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!

Together Time Tuesday: Summer Fun in the Sun 06/21/2011

Today is the summer solstice, marking the official start to summer! Warm weather and plenty of sunshine make it the perfect time to introduce your baby to the outdoors.  We’ve come up with a few fun ways to make the most of the season with your little one.

Backyard Beach
You don’t need to live near a beach to introduce your baby to the wonderful world of sand and surf! With just a few supplies, you can bring the delights of the beach to your own backyard. Set up a colorful beach blanket on the lawn.  Put baby in a bathing suit, or just his diaper. Don’t forget the sunscreen and a protective hat! If you have a portable stereo, set the scene with the aquatic sounds of our Baby Neptune CD. Fill a pail or shallow tub with water and show baby how to drop in different objects, letting him observe how some seem sink while others float.* Let him fish them out with his little hands, and maybe even splash himself (and mommy, too) with some water. Fill a pan with sand (your local hardware store should have some) and pack it down. Trace designs in it with him. Let him pick up a fistful of sand and watch in amazement as it slips through his fingers. He’ll be intrigued by the sensation!

Baby Camp
Sometimes it’s just too hot to venture outside! Bring the fun of summer camp into your living room by creating your own tent. Drape a sheet over three chairs to create a triangular shape large enough for you and baby to play in. Place a soft blanket on the floor inside to create a cozy, padded surface. Dim the lights and place a flashlight inside the tent to illuminate one side of the sheet. Entertain your little one with shadow puppets and watch him marvel at them.  This is also the perfect opportunity to introduce your baby to the world of nature and the outdoors with discovery cards from our Animals Around Me and Wild Animal Safari Discovery Kits. Don’t forget to make the animal sounds that correspond with each picture! To finish off the fun with some nap time, sing baby his favorite lullabies.

Playground Adventure
Visit a playground in your neighborhood and let the fun begin! If it is baby’s first summer, introduce him to the joys of swings, slides, and sandboxes. Push him gently on the baby swing and watch him squeal with delight! On the slide, either hold baby in your lap and go down together, or stand beside the slide and hold him firmly as you guide him down. The sandbox is the perfect place for him to discover building sandcastles and playing with tools like shovels, pails, and sand rakes. Show him how to fill a pail with sand and turn it over to make a marvelous castle.

Do you and your little one have a favorite summertime activity? Share it in the comments!

*Never leave a child unattended near water

Father’s Day Fun! 06/15/2011

Father’s Day is almost here! Time to celebrate dad in a big, fun way! Check out our ideas below for a special Father’s Day celebration for the whole family.

Plan a backyard BBQ! Is dad usually the grill master? Give him a break and let someone else take over. Let dad relax and enjoy family time by cooking his favorite foods! Spend the day outdoors, play dad’s favorite tunes and let him choose an outdoor activity. A BBQ made just for dad will make him feel extra special!

Is dad an animal lover? Take your family on an outing to the zoo! Exploring the exotic wildlife is an activity the whole family can enjoy. Let dad point out the animals to baby and watch his little one marvel at the curious creatures he encounters.

Looking for a more low key celebration? Why not cook dad his favorite dinner?! After dinner, present dad with homemade cards from the kids. A homemade gift from the heart is sure to make his day. For a card that’s perfect for little ones, check out this great craft from our friends at Disney Family Fun: http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/thumb-bunny-card-662916

How are you celebrating Father’s Day this year? Share with us in the comments section!

Playground Chatter: Baby’s First Words 06/09/2011

Hearing your baby’s first words is such an amazing milestone, and as a proud parent the feeling is almost indescribable. Since these first words are so precious, we wanted to ask our fans on Facebook and Twitter to share their baby’s first words. Apart from the typical, “mama” and “dada” we received some interesting responses! Check them out below.

Since pets are such important members of the family, it’s no surprise that many fans said that their little one’s first words were either cat or dog. Baby Einstein fan, Joanna, shared that her daughter’s first word was actually their beagle’s name, Bailey! Another fan, Jenn, says that her 11 month old says “meow” to their cat. How cute!

Fans Cristina and Susan shared that their baby’s first words were “no” and “uh oh.” Liz’s fun-loving little one’s first words were “tickle” and “clap”! Baby Einstein fan Melissa said her little one said “hungie” for hungry at a mere 4 months! Very impressive and not to mention, cute!

One of the most unique responses came from Britta, who shared that one of her baby’s first words was “tattoo”, while pointing at her husband’s body art! Seems like she has a baby rocker on her hands!

Other popular first words amongst our fans baby’s were toys, household items or food such as “ball”, “apple” and “car.”

What was your little one’s first word? Share your little one’s milestone in the comments section!

Playground Chatter: What Does Your Baby’s Name Mean to You? 06/02/2011

Here at Baby Einstein, we know that choosing your baby’s name can be a very difficult decision. To help expecting parents gain some insight and help them to conquer this task, we asked our fans, “What does your little one’s name meansto you?” We received an incredible amount of responses and found that many of you have similar methods behind choosing a moniker for your little bundle of joy.

An overwhelming amount of our fans have chosen to combine their spouse’s name with their own to create a unique and very meaningful name for baby. For example, our fan Ashley named her daughter Ashtin, combining her name and her husband’s, Justin. Others chose to simply take the first initial from each parent, like Andrea who named her son Joshua Aaron after herself and husband Joe. Another creative alternative to name your child after yourself (or your spouse) is rearranging the letters in your name. Diana rearranged the letters in her name to create her son’s name, Aidan. Very clever!

Another popular choice for our fans was naming their children after TV characters, sports figures or song names. For example, Delma named her daughter Giana Rachel, after Rachel in Friends and Michelle named her son Dezmond after the character in Lost. Die hard football fan Heather named her daughter Sarah Peyton for NFL quartback Peyton Manning and Jeta named her daughter Layla after the famed Eric Clapton song.

Another popular way parents are choosing their little one’s names are by honoring family members or close friends that have passed on. Many of our fans stated they named their son/daughter after a friend who passed while serving in the Armed Forces. Others named their children after their own parents, aunts, uncles or grandparents. What an amazing way to honor those you love that are no longer with us.
The most traditional responses we received were for parents that chose to name their children after biblical figures. Some of the most popular biblical names suggested were Shiloh, Grace, Jacob, Gabriel and Calub.

Thanks to everyone who shared the meaning of their precious child with us! What does your little one’s name mean to you?

Summer, Summer, Summertime! Don’t Forget These Summer-Centric Diaper Bag Essentials 05/25/2011

Now that summer is almost here it’s time to make room in your diaper bag for summertime essentials! Say goodbye to extra layers, gloves, rain gear etc. and hello to sunny accessories! To help you make the transition, check out our essential checklist below. Happy Summer!

• First and foremost, don’t leave home without baby-friendly sunscreen! Although baby might not like it very much, be sure to re-apply often throughout the day, especially if your little one is in and out of the water.
• Another vital accessory for summer is baby’s sun hat and sunglasses. Your little one’s skin is very sensitive and wearing a hat and sunglasses is a great way to protect baby from harmful UVA rays.
• For all the little fish out there, don’t forget a swim suit and the swim diapers! Since they soak up water pretty quickly, bringing extras (along with regular diapers) is always a good idea.
• Since baby will most likely be getting wet and/or dirty playing in the summer sun, be sure to bring an extra change of clothes, blanket and a towel (or two!).
• To help entertain your summer baby, be sure to pack sand toys, water toys and chew-friendly travel toys.
• As all moms know, packing snacks in the diaper bag is absolutely necessary. For summer, pack snacks that keep well in the summer sun such as cheerios, goldfish, crackers and fruit.

Are there any vital items we left out? Let us know by sharing your summertime essentials in the comments section below!

Guest Blogger Spotlight: Discovering Foods With Your Little One by Busy Working Mama 05/12/2011

During the first year of my daughter’s life, I constantly marveled at how quickly Lily grew, learned and developed. It seemed like just when I got the hang of a certain stage, it was time to move forward and try something new. Part of the fun of that first year was introducing Lily to new foods. Since our family enjoys a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, I was excited to see how Lily would enjoy the various food I loved to cook.

While I am by no means an expert, here are some things I learned along the way.

Don’t rule out making your own baby food. It is easier than you might think, and often less expensive in the long run. There are many free resources for recipe ideas available online.

Don’t be afraid to get messy. Children have a great time exploring different textures and colors. Even if your baby doesn’t have a lot of teeth, you can still try a variety of foods they can easily munch on with their gums. Some of Lily’s favorites were blueberries, strawberries and tofu cubes.

Don’t discriminate. Just because you might not like the flavor of squash or broccoli doesn’t mean your child won’t. Let your child explore all sorts of fruit and vegetables. I had never personally enjoyed squash, but when I saw how much Lily liked pureed squash as a baby, I was motivated to find some recipes that incorporated squash. Now, acorn or butternut squash soups are a favorite around our house.

Don’t give up. It may take several attempts with a certain food for your baby to accept it. As my daughter grew, I found that introducing the food in a fun way was helpful. Arrange your fruits or veggies in cute containers or into a fun shape. Teach your child the name of the food as you serve it. Lily loved learning the new words that went along with the food. If I told her she was getting “asparagus” she was immediately interested by the strange new word and curious to try it for herself.

I have been very lucky to have a three year old child that likes to eat just about anything – from fresh cucumbers and tomatoes to sushi and stuffed cabbage. Now that she is older, Lily likes to help with food preparation and assist in the kitchen. Lily’s first recipe – sliced radishes with cream cheese and pine nuts. I think I have a budding chef!

Guest blogger Aleksandra is a working mother of a 3-year old daughter. In addition to sharing a love of cooking with her daughter, she enjoys gardening, running, traveling, and shopping online to help with her busy schedule. You can learn more about her at her blog, Busy Working Mama.