Playground Chatter: Baby Safety Tips from Parents 10/13/2011

While baby books may have tons of great advice to offer new and expecting parents, nothing can truly prepare you for the adventure of parenting. Much of the lessons are picked up along the way, day-to-day, and there is no way to baby-proof your child’s environment 100%.  As many parents have learned, it’s a balancing act between protecting your child and knowing when to let them navigate on their own. However, we asked our community of parents on Facebook and Twitter what baby safety tips they had to offer based on their own experiences, and wanted to share their insights with you:

Katie said, “When you have older kids and then baby starts crawling etc.. Remember to put away the older kiddos small toys aka barbie shoes and items and hot wheel cars!”

Danielle suggested, “Plug covers and locked cupboards ”

Cristina shared, “Remember that baby safety stuff isn’t infallible, and the kid has to learn what is ok and what isn’t. I only lock one cabinet.”

Jenny said, “We have a gate that blocks the hallway leading to our door. My daughter cannot get into shoes, the garbage, or the door leading outside. Also, anchoring your flat screen TV to the wall is a must do. We have nothing heavy on surfaces where she can reach.”

Callie suggested, “We have gates blocking the stairs, we have the cupboard locks and all choking hazards locked away.”

Corinn shared, “Gate the bathroom too b/c i have a one and two year old and everything is still eatable for my one year old including tp ;p lol”

Genny added, “My great Grandson likes to put money(coins) in his mouth so we have a 5 gallon water bottle and we have taught him to put any money he find into the bottle, we call it a bank. It’s a game for him now and no coins go in his mouth, they go in the bank.”

Helen chimed in, “I’m with Christina, the only locked cabinet is under the kitchen sink, where I keep chemicals. My daughter knows what other she can and more importantly CANNOT get into, fortunately she’s been very good–at least about that!”

Tricia said, “There is no such thing as a child proof house—that’s why you can never leave them alone. The one time you leave them on the bed unattended will be when they suddenly learn to roll over.”

Latasha advised, “When your child starts climbling everything is game.. leave nothing out in the open that they could attempt to climp on.. too bad coffee tables are not made to hang on the wall.”

Katrina shared, “I believe in plug covers because i have seen too many kids get hurt…. But otherwise all you have to do is take the time to teach your kid right and wrong….. My 10 month old knows that the cupboards are no-no’s and he stays out of them…. Let your kids out of their bubbles and let them explore…. They are gonna have to learn somehow.”

Mollie suggested, “How ’bout making sure that the straps aren’t too tight in your fast growing newborn’s car seat? I originally thought that my 3 month old son was crying every time we took him for a ride because he just simply didn’t like to ride in the car. Turns out he was strapped in too tight! Poor thing.”

Exploring Fall with Your Little One 10/05/2011

Now is a wonderful time to introduce your little one to the fall season by taking him on a journey of discovery with color, texture, and shapes! Check out these fun fall activities that will get the two of you outdoors and exploring together.

Changing Leaves
One of the most wonderful things about autumn for adults and children alike is watching the trees erupt in riotous color. No matter how many times you see it, it never gets old, and watching your little one take in nature’s marvels for the very first time can be a wonderful experience. Go on a nature walk and talk to your baby as you point out vivid shades of yellow, orange, and red. Take turns holding different colored leaves up close to him. He’ll be captivated by the bright colors!

Pumpkin Patch
Visiting the pumpkin patch is a favorite fall activity for children and parents and a great photo opp, so make sure you bring a camera! Walk among the rows of orange pumpkins with your little one, patting them with his little hand to introduce him to the bumpy texture. Discover pumpkins of various sizes, from the tiniest ones that baby can hold to the large ones that can barely be lifted off the ground. If your baby is old enough to walk, follow closely behind as he explores the different pumpkins on the patch, and perhaps he’ll even pick one out to bring home! Once you’re home, let baby watch as you draw a face on the pumpkin with marker.

Apple Picking
Your local apple orchard is also a great place to spend an afternoon together. Describe what you are doing as you walk through the orchard. Pluck an apple from a tree. Bring it to baby’s nose so he can take in the scent, and let him grasp it in his hands. Demonstrate how you put it in the basket a few times, then hand him an apple and see if he can do the same. If the orchard offers fresh pressed apple cider, take caution, as it’s unpasteurized and may not be safe for baby to drink.

What are some activities you and your little one plan to enjoy together this fall? Share your ideas in the comments!

Guest Blogger Spotlight: An NYC Adventure by Glamamom 09/29/2011

Have you ever taken the subway in New York City? Dashed through the turnstile mid-summer, getting clipped by the unforgiving mechanical doors, and squeezing past the cranky rush hour crowd only to realize the guy next to you is gearing up for an accordion concert and the train car has no air conditioning and is making all local stops?

When I first moved to NYC in 1999, despite having grown up just an hour outside of Manhattan, I didn’t know east from west, uptown from downtown. Descending beneath the streets to an underground world of screeching trains, furry inhabitants, and hurried passengers, frightened me to the core.

But alas, I had to get to work and in no time at all I got my “city legs” and the subway became my preferred mode of transportation. For all its smelly chaos, it’s inexpensive, efficient, and boasts some of the best entertainment the City has to offer.

A tried and true New Yorker can navigate mass transit with ease. They know the fastest routes and the most convenient times to travel. They know the exact spot to stand on the platform that coincides with the opening of the train doors and exactly where to get off for the nearest exit. They know where to transfer and connect, and confidently dole out directions to fellow navigators in need.

You could say, I finally got my membership card. I was a bona fide New Yawka!

Ten years later, when my son Sebastian was born, my membership card didn’t free me from that panicky fear of the subway all over again. Just bringing my little bundle of joy outside of our apartment took so much effort. The idea of schlepping him down numerous flights of stairs into the noisy chaos of the subway seemed unmanageable.

This past spring though, Sebastian’s time came– his baptism, if you will, into the most creative, hardworking, and colorful underground community in the world.

We took the F train to Coney Island to the NY Aquarium. He was scared at first but wide-eyed and mesmerized by the comings and goings, the lights and sounds.

I’ll never forget the look of wonderment on his face and how he became more comfortable at every stop, until finally he was smiling and waving at passengers as they hopped on and off. One trip and it was abundantly clear, he’s a native.

Guest blogger Jill Seiman is a city mom in the truest fashion! Between juggling the responsibilities of running her own media company and introducing her son to the wonders of the city, she chronicles her adventures in life, fashion, and motherhood on her blog, Glamamom.

Playground Chatter: Nap Tips and Tricks 09/22/2011

Getting your little one to take a nap can sometimes be a bit tricky. Some babies need to have their special blanket or they may enjoy being cradled in their parent’s arms while listening to soothing music. We recently asked our fans to share with us their tips and tricks for putting their little one down for naps and enjoyed hearing what they had to say.

Kristi said, “Swaddle and put him in his swing. He LOVES that!!”

Leilani suggested, “Rock them to sleep. My grandma and mother did this and so did I!”

Jessica commented, “Routine is my biggest tool! if they expect it the nap is not such a obstacle. Also creating a cool dark environment for nap is important.”

Kristina recommended, “Lie down on the bed/floor give soft quiet toys, lullaby snuggly toys & pretend to sleep, baby will slumber if the time is right.”

Katherine shared, “OLD FASHIONED ROCKING CHAIR…and I rub her eye brows.”

Dawn advised, “I’ve started a routine with my 13 month old twins. I tell them “You’re going to lay down, Mommy’s going to tuck you in, and you’re going to take a nap” or at the end, “you’re going to go night night”. I also find putting them down in the same time frame every day- 11am to noon for their nap and 8 pm for their bedtime. Wearing them out beforehand is also helpful. But, some kids just need to cry it out- That’s how a lot of kids let off excess energy.”

Michelle said, “I play with my daughter’s nose and eyebrows as I sing to her soft country music…works every time.”

Naiomi commented, “I have a stuffed frog that plays music for 10 mins. I tell my son it is night night time, he takes my hand and walks to his room. No crying usually at all. He is almost 15 months.”

Meredith noted, “White noise, especially thunderstorm noises, work wonders for me. I also have lavender in the room, which promotes sleep. If all else fails, the swing always works.”

Ak commented, “Well, I make sure and make morning time an active time, example, play outside, go to park etc…. Then feed him lunch so he’s got a full tummy, maybe some book/quiet time. I’ve also put up some black out curtains, keeps it not too dark, but dark enough to feel cozy. Also, if needed, I bought a noise maker. It plays ocean sounds, rain, heartbeat, & white noise so no outside noise wakes him up. These are helpful, but the one BIG way to get your lil one to nap is getting into a routine & sticking to it. Babies/Toddlers really do better when on a consistent routine. Hope this helps”.

Denise shared, “Grandma lays down with them and pretends like she is asleep and the next thing I know they are asleep”

Stephanie said, “My 20 month old son rarely has a problem going right to sleep in his own bed. If he does have trouble, I give him his favorite stuffed animal (a puppy) and tell him, “shh puppy is tired, he wants to take a nap.” “Will you lay down with puppy?” That always works. I also put some nice music on low. ”

Heather suggested “My best tip is a full tummy and a nice warm bath and off to take a nap my lil girl never turns down a bath she loves it”

Thanks to all our fans for sharing their wonderful stories with us!

Fun Activities for Newborns! 09/15/2011

While your new baby’s activities probably consist mostly of eating and sleeping for the moment, there are lots of fun things you can do to entertain him and help him start to discover the world around him. When baby is awake and calm, you can try introducing him to games that will appeal to his brand new senses. Here are a few activities you can enjoy with your newborn:

Hear
Although baby is too young to be able to hold a rattle on his own, you can still use one to introduce him to the world of sound. While baby is lying down, gently and carefully shake a rattle near one side of his head, outside of his view (don’t get too close to the ears or it may be too loud for him). Stop abruptly, then shake again. Repeat a few times, watching baby’s face to see if he perks up to the sound. If it catches his attention, repeat on the other side. Finally, shake the rattle in front of him so he can see where the sound is coming from.

Touch
For this activity, you will need a few items of varying textures, such as a silky scarf, a piece of velvet, a soft washcloth, and a fuzzy stuffed animal. When baby is in an alert state, take each item, one at a time, and gently rub his arms, legs, and tummy with it. See how he responds to each sensation. If it’s ticklish, he may tense up. If he likes it, he may smile or flutter his eyelids and you’ll know you’ve won his approval!

Smell
Babies have a strong sense of smell and love to discover new “scentsations.” Pick up a few different fruits from your kitchen, such as a banana, sliced orange or lemon, and a peach. Pass each fruit in front of baby’s nose and see how he reacts. Watch his eyes grow wide with wonder as he takes in these aromas for the first time. He may even wrinkle his nose if he doesn’t like what he smells.

See
Tie a string around a few different brightly colored stuffed animals or soft objects. While baby is on his back, hold the string and lower the object down towards him but just out of grasp. Change up the objects. Newborns see objects better close up, so he’ll be fascinated watching as each object gets closer and in focus. In a little while, he’ll start to reach for the objects.

Move
It will be a while before your little one is crawling and getting around on his own, but you can introduce him to motion, such as gentle rocking, and eventually you can try a fun activity we like to call “the slide.” Once baby has become comfortable with tummy time, place him on his belly on a soft blanket, with his arms out in front of him. Kneel gently in front of the blanket and take hold of the edge. Slowly and gently, begin to slide the blanket forward a few inches at a time. Be very careful not to pull the blanket too hard or fast.

If an activity doesn’t seem to interest baby, try again in a week or two. You may be amazed at how your little one’s interests and skills can change in a very short period of time! What activities did your newborn enjoy? Share with us in the comments!

Playground Chatter: Meeting Grandma & Grandpa 09/07/2011

Introducing the little one to grandparents for the first time is a very special experience for many new moms and dads. Watching your baby develop a bond with your own parents can be wonderful and fascinating. We recently asked our fans about the first time their children met their grandparents and enjoyed hearing what they had to say.

Kristy said, “Well my daughters met theirs at minutes old….The first was a preemie in the nicu when they met and it was priceless! My dad’s finger was bigger than her leg! Best priceless picture! The other was in my hospital room when the grandparents brought the big sister in! Priceless first kisses to baby sissy at 11 months old =)”

Kelsey shared, “My parents were in the delivery room with me when I had my daughter(their first grandchild). She was born on my dads birthday too. Now I’m having my second daughter & due around my moms birthday ”

Valerie recalled, “My son was very sick when he was born. He had Transposition of the gReat ateries. He had open heart surgery @ 6 days old. No one was allowed to hold him till he was 8 days old. We almost lost him. I will never forget my parents holding this sick precious baby that they thought they may have to bury. It was a very special moment I will never forget.”

Amanda said, “We live 6 1/2 hours away from my parents and we dont have a car so my son didn’t get to meet my parents until he was about 16 months. But he LOVED my mom, he would just follow her and cling to her all day, and my niece (who lives with my mom) was SO jealous. Lol it was so cute.”

Shasia shared, “Right before my grandpa passed he smile and at my few days old little one and was like that is my baby my granddaughter. And she put up a smile on her face as she sleep and I love that moment.. he passed away a few month after that. I love you grandpa…always”

Kassey remembered, “My mom came to visit my daughter when she was only 4 days old! Stayed a week and helped me more than anyone! My dad hasnt been able to come yet, broke his foot ”

Dana said, “After I gave birth and had my hour of kangaroo care they took my son and me to the room. Just as my mom went to pick him up a nurse started wheeling him from the room to clean him up. She said stop I get him for a minute first.”

Jessica told us, “My mom was with when he came into the world. My dad couldn’t be there for about a week cus of snow. When he was about 3 weeks old he met my dads parents. He was 1 day old when he met my moms parents. He’s very blessed to have 4 grandparents and 4 great grandparents. He is a big fan of my mom- we stop at her house and he searches every room for her if she isn’t in the living room.”

Sara shared, “My father passed away on the 1st of august and was very sick for a long time… So the first meeting was in the hospital when she was 5 days old. Granpoo died when my baby was 7 months old so she won’t remember him, but I’ll share all the stories and the love rest in peace daddy!”

Thanks to all our fans for sharing their wonderful stories with us!

Nursery Tips! 09/01/2011

Are you decorating a nursery room to welcome home your little bundle of joy?

Once you have all your nursery essentials – crib, changing table, dresser, rocking chair, baby monitor, hamper, etc. – now it’s time to have fun putting the room together! Since it can be a bit overwhelming to create the perfect environment for your little one, a check list of must-haves is very helpful in making sure you’ll have everything ready for baby’s arrival. Check out our list of recommended items:

Nightlight
A small nightlight in the room can help comfort baby so it’s not pitch dark. In addition, the extra light can be helpful when you enter to check in on your little one during the night. If baby is sound asleep, you can tiptoe out of the room without having to turn on the light.

Music
Have some soothing sounds on hand to calm baby before naptime. Our Sea Dreams Lullaby Soother attaches to baby’s crib and features 25 minutes of melodies from Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and nature. It also has a “drift off” feature that will gradually soften the music to gently ease your little one into sleep.

Diaper Pail
You don’t want to have to carry dirty diapers from one room to another, so be sure to have a diapers-only pail next to the changing table. Diaper pails will also help contain unpleasant odors so they don’t escape.

Crib-ons
Toys such as a clip-on mirror can engage and entertain your baby while she is laying in her crib. Our interactive Lights & Melodies Mirror will fascinate her with its changing lights, music and colors, and of course, her own reflection! You might also want to try one of our plush, cuddly Melody Makers. Just clip on and pull the handle to play nature sounds and music. Eventually, baby will start to pull the handle on her own to entertain herself.

Baby Journal
Keeping a journal/notebook in the nursery can help you keep track of your little one’s schedule in the beginning. Record when baby napped or when she was fed. This can help identify and establish patterns and will also alert you to any changes.

Think Outside the Crib
Nursery playtime doesn’t have to be confined to the crib. Keep a few toys at hand in the room to sit on the floor and play with your little one. Baby can enjoy the fun features of our new Caterpillar and Friends Play Gym, a soft floor mat with motion-activated activities. The interactive Around the World Cradling Bouncer is also a fan favorite.

Share your nursery must-have items with us in the comments section below!

Playground Chatter: Discovering Similarities and Differences Between You and Your Baby 08/18/2011

As a parent, one of the most incredible things about watching your little one grow up right before your eyes is watching their personality develop. As babies grow and learn to walk and talk, distinct likes and dislikes, habits and preferences begin to emerge. It’s amazing to see one of our own traits show itself in our children, right from the beginning, and just as incredible to discover a characteristics that is distinctly their own. Getting to know your baby as his personality takes shape can be a wonderful, eye-opening experience, and it’s fun to wonder which things will change over time and which will remain into adulthood.

We recently asked our Facebook friends and Twitter followers to tell us how their babies are similar to themselves, and how they are different and received a variety of responses. We enjoyed their responses so much that we just had to share some of them with you.

Lenny said, “We’re both good shoppers and love food haha! We are actually very alike in temperament . . . quiet, always going and smiling, and have a love for animals! Something different? I like naps, he doesn’t nap all that much lol.”

Danielle shared, “We both love to make people laugh. He is independent but I would rather be close to people.”

Gabi confided, “So far, my 11 week old is more like my husband than he is me. He looks like him and makes similar faces. Plus they both seem to dislike our cat, lol.”

Lauraloo responded, “Alike: our dislike of shoes.. we prefer to be barefoot. Different: he sleeps soooooooo much better than I do!”

Megan said, “My 8 mo old fiddles with her fingers just like me. She is opposite my husband and I since she is quite the gabber.”

Libby said, “My son and I have the same exact birthmark in the same exact place on our bodies…he has a single palmer crease on the palms of his hands I don’t..”

Maureen shared, “We both have a full head of hair when we were born… He sleeps through the night and I had my nights and days switched…. ”

Raquel remarked, “Similar: we r both very curious…dissimilar: he is cautious I’m not”

Elektra observed, “We are both really nosey, always trying to figure out what people are doing. She is very outgoing just like her dad.”

Kayla shared, “My son twitches his hand in his sleep the same way I do. I’m kind’ve a picky eater, but he will eat anything ”

Brandon observed, “He is a mini me of his daddy. They sleep in the same way, have the same cow lick in the same place, will eat just about anything, and have the same temperament. As for mommy… nothing lol.”

How are you and your baby similar or different? Let us know in the comments!

Tummy Time Tips! 08/11/2011

Tummy time is an important strengthening exercise for babies, but it can also be an opportunity to play and bond with your little one.  While your baby starts to gain control of her muscles, you can have fun together with some simple games. If your pediatrician feels the time is right, make the most of it with these tummy time tips:

Laying Down With Lullabies
Lay down and put baby close on your chest so she can lift her head to look up at you. Once you’ve made eye contact, start to softly sing her a lullaby. She’ll be able to feel the vibration of your voice and feel soothed. You might also want to try holding her close as you rock very gently from side to side.

Delightful Distraction
Not all babies enjoy tummy time, so if your little one fusses, try to incorporate something she likes as a distraction. Find a toy that lights up or makes sounds. Place her on her tummy and kneel in front of her, placing the toy on your knees, and activate it to draw her attention. She’ll quickly forget the fact that she’s on her belly. Once she gets comfortable with this, you may want to start placing the toy on the floor in front of her and let her reach for it.

Mirror, Mirror
Many babies love seeing their reflections in the mirror. Try placing an unbreakable, baby-safe mirror such as on the floor in front of baby so she can check herself out.  Our Look At Me! Mirror Discovery Cards feature large reflective panels to captivate baby with her own reflection.

Face Time
Get down on the same level as your little one. Lay directly across from her so your face is right up close to hers. Start to make silly faces and add funny sounds. She’ll love exploring your face up close and will be intrigued by your expressions. Add a fun twist to a game of peekaboo by occasionally lowering your head until you’re face down,  then lift it up, making a different face each time.  Find one that makes her laugh and repeat it from time to time.

Has your little one started tummy time yet? Share your tips in the comments!

August is Family Fun Month! 08/04/2011

Did you know that August is Family Fun Month? To celebrate, we’re sharing some great ideas for activities for you, baby, and the whole family to enjoy together. Round up your family and let the fun begin!

Speak-a-Boo
Add a new twist to an ordinary game of hide-and-seek by adding sound. Clear some floor space so baby can crawl, walk, or use her jumper with ease. Have family members take turns hiding behind different pieces of furniture, corners, or curtains. Let them attract baby’s attention by repeating a sound or using a squeak toy. When baby notices the sound, help her explore the room to find the source. She’ll be delighted once she discovers it and is greeted with a big hug by a loved one.

Monkey See, Monkey Do
Babies enjoy imitating their parents. Gather your family together and have everyone sit on the floor with baby. Make a motion, such as clapping, and have your family members repeat it after you. Repeat with different motions, such as stomping, nodding, raising the arms, and patting the tummy. If baby doesn’t catch on, try guiding her through the motions so she can participate.

Beam Me Up, Baby
Younger children will love playing this game with baby. Using a flashlight, ask a family member to stand at a distance and shine it at the floor. Point it out to baby and once she notices it, move the beam closer to where she is sitting. Let it linger near her for a moment before moving it away, and help her chase it. Keep it still once in a while, or change up the tempo, but make sure to keep it slow enough so baby can follow. You can easily change the colors of the light by putting a colored fabric over it.

What family activities does your little one enjoy? Share with us in the comments!