Baby Einstein & K.I.D.S.: A Special Message from Susan McLain 07/26/2011

We’re pleased to share with you a very special guest blog post from Baby Einstein General Manager and mom Susan McLain.

I’ve noticed that my desire to help other people has grown since having my two girls.  Maybe it’s because I see in a way that I didn’t before just how precious a life really is.  When I look at my girls, I have an overwhelming experience of appreciation – appreciation for the little things, the things that we can easily take for granted, such as a roof over our heads, food on our plates and even a few toys to make us happy.

Shortly after the birth of my first daughter, I was asked to be on the board of K.I.D.S (Kids in Distressed Situations), a non-profit organization that provides much-needed products to underprivileged and disaster-stricken children.  My association with this organization has been remarkably fulfilling and has given me a new outlet to give back.  The thought that I am contributing children in need – helping to make them smile and provide a little surprise to their day – is really what it’s all about.

I’ve tried to bring this same idea to some of the work that we do with Baby Einstein, and I’m pleased to announce that during July Baby Einstein and K.I.D.S. have teamed up to help kids in distressed situations.  For every new “Like” to the Baby Einstein Facebook page now through August 19th, Baby Einstein will donate $1 in product to K.I.D.S., up to $10,000.

K.I.D.S. has provided over 65 million underprivileged and disaster-stricken children with nearly one billion dollars of new clothing, toys, basic necessities, juvenile products, books, and more in local communities around the world since 1985. Because K.I.D.S. works directly with manufacturers rather than consumers, many people have not heard of this incredible organization and the amazing work it is doing, right in their own communities. With resources in markets all over the country, chances are that K.I.D.S. has helped many children in your area.

One of the great things that makes K.I.D.S. so special is that the products they donate are brand new – not second hand or hand-me-downs – making children feel special and giving them hope during a difficult time. K.I.D.S. is very active in helping military families, giving children something to be excited about when they are missing a parent on duty.

Playground Chatter: Is Your Baby Eating Solids Yet? 07/19/2011

Eating solids is an exciting milestone for both parents and baby. Introducing your little one to new foods and watching him discover new tastes and textures for the very first time can be a wonderful experience. Baby may make his preferences known by fussing about some foods while seeming to have an endless appetite for others.

Recently we asked our Facebook and Twitter fans to tell us their little ones’ favorite foods. Their answers ranged from  okra to avocado, but squash and sweet potatoes were the most popular. Read on to learn more and see if your baby shares their taste!

Carolena’s daughter loves her Cheerios, while Lenny’s son prefers rice cereal.

Marilyn’s son loves peas, sweet potato and bananas with fresh strawberries.  Crystal and Kristin’s babies are also fans of both sweet potatoes and bananas, and Krystal’s baby likes the organic sweet potatoes and peas her mom makes using the Baby Bullet.

Jennifer and Stephanie’s babies also go bananas for bananas.

Jenny’s little one enjoys macaroni and cheese. Isa’s baby also likes mac and cheese, along with mashed potatoes and gravy, and his mom’s healthy pasta.

Tara and Dee’s babies likes to eat squash. Sarah’s baby also likes squash and ice cream — though not together!

Nicole’s little one loves chicken nuggets, while Amber’s baby enjoys chicken and graham crackers.

Kita, Liz, Susan, Meghan, Amberosia, Mallory, Heather, Patricia, Jazmine and Chelsea’s babies seem to eat just about everything (including sardines)!

Sara’s little one enjoys spaghetti, and Lucy’s baby likes pasta.

Robin’s little one likes chicken, ham and vegetables, while Cindy’s baby prefers baked ziti with her veggies.

Heather’s baby is fond of blueberry applesauce, and Beth’s baby just wants to eat what her mom is eating.

Jaclyn’s baby can’t get enough of peaches and cheese, while Jessica’s baby has an appetite for Cheese Puffs.

Jessica and Kimberly’s little ones loves green beans, while Nicole’s baby prefers carrots. Kristine’s baby enjoys both, as well as oatmeal, peas, and squash.

Heba’s baby is into all fruits, fries, okra, rice, green peas and chocolate.

Angela’s little one likes mashed avocado with bananas mixed in.

What has your baby been eating lately? Share it in the comments section!

Baby Shower Tips! 07/13/2011

Did you know that August is the most popular month for babies to be born? If you are expecting soon or know a mom-to-be, chances are you may be planning a baby shower. We wanted to share with you some fun baby shower ideas to make it a celebration to remember!

Guess that Baby
Whether you think you look the same as you did when you were a little one or completely different, it’s always fun to see if your friends would be able to recognize you from a baby photo. Have each of your guests bring in a photo of themselves as babies and collect them in an envelope. Get the guessing game started by posting their photos on an empty wall or board. Call each guest to step up to the board one at a time and let the other guests try to guess the corresponding baby picture. Once everyone has cast their vote, let the guest reveal which photo actually belongs to them.

Time Capsule
Ever wonder what the world was like the year you were born? What the fashion style of the time was, or the number one song, or what the top technology was like? Well, here’s your chance to give the newborn a fun opportunity to learn what times were like the day she was born. Have each guest bring in a small item from the current year to put into a time capsule, and ask them to write a note to the baby. Once the box is complete, tuck it away to save as a future surprise for your little one. That way when your little one grows up she can open the time capsule and get a true sense of what it was like back in 2011.

Decorate Bibs & Onesies
Time to get creative and channel your sense of style! You can never have too many bibs or onesies for a little one. Give each guest the opportunity to decorate a one-of-a-kind bib or onesie for your little one. Purchase bibs and onesies in a variety of solid hues (you may want to search online to buy them in bulk). Visit your local craft store to buy fabric glue, markers, puffy paints, and iron-on patches or lettering. Steer clear of beads or any small items that may come loose or that baby might try to eat. Encourage guests to go all out with decorations and loving messages for your little one.

If you’re looking for a great gift for expecting parents, check out our Gift Finder! Have a great idea for a baby shower? Share it in the comment section below!

Playground Chatter: Precious Baby Mementos 07/07/2011

We know how incredible it is to watch your little one grow up so quickly and change every day right in front of your eyes.  Before you know it, your baby will be trading in the bottle in for a sippy cup and will be crawling towards you! Many parents will want to remember these sweet, fleeting moments with a keepsake, such as a lock of their baby’s hair, a favorite toy or an outfit worn on a special occasion.

Recently we asked parents to share with us the precious baby mementos that they plan to hang on to to remember their little one’s stages. They revealed their most treasured keepsakes on Facebook and Twitter.

Erica said, “His outfit from his 1st christmas!”

Ashley shared, “My sons first New England Patriots beanie that he wore at the hospital.”

Brittany told us, “For my now 3 yr old I held on to my favorite outfits of hers and will be making them into a quilt.”

Theresa said, “All the handmade items that my loving family and friends made! They are so special to me!”

Shay decided to keep “his 1st pair of shoes and his hair from his 1st hair cut!!!”

Amaya shared, “The hat, shirt & leg tag he had on in the hospital. Plus his 1st green bay packers shirt!”

Tori told us, “We kept his stuffed monkey he carried every where. Plus several outfits and stuff from the NICU.”

Kimberly added, “I keep everything its hard to get ride of his stuff hes my first baby”

Krissy shared, “His fav sock monkey that was a gift. His 1st halloween and christmas outfits, his umbilical cord, so much i can’t name lol.”

Jessie will be “keeping her blankey when she outgrows it she takes it everywhere.”

We loved hearing about all of the precious tokens that you hold dear.  If you have any mementos that you plan to keep, chime in in the comments section!