The Top Recalls of 2011

Toys, medications, and other household items seem to be recalled all the time these days. Be sure to check out this detailed list of the biggest recalls of 2011.

View the recall list.

RECALL ALERT: BOB Stroller with Embroidered Canopy

Do you own one of the popular B.O.B. jogging strollers? If so, check out the latest recall from the stroller company.

CLICK HERE to view the recall message.

Potty Training 101: Our Best Potty Training Tips

It’s probably one of the biggest challenges of motherhood: Potty Training. Most of us dread it, even if we’ve been through it before. Maybe you’ve already had a few failed attempts at potty training with your little one. Why do some children master it in a matter of days and others week or even months? We know one’s things for sure: Your child has to be ready and (mostly) willing. You can be sure your child is ready by looking for signs here and there like immediately wanting to be changed once they’ve dirtied their diaper or taking interest in the potty and what it’s for. If you’re just getting started on this adventurous journey or if you’re at a loss, don’t despair! We’ve got a list of tips to get you headed in the right direction.

1. Introduce It a Little at a Time

Most children won’t be ready to begin training until after age 2, and really closer to 3, but some children will take well to at least sitting on the potty before or around age 2. “We started training our daughter fairly early (around 18 mths.)”, says Melanie, a mom of two from Texas. “I didn’t want to push her, but sat her on the potty once a day before her night time bath and that got the ball rolling.” We love this idea! Of course, if your child freaks out don’t push it, but even just sitting on the potty for a few minutes a day (nothing has to “happen”) is a great start.

2. Start a Routine

Once you’ve had a day or two of practice (or accidents–we think straight to undies works best) you’ll want to start a routine. If you have a small portable potty seat keep it nearby. After your child has had something to drink remind them frequently that it will be time to use the potty soon. You will probably want to sit your child on the potty in regular intervals-perhaps every 15-30 minutes. This will establish a good routine and get your child used to sitting on the potty.

3. Praise, Praise, and More Praise

Once you’ve sat and sat and sat on the potty several times there will be success eventually! Don’t forget to praise your child. We’ve all seen the commercial for the “potty dance”, but try to keep in mind what will work for your child. “I loved using a sticker chart with small smiley stickers. Then at the end of the day (with no accidents) Katie could pick a big sticker of her choice,” says Alison, a Mom of one, from Cincinnati, Ohio.

4. Be a Good Model

Your child might be awfully curious about the bathroom and big toilet. Let them venture with you or an older sibling to the bathroom so they’ll learn there is nothing to be afraid of.

5. Don’t Push It

Whatever you do, if you sense some resistance, don’t push it. Let it go and try again in another few weeks. If after a week or two of accidents and frustration, take break too. Don’t keep trying just because you think your child HAS to be trained because of certain standards. Most importantly remember that your child won’t leave for college in diapers! When toddlers finally realize they are ready the process can be rather quick for some.

All content here is advice only. For professional opinions please seek the advice of your medical provider.

Do you have a great potty training tip? Share it with us in the comments below!

What We Love Right Now June 15, 2011: Summer Party Ideas for Kids

Throwing a summer birthday party? Or maybe you’re having a party just for fun? We’ve got several ideas for great party themes to help you have fun in the sun this summer with your kids and their friends!

1. A Tie-Dye T-Shirt Party, Best For Tweens and Teens

The summertime is perfect t-shirt and flip flop wearing season. What better party theme for this time of year than tie-dye decorating? The shirts themselves are bright and cheery, just like the summer sun, and sure to be loads of fun for the party goers to make. We love these tie-dye invitations from Tiny Prints. They aren’t too bold, but still have some great pops of color.

For partyware Birthday in a Box has some great Tie Dye party supplies. We like these plates because you can get the dinner plates or cake plates and then mix and match with solid colored cups, napkins, and cutlery. And don’t forget balloons!

The tie dye shirts will make great party favors. Not sure how to tie dye? It’s pretty simple once you get the hang of it. Here are some great instructions we found at About.com.

2. Bubble Party, Best For Toddler and School Age Children

What small child doesn’t love bubbles? This party theme is perfect for a backyard bash. You can do a couple of stations: One table with small bottles of individual bottles of bubbles and another with large pans and wands with homemade bubble mix (not sure how to make a mix? It’s easy! Just use 1/2 cup dishwashing soap, like Dawn, 2 cups water, and 2 teaspoons of sugar).  You can also set up another table with bubble wrap cut up in small squares and paint and paper so the kids can paint with the bubble wrap.

If you have a covered porch or set up a tent or canopy we think decorating with paper lanterns and streamers would be such a cute idea. Paper lanterns would almost look like bubbles of all different colors and you could even use different sizes as well. Try your local party stores or, if you want to buy online, search PartyLights.com or JustArtifacts.com.

For food, serve up round items like Nilla Wafers, round fruits and veggie slices, and cookies. You can even serve Jell-O jigglers cut into circles-they are yummy, easy to make and colorful!

Party favors can be simple and cheap. We’ve seen these cute bubble wands at local stores everywhere and they are usually marked at $2.00/ea. or less. Such a cheap favor and each child would be sure to love it!

3. Pirate Party, Best for Toddler-School Age Children

Arrrrrrr, Matey! Sail the Seven Seas with your child and their friends with this super fun summer party theme! We found everything we needed for this theme at Birthday in a Box! Their pirate party selection couldn’t be beat.

For invitations…

Send a message in a bottle! How cute, unique, and, well, pirateish! Buy these HERE.

Games…

Don’t reinvent the wheel! Here’s another SharpMom favorite from Birthday in a Box. Pin the Eye Patch on the Pirate!

Looking for more game ideas? Try walking the plank with a small piece of wood, like a 2×4, or put on a “treasure hunt” AKA scavenger hunt for older kids.You can also play a game of “pass the skull” (aka hot potato). Just make your skill out of oval Styrofoam or wrap an old Mr. Potato Head .

Partyware…

All favorites from Birthday in a Box!

Favors…

Try gold coins, eye patches, and treasure maps! All can be found online or at your local party stores.

Crafts…

1. Decorate Your Own Pirate Flag: All you need are crayons, paper, and great imagination!

2. Decorate a “Booty Bag” for all their pirate loot!

4. Flip Flop Fun, Best for School Age, Tween Girls

Birthday in a Box has another super girly party patter that’s perfect for a summer pool party! Theme your whole party around flip flops. Ask your guests to where their best swimsuit and favorite flops. Better yet, you could even ask them to decorate a pair of flops before hand and give a prize a the party to the best pair! For partyware, we found these great napkins that will go well with bright pink and orange plates and cups. We also love these super fun straws, sold in packs of 4. They girls will love sipping lemonade and tea from their fun flip flop straws!

If you don’t have your own personal pool, try booking a local pool or perhaps even the pool at your local YMCA. For food serve up finger foods like veggie and fruit trays and chips with dips. We like keeping decorations simple for this theme. Just doing bunches of colorful balloons will add a nice touch to coordinate with the flip flop napkin. We also found a couple of invitations we really liked.

To purchase this invitation, click here.

To purchase this invitation, click here.

5. Backyard Beach Party, Best for Ages Toddler to School Age Children

There is a lot you can do with this theme! For fun run some water sprinklers, open the sandbox and bring out the buckets and shovels, or for little ones use water tables for play too. Older children will enjoy games like crabwalk relay races, beach ball and water balloon tosses. Little ones will like baby pools filled with mini beach balls made into a ball pits or baby pools filled with water!

If you host this party in the  late afternoon/evening, invite parents and turn it into a BBQ. You could serve hotdogs, hamburgers, and chips. Don’t forget the cake! Maybe in the shape of a beach ball or fish? If you’re not feeling creative you can always preorder a cake with a beach scene from your favorite bakery!

We found these great invitations on Esty.com. Why do we love these? You can print them at home!

For party favors try a sand bucket and shovel filled with a few treats like sunglasses, leis, a small beach ball and candy.You can even personalize the buckets with by writing guest’s names on them with paint pens!

Do you have a great summer party theme? Leave us a comment and link up with us!

Best Sunscreens for Babies and Kids

Your child’s skin is so very delicate and it’s important to treat it well while outdoors during the summer. Many sunscreens these days smell funky, go on thick, and just don’t seem “good” for your child’s skin. These following lotions contain natural ingredients and go on light, but still give your child’s skin adequate protection.

1. Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunblock SPF 60+, $8.99 and up, Available at most drug stores

This lotion has no chemicals, just mineral to create a barrier between baby’s skin and sun’s rays. It’s also available in a sunblock stick for easy application on ears, nose, and face.

2. Episencial Sunny Sunscreen, $14.99

This sunscreen contains a natural blend of zinc and titanium minerals and organic ingredients like shea butter, beeswax and avocado oil to nourish and soften skin. To purchase, click here.

3. TruKid Sunny Days SPF 30+, $17.49

Again, this sunscreen is all natural and has wonderful ingredients such as green tea extract, cucumber oil, and pomegranate juice. To purchase, Click here.

4. Coppertone Water Babies Pure & Simple Lotion, $10.99, Available at most drug stores

Coppertone’s new Pure & Simple is dye free and uses a gentle zinc oxide formula. Best of all it retains its SPF after 80 minutes of water activity.

Regal Summer Movie Express 2011

image via Regal Entertainment Group

Looking for something fun and inexpensive to do this summer to beat the heat? Meet up with some friends for Regal Cinemas Summer Movie Express 2011. It’s a 9-week festival held at select Regal Cinemas, United Artists and Edwards Theatres that offer selected G or PG rated movies for only a dollar on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:00am.

For more info visit Regal Entertainment Group.

Cute End-of-the-Year Teacher Gift Ideas

As a mom it’s important to show a little extra appreciation to the teacher whose been there for your child all year. Even if it hasn’t been the best school year ever (hey, it happens), a small gift is a great way to show teacher’s you appreciate all they have done. Teachers love restaurants and shopping, so giftcards to those kinds of places work really well, but if you are looking for something a little more fun or personal, we’ve got a few suggestions!

1. Fun Jar Filled with Treats

I think every woman loves a little something that looks cute. We found these precious jars filled with cookies at a local boutique in our town, but they look pretty easy to recreate at home with some ribbon, a jar, candy of your choice or the teacher’s favorite, and a fun label made on the computer.

2. Monogrammed Key Chain

We love Esty.com and found these super cute monogrammed key chains-perfect for holding those classroom keys!

To purchase these key chains on Esty CLICK HERE

3. Lilly Pulitzer Stationary

Why buy the dress when you can have a fun print notepad, photo album, ink pen, or file folders? Gotta love the Lilly P. designs and any teacher would love these added accessories on their desk or in their purse!

For these and more CLICK HERE

4. A Night at the Movies

We love this idea because it works out well whether your teacher is male or female. Everyone loves a good movie so buy a giftcard to a local rental store, some popcorn and candies and fill a fun bucket or basket as your teacher’s end of the year treat!

image via

5. Organize a Class Gift

Something coming from the whole class will mean a lot to your child’s teacher. While gift cards are great and useful, something personalized will leave a lasting impression.

Reading Basket

For primary school teachers this is a great idea! Reading is key to learning and all teachers of young children push a love for reading. Wouldn’t it be neat if each child in the class donated a copy of their favorite book to their teacher’s class reading corner or book collection? Each child could sign their name inside and leave a little note for their teacher.

Quilt

A handprint memory quilt is also a great gift. This is one the teacher can take home or hang in their classroom as decoration!

What to Watch: The Best TV Shows for Preschoolers

Allowing a little TV each day isn’t such a crime. In fact, if you choose the right shows your child can learn quite a bit. Children really shouldn’t watch more than two hours of TV a day and with so many cartoons and characters on different channels you may be wondering where to allot the tube time. We all know you can’t go wrong with a great, classic show like Sesame Street, but what about the other programs out there today? Here are our best picks:

Sid the Science Kid (PBS)

This show has been kid-tested at our house! Preschoolers are curious and Sid and his friends are a fun-loving bunch who are trying to figure out how the world around us works. Science skills are so important and often forgotten, so this program is a great way to instill an early “science start” with your child. Each week has a  theme such as weather, the human body, or growing mold, so if you want to do some extra projects at home to go along with the show planning activities would be simple! You can also take the show to another level and play games with Sid and his friends at PBSkids.org.

Yo Gabba Gabba (Nick Jr.)

Every episode begins when DJ Lance opens his magical boombox so that your child can explore Gabbaland with his colorful friends Muno, Foofa, Toodee, Brobee, and Plex. It’s a musically focused show that invites your child to get their groove on while they learn important life lessons like taking turns, having fun, and being a good friend. The show is jampacked and nonstop, full of music segments, cartoon clips, dance moves, and even a talent segment called “cool tricks” where kids (and even adults!) show off their best skills from bubble blowing to piano playing.

Olivia (Nick Jr.)

One of the literary world’s favorite book characters comes to life in her own show with her two brothers Ian and William-Oh, and her beloved dog, Perry. The show follows Olivia, a 6 year old spunky little pig who has a BIG imagination! In each episode she encounters many woes but finds they can all be resolved with a little imagination and a lot of heart. Her big dreams may take her away to far places, but she always returns home with a fresh outlook on the day and a solution to her problem.

Special Agent Oso (Disney Jr.)

We love this caring, quirky panda name Oso who comes to the aid of kids in need with everyday troubles like cleaning their room, making lemonade, or planning a special surprise for mommy. He can solve all these problems with the help of his high-tech gadgets like his trusty Paw Pilot. We think this show is great for preschoolers because is uses an interactive format that will allow your child to problem solve on their own and pick up some other great preschool skills along the way as well.

Super Why! (PBS)

When problems arise in Storybook Village it is up to the Super Readers to save the day. Each Reader-Red, Littlest Pig, Princess Pea, and Wyatt Beanstalk-all transform into superhero attire to leap into the pages of a book and solve the problem. Each character has a special reading based skill, such as spelling power. This show is one of our picks because it will encourage your preschooler to expand their early literacy skills through word games, spelling challenges, and interactive reading.

Tinga Tinga Tales (Disney Jr.)

We love this show because it is quality entertainment in small doses. Only 15 minutes for each show, Tinga Tinga Tales is a colorful, beautifully animated short story program that brings African folklore to life. Stories like “Why Tickbird Sits on Hippos Back” and “Why Lion Roars” will teach your child about sharing, being humble and kind, and having courage. There’s always a positive message and we guarantee you’ll have plenty to talk about once you turn the TV off!

RECALL ALERT: Kiddieland Lights and Sounds Scooters

Kiddieland Toys

RECALL SAFETY NOTICE

Laceration Hazard

Kiddieland Recalls “Lights & Sounds” Scooters

The steering column hinge button can be released by a child causing it to fall back on the platform, posing a pinching or laceration hazard.

Model #044255

Model #043174

For additional information, contact Kiddieland toll-free at : (800) 430-5307 anytime or visit the company’s web site at www.kiddieland.com

What We Love Right Now April 20, 2011: A Couple of our Favorite Finds for Earth Day

Earth Day is approaching and we LOVE that Marc Brown author and creator of the lovable book character Arthur has launched a new book, Arthur Turns Green. Teachers, children, and parents who are fans of his books and great show on PBS have probably been awaiting a new book for quite a while! In the book Arthur and his curious sister D.W. are at it again and of course it does not disappoint!

{photo credits}

There is a wonderful website full of information regarding this cute new book and there are also lots of good ideas and activities to help you and your family turn green with Arthur! Visit www.arthur-books/green.html

Interested in more Earth Day reads? Here are some more books your little ones might enjoy:

• Celebrating Earth Day: Circle the Year With Holidays, by Janet McDonnell
• Every Day Is Earth Day: A Craft Book, by Kathy Ross
• Keeper of the Swamp, by Ann Garrett
• Mr. Garbage, by William H. Hooks
• Gover’s 10 Terrific Ways to Help our Wonderful World, by Anna Ross
• Tanya’s Big Green Dream, written by Lida Glaser
• Pollution? No Problem!, by David Morichon
• For the Love of Our Earth, by P.K. Hallinan

Hey Mama’s! Need a pick-me-up on the way out the door on Earth Day? Celebrate Earth Day with Starbucks on Friday, April 22 and get a FREE brewed tea or coffee when you bring in a reusable mug or tumbler! LOVE IT!

Egg-cellent Egg Decorating with Chalkboard Paint

Home Made Simple has some great egg decorating ideas that are unique and different. We loved one in particular. All you need are some hard boiled eggs, chalkboard paint, and your favorite colored chalk. Paint the eggs and let your kids do the rest! They’ll have fun decorating and then redecorating their eggs over and over again! The eggs will make the perfect little centerpiece  for your Easter brunch table created by your very own Picaso’s!

photo courtesy of Home Made Simple

What We Love Right Now April 13, 2011: Creating a “Date Night” with Your Child

We just can’t help ourselves, we love the idea of having a special “date night” with your child. This works out so well if you have more than one child or if you just had a baby and introduced a new sibling into the home, so you can get that special one-on-one time with them. You can even wrangle your husband into the idea if he’s up for the challenge! This is something your child is sure to love. It gives them special time with mom (or dad!) and allows them to do something that interests them (remember, you want this to be fun for them and not seem like just another outing or errand with mom). Of course there are oodles of things you can do and you know your child best, but we have a few ideas for Kids Date Night…

1. Dinner and a Movie

This one is a no-brainer! Kids love going out to eat. You can let your child pick their favorite restaurant or make it fun and pick some place you’ve never been to before! There are always some great animated flicks playing at the theater, but if you’re out of luck check your local $1 theater to see if there is a movie playing that you might have missed during its original debut. Younger kids will love this! Teens will like hanging out with mom as a “friend” vs a parent for the evening. Maybe after the movie you can hit a few stores and shop if its not too late .

2. Visit a Book Store

Book Stores are pretty fun places. Little kids love the children’s section because usually they are very colorful, have special seating areas, reading corners, and lots and lots of books based on all their favorite characters. We guarantee you and your little one will have an hour or two of fun! For your tweens and teens, try heading out for brunch or lunch on a Saturday morning then going over to the book store and finding book that interests them. You can look it over together at the coffee bar or share a hot chocolate and make it a perfect lazy day outing!

3. Museum Trip

Kids of all ages like museums, but this is an especially great idea if your child is into history or art. Those are two interests that are hard to accommodate with daily activities so a special date to the museum would be an awesome treat!

4. Get Moving

If your child is active and loves sports or the outdoors there are countless things you can do together. Try to hit up the park for the afternoon and take your bikes, visit a National Park and hike a trail, visit a local gym and play a round of tennis or basketball. Ask your child what interests them and get active together!

5. Take Me Out to The Ball Game

Maybe not just a baseball, but depending on the season, you could take your child to a football, hockey, or basketball game. College sporting events have a fun atmosphere and if you’re near a college town that would be an idea. Depending on game time you could grab a bite to eat before hand or have a hotdog at the game!

School Bans Homemade Lunches

What would you do if you could no longer send in your child’s lunch from home? This might be a big deal for some of our children. Not only do most kids dislike what is on the school lunch menu, often times it is healthier and cheaper to send in a lunchbox with your child. This may not be quite a big deal for the older children and teens in your home. We found this article from TODAYMoms and it seemed to spark quite an interest on the web and social media sites.

Would this bother you? Follow the link below to read up on a Chicago school that has banned lunches from home.

http://moms.today.com/_news/2011/04/12/6455349-cafeteria-chaos-school-bans-lunches-from-home-

What We Love Right Now March 23, 2011: Top 10 Best Movies for Families

Hosting a Sleepover? A night with your best friend’s family? Pop in one of these great movies for a night of movie watching that everyone will enjoy.

1. Goonies, Rated PG

It’s action and fantasy rolled into one! We think it’s one of the best little movies of the ’80s. The Goonies have that great friendship that all kids can relate to. We think this movie is best suitable for schoolage kids ages 8 and up.

2. Mary Poppins, Rated G

A classic Walt Disney film, this movie is great for all ages. In fact it’s supercalafragalisticexpialadicious!

3. Cheaper by the Dozen, Rated PG

Lots of kids and lots of fun, a family with 12 kids adjusts to life in the city after moving from a small town. Kids will enjoy the pranks and antics of the siblings and parents will appreciate the message of family unity.

4. Babe, Rated G

A talking pig is sure to win over the heart of any child in the room. It’s a very funny movie that will entertain the whole family.

5. School of Rock, Rated PG-13

We’re big Jack Black fans! This movie is probably suitable for the tween and teens in your house who can really appreciate the Jack Black humor, but given the kids in the film are elementary age, you could probably let your schoolage children watch it as well. This movie is a must see!

6. The Original Parent Trap, Rated G

Another classic film, twin sisters separated at birth are reunited at summer camp. This one is sure to become a favorite!

7. The Sandlot, Rated PG

Summertime fun meets at the ballpark as the new boy in the neighborhood makes friends through his love of baseball. The boys in the house will be able to relate to this flick.

8. Father of the Bride, Rated PG

Frank will have everyone laughing and the relationship between the father and daughter is pretty great. This movie is funny, heart warming, and one that will become a family favorite! A perfect watch if you have older children.

9. Land Before Time, Rated G

A great story of a group of dino friends who would do anything for each other. A wonderful show for the young viewers in your house.

10. Finding Nemo, Rated G

An overprotective dad loses his son and has to go a long way to get him back. Disney packs enough adult humor into this film for the whole family to enjoy it! Find Nemo with Marlin and Dory over and over again!

Tired of boring popcorn? Mix in some dried fruit or m&m’s to give it some added flavor!

10 Must-Do Manners for Kids

As moms we all want the most polite kids on the block. Sometimes it may seem their attitude may not be the best of the bunch. We’ve got a list of the top ten manners parents should instill in their kids and you’ll be raising cordial kids for years to come!

1. “Please”~ It’s the age old “magic word”. When asking for something you should always start with “Please…”.
2. “Thank You”~ When you receive something-a gift, a compliment, or help with holding a door open-reply with “thank you”.
3. Try not to interrupt adult who are speaking to each other unless there is an emergency. If you have to interrupt conversation, say “excuse me…”.
4. Do not speak of how others look, unless it is a compliment .
5. When you’ve been to a friend’s house for a play date or overnight stay don’t forget to thank their parents for having you over and for the wonderful time you had.
6. Always knock on closed doors. You never know if bathroom is occupied or not just by judging on a closed door. Knock first and wait of response.
7. If you come across a neighbor, teacher, or one of your parents working on something ask if you can help. If they invite you to join, you should. You might learn something new!
8. Don’t reach for things at the dinner table. You might knock something over. Always ask for things to be passed to you if they are out of reach.
9. If a play, siblings recital, or any kind of program you attend seems boring act interested anyway. Smile and try to enjoy the event. Remember, the people involved worked hard to put it all together.
10. Do not make fun of anyone is any way. Teasing others is no way to be a friend and only makes you look like an unkind person.

Recipe for Snow Cream

How to Make Snow Cream

If you have freshly fallen snow outside your door snow cream will make a yummy treat for you and your kids. If you’ve never made it before, here is what you’ll need:

1. 1 gallon freshly fallen snow
2. 1 cup white sugar
3. 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
4. 2 cups milk

Ideally you’ll want to place a bowl out to collect the snow as it falls, but if you don’t do this you want to collect some good top layer snow in a bowl. Stir in vanilla and sugar as directed or to taste. Then add enough milk to get desired consistency. Last enjoy your snow cream! Yum, yum!

What We Love Right Now December 15, 2010: Simple Snowmen Donuts

Snowmen Donuts

As a mom I am always looking for “easy” projects to do with the kids. I am not much of  a baker, but I recently found a picture of these cute snowmen donuts and thought they were too easy not to share! All kids, and most adults, love donuts and you can add your favorite candies or use the ones we suggest to decorate your snowman’s face.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Face: Small Powdered Donuts

Nose: Candy Corn or Orange Gum Drops

Eyes: Regular Sized Chocolate Chips or Black Icing

Mouth: Mini Chocolate Chips or Black Icing

Too keep all the pieces of candy in place use white frosting or icing. It just doesn’t get any simpler! These are great to munch on at home or to take to a holiday party or even your child’s class party at school. Do you have a great holiday treat that is easy and festive? We’d love for you to share your ideas with us!

New Mom Must-Have Items

If you’re experiencing pregnancy for the first time, you’re probably going through a lot of “first” moments-first bouts of morning sickness, feeling those first kicks, and soon being a mom for the first time. As the time draws closer to your due date, you might be wondering if you are truly prepared for baby. There are millions of gadgets and baby gear items to chose from when you register for the first time and it can be very overwhelming. What are the things you can’t do without? We’ve got a list of must-have items to make sure you are ready for your bundle of joy!

1. Boppy Pillow

If you are going to be breastfeeding, a Boppy Pillow is a must! It offers comfort for baby and support for you so your back isn’t aching for days. It comes in one standard size and a variety of patterned slip covers are available. Not to mention the Boppy makes a great little support seat for baby once he/she starts sitting up or a pillow you can use with baby during tummy time.

2. Fisher Price Space Saver High Chair

There are oodles of high chairs on the market and all of them are equally bulky. If you are low on space or if you just want to save some room in general the Fisher Price Space Saver High Chair is the one for you. It attaches securely to your kitchen chair, the cover is removable for easy cleaning, and the tray is dishwasher safe. Need we say more?

3. Graco Snug Ride Carseat

The Graco Sung Ride is a great, lightweight carseat. Again, it is offered in a variety of colors. It fits baby up to 32 lbs. so your child can stay rear-facing past their first birthday

4. Born Free Bottles

There is are lots of major reason we love these bottles! They are easy to clean, don’t have too many parts, and really do help reduce gas.  They come in two sizes, 5 oz. and 9 oz., so you won’t be changing bottles sizes too much. Born Free also offers all kinds of nipple sizes so your little one will always get just the right flow.

5. Snack Trap

While you baby won’t use these right away, we suggest registering for them anyway. The Snack Trap will save you from lots of spills once your little one can self feed. They are easy for little hands to handle and come with lids so snack won’t go stale.

6. Jeep Universal Car Seat Carrier Stroller

This is a great stroller for the price ($69.99) and it is compatible with many carseats. Here is a list of seats that will work with this stroller:

• Cosco Designer 22 Series
• Cosco First Ride DX
• Evenflo Discovery
• Graco Safe Seat
• Graco Snug Ride Series
• Maxi-Cosi Mico
• Peg Prego Primo Viaggio SIP
• Safety 1st Designer 22
• Safety 1st Starter

We love this stroller because it is an affordable option when compared to the “combo systems”. You can easily put this on your baby registry and, since it is at an affordable price point, someone will most likely purchase the item. Later, you can decide on a better lightweight stroller for when your little one is sitting up a bit better.

7. Fisher Price Space Saver Swing and Seat – Luv U Zoo

This is a NEW baby gear item that just debuted this month. We love the pattern because it is great for boys and girls. Best of all this is a swing and seat all in one! As mentioned in the description on the Babies R Us website, “The Fisher-Price Luv U Zoo Space Saver Swing & Seat is the smallest size swing in the market offers two great formats in one space saving product. The swing includes a stationary positioner for easy and secure conversion to an infant seat. Additionally, convenient parent handles provide easy portability for mom. The product includes a machine washable pad, vibration and a removable toy bar. Music and sfx can be used in both modes and the swing offers five variable speeds. This swing comes with a sweet momma and baby rhino mobile and new Luv U Zoo styling in both the soft pad and the music.”

What’s not to like?!

8. HALO SleepSack Swaddle

We really like the HALO SleepSack Swaddle because it is another great two-in-one product. If want to swaddle your baby great but, if you don’t, you can simply detach the swaddle wrap feature and you will be left with just the zip-up sleepsack. You’ll be swaddling baby quite a bit and receiving blankets are great for swaddling but the HALO Velcros and is very secure, so baby will be less likely to unswaddle on their own.

All products can be found on Babiesrus.com or any Babies R Us location. All images courtesy of Babies R Us.

Happy Birthday Sesame Street!

Today this great little show celebrates 41 years! No matter how young or old you are, this show and its characters have probably made their way into your home and heart somehow. Maybe you watched it as a child or you might have watched it with your own children. This show has had some great segments through the years. We love all the characters, especially the earlier ones that started the show: Big Bird, Grover, Snuffy. I think I still get a good feeling when I catch a glimpse of the show on TV. Who is your favorite Sesame Street character?

Send Your Child a Letter from Santa!

We blog very often about one of our favorite party favor sites, Birthday in a Box. We’ve been checking their products frequently for cute party additions and ran across this: Letters from Santa. As mentioned on their site, “Surprise your kids this Christmas by sending them personalized Letters From Santa in 1 of 5 styles. All letters are personalized with the child’s name and location and come with a special surprise from Santa!”. What a cute idea!

In order to receive your letter on time, you must place your Santa Letter order by December 16th. All orders will be mailed between November 27th and December 17th to make it to your house by Christmas Eve.

To order your Santa Letter {$5.99ea + S+H and Tax} CLICK HERE.

**Please note that Birthday in a Box did not ask us to promote their products. We simply just love their items and hope you will too!

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