep your baby right where she belongs with this practical pouch.

NuRoo Pocket_Cuddle

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something to talk about: language launchers babble box

 Reading with Walnuts, The Playful Walnut, The Smart Walnut
Dec 272012
 

Just before the holidays, I managed to catch up with an old friend. After updating each other on our families’ lives, she told me about her toddler son who wasn’t speaking and talking like other kids similar in age. After having him evaluated, she learned that he was speech delayed and began taking the proper steps to get him the extra help he needed. Oddly enough, we had just learned of a new speech/language service specifically designed to help parents like my friend work with their child and boost their verbal development. The beauty of Language Launchers‘ subscription-based service for ages 0-2 is that it gets mailed directly to your home, and you can use it at your own pace with your child. We got our hands on The Babble Box, a shipment of the first three months of the Babbling with Babies series. As is true with each month’s delivery, the box was well-stocked with a variety of toys and learning aids that help develop a child’s growing speech. Whether they are centered on early conversation, reading or music, each carefully chosen item has an intended purpose. And don’t feel you’ve been left alone in the dark; each mailing contains plenty of helpful tips and suggestions for cultivating your baby’s love of language.  Each month’s mailing is an incentive to maintain that momentum and encourage more together time. What a wonderful way to start the new year.

In a Nutshell: Let the learning begin! For the parent looking for ways to nurture their child, but not sure how to begin, Language Launchers does the homework for you.

 

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capturing that holiday glow: noodle & boo pregnancy and newborn gift set

 The Pregnant Walnut
Nov 162012
 

When you’re pregnant, everyone always talks about that healthy glow that magically appears. But I’m pretty sure they weren’t talking about me. As someone who suffers from dry skin on a regular basis, being pregnant actually made things worse (was it all those crazy hormones or was that growing babe of mine already draining me?).  No matter the culprit, these days when I see a pregnant mom during these cold-weather months, I truly feel for her…and will gladly offer up my moisturizer. If you’ve got a gal pal who’s expecting soon, what better way to indulge her than with a skin-centric gift set? Noodle & Boo’s Pregnancy and Newborn Gift Set is the ultimate in prenatal pampering. From an invigorating hand and foot balm, to an amazing elasticity oil specially formulated to protect against stretch marks, this box of goodies lets moms-to-be treat themselves to some much-needed TLC. And after their little bundle of joy arrives, they can take advantage on the shampoo, ointment and body wash designed for sensitive newborn skin. Our favorite treat? The Love Light Candle to calm and relax new moms while in the tub or just catching a few moments of alone time. And of course, that warm glow doesn’t hurt either.

In a Nutshell: It’s the perfect season to show a pregnant pal you know just what she’s in need of. No, not free babysitting…but a little lotion goes a long way.

 

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portable play: tiny love take-along mobile

 Gear for Baby Walnuts, The Playful Walnut, The Traveling Walnuts
Nov 142012
 

When my girls were babies and we hit the road (even for a day trip to my parents’ house), I was always lugging tons of gear for my own precious cargo. Stroller, portable crib, booster seat…you name it. While I couldn’t, of course, duplicate all the comforts of home, judging from the trunk of my car, you’d have thought I was! For those babes on the go who can’t quite settle down without a little traveling music, comes the ideal solution. Tiny Love’s Take-Along Mobile looks just like the standard-size model snapped onto her crib back at home, but in a travel-friendly version. It attaches to most strollers, car seat carriers and play yards, so your little one will never feel compromised. Five different melodies play up to 30 minutes of continuous music–plenty of time to get your little one off to Dreamland–as three little friends twirl and whirl overhead, inviting little ones everywhere to conk out and get some shut-eye. And if you’ll be traveling this holiday season, some extra zzz’s are definitely in order.

In a Nutshell: This mobile’s on the move, just like you and your baby. Whether you need it to stimulate or soothe, it goes wherever you do.

 

 

 

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taking one for the team: kolcraft mlb baby gear

 Gear for Baby Walnuts
Nov 132012
 

Attention, moms-to be: When it comes to planning for your new arrival, don’t forget to include your better half. Sure, we know you’re super-excited about choosing colors for the nursery and buying all those cute little outfits. But what about the father-to-be? Chances are he’d like to feel part of the equation–and not just when it comes to picking out paint samples. In honor of dear ol’ dad comes an entire line of Major League Baseball products from Kolcraft, designed especially for the newest addition to your team. Whether it’s a potty ring, umbrella stroller or step stool, each product is embossed with your guy’s favorite team logo. So if he’s helping out at home or just out taking a stroll, he’ll feel like his vote counts for something. (Just don’t tell him you’ve decided on Passion Pink for the baby’s room.)

In a Nutshell: Step up to the potty…er, plate with this baseball-inspired line of baby gear. Kolcraft’s MLB collection will be available in January 2013.

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space (and sanity) saver seat: quicksmart fold n go bouncer

 Gear for Baby Walnuts, The Traveling Walnuts
Sep 252012
 

When my daughter was a baby, you could tell when I was planning to visit my parents simply by gazing into the back of my car. The amount of baby gear rivaled a Babies R Us boutique, if there ever was one. Sandwiched in between my diaper bag and umbrella stroller was the all-important fish-printed bouncer. Even though it was rather cumbersome and bulky, it was my American Express of baby stuff: I never left home without it. Not only did this seat act as a secure place for my just-sitting-up babe, but it often gave her the opportunity to doze off, courtesy of its soothing vibrations and bubble-making. Despite its immeasurable value during that first year, that seat and I had a love/hate relationship. On my ride home from Grandma’s, you could find me silently swearing at its massive frame that obstructed my rear view. Couldn’t I find something that wasn’t a towering mass of metal? Today’s new moms won’t have to commit internal road rage, thanks to a new bouncer seat that knows its place. QuickSmart’s Fold N Go Bouncer delivers on its promise to keep baby gear compact. In a matter of seconds, this soft seat folds in half and its metal legs tuck underneath the frame, resulting in a flat, portable seat that can assume a suitable spot for itself in your car, in a suitcase or anywhere space is tight. The flexible design doesn’t compromise on function, either. All the bells and whistles of a standard bouncer –3-point safety harness, 3 levels of music/vibrations and machine-washable fabric on the seat– are accounted for. Finally, a baby seat that lives up to its name. And one that doesn’t mess with my view.

In a Nutshell: Baby gear that’s small on space, but big on versatility. We’re sold on a compact seat that gives us some extra breathing room (and cargo space).

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natural sur-round-ings: tiny love my nature pals mobile

 Gear for Baby Walnuts, The Furnished Walnut, The Playful Walnut
Aug 062012
 

Sometimes, when I can’t fall asleep, I stare at the ceiling and count sheep. And when I’m not busy composing lyrical poetry, I’m recalling silly moments that take me back to a time when life was a lot simpler and a lot less hectic. Like when my college roommate and I noticed that our dorm room’s ceiling had been decorated to look like the Milky Way. Upon turning out the lights during our first night at school, we realized that our previous tenants had left dozens upon dozens of glow-in-the dark stars and moons on the ceiling, turning our otherwise dull room into a heavenly spectacle. No wonder we slept like babies that night. As you create a dream space for your own child, do you consider what gives them a sense of calm, a peacefulness that carries on long after you’ve shut the door? We think all babies deserve a crib mobile that lets them fixate on something entertaining, and when they’re ready to drift off, a lullaby to ensure a good night’s sleep. Tiny Love’s new My Nature Pals Mobile is just the ticket. As a smiling-faced bird, ladybug and bird spin overhead, your little is treated to a half-hour of soothing songs and soft lighting. Particular parents will appreciate the flexibility of the optional music/lights (pick either or both, depending on your little one’s mood). And once she’s outgrown her crib mobile, you can detach it and hang on to the music box. After all, who doesn’t appreciate a lullaby every now and then?

In a Nutshell: Dream a little dream, and treat your sleepy babe to a mobile that provides hours of stimulation–and (hopefully) shut-eye.

 

 

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a pleasant surprise: twotara infant clothing

 The Accessorized Walnut
Jul 312012
 

When I was pregnant with each of my daughters, I didn’t want to find out their genders in advance. It didn’t matter to me whether or not I could paint my nursery in pink or blue (for the record, we chose yellow) or whether I could buy adorable, frilly dresses (for the record, neither are girly girls…at least so far). I figured that this would be one (or two) of life’s surprises that would be pleasant, and I would rather sit back and wait rather than plan their lives away. It’s probably why I’m always amazed that the first question out of someone’s mouth when they hear of a pregnancy is, “Does she know what she’s having?” For those of us who relish a little mystery in our family’s future generation comes a line of baby clothing that suits us to a T. Twotara gender-neutral reversible clothing is not only practical, but stylish. Made from 100-percent knit cotton, this layette collection is as in favor of girls as it is little boys. From booties to rompers,each garment features a pink-hued design on one side, with a corresponding blue pattern on the other. Not only is Twotara ideal for gift-givers determined to select “just the right present,” but its flexible styling even cuts Mother Nature some slack (yup, there are those cases when the sonogram was wrong!). Cost-conscious moms planning on expanding their families will appreciate that this line’s longevity and versatility. And as anyone who has a kid can tell you, any baby item that does double duty goes a long way.

In a Nutshell: Reversible, gender-neutral baby clothing? Kind on your wallet, beautiful on your baby (boy or girl).

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celestial sanity saver: aden+anais serenity star

 Feeding the Little Walnuts, Gear for Baby Walnuts, The Furnished Walnut
Jun 192012
 

I’m not sure why I remember the odd things that I do from being a new mom, but one particular memory stands out: my daughter’s nursery being littered with formula-stained bottles that I had forgotten to put in the dishwasher. It didn’t happen every day, mind you, but every so often, I would finish an early morning feeding and return to my bedroom in a half-asleep stupor with the bottle left behind (it’s a wonder I remembered to turn out the light in the nursery!). Blame it on mommy brain, if you will, but seeing that used bottle really irked me. What time exactly had I been in her room, anyway? If you’re equally hard on yourself as a new mom who’s trying to keep everything straight, but sometimes can barely tell which end is up, then the Serenity Star is for you. A handy little device, this nursery aid will become your new best friend upon your baby’s arrival. This star-shaped feeding/sleeping system is almost like a baby Blackberry, keeping track of all your baby care needs. Among its built-in tools are: an electronic feeding diary, a nightlight, sound machine, clock and room temperature indicator. Not sure if the last feeding was at 2 or 4 a.m.? Plug the info into the Serenity Star, and you won’t have to guess if that crying is from hunger pangs. Baby a little fussy when she goes down? Active the sound machine, and she’ll be treated to a choice of lullabies, white noise or even a heartbeat. The Serenity Star is so calming, it just may help you drift off to Dreamland, too. Just try not to leave any bottles behind…

In a Nutshell: A multitasking nursery tool for new moms. Because let’s face it: you can’t possibly remember everything with only 4 hours of sleep.

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sit ‘n snooze: tiny love 3-in-1 rocker napper

 Gear for Baby Walnuts
May 042012
 

Delicate, precise handiwork isn’t only necessary for surgeons and craftspeople; it’s also crucial for moms of sleeping babies. I remember when my almost 4-year-old would finally conk out in her bouncy seat or swing. I was absolutely terrified to move her, for fear of disturbing her precious shut-eye–and me having to contend with a very unhappy baby. (And this was my second kid, so my fear factor should tell you something.) How cool would it have been to have an infant seat that doubles as a safe sleeping spot. My baby wouldn’t have to fall asleep in an uncomfortable, upright position–and I wouldn’t have to agonize whether or not to wake her. Well, Tiny Love has solved this dilemma with its new 3-in-1 Rocker Napper. Aside from the standard bouncer seat bells and whistles–toy bar, music box and mobile–this seat turns into a fully reclined, bassinet-like sleeping spot with raised sides for extra security. No more cramped neck muscles, or endless fretting that your little one will fuss if you attempt to transfer her. And because the Rocker Napper can accommodate babies up to 40 lbs., we imagine this seat will become a nursery mainstay.

In a Nutshell: “Never wake a sleeping baby.” Now you can follow Mom’s sage advice with a clear conscience, thanks to this multitasking baby seat.

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