Swanky Baby

Yume-Chan Doll

2012-02-15T07:46:00.000-08:00

For a while that breastfeeding doll was the big controversy. Well, are you ready for this?

This new baby doll, called Yume-chan, cries real water 'tears' when given an injection by its owner. When the needle is put in Yume-chan's arm, water streams down the doll's face.

This crazy doll is being offered by the toy manufacturer Tomy and was showcased at a toy exhibition in Tokyo. This doll is scheduled to go on the market in June.

So, where do I start with this? Maybe I should just ask...WHAT?? Is there truly a need for a doll your child injects with a needle? If there is a need, does it have to cry?

Please feel free to share your thoughts on this.

My Valentine's Day Gift For Pregnant Women

2012-02-14T11:17:00.000-08:00

If you are pregnant, you probably are not feeling the sexiest on this Valentine's Day. I am hoping this gift of special pictures I found on iVillage.com will help you feel a little better. Enjoy and Happy Valentine's Day!

Date Night Conversation {Just for Parents}

2012-02-13T18:39:00.000-08:00

You have a great Valentine's date night planned with your significant other, but you want to talk about something other than the kids, money, work, stress.....

If you are ready to change up your conversation, then check out this "Date Night Cheat Sheet" from Parents Magazine. I saw this and put the questions right to work on my husband. I actually learned something new! Hopefully these questions or your version of them will give you a fun night out. I'm not going to list all the questions, but be sure to check out the magazine if you want to see them all. Enjoy asking!

Over drinks and appetizers

*Name 3 countries you'd like to visit.
*How would you spend 10 million dollars?
*If you could try out any occupations for a year, what would it be?

Over the entree
*How would you spend a perfect day alone?
*If you could rewind to any point in your past, what would you want to relive?
*If you could take lessons to become an expert at anything, what would it be?

Over dessert
*Hollywood called. They want to make a movie about your life. Who would play you?
*What's the one item you own that you know you should get rid of but never will?
*What's something positive about me that you don't say often enough?

Valentine's Day Themed Baby Names

2012-02-07T18:48:00.000-08:00

If you are expecting a baby next week and would like to have a Valentine's Day themed baby name here is a fun list from about.com. I wonder how many parents actually "theme name" their baby after the holiday they were born on or around?

Girls

1.Valentina – Latin for strong and healthy

2. Rose – Latin for the flower

3. Violet – Latin for purple

4. Amy/Amie – French for beloved

5. Carys – Welsh for love

6. Ruby – English for red gemstone

7. Adora – Greek for adored

8. Juliet – Latin for youthful, romantic character from Romeo and Juliet

9. Yedida – Hebrew for beloved

10. Belle – French for beautiful

Boys

1.Valentino – Latin for love

2. Romeo – Italian origin for citizen of Rome, romantic character from Romeo and Juliet

3. Beau – French for handsome, sweetheart

4.Eros – Greek for love

5. Doved – Hebrew for dove

6. Philo – Greek for love

7. Ehud – Hebrew for love

8. Cullen – Irish and Gaelic for good looking

9. Adonis – Greek for handsome

10. Thaddeus – Aramaic for heart

What Not To Say To Parents Of Twins

2012-02-07T10:34:00.001-08:00

Babble.com put out this funny list of what people say to parents of twins. I have a few friends with twins and after reading this list, I am sure they are sick of hearing these comments! I can't even imagine what kinds of comments moms of triplets or more get!

1. "You've got your hands full!" -Instead of this comment, just offer some help!

2. "Do twins run in your family?" -Those who ask are just trying to find out if you did IVF or not.

3. "Did you know you were having twins, or were you surprised?" -They knew. It's called a sonogram.

4. "You won the lottery!" -So do you lose when you just have one?

5. "Are they identical?" -If they look different, they aren't.

6. "You're done!" - Didn't know twins meant they can't have anymore.

7. "Did you have a C-section?". -Honestly, why does anyone need to ask this?

8. "You are so blessed, God bless them." -Do twins only have special angels looking down on them?

9. "I once saw a woman with triplets!" - Um, ok. Good to know.

10. "Wow, you look great!" -I suggest you not look so suprised when you say that.

Are you a mom of twins? Have you heard these or any other comments you would like to share?

Facebook Poll Names Baby

2012-02-06T18:57:00.000-08:00

Picking a baby name can be the hardest thing during your pregnancy. It was for us! We looked at names in books and used online baby name sites, but never thought to ask the millions of people on Facebook what they would pick.

Well, Dave and Lindsey Meske decided that is how their baby girl would be named. They created a Facebook poll named “Name My Child” and allowed everyone on Facebook to vote. Their poll included four names that the couple had narrowed the choices down to: Addilyne, Madelyn, Emily, or McKenna.

And the winner is...

After receiving 1,310 total votes, Madelyn Rae Meske was born on January 31st. The name Madelyn beat out Emily by only 45 votes.

If you want to check out their Facebook page, click HERE. (pictured below)

So, I have to ask. Would you let strangers on Facebook or Twitter name your baby?

Just Bad Parents

2012-02-03T20:09:00.000-08:00

These parents won't exactly be winning any parents-of-the-year awards anytime soon. When you read what some of these parents have done, you will never doubt your parenting skills again.

Pot Found In Toddler's Lunch Box - A Connecticut man apparently accidentally dropped his marijuana cigarette while packing his kids lunch box. Daycare staff discovered the stash and alerted the authorities, who searched the family home.

Mom Tries To Sell Baby -

Kenia Quiala Bosque from Miami, Florida was arrested for trying to sell her infant son to an acquaintance for $7,000. The police were tipped off and stopped the transaction in process. Kenia Quiala Bosque was charged with adoption violation (a felony) and her two other children were placed in the care of relatives.

Mom Dresses Daughter As A Prostitute - Presley, 3 was dressed by her mom as a mini "Pretty Woman Prostitute" for the show Toddlers and Tiaras. Another pageant mom said “It’s outfits like that that give us a bad rap.” Um, ok.

Dad Throws Son Overboard - A California Dad threw his sobbing 7-year-old son overboard from a Newport Beach tour boat. The father got into an argument with his girlfriend, upsetting the older son. When the child wouldn’t stop crying, Sloan Briles (father) apparently took him to the front of the boat, hit him, and said “If you don’t stop crying, I’m going to throw you overboard.” He then hurled the child over the boat and into the busy water. The boy was rescued by nearby boats even though his father jumped in after him. Briles was arrested and charged with child endangerment.

Mom Gives Botox To 8 Year Old Daughter - Sheena Upton, a San Francisco mom claimed that she gave her daughter, Britney Botox injections to smooth out "wrinkles" before a beauty pageant. The mom told the show Good Morning America "She was complaining about her face, having wrinkles, and things like that. When I brought it up to Britney, she was all for it." After the air showed San Francisco Human Services Agency removed Britney from her mother’s care and placed her with relatives. Later medical reports confirmed that she never gave her child Botox. So did she??

Mom Rock Climbs With Baby On Back- Welsh mom Menna Pritchard went rock-climbing with 2-year-old daughter Ffion strapped to her back in what looks like a regular old baby carrier, and without a helmet. Pritchard said the route was clear of falling rocks and totally safe.

A Homemaker Today Is Worth...

2012-02-02T19:41:00.000-08:00

The financial services website Mint, have put out this week a breakdown of the value of different homemaker duties. They found that if the job were salaried, moms would earn: $96,261!

Here is the Mint's analysis -

“Private Chef: The American Personal Chef Association reports that its personal chefs make $200 to $500 a day. Grocery shopping is another chore that needs to be factored in. … Grocery delivery services charge a delivery fee of $5 to $10. Total cost for services: $1,005 per five-day work week times 52 weeks = $52,260 per year."

“House Cleaner: Professional maids or house cleaning service providers will charge by the hour, number of rooms or square footage of the home…. Total cost for services: $118 per week times 52 Weeks = $6,136 per year."

“Child Care: The International Nanny Association’s 2011 survey found that nannies make $600 to $950 per week in gross wages, on average. Total cost for services: $600 a week plus perks/benefits times 52 Weeks = $31,200 per year."

“Driver: Companies like Red Cap, which provides personal drivers that use the client’s own car as the means of transportation, offer a glimpse into the cost of this homemaker task. An elite membership which includes 365 days of unlimited, round-trip service is $1,000 a year plus 33 cents to $2.03 per minute. Total cost for services: $1,000 per year plus [(estimated miles driven 8,000 miles at 50 miles per hour) times 60 minutes per hour times $0.33 per minute] = $4,168 total per year."

“Laundry Service: Professional laundry services charge by the pound…. Total cost for services: $0.90 per pound times 4 pounds of clothes per day times 5 days per week times 52 weeks = $936 total per year.”

“Lawn Maintenance: This could include things such as mowing, debris removal, edging and trimming the lawn. These services cost about $30 a week, on average. Total cost for services: $30 per week for 52 weeks = $1,560 total per year.”

“The Bottom Line: Total for a year of all services is: $52,260 + $6,137 + $31,200 + $4,168 + $936 + $1,560 = $96,261 per year.”

The Mint editors say “The daily work of a homemaker can sometimes be taken for granted by his or her family members. However, these services could earn a homemaker a considerable wage if he or she took those skills to the marketplace,” They also added “Homemakers, in general, contribute a lot more to the home in addition to these tasks and no amount of money can fill those needs.”

So, what do you think? Is today's stay-at-home mom over or under valued to this?

Baby Products Celebrities Are Using

2012-02-01T19:27:00.000-08:00

Celebrity Baby Scoop listed all the hot baby items and products that they see celebrities using everyday. Would you like to push the same stroller as Heidi Klum? What about wrapping your Swanky Baby in the same blanket Jennifer Gardner will wrap her newborn in? Here are just a few products of what those famous parents are using. You can click HERE to see the whole list.

Stokke Xplory Stroller - $1,099.00 (on sale at Amazon for $899.00) This fancy stroller is pushed by Alexis and Martha Stewart, Jennifer Hudson, Kendra Wilkinson, Tori Spelling, Denise Richards, Mini Driver, Tia Mowry, Kim Zolciak, and Heidi Klum.

Baby Jogger City Mini Stroller- $199.99 This stroller has been seen pushing Matthew McConaughey's babies around and also the babies of these celebrities: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Tobey Maguire, Halle Berry, Naomi Watts, Salma Hayek, Cynthia Nixon and many others.

ERGObaby carrier - $114.95 This carrier is one of the favorites of celebrity parents. Famous fans include Pink and Carey Hart, new mom Alicia Silverstone, Gisele Bündchen, Karolína Kurková, Ethan Hawke, Mayim Bialik, Bridget Moynahan, Reed Diamond, Carrie-Ann Moss and Kelly Rutherford.

Venettini Shoes- $30.00-$75.00 Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes' daughter Suri has been spotted in these stylish loafers, along with Kourtney Kardashian's son Mason and Gwen Stefani's son Kingston have been seen looking handsome around town in their Venettini loafers.

SKECHERS Bella Ballerina sneakers - $38.00-$50.00 Brooke Burke's daughter Rain, Adam Sandler's daughter Sadie and Hugh Jackman's daughter Ava wore her sneakers while she scooted around NYC. Nicole Richie's daughter Harlow, Alessandra Ambrosio's daughter Anja, and Tobey Maguire's daughter Ruby have all been seen around Hollywood in them.

Little Giraffe Luxe Blanket - $78.00 This incredibly soft, ultra-plush blanket has been used to wrap newborns by many of Hollywood’s most well-known moms & dads, such as Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie, Gwen Stefani, Katie Holmes, Salma Hayek, Halle Berry, Nicole Richie, Rebecca Gayheart, and Jessica Alba.

Storksak diaper bags- $200.00 average price. This diaper bag is often mistaken for a high end handbag. Celebrity fans of this bag include Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart, Denise Richards, Ashlee Simpson, Javier Bardem, Jessica Alba, Tiffani Thiessen, Gretchen Mol, Ellen Pompeo, Angelina Jolie and more.

Skip Hop Lunch Kits and Backpacks - $13.00 Many famous celebrity kids using these bags include Halle Berry's daughter Nahla, Jessica Alba's daughter Honor, Maggie Gyllenhaal's daughter Ramona, and Naomi Watts' son Sasha.

Car Seat Rules

2012-01-30T19:56:00.000-08:00

You put your little one in their car seat all day long, but are you using the car seat correctly? I read this great list of car seat safety rules from The Stir at Cafemom and had to pass their entire article along to you all. The author Christie Haskell has some wonderful points and comments for each rule. After reading this, I am betting it will help one of you or more.

Rule #1: Make Sure Shoulder Straps Are in Proper Position
When baby is rear-facing, the top of the shoulder straps have to be at or below the baby's shoulders. When forward-facing (which your baby shouldn't be), they need to be at or above. This is measured perpendicular (at a right angle) from the recline of the back of the seat, not from the ground. When in doubt, put a popsicle stick into the slot with your baby in the seat to check -- sometimes the fabric of the seat can make it hard to tell where the strap really is.

Rule #2: Rear-Facing Is the Responsible Choice
Unless your child has serious medical problems, they have to rear-face until they literally cannot anymore. With all the new, cheaper seats with 40-pound or higher rear-facing limits, it's possible for anyone to have a seat that will keep their child rear-facing until the bare minimum of 2 years old and 30 pounds, as per the AAP's improved guidelines. But as they state, 2 years is the bare minimum -- your child is still significantly safer rear-facing until you cannot fit them that way any longer. After all, it's 500 percent safer.
Children's heads are a significantly larger portion of their body than an adult's and their spines are initially cartilage -- not bone. In the event of an accident, if their overly large head pulls on the weak spine (which doesn't fuse and harden until around 4 years old), they will likely suffer from internal decapitation -- this means that the cartilage and spinal cord inside their neck snap and they die instantly. It takes a serious medical problem to make that risk worth forward-facing a toddler before you absolutely have to. (I don't want to scare anyone -- this is all to help us keep our kids as safe as we can.)

Rule #3: No Gaps Allowed Between Baby's Crotch/Groin Area and Harness
This is really only an issue with newborns, but an important one. If there is a gap between crotch and harness buckle, roll up a washcloth or receiving blanket and put it in a upside-down U shape, with the middle between baby's crotch and the harness and the rest lying flat between the legs. This is one of the only "add-ons" allowed. When in doubt, call the manufacturer.

Rule #4: Be Sure the Chest Clip Is Positioned Properly on the Chest
The chest clip belongs between the nipples and armpits. This positions the straps so your child doesn't fly out of the seat -- and can cause damage when placed anywhere else.

Rule #5: Know the Proper Guidelines for Outgrowing a Seat
Outgrowing a seat has nothing to do with legs touching the seat. There has never been a case of legs breaking from touching the seat and even if there were -- would you choose for your child to break their legs or their neck? Only one of those can be fixed. Your child has outgrown a seat in weight when they reach the max limit for that position. This is non-negotiable. When rear-facing, your child has outgrown their seat in height when there is less than an inch of the hard shell left at the top of the seat above your child's head. This is measured perpendicular to the seat's recline. However, there is a new seat that has different guidelines -- so be sure to read the manual for your seat!

Rule #6: Straps Need to Pass "The Pinch Test"
The old rule of "two fingers under the chest clip" is outdated and resulted in straps that were way too loose. When straps are too loose, the child can fly out of the seat, or get stuck halfway and break god-knows-what. The new rule is to first pull any slack tight from the lap-portion, and then pinch the straps at the collar bone (your fingers are pinching top-to-bottom as shown here). If you're able to pinch the strap, it's too loose.

Rule #7: Coats Are Not Allowed
A cop reports seeing a coat strapped into a seat, even after the child who had been wearing it flew out of it. Coats are not safe in car seats and almost all manufacturers have this rule in their manual as well. To understand why, place your child in a coat and put them in their seat and tighten the straps properly. Without loosening the straps, remove your child and remove their coat. Now place them back in the seat. That is how much room your child would have once the coat compressed under pressure, much like how you can squish a pillow if you sit on it. If there is more than a tiny bit of extra slack (like the difference between sweatpants and stretch pants), the coat is too bulky. Instead, try taking your child's coat off right before putting them in the seat, buckling them in quickly, and then putting their coat back on them backward. I also keep blankets in my car for safety in case I'm stranded, as well as for the kids to use in winter. I even just bought two patterns of the Kid Snuggie ($14.99 to $26.99) at Toys R Us for both of my children to use while in the car, or you can buy a car seat poncho.

Rule #8: RTFM (Read the #^!&ing Manual)
Most car seats have a specific location for the manual on the seat so that it's kept with it at all times. That's because almost every single question you could have is listed in that little booklet, and the manufacturer's number is there for anything else. Use it. Even car seat pros utilize this booklet. Every single car seat is different with different rules, and this booklet (or the PDF of it online if you lost yours) is your golden ticket to proper car seat usage.

Rule #9: When in Doubt, Get Help
Skip the fire stations and police department -- they mean well, but often are no more trained than you are. Contact SafeKids at their website or at 1-866-SEAT-CHECK. There is no shame in asking for help, but there is shame in letting your ego or embarrassment stop you from making your baby as safe as they possibly can be.

Things We Did As A Kid, But Our Kids Will Never Do

2012-01-27T10:48:00.000-08:00

This hilarious author Amber Dusick, from the Huffintonpost.com, wrote this cute list of things she (and all of us did) as a kid, but you won't see kids doing anymore. I know you will all relate to this, and hopefully laugh too!! The illustrations come from her article, but the commentary from me.

No Seat Belts

I have the best memories of my brother and I jumping from the back seat to the back

3rd fold up seat of the station wagon while driving down the road.

Don't forget getting to sit in the back of truck beds too!! That was the best!

I think I would flip out if my Swanky Baby even tried to undo one of her seatbelt straps today.

No Helmets

I think we rode our skateboards while holding on to the back of a friends bike, although we would have used a red wagon if we had one! Oh, and sitting on the handle bars of a bike was considered cool, not unsafe! I do have a fun memory of riding my bike too fast, falling face first on the sidewalk and ending up at my dr. due to a little mishap with my braces and my lips. Ahh good times, maybe a helmet would have helped.

Flying attempts

This makes me laugh because I remember all the kids in the playground doing this!!

Freedom

We all had freedom as kids that our Swanky Babies will never know. The author wrote how she would just wander the neighborhood all day and we did too. We rode our bikes around the neighborhood, played at the park and walked to the bus stop with out parent supervision. We were gone all day and came home when Mom called us in for dinner.

Do these bring back some fun memories of your childhood? Please share what were your fun times that you wouldn't let your kids do. Illustrations are welcome too! ha!

If you would like to see more things that she did as a kid, please click HERE.

And The Winner Is...

2012-01-24T20:07:00.000-08:00

The winner of our giveaway is...

MJD's Mommy - Kelly Leto!!

Congratulations!! Please email your inforamation to hearmyhandsllc@gmail.com

Award Winning Children's Books of 2011

2012-01-24T18:42:00.000-08:00

This year's winners of the Newberry Medal and the Caldecott Award were honored for stories of dealing with the most everyday troubles- a boy grounded by his parents and a dog that loses its favorite toy.

"Dead End in Norvelt" by Jack Gantos won the John Newbery Medal for the best children's book of 2011, and Chris Raschka's "A Ball for Daisy" won the Randolph Caldecott award for best illustration.

Among the 10 recipients of the Alex Award for adult books that appeal to teens are:

"Salvage the Bones" by Jesmyn Ward (also the winner last fall of the National Book Award for fiction)

"The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern

"The Lover's Dictionary" by David Levithan

"Putting Makeup on the Fat Boy" by Bill Wright

Other winners announced include:

"Where Things Come Back" by John Corey Whaley received the Michael L. Printz Award for best young adult literature.

"Heart and Soul" by Kadir Nelson won the Coretta Scott King Book Award for best African-American story.

"Underground: Finding the Light to Freedom" by Shane W. Evans won the King prize for best illustrated book.

"Under the Mesquite" by Guadalupe Garcia McCall won the Pura Belpre award for best Latino author.

"Diego Rivera: His World and Ours" by Duncan Tonatiuh won the Belpre illustration prize.

Translator Laura Wilkerson's work on Bibi Dumon Tak's "Soldier Bear," won the Mildred L. Batchelder Award for best book translated from a foreign language.

"The Dark is Rising" by Susan Cooper won the Margaret A. Edwards award for lifetime achievement in young adult literature. (you can check out her boxed set of The Dark is Rising here)

Super Cute Baby & Kids Boots

2012-01-23T13:36:00.000-08:00

I found some fun and warm baby and kids boots for those cold winter days and nights. I think these cute styles will make your kiddos very happy!

EMU Australia Little Creatures Shearling Boot: $51.00-$99.00

EMU Australia Little Creatures Lady Bug: $89.00

(they also have other creatures like sharks and koala and all come in in many different colors. Click either link here to see them all.)

EMU Infant Koala Walker: $23.00-$40.00

Carter's Hosiery Baby-girls Newborn Fleece Sherpa Slipper Boot: $16.00

Newborn Faux Leather Motorcycle Boot Socks: $14.99

Newborn Dog Boot: $23.00

Skechers Cuddlicious Winter Boot: $37.00
(they have other styles too, click this link)

Hear My Hands Sign Language & Giveaway!!

2012-01-18T18:55:00.000-08:00

Sign Language Improves Early Communication Skills!

The use of sign language with infants and toddlers has grown in popularity over the past several years as parents begin to learn the great benefits of signing. Signing with your infant and toddler can provide you a new perspective on their thoughts and feelings, build more positive relationships, and empower their desire to communicate.

Benefits can include (and are not limited to):
- Reduction of frustrations (for both parents and children) & tantrums

- Increase in social skills

- Increase in joint attention skills

- Promotion of early communication

- Increase in vocabulary skills

- Increase in reading abilities and desire to read

- Increase in visual attending skills

- Increase in cognitive development (higher IQs)

- Reduction of “terrible two’s”

With that being, there are myths about signing with your infants and toddlers that is important to dismiss.
Sign language will NOT:
- limit their speaking ability

- create a oral/verbal laziness

- cause speech delays

All of these are false! If taught correctly (by saying this I mean talking and signing at the same time), you can expect only positive results!

Why use American Sign Language (ASL)?
It’s important to understand that all of the great benefits discussed above about signing with your child are with the use of American Sign Language (ASL). Other non-language signing/gestural systems are used by some, but do not serve the same purpose and do not demonstrate the same positive outcomes. Using ASL allows for more generalization and carry over when the child signs with other people outside of their home. When a child goes to daycare or other facilities, they can continue to use the same signs previously taught and others will understand them. Frustrations continue to decrease! Also, your child can continue learning ASL as they get older! ASL is accepted in college and some high school of the foreign language requirement!

So when should you start? There is not currently any research with a set age when sign language is most appropriate. Receptively, children are able to understand language much sooner than they are able to use language. Therefore, the sooner the better, right? Most say around 6 to 8 months of age. If signs are introduced around 6 months of age, you may expect to see them sign back as early as 8 – 9 months! My daughter signed MORE for the first time at 8 months. She then signed EAT and at nine months she signs MILK. The great thing is, when she signs them at the babysitter, she’s still understood b/c she’s using ASL versus other baby gestural systems.

Ways to learn sign language:
- reading and signing

- signing and singing

- DVDs (though let’s clarify that placing your child in front of the television screen and not working directly with them will not results in positive outcomes)

- Have fun with it. Let it be natural. When you change her diaper, make a silly diaper song or find one from Sign2Me® or Signing Time® and sing/sign it every time you change the diaper. Every tub time, create a jingle that you sign about getting a bath. Or use the labels from Label & Learn so the child is naturally exposed to seeing the signs on everyday items.

Giveaway!!!

Let’s start now! Come join our giveaway to get a jump-start on your sign language experience!

We are giving away

Signing with your Baby by Joseph Garcia AND

Baby Signing Time Vol 1 DVD and CD

to one lucky winner!

Want to enter?? Here is how!

Must be completed to be entered:

1- Follow Hear My Hands through Google Friend Connect (GFC) and leave us a comment letting us know you did!

2- Like Hear My Hands on Facebook and be sure to leave a comment below letting us know you did!

For additional entries:
3- Are you a friend of Swanky Baby on GFC? Be our friend or if you are, leave another comment and let us know you are!

4- Are you a fan of Swanky Baby on Facebook? Become a fan or if you are, leave another comment!

You can enter up to 4 comments! Good luck!!

CONTEST WILL END ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2012 AT 8:00 PM (PST). ANY ENTRIES RECEIVED AFTER THIS TIME WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. OPEN TO US RESIDENTS ONLY. WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN USING RANDOM.ORG AND POSTED ON A SEPARATE POST.

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About The Writer: Kristy is a speech language pathologist who works privately, in the school systems, and early intervention. Her specialty is augmentative alternative communication (AAC), which she believes fits perfectly with ASL. She uses ASL in therapy, personally, and when teaching classes and workshops. Kristy is a Master Level Certified Sign Language Instructor through Signing Time®, a new blogger, a student in Nova Southeastern University’s SLP.D program, a wife, and a new mom of a 10 month old. She lives in New Jersey and provides a variety of sign language classes to infants, toddlers, children, and adults. Check out her latest stories about signing with her daughter on www.hearmyhandsasl.com and ‘like’ her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/hearmyhands

Luxury Maternity Wards

2012-01-12T10:45:00.000-08:00

We have now all heard about the over the top delivery Beyonce had this past week. They spent $1.3 million to redecorate and close off their birthing area to make sure they brought their little one into the world of luxury from day one. Sounds like your delivery and hospital experience right? Yeah, me neither.

It seems that more parents are not enjoying their typical maternity ward experience because between 2004 and 2008, home births increased by 20 percent. Hospitals are taking note and some have decided to remodel a section of their wards and make luxurious rooms that you can reserve...for a lot of money.

Mount Sinai Hospital- On Manhattan's upper East Side, you can stay in an elite labor and delivery room with all the amenities of a five-star-hotel for $4000 a night. Mommies and Daddies to be will stay in a multi-room suite, with Italian tiled bathrooms, three-course catered meals, Mommy and me massages and bedside mani-pedis— all overlooking views of Central Park. Rich wood paneling conceals medical equipment to creating an ambiance for wellness treatment. At 2pm, it's tea time, when volunteers stop by with a tray of crumpets and tea, to relax the new family for a private in-house photo-shoot. The hospital has it's own "bedside boutique cart" that swings by with specialty baby soaps and designer swaddling wraps for a shopping fix.

Cedars-Sinai Hospital - For $3,784, patients can rent out a three-room, two-bath suite in this Los Angeles hospital. These rooms are exceptionally designed with hardwood floors, elegantly coordinated bedding and drapes and recessed lighting. According to their website: "Once you have provided the Medical Center with your credit card to secure payment, you will be issued an unlimited parking pass and two complimentary passes for family and friends to use during your stay." The new parents will also get a complimentary certified personal aide service that is provided with each suite. This personal care aide, or mother's assistant, can attend to the needs of you and your baby during your hospital stay.

St. Mary's Hospital- This hospital in Madison, Wisconsin has maternity suites that are more like spas. Their double beds come standard in exclusive suites, and so do massage shower heads. The French brand L'Occitane provides the bath products and a team of custom framers have installed psychologically relaxing pastel paintings for peace of mind.

Greenwich Hospital- This Connecticut hospital offers a "Tender Beginnings" maternity program, which is not covered by health insurance, provides the requisite massage, as well as deluxe robes, gift baskets stuffed with bath products and a gourmet champagne dinner prepared by a team of chefs after delivery.

Waverly Private Hospital- This hospital in Victoria, Australia offers in-room flat screen TV's, dining tables, custom-made feeding chairs and a specialized menu that includes wine and beer with meals. There's also a private café just for new moms to mix and mingle.

The Prince of Wales Private Hospital- In Sydney, Australia this hospital has taken their staff off-site to the Crowne Plaza, a five-star-hotel providing a birthing experience on 300 thread-count sheets. Pregnant guests arrive via limousine and are set up in an ocean view suite for about $400 Australian dollars a night.

Would you shell out the extra cash to have your baby in one of these luxurious maternity wards?

Identical Girl Quadruplets Born

2012-01-10T19:57:00.000-08:00

Doctors in Leipzig, Germany said a woman who gave birth to identical quadruplets beat odds of about one in 13 million.

Doctors at Leipzig Hospital said the 31 year old mother, whose name was not released, beat the daunting odds when she became pregnant with quadruplets without the help of artificial insemination. Doctors said it was near miraculous that the pregnancy made it to the 28th week without complications.

The girls, Laura, Sophie, Jasmin and Kim, were born 10 weeks early by Caesarian last Friday, Jan 6th. "They came through the early birth astoundingly well," a hospital spokeswoman said.

Each weighed between two pounds, two ounces and two pounds, six ounces. When they arrive at home they will get to meet their 5 year old brother.

Leipzig Mayor Burkhard Jung, who was made the girls' godfather, visited the infants Tuesday. "Crazy," Jung said of the quadruplets. "It is simply unbelievable. The most beautiful thing is that everything is complete. In short -- all are healthy."

9 Months In 90 Seconds

2012-01-08T16:31:00.000-08:00

I think this is one of the cutest stop-motion videos made of someone's pregnancy yet. I wish I had been that creative when I was pregnant! It is only 90 seconds, and really worth watching!

Cute huh?

Nighty Night Nursing Light

2012-01-06T20:05:00.000-08:00

I saw this wonderful night light on a popular Australian website (although the company is based in the US) and I had to share it with you all. The Nighty Night Nursing Light is a small, night light and vibration alarm that mothers can attach directly to their clothing, making nighttime feedings easier!

According to their website:
Nighty Night Nursing Light is a unique safety product for breastfeeding moms to help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). More than a night light, this nursing light's built-in adjustable timer and optional vibration alarm help mom stay alert and keep baby safe.

Soft-Glow Light - At the push of a button, a soft glow illuminates so you can see what you are doing. There is no need to get out of bed to reach for a light, so you won't wake baby or Dad.

Adjustable Timer & Optional Vibration Alarm - Helps track feeding and gently awakens mom when time's up.

Nursing Reminder - Attach to right or left side of clothing to help remember which side baby fed from last.

A Must Have For Breastfeeding Moms! - This nursing night light is the perfect baby minder to help tired moms breastfeed their newborns safely and confidently.

The light is two and a half inches wide and weighs 2.1 oz.

The Nighty Night Nursing Light is sold for $19.99 through their website or from other retailers such as diapers.com.

Click HERE to read more about this light.

Potty Training {Advice Time}

2012-01-05T11:56:00.000-08:00

Hi parents, it's advice time! I am getting ready to potty train our Swanky Baby and I am looking for a lot of advice! Please share with all of us, I know I am not the only one that could use it. (Leave me a comment and I will add it to the post for all to read and use, thanks!)

Here is the advice you all are sharing...
Jen Cooke's advice - Just got finished potty training my 2-year-old boy, Cooper. Everyone was telling me that Pull-ups didn't prevent anything, so I took the advice and it worked great! I just put him in underwear, stayed close to home for a few days, did a few extra loads of laundry, kept him off any nice furniture and poof, he was using the potty like a champ in about 2-3 days. We used sugar-free, flavored ice cubes as his #1 treat and when he went #2 (because that seems to be the scariest for little boys) he got a new scooter. I bought it the day we started and put it on the mantle so he always had his eye on the prize.
It has been five weeks now since we started and other than having to remind him to go when we are at the park and a few accidents at night, he is fully trained.

Anonymous says - I used a potty chart for my son (who is very rewards motivated). I gave him a sticker on it everytime he went potty. After 10 stickers he got a train. Those Thomas the Tank Engine things are expensive, but it was worth it! After 5 trains...he totally potty trained by 2 1/2 years old.
My daughter on the other hand could care less about the chart or rewards so I had to just let her do it in her time. Though it took a little longer, she eventually wanted to work on it without any rewards involved. She was closer to 3 years old by the time she was potty trained.

Parenting Resolutions for 2012

2012-01-03T11:52:00.000-08:00

Did you make a resolution for 2012? Did you also make a parenting resolution? I would love for you to share your parenting resolutions with us all. Leave a comment with your resolutions and I'll add it to the list below from iVillage.com.

iVillage.com asked their readers what their parenting resolutions were for 2012 and here is what a few had to say. If you would like to read all of their resolutions, please click HERE.

Have Patience
"My parenting resolution is to have more patience this year -- especially when my kids and I are doing something that's supposed to be fun, like baking or crafting. Who cares if the sprinkles get spilled or there's glitter everywhere?" -- Erika

Set A Better Example

"...I'm always trying to be a better parent, and my mantra is this: Stop telling them how to behave and instead, be the person you want them to become. It's harder than you think". --Jenna

Stop Yelling

"...It's time for me to take a cue from less impassioned parents and learn how to deal with my daughter more calmly and quietly". --Raven

Quit Cursing

"...They don't repeat what I say, which is good, but I want to be a better example for my girls". --Jazmin

Get Involved

"I hope to get more involved in the twins school again. I did a lot when they were in preschool, then I backed off when work and other stuff got in the way. Next year, I am going to chair something...I don't know what". --weeones

Let's add your resolutions too!

Most Ridiculous Parenting Lawsuits of 2011

2012-01-01T13:49:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone! I hope 2012 brings happiness, health, wealth and most of all fun to you all!

Before I move onto 2012 posts, I have one last post about 2011 I couldn't let pass by. Here are some of the most ridiculous parenting lawsuits of 2011. Yes, these are funny, absurd and very ridiculous! Enjoy!

Bad Mothering lawsuit -

The 2009 lawsuit was dismissed in 2011 by the First District Appellate Court of Illinois. The children sought more $50,000 plus unspecified punitive damages from Kimberly A. Garrity, their mother, who was accused of “a course of conduct which has caused both the intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress” to her children, Steven A. Miner, 23, and Kathryn Miner, 20.

Among the claims are that Garrity sometimes didn’t include gifts in cards sent to her children; played favorites with her children; told her son, then 7, during a car ride that she would take him to the police station if he didn’t buckle his seat belt; did not send him care packages until his sixth semester away at college, and then only at her ex-husband’s prompting; changed her surname, thus “causing attention” at her daughter’s school events; and refused to buy Kathryn a homecoming dress. On that same homecoming in 2007, the lawsuit states, Garrity provided her daughter an automobile, but contacted her at midnight and told her to bring it back.

Preschool lawsuit -
A Manhattan mom is suing a pricey preschool for dumping her "very smart" 4-year-old with tykes half her age and boring her with lessons about shapes and colors.

In court papers, Nicole Imprescia suggests York Avenue Preschool jeopardized little Lucia's chances of getting into an elite private school or, one day, the Ivy League. She's demanding a refund of the $19,000 tuition and class-action status for other toddlers who weren't properly prepped for the standardized test that can mean the difference between Dalton and - gasp! - public school.

Chuck E. Cheese lawsuit -
Denise Keller, a San Diego real estate agent and mother of two daughters ages 3 and 5, filed the potential class-action suit in U.S. District Court March 29, 2011. According to court documents, she is asking for a jury trial and damages and restitution of at least $5 million claiming that many of the games intended for children at these locations are actually illegal gambling devices — like slot machines.

The lawsuit says, the games are based mostly on chance, and that they could foster addictive behavior in children by enticing them to play repeatedly for tickets. It says the games “create the same highs and lows experienced by adults who gamble their paychecks or the mortgage payment.”

The company is asking a Federal judge to dismiss the case, but it has not been ruled on yet.

Happy Meal lawsuit - Monet Parham, a Sacramento, Calif. mother of two, claims McDonald's advertising violates California consumer protection laws because they unfairly use toys to lure children into its restaurants. McDonald's says the case must be dismissed because parents can always prohibit their children from eating them, the hamburger giant said in a court filing on Monday. Parham admits she frequently tells her children "no" when they ask for Happy Meals.

Should Parham's lawsuit be allowed, it would spawn a host of other problematic legal proceedings, McDonald's said. "In short, advertising to children any product that a child asks for but the parent does not want to buy would constitute an unfair trade practice," the company said. Basically, all advertisement to minors would have to end.

The proposed class action lawsuit in U.S. District Court, Northern District of California is Parham v. McDonald's Corporation et al, 11-511.

Top Baby Names For 2012

2011-12-30T20:25:00.000-08:00

As long as there are baby names, there will always be lists. There are top baby name lists from the past, last year, this year and yes, now next year too. Nameberry tallied the nearly six million views of their individual name pages throughout the year to predict the future top 100 names of 2012.

I have only listed the top 10 future names for boys and girls-
*rising fastest

Girls Names
1. Charlotte
2. Seraphina
3. Amelia
4. Violet
5. Isla
6. Imogen
7. Adelaide
8. Alice
9. Scarlett *
10. Lila *

Boys Names
1. Asher
2. Finn
3. Henry
4. Milo
5. Jasper
6. Atticus
7. Oliver
8. James
9. Jude
10. Felix

What do you think of these popular names of the future? If you would like to see all 100 names, please click HERE, listed from the huffingtonpost.com.

Christmas Inspired Baby Names

2011-12-23T17:38:00.000-08:00

If you have a little one due on or around Christmas, about.com has put together some names that might fit perfectly with this special time of year. The site said they had a little tougher time coming up with the boys names versus the girls names. Maybe one of these names will be the one for your little Christmas baby!

Girls

•Holly - Anglo Saxon for the ivy tree. Think Christmas carol The Holly and the Ivy

•Gloria - Latin for glory. Also the name of a famous Christmas carol.

•Natalie (Natalia) - Latin meaning Christmas day.

•Tasha - From Natasha/Natalie in Russian for Christmas day.

•Mary (Merry) - Bitter from Hebrew. Mother of Jesus.

•Noel - Means Christmas in French. The First Noel is a famous Christmas Carol.

•Joy - The emotion. Also a Christmas carol - Joy to the World

•Angel - The heavenly being who spread the news of the birth of Jesus.

•Carol - English for hymn or song.

•Ivy - Old English for the plant. Think Christmas carol The Holly and the Ivy

•Star - The famous star over Bethlehem to guide visitors to the manger.

•Winter - Named after the season.

Boys
•Emmanuel - God is with us from the Hebrew.

•Christopher - Hebrew for God has judged. Could be spelled with a K for the popular character Kris Kringle.

•Noel - French for Christmas.

•Christian - Latin for follower of Christ.

•Timothy - Revering God from Greek.

•Gabriel - The Angel who announced the birth of Christ.

•Joseph - From the Hebrew - he will add. Father of Jesus.

•Nicholas - Greek for victorious people. Popular character - Jolly Old Saint Nicholas, also a Christmas carol.

Children and Baby Product Recalls of 2011

2011-12-21T19:28:00.000-08:00

Your kids may have some of these toys and you may have missed some of these recalls throughout the year. iVillage.com put out a list children's product recalls of 2011 (it also includes recalls as far as 2009). Unfortunately I am not able to list all of them, but here are some of the toys listed. I encourage you to check out all the toys on their list HERE.

Disney Fairies Plastic Racing Trikes
Recall Date: November 1, 2011
The Hazard: The plastic fairy figures protrude from the top of the handle bar, posing a laceration hazard if a child falls on them.

Little Tykes Toy Workshop and Tool Sets
Recall Date: September 28, 2011
The Hazard: The recalled workshop and tool sets have oversized, plastic toy nails that can pose a choking hazard to young children.

Phil&Teds Metoo Chair
Recall Date: August 17, 2011
The Hazard: Missing or worn clamp pads allow the chairs to detach from a variety of different table surfaces, posing a fall hazard. In addition, when the chair detaches, children's fingers can be caught between the bar and clamping mechanism, posing an amputation hazard. Also, user instructions for the chairs are inadequate, increasing the likelihood of consumer misuse.

Kidgets Animal Sock Top Slippers
Recall Date: November 16, 2011
The Hazard: The animal's eyes can detach from the slippers, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Pottery Barn Kids Dolls
Recall Date: September 8, 2011
The Hazard: The hair on the Chloe and Sophie dolls may contain loops that are large enough to fit around a child’s head and neck, and the headband on the Audrey doll, if loosened, can form a loop that fits around a child’s head and neck. These loops can pose a strangulation hazard.

Santa's On His Way

2011-12-19T06:47:00.000-08:00

Have those cookies ready and don't forget to leave water for the reindeers because...Santa is coming! You can track Santa using these fun sites!

NORAD
You and the kiddos can track Santas whereabouts using the Official Santa Tracker.

Google Maps
This year you can also use NORAD to track Santa's flight from your phone. On December 24th, open Google Maps for mobile and do a search for "Santa" to see his latest location.

Google Earth
In addition to tracking Santa on the NORAD Tracks Santa homepage, you can also track his flight in Google Earth. Google Earth plugin is not installed on your computer. Download it by clicking HERE.

Santa App
Yes, there is an app for that...Santa that is! You can download the Santa Tracker HD app HERE. For $1.99 you can count down the days until Christmas with daily messages from Santa Claus and his elves and then track his flight around the world from the North Pole to your town on Christmas Eve!

Santa-T
Games, Santa tracker and you can send Santa a wish list. Click HERE

Santa Update
Give out pre-launch updates and the latest headlines from the North Pole. Click HERE.

To add more Santa fun...

Phone call from Santa
Santa Speaking is offers you live personalized phone calls from the REAL Santa Claus, in the comfort of your own home (or wherever you are traveling!) They also record the entire converstation to keep for a memory of a lifetime.

10 Things NOT To Say To A New Mom

2011-12-18T19:33:00.000-08:00

While reading The Stir at Cafemom.com I came across this fun list of things NOT say to a new mom. I not only laughed at all of these, but I related to many of them. I bet you will too, so I had to share this list (and their comments) with you all! Enjoy!

1. OMG! He/she looks just like your husband! We know. Zip it.

2. I lost all my baby weight in the hospital. There is simply no civil response to a statement like this.

3. Breast is best, you know. Yes, we're aware of that. Mind your own damn business.

4. You look exhausted. No shit.

5. Awwww, did you really want a boy/girl (whichever one you didn't end up with)? Yes! And fortunately babies come with an exchange policy, so we're expecting to trade her in any day!

6. You sure have your hands full! Why, yes, yes we do. Want to lend one of yours?

7. She needs a hat. So do you. On your mouth.

8. He's/She's so small/big/long/short/thin/fat. In what world are these observations welcome?!

9. My baby was sleeping all night every night from birth. Well, then how about you come and sleep-train mine?

10. When are you having the next one?

Do any of these sound familiar? I think number 10 is asked of me hourly! ha! Do you have any other Not To Say Questions to add to this list? Please share!

Worst Baby Names of 2011

2011-12-15T19:43:00.000-08:00

The bump.com has created a great list of the worst baby names given in 2011. Check out these names and I bet you'll wonder what those parents were thinking!

Facebook - An Egyptian man named his daughter Facebook to celebrate the social media site’s role in protests in Egypt against then-president Hosni Mubarak.

Like - An Israeli couple named their daughter Like, after the Facebook button. The couple wanted a unique name and thought it was short and sweet.

Moroccan - The son of Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon was named after a themed room in their house.

Press - Parents Shayne Lamas (former Bachelor contestant ) and gossip blogger Nik Richie were expecting, the couple jokingly called their unborn daughter “Press Baby” because of all the media attention she was getting. The name obviously stuck with them.

Armani - If the designer baby name trend takes off, picture your kid going to school with a Balenciaga or a Gucci. Yikes!

Cullen - The name is growing in popularity, and we think it’s because superfans all over the globe have taken inspiration from their favorite book series. The name Cullen was pretty cool before a certain vampire family came into existence.

Bear Blu - Alicia Silverstone’s a well-known animal rights activist and vegan, so it didn’t really shock us when she named her baby Bear Blu.

Lucifer - We’re not quite sure why any parent would want their little angel to have such a sinister-sounding name. If you actually are looking to name your child Lucifer, you won’t be able to in New Zealand. It’s been banned by the names registrar there after three couples tried to give their babies the moniker and were denied.

Trendy - We’re not so sure about that. UK-based soccer star Gabriel Zakuani and his wife recently named their baby boy Trendy. The inspiration: Zakuani admits that Twitter and “trending topics” on the social media site might have played a role.

Dovahkiin - A couple recently named their kid Dovahkiin after the main character in a video game, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. In February, Bethesda Softworks, the company that made the game, challenged any fan who had a baby on 11/11/11 to name it Dovahkiin. The prize? Games from the manufacturer for life.

Metta World Peace - Even though Ron Artest, uh, I mean Metta World Peace is far from a baby his name is worth being on this list. The basketball player said he hoped that his name change would inspire the world’s youth. We’re just glad the NBA lockout is over so we can see “World Peace” on the back of his jersey.

Good Housekeeping's Best Toy Awards 2011

2011-12-14T20:51:00.000-08:00

There is still some time to get a few more toys and this list may help. The experts at Good Housekeeping examined hundreds of new toys and chose 85 winners for their annual toy awards. Their truest test: a lab filled with 115 children playing for days to help select the winners. Here are just a few, but you can see many more HERE on msn.com.

Hot Wheels Wall Tracks Starter Set - $48.50 Ages 2-5 Tracks attach to a wall via removable brackets; cars zip down through straight-aways and loop-the-loops without getting scattered across the floor.

B. Critter Clinic- $24.99 Ages 2-5 It has a toy stethoscope and syringe and more for your future veterinarian to examine and treat the ailing plush pets.

Shure Daisy Girls Doll House - $44.95 Ages 2-5 This toy combines the fun of paper dolls (made more durably of wood) with the fun of playing house.

Little Kids Crunch Art Mega Set Assorted Styles- $16.99 Ages 5-8 Just press little bits of cloth into boards using a stylus...and voilà!

Denko Sekka Complete Battle Set - $20.45 Ages 5-8 Players fling a yo-yo-like magnetic catcher toward a mat strewn with tokens to see who's the best picker-upper. Tokens have different point values; whoever nabs the most points wins.

Mario Kart Wii KNEX Mario Yoshi Finish Line Building Set - $113.99 Ages 5-8 It lets kids build an obstacle course and then set motorized Mario and Luigi cars loose.

Spy Net: Bionic Ear - $22.99 Ages 8+ This sound magnifier can be stuck to a wall or door; it connects to the included earbuds for a covert operation.

Bundle That Baby Up!

2011-12-13T14:06:00.000-08:00

Winter is in full swing and it is cold outside! Brrr! You'll will definitely need to bundle your swanky baby up and I think some of these adorable winter pieces will do the trick! How cute are these?!

Carter's Hosiery Baby-girls Newborn Metallic Winter Boot $14.95-$20.00

JJ Cole Bundle Me Shearling Baby Hat $9.99

Knit Bear Hat 21.60-$38.95

Absorba Unisex-Baby Newborn Unisex Fuzzy Footie $24.00

BabyLegs Leg Warmers, Zany Zebra $12.00

Mud Pie Baby-girls Infant Fur Boot $23.99

JJ Cole Original Infant Bundle Me $34.99

Getting Rid of the Pacifier - Advice Time!

2011-12-11T15:19:00.000-08:00

Time to get your advice (and to take if you need it!) for this hot topic....Getting rid of the pacifier.

Please share any tips, tricks and what has worked for you when you had to take the pacifier away from your Swanky Baby. I'll be adding your advice to this post, thanks!

Here is some advice from our readers... Thank you for sharing!

*New York State of Mom said...
We just took it away one day and that was that, it might have helped that it was around the same time we introduced the 1st stages sippy cups. With my neice she was addicted to her paci but loved to feel like she made her own choices so my brother gave her the "You're a big girl now" speach and let her decide to throw it away together. It worked (she was about 18mo) my son was around 6mo.

*Sandy @ The Mommy's Place said...
My 3 boys never really liked the pacifier. I always tried to give it to them and they spit it out.
If I had to give a suggestion just give them something like a sippy cup to replace the pacifier during the day.

*Klove said...
I've heard if you make a it more of a "we're giving this to a baby to use since you're a big boy/girl now" type of thing it works.

*Lil' Man's Mom said...
When my son named his binky I thought we were in for a rough time....
He had it for way too long, almost 2 years, but when I was done, I was done. When "E" went the way of the Monday morning trash truck one day there were no issues. Lil' man was old enough that he knew how to calm himself. We just told him that "E" was gone and wouldn't be coming back and avoided the baby aisle in stores for a long time!
I think If your child is old enough to know you are serious and it's NOT coming back they can cope....if they know you are wishy washy and feel guilty your child will react accordingly.

Kim ~ One Nutty Mama -
My sister had a tough time getting rid of pacifiers. So one day she got a bunch of balloons and tied the pacifiers to them. She told her them 3 year old that they were going to send them to the Paci Fairy so she can give them to other babies. She let the 3 yr old hold them balloons and let them go. When it came time for her 2 yr old son to get rid of them we put them in a box and "sent" them to a new baby. I never had a problem with the pacifier. My kid's either never took one at all, or played with it like a toy, only my oldest two actually used them. One day around 1 yr they both just tossed it out. My oldest threw it out the window on the interstate.. waving bye bye at it for miles and the other threw them into the trash, saying no baby. Her sister had been giggling at her for using a paci and I guess she had enough of it.

Michelle said...
We get rid of the pacifier at 18 months. I choose the day and that in the morning I let my little one watch me cut the nipple off. All day I let them play with the handle part-boy are they confused at first! And then they think it's funny. The first bed time isn't easy, but they know the binkies gone because they've played with it that way all day.

Holidays Made By You - Christmas Cookie Fun!

2011-12-09T11:13:00.000-08:00

This guest post is from Julie, who writes the wonderful blog Just Jules: http://julesmpg.blogspot.com/. Be sure to check her blog out! If you would like to write a guest post about any of the holidays coming up, please email me! And yes, be sure to promote your blog or website too!!

Christmas Fun!s Cookie
One of the best traditions you can start when your kids are young is baking cookies together. Kids love decorating cookies with icing, sprinkles and maybe eating some along the way. There are many aspects of cookie making that can be turned into teachable moments.

When your kids are little you can get the pre-made cookie dough and roll them out. They love playing with the different shaped cookie cutters and helping cut them out. What a great way to get a lesson in on shapes while having fun. Buy store bought icing to keep it easy and lots of sprinkles to top them off.

As your child grows they can help roll them out, kids always love getting messy with flour. Making your own frosting and letting them “paint” the cookies is another great art lesson. Royal icing works best for painting cookies. There is a great Royal Icing recipe here http://www.wilton.com/recipe/Royal-Icing

As the years go on, measuring and mixing dough makes a great math lesson for the kids. After years of baking cookies, this recipe is a favorite in our house. It truly makes the best rollout cookies: http://www.crisco.com/recipes/details.aspx?RecipeID=2099

Kids always enjoy seeing their cookies layed out for Santa on Christmas eve., it doesn’t matter how pretty they are just the fact they made them on their own!

It may be messy but the memories that are made make up for the mess. Start a new tradition that you can carry on through the years.

50 Ways Families Can Give Back

2011-12-08T18:44:00.000-08:00

Most people feel they want to help give back during the holiday season and that is a wonderful thing to teach and show your children too! Unfortunatley, I am not able to list all 50 places that are listed from iVillage.com, but I will give you a few to get you started. Please click HERE to see all 50 charities. You can also read a post I did about a year ago for the The Best Charities for Babies and Children, if you would like to narrow your charity donation search to helping babies and children.

Water.org - About 1 billion people throughout the world don’t have access to clean water, and 2.5 billion don’t have access to a toilet. Co-founders Matt Damon and Gary White help provide communities in developing countries with clean drinking water and sanitation services. According to the organization, just $25 can bring one person safe drinking water for the rest of his life.

The Pajama Program- Snuggling up with a good book, in your jammies, is pretty much the best. And now, you can share that simplest of joys with thousands of children living in orphanages, group homes, shelters and foster care by donating books and pajamas to the The Pajama Program. Since 2001, the program has given out more than a million pajamas and books. You can buy the items off the organization’s Amazon Wish List or host a pajama drive for a local chapter (sounds like a good excuse to throw a slumber party).

AMillionThanks.org- You and your kids can send holiday cards to soliders overseas. It is a really easy and creative way to get kids of all ages involved in doing something good. Bring your holiday cheer to a local recruiting office (who might send your cards out for free) or give thanks to our troops, past and present, home, abroad, and hospital bound through AMillionThanks.org.

Soles 4 Souls- Weed through your shoe collection and donate your gently-worn shoes to Soles 4 Souls. You can ship them to a nearby warehouse or bring them to a drop-off location (some are retail partners that will give you a discount on your next purchase).

Send A Text - Charity contributions have hit the next level of convenience with donations-via-text. The charge will show up on your monthly bill, so there’s no extra paperwork or hoops to jump through -- talk about streamlined philanthropy . Here are some of iVillages favorites:

-- Text “REDCROSS” to 90999 to give $10 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief
-- Text “KOMEN” to 90999 to give $10 Susan G. Komen for the Cure
-- Text "SURVIVE" to 20222 to donate $10 to help Save the Children provide help to children in Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia
-- Text “POOPIN” (no joke) to 27722 to give $10 to Water.org, a nonprofit organization that aims to bring adequate, safe drinking water worldwide.
-- Text “ALIVE” to 90999 to donate $5 to Keep A Child Alive, a non-profit organization that provides medicine to HIV and AIDS-inflicted families in Africa and India.

Freerice.com- Feed the hungry by taking a quiz on vocabulary, geography and math. With every question answered correctly Freerice.com will donate 10 grains of rice through the World Food Programme.

St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital- Thanks and Giving is a holiday fundraiser for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. They ask that you “give thanks for the healthy kids in your life and give to those who are not” by donating to the campaign or becoming a fundraiser. As a fundraiser you’ll create your own web page and monitor the funds. Just $30 funds meals for a family for one day and $500 can provide two transfusion units of red blood cells. Even the smallest donation can make a huge difference.

Bizarre Baby Gear

2011-12-06T19:37:00.000-08:00

There are some baby gear out there that you most likely don't need, but this stuff is baby gear you definitely don't want! This stuff is crazy!!

Babble.com put out this bizarre list of strange, inappropriate and just over the top baby gear. Check it out...

Baby Marijuana Costume

I have no comment for this. Just horrible

Tattoos For Babies

Yes, I know they are just stickers, but really, for babies?

Baby Mop

Yes, we have all thought of it, but no you're not really supposed to do it!

Diamond Pacifier

Would you give your baby a pacifier with over 3 carats of pave diamonds worth $17,000.00? Me neither.

STD Plush Toys

WHAT?!?! EWW, GROSS!!!

Baby Bangs

In case you are unhappy with your newborn's hairstyle. Kinda creepy huh?

You can see the rest of the Bizarre baby gear HERE. If you know of any other crazy baby gear, please let us know!

Rent Baby Clothes With Plum Gear

2011-12-02T12:06:00.000-08:00

Who doesn't love the Netflix idea? You pick your movie que, receive it in the mail, watch it and mail it back whenever you are done with it. What if you could do that with baby clothes? Now you can!! Check out Plum Gear...

How great would it be to get some adorable, brand name clothes in the mail and when your baby out grows the clothes you just mail it back. Simple as that!

Their website explains how you can get these clothes again and again in 4 easy steps:
1. Build an account and select clothes from brands like Petit Bateau, Kate Quinn Organics and Zutano. You can select 5, 10, or 15 item of clothes and check out.

2. You will receive a re-sealable envelope with your pre-loved clothes.

3. You keep the clothes for 30 days or more and then pack up the clothes in the envelpe including a pre-paid return label.

4. After you drop off your old bundle at the post office, just log in to your account, click the "mail back" option and start picking out your next bundle.

Their clothes are cleaned using Seventh Generation detergents so there are no dyes, brighteners, or fragrances. Clothes that have been returned stained or damaged are either repaired and donated or sent to a cloth recycling facility.

Currently they have infant to 2T sizes and are looking to expand their sizing up to 6T in the future.

If you are interested check them out here at: Plum Gear

Most Popular Names Of 2011

2011-12-01T09:43:00.000-08:00

Even thought there are 30 more days left in the year, the official list of the most popular names of 2011 are now out. Some are the usual ones and some have really grown in popularity.

Here it is..

Top Baby Names of 2011

Girls Boys

Sophia                                    Aiden
Emma                                    Jackson
Isabella                                   Mason
Olivia                                      Liam
Ava                                       Jacob
Lily                                         Jayden
Chloe                                     Ethan
Madison                                Noah

There seemed to be a celebrity influence on some expectant parents, noting that Mason (the name of Kourtney Kardashian’s two-year-old son) rose eight spots in the rankings. Although not on this list, the name Pippa soared 45 percent in popularity, though it’s still a rare choice.

Another big trend in baby naming - 2 out of 5 moms share their baby’s name on a social networking site within minutes or hours of giving birth. Did you?

Did you newborns name make the list?

10 Most Dangerous Toys

2011-11-29T14:34:00.000-08:00

The group World Against Toys Causing Harm (W.A.T.C.H.), a Boston-based non-profit has released its annual list of 10 worst children’s toys. Although none of these toys have actually been recalled, they claim that this year’s offenders have the potential to strangle, electrocute and puncture kids. YIKES!

This list was put out from W.A.T.C.H and I also found it on iVillage.com

Power Rangers Samurai Mega Blade W.A.T.C.H. warning: "Young children are encouraged to pull a release and flip-open this rigid plastic Power Rangers Samurai “sword”, which “extends 2 feet!” according to the packaging. The blade has the potential to cause serious facial or other impact injuries."

Stepper “Low Rise” Stilts by JJI Toys W.A.T.C.H. warning: "These colorful plastic platforms with attached, adjustable "hand ropes" are sold as "perfect 'low rise' stilts." The manufacturer provides no warnings or cautions. The instruction on the throw-away tag invites children, as young as five years old, to just step on the platform, pull the ropes up tight, and begin to walk around" while balancing on top of the cups."

Sword Fighting Jack Sparrow W.A.T.C.H. warning: "The Jack Sparrow action figure, from the popular Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise, is sold for children as young as four years old. The pirate’s right hand is armed with a 4 ½”-long rigid, plastic sword, which activates in an upward motion at the push of a lever. No warnings are provided regarding the potential for eye or other impact injuries."

‘Gigan’ Godzilla Figure W.A.T.C.H. warning: "This “12[-inch] Classic Godzilla Figure”, referenced on the packaging as the character “Gigan”, features rigid, pointed fins and wings, as well as sharp, dagger-like attachments on its arms. Such unforgiving, plastic protrusions present the potential for penetrating and impact injuries."

Twist 'n Sort by Guidecraft W.A.T.C.H. warning: "This play set consisting of a “brightly colored geometric block and solid wood base” is sold to provide “years of developmental fun” with “problem solving challenges” and “fine motor practice.” On October 20, 2011, certain lots of these toys were recalled because “[t]he small pegs on three of the four posts can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children”. After issuance of the recall, a newly purchased Twist ‘n Sort toy exhibited the same “choking hazard” identified in the government’s recall notice."

The Incredible Shrinky Dinks Maker W.A.T.C.H. warning: "This oven uses standard 120-volt house current and shrinks a “shrinky dink” in a “heating chamber” with a 60-watt light bulb. A parent or caregiver needs no further indication that this oven could be dangerous than the litany of warnings and cautions on the toy itself and the packaging, including:

“Caution -- Electric Toy:" As with all electric products, precautions shall be observed…to prevent electric shock.”
“Warning: Shock Hazard. Pull plug before changing light bulb.”
“Danger -- To prevent electric shock, do not immerse in water….”
“Caution -- Supervision Required -- Electric Toy -- Unplug When Not in Use.”

"A product with so many inherent hazards does not lend itself to use in a home environment with children."

Fold And Go Trampoline by The Original Toy Company W.A.T.C.H. warning: "This trampoline is sold in the toy aisle for children as young as 3-years-old. Remarkably, the package insert instructs, in part, as follows:

“Never attempt any other functions or gymnastic functions or rough play on the trampoline, this trampoline is designed for young children only. The only function on this trampoline should be a controlled bounce (exercise), for young children. No other functions should occur other then [sic] controlled bounce.”

"The many hazards associated with trampoline use should make it apparent to manufacturers and retailers that such equipment should not be sold as a playtime activity for young children."

Pulling Animal Duck by Haba W.A.T.C.H. warning: "This wooden duck, which “[w]addles amusingly when pulled”, is sold as a pull toy for 1-year-old babies. The duck’s cord is approximately 33” long, presenting a serious potential strangulation hazard. The industry’s standard limits strings on crib and playpen toys to 12” in length."

School Bus by Schylling W.A.T.C.H. warning: "These miniature yellow school buses are sold with a “choking hazard” warning on a removable, stick-on label. The firm rubber tires, mounted on plastic wheels, can be removed, presenting the potential for a serious choking injury for oral age children."

Z-Curve Bow by Zing Toys W.A.T.C.H. warning: "This “high-performance” bow and arrow set is sold with three “long-range” foam arrows, which are marketed as being able to fly “over 125 FEET!” Remarkably, among the many “warnings” for children is an instruction that arrows not be pulled back “more than half strength”, and that people nearby “should be alerted” prior to firing."

Craziest Places Women Have Given Birth

2011-11-28T14:33:00.000-08:00

On Sunday a woman got off her flight and went straight to the airport restroom... to give birth to her son.
Police and emergency medical personnel were called to the restroom in Concorse D and a Maryland Transportation Authority police officer assisted at the birth.

If you think that is one of the craziest places to have a baby....check these places out! (stories are from the huffingtonpost.com)

In A Tree

In 2000, Sofia Pedro climbed up a tree to escape the floodwaters in Mozambique, Africa. The brave mom held onto branches as she delivered her baby Rosita. A few minutes later, they were rescued by a South African helicopter crew, umbilical cord still attached.

At A McDonalds
In 2007, McDonald's employee Danille Miller -- who didn't know she was pregnant -- felt a sudden urge to run to the bathroom during her shift. A few minutes later, she gave birth to baby Austin.

In A Library
Dominique Trevino was on the way to the hospital by bus in 2009 when she started having contractions. Another passenger, who worked at the hospital, told her to get off at the library. Once inside, library security pitched in to help deliver her baby girl. She only had to push twice.

At A Post Office

Sonia Marina Nascimento stopped by a post office in England to buy a mobile phone credit -- but got more than just a top up: she went into labor and gave birth to a baby girl right there. The post-master, who put the baby on the scales (and handled her with care?), said she weighed "the equivalent of an £8.22 first class parcel."

On A Sidewalk

In 2009, Tiffany Kohls gave birth a few feet away from a hospital in Wisconsin. She said there was no stopping her son Kellen's arrival. Security guards and a nurse helped delivered him.

In A Car...That She Was Driving!

In 2010, Amanda McBride felt like she was going into labor, so she picked up her husband -- who suffers from seizures -- and headed towards the hospital. While en route, her water broke and her husband took the wheel. "And then, all of a sudden, I heard this little waa-a-a-a (cry)," he said.

On A Highway Shoulder

A New Jersey couple was on their way to the hospital when mom Alshesirca started having contractions on the Garden State Parkway. Dad-to-be Nelson pulled over and delivered his baby on the side of the road with a 911 operator guiding him. "I was just glad we were driving our truck and not our Civic," said mom

40,000 Feet Up In An Airplane

In September, Aida Alamillo was flying from Manila to San Francisco when she went into pre-term labor. Three nurses on board and cabin crew members helped deliver baby Kevin Raymar Francis Domingo --"Francis" because they were en route to San Francisco.

On The Internet

OK, so she was technically at home, but Nancy Salgueiro set up a high-definition video camera in her living room in Canada to livestream the birth of her son. More than 2,000 people registered to watch online. Her two-year-old son cut the umbilical cord.

In An Art Gallery

Performance artist Marni Kotak made headlines earlier this year when she announced her plans to give birth inside a New York art gallery because it is the "highest form of art." With approximately 20 people in the room, she delivered baby Ajax in late October. Footage of the birth will be added to an upcoming exhibition at the Microscope Gallery in Brooklyn.

Cyber Monday Deals You Don't Want To Miss

2011-11-27T18:58:00.000-08:00

If you didn't get everything while shopping Black Friday or Small Business Saturday, then maybe Cyber Monday will help you finish your list.

TheStir.com has this list of 5 really good deals you may want to check out tomorrow.

1.Microsoft XBox 360 250 GB Holiday Bundle, $199, (Amazon) Cash in on this offer, which includes Fable III and Halo Reach, and you'll save $100. Not bad!

2.Hot Wheels Mega Garage Playset, $25, (Walmart) Since this generally sells for $39.99, you could even throw in a few extra sets of cars!

3.FujiFilm FinePix AX350, $49.99, (BestBuy) Got a budding photographer in the house? Snag this 16MP camera for $50 less than usual.

4.Buy one video game, get one for 60% off, (Toys R Us) Choose from hundreds of titles! (Which haven't been announced yet, but there are bound to be some good ones.)

5.60% off a "top-selling" scooter, (Target) They won't tell us which scooter just yet, but I'm betting its name begins with the letter "R" ...

I am sure there are going to be a lot more really good deals, but if these items are on your list, be sure to check them out! Happy Shopping!

Top 10 Black Friday Toys Of The Past

2011-11-26T19:31:00.000-08:00

My parents stood in a line to get a ticket to try to win a Cabbage Patch Doll, luckily they won and I was the happiest little girl ever. Remember that craze? Yes, it is definitely one of the must have toys of the past on this list below. Here are the top toys parents have stood in those long Black Friday lines just to make their little ones happy.

ZHU ZHU PETS

In 2009 these furry, robotic hamsters were making kids happy and

adults shaking their heads asking "why?"

FURBIES

Not quite a robot, not quite a hamster, Furby was the first major push-out of a

robotic toy that made kids in 1998 very happy.

SQUINKIES

In 2010 these little plastic toys were sold out long before Santas

across the country could leave them under a tree.

TICKLE ME ELMO

Originally retailing for $28.99, Elmo fetched as much as $1,500

on Ebay during its must-have craze in 1996.

CABBAGE PATCH KIDS

Like I wrote above, parents were willing to do anything to get their hands on one of these dolls in 1983. Just so you know, collectors are willing to pay up to $200 for one of these dolls as they hit their 30th anniversary.

RUBIK'S CUBE

In 1980 this fad sold over 350 million the first year it was created. Can you solve it?

BEANIE BABIES

These stuffed animails went on a lot longer than just Black Friday. One of the many mysteries of the ‘90s, we hear they’re going for 80% off at the store down the street.

MITTENS FLUFF 'N STUFF

One of eight in the popular Lalaloopsy line that was sold out

everywhere in 2010. (Don't worry, I've never heard of it either)

FURREAL FRIENDS

According to an FAO Schwarz rep, the popular toy store blew

though them during the 2009 holiday season.

You can check out this list from Babble.com HERE.

Easy Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids

2011-11-19T19:31:00.000-08:00

Hosting a big dinner this week? Be sure to add a craft table and it will keep the kiddos busy while having fun too! Here are some ideas I have found....

Turkey Glove

Better Homes and Gardens shows this fun one. You take a white work glove and color in the feathers with markers. Then add some felt for the wings and beak and a button eye.

Pine Cone Turkey

AmazingMoms.com shows off this cutie! Add red, yellow and orange tissue paper to the pine cone for the feathers and felt for the face. Don't forget those button eyes too!

Turkey Candy Treats

Spread a dollop of vanilla frosting on a round cracker. Place a chocolate kiss near the bottom of the cracker. Add candy corn pieces above the kiss for the turkey feathers. Spread a small amount of frosting on one side of another candy corn piece and "glue" to the top of the kiss for the beak. Let frosting dry, then attach a caramel square to the back with frosting to help the treats stand upright.

TP Roll Turkey

Busy Bee Kids Crafts showed off this fun one! Trace and cut out the child's hand on different colored construction paper. Glue them to the back of the TP roll so it looks like feathers. Add the button eyes and cut out 2 slits for the triangle beak. So cute!

1st Thanksgiving Inspired Baby Names

2011-11-18T14:14:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is in a week and you may be expecting sometime before then. Do you have your name picked out yet? How about a name that was popular during the first Thanksgiving, oh say around the year 1620?

Ok, I bet not a lot of expecting parents are going to actually use any names from this list, but it sure if fun to see what the cool names were back then!

Girls Names

1. May

2. Virginia

3. Humility (the youngest baby passenger on the Mayflower was named this)

4. Damaris

5. Constance

6. Susan

7. Temperance

8. Prudence

9. Boston

10. Mary

Boys Names
1. Oceanus
2. Myles
3. Smith
4. Wrestling
5. Peregrine
6. Samoset
7. Sqanto
8. Resolved
9. Bradford
10. Elias

These names were found on Babble.com

Co-sleeping Ad Campaign Stirs Up Controversy

2011-11-16T19:29:00.000-08:00

Check out this ad and tell me what you think.

Milwaukee's Health Department has put out this ad and other similar ones due to least nine Milwaukee babies dying this year while in an unsafe sleep environment.

Mayor Tom Barrett said that, when he first saw the preliminary ads designed by SERVE Marketing, he wondered whether they were "too provocative and too raw." But the mayor said he shudders every time he receives a phone call about another co-sleeping infant death and considers the tragedy of what could be a preventable death. If it takes a raw message to get the point across that babies must sleep alone, on their backs, in their own cribs, the ad is not too shocking, the mayor said.

On the Today Show, their professional commentators weighed in-

NBC's Chief Medical Editor Dr. Nancy Snyderman arguing against the ads. "Look, co-sleeping in this country leads to infant deaths. We know that parents can roll over on babies and smother them." But, Snyderman said, "I think this is over the top, absolutely over the top."

Advertising executive Donny Deutsch disagreed: "If it saves one baby..." he said.

Legal analyst Star Jones said that over-the-top images tend to stick in people's brains better than more subtle messages.

Co-sleeping mom Christie Haskell notes on The Stir's blog that "the babies in the ads are sleeping on their stomachs, surrounded by fluffy bedding -- both well-known safety hazards regardless of where babies sleep. She says health officials would be better off telling parents how to safely co-sleep, rather than demonizing parents who do it as a deliberate choice with plenty of safety precautions."

So, what do you think? Are these ads too much, or do you think they will be effective?

Please read more about this and their infant mortality rate challenge from the Milwaukee Wisconsin Journel Sentinel HERE. You can also read more from MSNBC on this HERE.

Holidays Made By You - Advent Calendars

2011-11-14T18:40:00.000-08:00

This guest post is from Jules at the fun blog Just Jules: http://julesmpg.blogspot.com/. Be sure to check it out!

One of my favorite parts of parenting is the holidays. Growing up my family imparted a love of traditions during the holidays. When I became a mom my job became to pass those traditions on to my children and create new traditions of our own. Today I am sharing one of my favorite tradtions with the Swanky Baby readers:

The Advent or Christmas countdown calendar is a favorite in our house. Used starting December 1st ending on Christmas day is a way to make the holidays interactive for young children. There are many different types of these countdowns.

You can make your own consisting of a simple construction paper chain letting your child remove a link each day until Christmas. It’s a fun Christmas craft for the kids and parents alike. A great way to give the kids something to do after Thanksgiving dinner. You can find instructions at http://www.kids-fun-and-games.com/paper-chains.html

If you’re not crafty, you can purchase different kinds of Advent Calendars. One of the simplest and least expensive options is a chocolate calendar sold at most local grocers or specialty food store. Lift a simple paper flap and the chocolate pops out.

There are many types of wood Advent calendar with little doors. These are great because you don’t have to use candy and can put anything behind the door.

Fabric hanging calendars are another option. A marker is moved each day to countdown or a little item is revealed each day to add to the scene

This isn’t just for Christmas. They make Hanukkah countdown calendars also

Countdown the days until Christmas or Hanukkah can be a fun way to keep your child entertained during the holiday season and make memories to last a lifetime.

Military Baby Born On Veteran's Day, 11/11/11 at 11:11am

2011-11-13T21:09:00.000-08:00

Being born on 11/11/11 at 11:11am is a birthdate to easy to remember, but also being born on Veteran's Day to two military parents makes your birthday even more memorable!!

Jacob Anthony Saydeh was born to Danielle Saydeh who is an Air Force Veteran and to Staff Sgt. Christopher Saydeh who is currently serving in the Air Force.

He arrived this past Friday (Veterans Day) on 11/11/11 at 11:11am at Virtua Memorial hospital in Mount Holly, N.J. I have a feeling his weight and height, 8lbs, 13oz, will not be what the family remembers first about his birthday.

"The doctor and nurses were watching the time, but I was too distracted to think about the time," said his mother, Danielle.

His father, Christopher said "every year now on November 11th, the family will sing their son 'Happy Birthday' at 11:11 am."

They live at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, where Christopher is a member of Air Force security forces. They are a third-generation military family.

Holiday LBMD's {Little Black Maternity Dress}

2011-11-10T20:14:00.000-08:00

Holiday parties are being planned and invitations are being sent out soon. Nothing works better than a little back dress for any kind of party, even if you are pregnant! Check out these really cute LBMD's and some are as low as $34!

Flirty Halter Maternity and Nursing Top Dress - $39.99

(I think this is an amazing deal! You can wear this after your baby is born and it is a super low price!)

NOM Women's Maternity Sophie Dress - $96.00

Jules & Jim Women's Feminine Dress With Ruffled Sleeves - $109.99

A Pea in the Pod Collection: Sleeveless Empire Waist Maternity Dress - $155.00

Maternal America Women's Strapless Dress - $138.00

Motherhood Maternity: 3/4 Sleeve Side Ruched Maternity Dress - $34.98

Motherhood Maternity: Elbow Sleeve Tie Detail Maternity Dress - $54.98

Motherhood Maternity: Loved By Heidi Klum Sleeveless Drape Front Maternity Dress - $39.98

Everly Grey Women's Maternity Penelope Sleeveless Dress - $41.04-$69.50

Chicken Pox Lollipops

2011-11-09T18:35:00.000-08:00

Some moms in Nashville, TN have been offering to sell lollipops, via Facebook, that have been licked by children with chicken pox and selling them with other contaminated items for $50.00. The idea is that healthy children who lick these pops will contract the disease and then become immune to it.

I rarely mention if you should or shouldn't do something, but this time I'll happily say....DO NOT DO THIS!!   Many doctors have said that the virus will not last by the time it gets shipped to your home, but the bacteria from their saliva will. You child will get very ill off the bacteria!! The bacteria from someone you don't know off of Facebook!!  How do you even know what you are getting from a stranger? Did they potentially taint it with poison, drugs, etc?  You tell your kids not to take drugs or anything from strangers, then you would buy this random lollipop and then give it to your kid? CRAZY!!! (ok, I'm done ranting now)

WSMV in Nashville, TN reported that someone on a Facebook froup offered a "fresh batch of pox in Nashville shipping of suckers, spit and Q-tips available tomorrow 50 dollars via PayPal" through a Facebook page named Find a Pox Party in Your Area. The site has since been taken down.

There is no actual party to get your child the virus, it is just a fake name to do the selling of items.

"It is indeed illegal to mail chickenpox virus", says U.S. Postal Service spokeswoman Sue Brennan. “Mailing infectious substances and/or materials is illegal unless it meets very specialized requirements between authorized parties—and chicken pox parties don’t qualify,” Brennan told TODAYMoms, today.com, in an email.

It is a federal crime to send diseases or viruses across state lines, whether through the postal service or private services such as FedEx. Sending the lollipops is illegal under the same law that makes it a crime to mail contagions like anthrax. Conviction could lead to a sentence from less than a year to 20 years in prison.

Vaccinations are always the best bet to keep your child safe, but some believe that getting the actual disease will help your healthy child build up a stronger immunity.  Please do not risk your healthy child, it could end up worse than just the Chicken Pox.

Since Facebook discovered this was happened using their website, they have posted a warning to groups mentioning Chicken Pox Parties:
“The mailing of infectious items, such as lollipops, rags, etc., is a federal offense. This page is not private and can been seen by members and non-members alike. You may post on the page that you have the pox and are willing to share but please keep your specifics in private messages between members. We are all intelligent adults but these guidelines will help protect your privacy. If you'd like to go back and delete your posts about mailing, feel free to do so.”

Record-Breaking Babies & Births

2011-11-08T13:28:00.000-08:00

Every once in a while we will hear about those babies weighing 15 pounds and we say "that is the biggest baby!" well, one mom said that about her 23 pound baby. Anna Bates (pictured to the right), who lived from 1846-88, was 7-feet, 5.5-inches tall when she gave birth to a baby boy weighing 23 lb., 12 oz. and measuring in at 30 inches long. Sadly, the boy died 11 hours after birth.

Here are some other amazing record-breaking babies and births listed from babble.com:

Hairiest Girl

Supatra Sasuphan, 11 years old, officially holds the World Record for hairiest girl and this photo from 2006 shows she was just as happy (and hairy) as a tot. Supatra says she is happy to hold this title!

Most Fingers and Toes

Akshat Saxena was born with 34 total fingers and toes, which earned him a Guinness World Record in 2011. Saxena's fingers and toes are a result of a condition called polydactyly.

First Test-tube Baby

Louise Brown, born in Oldham, UK, on July 25, 1978, will always have the distinction of being the first tot to be born thanks to the groundbreaking reproductive technology from OB/GYN Patrick Steptoe and physiologist Robert Edwards.

Shortest Woman To Give Birth

Stacey Herald of Kentucky, who stands at 2 feet, 4 inches is the world's shortest woman to give birth. She delivered her first child in 2006 and has since given birth twice more. Of her three kids, her oldest and youngest have also inherited her condition.

Toothiest Baby Born

not sure if that is the actual record holding kid

Sean Keaney, born April 10, 1990, was born with 12 grown-in teeth! They were later extracted to avoid feeding problems.

Please check out the rest of these record holding babies from babble.com HERE.

Tech Toys For Toddlers

2011-11-06T13:13:00.000-08:00

If you are starting to plan what gifts to get for those toddlers on your list, here are fun tech toys that will sure make them happy. The website gottabemobile.com put out this fun list toys to check out.

Fisher-Price Kid-Tough See Yourself Camera - 36mos to 7yrs

The swiveling lens rotates 180 degrees to take shots in front or behind and has a small LCD preview screen so kids can line up shots just right. The tough chunky body and simple controls mean that even young kids can start taking pictures on their own. The SD card slot makes it easy for parents to transfer pictures to the computer. With free downloadable software kids can add effects and silly stamps as well. $53.00

Crayola ColorStudio HD iMarker - 2yrs +

This Crayola crayon-shaped stylus combined with the accompanying app gives kids a wide range of artistic implements for drawing and painting. In addition to straight up coloring, the app also includes music and animation. New pictures are added to the app on a regular basis via updates. $23.92

Tag Junior Book Pal and Reading System - 1 to 4yrs

Kids can tap on the words or pictures with the Book Pal to hear them spoken aloud or discover information. Kids as young as 1 years old can start building phonics and reading skills. The chunky Book Pal is designed to work with little hands, so even the smallest toddlers can use it with minimal assistance from dad or mom. $24.99

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Apptivity Case - 6mos to 4yrs

The Apptivity Case places your iPhone or iPod touch at the center of a kid-safe plastic toy, protecting it from drool, peanut butter, and even minor drops. Kids won’t be able to press any of the buttons, including the Home one. $14.99

Sesame Street Let’s Rock Elmo- 18mos+

He can play the drums, tambourine, guitar and keyboard. Plus he’ll sing. Just place the instrument in his hand and he’ll recognize it and begin to play. Your child can play or sing along, too. Elmo knows six rockin’ songs that teach the alphabet, encourage kids to jump around and get moving, and more. $47.99

Pediatricians Not Treating Unvaccinated Kids

2011-11-03T13:18:00.000-07:00

There is a small trend of pediatricians dropping patients whose parents refuse to allow their children to be vaccinated. These doctors feel that children exposed by an unvaccinated patients in their waiting room is too risky for them and they have created this new policy.

This is part of a letter from one of the doctors participating in this new rule to all of their patients:
“We believe it is medically appropriate to exclude unvaccinated children from a pediatric practice to protect the vaccinated children from communicable infectious diseases."

Parents are refusing some or all vaccines for their children for various reasons, including a belief that they cause autism, and some long-forgotten diseases are now becoming threats again, such as Whopping Cough and Measels.

The American Academy of Pediatrics, which supports universal immunization, says "Refusal to immunize should not be the only reason a doctor turns a family away." Dr. Douglas Diekema, lead author of the academy’s report, told the Today Show: “I think we have to be really careful about refusing to take care of the kids simply because their parents may make decisions that we don't always agree with.”

Dr. Nancy Snyderman from NBC News , who is pro-vaccination, sees both sides of the issue. "On one hand, doctors are there to treat everyone, and turning patients away leaves them still unvaccinated and without care. But, she added, an unvaccinated child who is carrying a virus is “literally a walking Typhoid Mary” who puts other children in a waiting room at risk."

She also adds "Vaccines have worked so well in combating disease that they’ve almost become victims of their own success, as most moms and dads today don’t know what it’s like to suffer from diseases like measles. Today’s parents have never seen polio, and they don’t think pertussis is going to hit their kid."

You know I have to ask - How do you feel about Pediatricians refusing to see unvaccinated children?

Please read this whole story from Today.com HERE.

Milkmakers Cookies

2011-11-02T18:47:00.000-07:00

Cookies that help with breastfeeding? Yep, here they are!! Milkmakers Lactation Cookies contain key ingredients including oats, brewer’s yeast and flax seed, which are remedies used to help increase breastmilk production. These ingredients have also been shown to provide nutrients that benefit the health of both breastfeeding moms and babies as well as essential fatty acids, fibre, protein and iron.

According to their website, one to two cookies a day will help breastfeeding moms reap the full benefits of Milkmakers cookies. You can store your cookies in the freezer and take them out as needed.
The cookies come in two flavors: semi-sweet chocolate or raisin. You can order them separate or get their variety pack.

You can order 30 cookies for $44.00 (US) or they do have a monthly subscription you can sign up for and that costs $39.60 (US). They are only shipping in the United States right now and shipping costs are a flat $5.00

Modern Nurseries You Can Create And Afford

2011-10-31T14:14:00.001-07:00

We all love looking at those over the top decorated celebrity baby nurseries, but when it comes time to do up your own nursery there is a slim chance it will be like theirs. These nurseries submitted from iVillage readers may help you create that beautiful nursery you will be proud of and afford!

Gray is the new neutral - add a pop of color like those curtains from Ikea for $29!

Modern Mural - this wall is neutral, modern and perfectly baby-appropriate. Plus, you don’t need any real artistic ability to DIY!

Geometric Fun - This lantern/mobile sculpture hanging over baby’s changing table is a stimulating piece for baby (and mama) to look up at!

Gender Neutral - You don't have to go with light green or yellow if you are creating a gender neutral room. This pale turquoise is a fun way to give a neutral room a modern look.

Be sure to check out the rest of these inexpensive yet beautiful nurseries HERE.

Awkward Halloween Family Photos

2011-10-28T13:07:00.000-07:00

Swanky Baby readers keep making the Awkward Family Photos post in the top 5 posts on the site. In addition to the awkard pregnancy photos there now awkward family photos- Halloween style! Love it!!

Please share any awkward family Halloween photos you may have! You can view the rest of the photos from iVillage HERE

That baby looks so warm and snuggly huh?

I think someones idea didn't go as planned.

Interesting use of a Sharpie.

Hello Babar family!

So, what are trying to graph?

Halloween Safety Tips

2011-10-27T19:42:00.000-07:00

The American Academy of Pediatrics put up a list of Halloween safety tips on their website. I have put a few of them listed here, but if you want to read all of their tips, please click HERE.

All Dressed Up
-Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement, or contact with flame.
-When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories look for and purchase those with a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant
-Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and Trick or Treat bags for greater visability.

Carving A Niche
-Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw the face with markers, then parents can do the cutting.
-Consider using a flashlight or glowstick instead of a candle to light your pumpkin. If you do use a candle, a votive candle is safest.

Home Safe Home
-To keep homes safe for visitng Trick or Treaters, parents should remove from the porch and the front yard anything that a child could trip over such as a garden hose, toys, bikes and lawn decorations.
-Parents should check out door lighting and replace burned out bulbs.

On the Trick or Treat Trail
-A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
-Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.
-Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks. Never cross between parked cars or out driveways.

Holidays Made By You - Halloween Decorations

2011-10-26T12:32:00.000-07:00

Today's Holidays Made By You is from Cindy from Charlotte, NC. Her blog, Keep It Simple has a lot of simple and inexpensive do it yourself home decor ideas. Be sure to check out her fun blog HERE!

Eyeballs Centerpiece
It's the week of Halloween and we're counting down! I think Halloween is my favorite holiday. Dressing up in costumes, decking the house in pumpkins and ghosts galore is so much fun. Really I don't have many Halloween decorations so this year I have been making a lot of my own to add some color and fun to the house! Here is one silly centerpiece I did.

I collected sticks in the back yard and painted them black! I used craft paint and applied it using one of those craft sponges on a stick. Then I found some silly eyeball foam stickers and I scattered the eyeballs all over my wooden vase for fun.

It has transformed the dining room into silly Halloween! We can't be too scary because of the kids so this is fun, colorful and whimsical!

Decorating With Candy Corn

So here's a quick Halloween decoration that is super cheap!

I bought a bag of candy corn at CVS for 88 or 81 cents, well under a dollar. I had some baby food jars leftover from months ago that I spray painted the lids with a "pewter" spray paint.I decided to pull out the CRICUT and cut out the word B-O-O. So I did. I used black self adhesive vinyl and used the BIRTHDAY BASH cartridge and cut out the letters in about a 1" font.

I stuck those puppies on and here you have it. You can line up your cute little jars or stack 'em up! Have fun with it! My son had a ball filling the jars!

I'll be sharing my Halloween mantel as soon as I get the chance. Can't wait to show you how it turned out! Check it out HERE!

Holidays Made By You - Halloween Table Setting

2011-10-25T13:45:00.000-07:00

{Here is the first holiday guest post of many to come!!}

Cast a Spell on Your Table with this Halloween Setting
This guest post is from the blog Napkin Wizard. You can check it this wonderful blog HERE.

Decorate the Table for Halloween
If you’re having a Halloween party or just want to add some special touches around the house for your own family to enjoy, decorating the table is an easy way to add a bit of spooky fun. Basic linens in the traditional Halloween color palette of orange and black will look modern and stylish when you pair them with fun and funky decorations like miniature pumpkins, plastic toy spiders, and votive candles. My Jared the Doll napkin fold will also help you “cast a spell” on your Halloween table because your family and friends will be captivated by your creativity!

Jared the Doll is an easy yet functional and stylish way to place flatware on the table. Spoons and forks are tucked inside of specially-folded napkins to create Jared. My YouTube video offers step-by-step instructions on creating this fold. Just be sure to choose Halloween colors that match the rest of your table. You can even decorate your “dolls” with name tags, ribbons, or other items of your choice.

Go out with a bang without breaking your budget. Here are some money saving you can create.

Napkin rings:

Black Pom Pom, Chinelle stem, Wiggle eyes, Ribbon, Felt. For your Spider Napkin Rings.

Paper Towel, Orange Paint, Felt, Ribbon for your Flower Napkin Rings

Halloween Wall: Haunted Houses Silhouette

Poster Cardboard 7 pieces. This cost under $4.00 The whole wall is about 40 x 100 inches.Amazing! your dollar can go a long way. Happy Halloween.

Holidays Made By YOU!

2011-10-24T15:18:00.000-07:00

Halloween * Thanksgiving * Hanukkah Christmas * Kwanzaa * New Year Eve/Day

I'm looking for YOU to guest post your holiday ideas, decorations, traditions, recipes, etc...READ ON!

To me, the holidays are here. From next week on we will be very busy dressing the kiddos up for Halloween, preparing that Thanksgiving menu, lighting the menorah during Hanukkah, decorating the tree for Christmas and finally ringing in that new year. WHEW! 2012 will be here before we even get a chance to sit down and breathe!

As I have become a pinterest addict, I have noticed so many original ideas from decorations to family traditions and thought I would love to share yours here too! Who doesn't love to add a new tradition with the kids or make a new decoration for the home?

If you have a decoration, family tradition, favorite recipe or anything else that you would like to share with all of us please send it my way!! It can be about ANY of the holidays coming up and you will get an entire post dedicated to your submission!! (If it is about Halloween, please send it in quick!!) I'm taking submissions from now through December.

I would love photos to add with your post idea, so please include them!! Let us know if you want your name and city/state posted and feel free to include a pic of your family if you would like. Blog Bonus: This is also an easy way to promote your blog, if you have one! I love helping out fellow bloggers so please include your blog name and address link.
You can email me your guest holiday posting at swankybaby1@live.com

What Not To Put On Your Registry

2011-10-23T20:33:00.000-07:00

I saw this great list on Babble.com of items you really don't need to add to your baby registry.

Expensive Crib Bedding Packages - these bedding packages typically include bumpers, blankets, and pillows, none of which are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics due to SIDS concerns. Find a couple of cute, decor-pleasing fitted sheets, and you’re good to go while saving your shower guest a lot of money too!

Shoes For Newborns - Yes, they are completely adorable, but also completely pointless. If their feet need to be warmed up, then just use some booties or socks to cover them up.

Changing Table - Buy a dresser that is about waist height, put a changing pad on top, and voila, you have just created the perfect changing table! If you are worried about the changing pad slipping then add some stick on velcro to the table and pad. Now to you don't have to wonder what you are going to do with that changing table when your little one is potty trained!

Bottle and wipes warmer in one.

Bottle Warmers - Room temperature milk (breast or formula) will save you time, money (if you buy the warmer) and effort. If your baby insists on warm liquids, put your cold bottle in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes and then do a quick liquid-on-the-wrist test to check temperature.

Wipes Warmers - waste of money for whomever is buying it, waste of electricity using it and just a waste of effort warming wipes for a baby that probably wouldn't even notice the difference.

What items do you think should be left off of a baby registry? To see the rest of the items babble.com thinks you should leave off, please click HERE.

Funny List Of What To Know Before Getting Pregnant

2011-10-20T19:45:00.000-07:00

A very funny writer from The Stir named Aunt Becky wrote this hilarious list of things she wished someone would have told her before getting pregnant. I really think you will get a laugh out this, especially if you have already been pregnant. Enjoy!

1. People brag about getting knocked up on the first try. This is especially problematic when you're one of the lucky few (raises both hands) that doesn't.

2. Water can give you wicked heartburn.

3. Your growing belly will become public property. While it starts off as kinda cute, if you're one of those PERSONAL SPACE people, like me, it gets tiring.

4. Everyone wants to share their most horrifying birth stories -- especially if it's your first baby -- the moment you drop the "I'm knocked up" bomb. It's like they want to scare the crap out of you. Try and ignore them.

5. Your hormones are completely obnoxious. One night, as you're lying in bed, fetus kicking the crap out of your internal organs, you'll become obsessed with the idea of baby diapers and insist that your partner drag ass out of bed and go buy some.

6. Your liver can, in fact, be bruised by tiny baby feet. Feet that feel like bombs.

7. Your ass gets pregnant too.

8. Your toenails will grow at a ridiculous pace. However, you will not be able to cut them on your own.

9. Personal grooming will go from being well-put together to *sniff, sniff* GOOD ENOUGH.

10. If you have more than one child and are obviously pregnant, people will point out that "you're going to be busy." Restrain yourself from punching them. Mama doesn't need to go into labor in jail.

11. Everything will annoy you. This includes air, gravity, and everyone you've ever met.

12. You will obsess about going into labor 24/7 even though you know nothing feels like labor except, um, LABOR.

13. During the last weeks, take your phone off the hook and go offline. Because the constant bombardment of "HAVE YOU HAD THAT BABY YET?" will make you want to stab everyone in the eyeballs.

14. Unfortunately, not all pregnancies end in a happy birth. If you're in that group (raises both hands), please let me say how incredibly sorry I am.

15. You will realize how few things pregnant women can eat. Mostly because you'll begin craving them.

16. You may start lactating well before there's an actual baby. It's a good party trick (assuming you're still lively enough to party).

17. Your maternity underwear can be used as a sail for a boat. But only in an emergency.

18. Anyone who takes your super-secret baby name will become your mortal enemy.

19. Dessert will become a meal.

20. Pregnancy IS magical, but don't trust anyone who doesn't mention that parts of it suck. Hard.

Grandparent classes

2011-10-17T19:33:00.000-07:00

If you have found yourself telling your parents...they don’t do that anymore, those are illegal now, or we’ve been told to do something different, you are not alone. Although you probably will hear this following...”Well we did that and you turned out okay…”

Most likely you were put down to sleep on your tummy and you would never do that with your baby now. With new products on the market that didn’t exist when their own children were small, along with new safer way to handle babies, new grandparents can feel anxious about their skills.

Many hospitals around the country offer classes to give grandparents practical information along with emotional reassurance about their new role. These classes inform on such topics as recent obstetric and pediatric guidelines about labor, nursing, nutrition, swaddling, and sleeping; safety and finding the right high chair, strollers, cribs, diapers and many other products. Some classes include Infant CPR. These classes also emphasize the importance of properly installing a car seat, among other safety concerns. Yep, you most likely came home from the hospital in your mothers arms than in a safe car seat.

Along with baby safety there is an emotional part to the class. Nancy Sanchez, Community Relations Manager at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford, in Palo Alto, CA, said “Their role is not the parent of this new baby. They have to let go. Grandparenting is being there in the background, supporting the new parents.” It’s their baby,” she said. “Unless they ask for advice, don’t give it.”

When Ann Stark of Los Altos Hills, CA, became a new grandmother, she said taking the grandparent class was invaluable. “I saw how many things I had forgotten,” said Stark, who noticed the class’s emphasis on safety and “differences in child-rearing,” like “all the different rules,” such as “having the baby sleep on his back. It’s a different world now.”

I couldn't find any list of where these classes are offered, so I would check with your local hospital. To read more from Consumer Reports, please click HERE.

Would your parents attend these classes? Would you ask your parents to attend these classes?

What do you pay a babysitter?

2011-10-14T08:06:00.000-07:00

I had recently asked a few friends what they pay a babysitter. Here are some of their responses...
*Amber R - $10 an hour
*Rachel P - pays $15 for 3 kids
*Melanie M - pays $5 for each kid, but also thinks $7-$10 is good too.
*Natasha H - pays $8 plus tip
*Kelly E - $10 per hour
*Allison W - the mangiafico family said... we've had a part-time nanny all summer and now she is back to pepperdine to school... :o( i paid her $12/hour to help out with the twins.
i also recommend www.care.com for your sitter/nanny search!! good sitters/nannies are hard to find!

I have a neighbor as our babysitter but many I know have used babysitter websites such as Sittercity.com to find a sitter or a nanny. Click HERE or on the picture below for their website.

What do you pay your babysitter?

Halloween Inspired Baby Names

2011-10-13T09:12:00.000-07:00

My Swanky Baby last year on Halloween!
Isn't she the cutest mermaid?

Do you love Halloween so much that you wish you could name your baby after it? Well that might be a bit much, but these names might help you stick with your favorite holiday theme. I found this on Babycenter.com and had to pass it along to you.

Girl Names Boy Names

Autumn Bram

Candy Casper

Carrie                 Chucky
Cat/Kat/Kitty     Damien
Coco                   Edgar
Elvira                  Frank
Eve                     Freddy
Lolly                   Ichabod
Luna                   Igor
October              Jack
Raven                 Jason
Reese                  Leaf/Leif
Sabrina                Storm
Samantha            Treat
Tabitha
Tempest
Trixie
Tootsie

The New American Family

2011-10-12T19:25:00.000-07:00

While reading Parents magazine, I came across this article about the new American family. It had some interesting, surprising and not so surprising facts about the families living in the U.S. The information is from the latest US Census data. Here are some of the facts they listed.

The families are more diverse - The population of Hispanic and Asian children grew by 5.5 million, while white children fell by 4.3 million since 2000.

Median Family Income - The average income in 2009 was $62,363 where in 1990 it was $56,458.

Families Below Poverty Level - I am sad to even write this, but in 2009 it was 9.9%, but had been much higher in 1990 at 12%

Multi-Generational Households - The percentage of children under 18 who live in a house that includes a grandparent increased from 8% in 2001 to 10% in 2010.

Family Size - In 2009 the average American family size (not amount of kids) went up to 3.19 from 3.16 back in 1990.

Institution of Marriage - 44% of people 30 yrs old and under say that the institution of marriage is becoming obsolete. 37% believe it is obsolete for those over 30 years old.

Marriage Age - The median age of those going into their first marriage in 2010 was 28 yrs for men and 26 yrs for women. Back in 1990 it was 26 for men and 23 for women.

Stay-At-Home Mom Households - In 2010, 23% of the households with children younger than 15 had a stay-at-home mother. In 1990 it was 25%.

Both Parents Involved - Only 53% of adults 40 years and younger believe that a child needs a home with both a father and a mother present in their life to grow up happy. Compared that to 75% of those over 65 years believe that.

Married Households With Children - 21% of US households are married couples with children, down from 24% in 2000. Back in 1950 it was 43%.

Waiting To Start A Family - Women between 24-35 had 1.5 fewer children if they held a bachelor's degree than those women who held less than a high school degree.

Sleep - Working mothers sleep 3 fewer hours a week than those who are not employed outside the home.

Housing Costs - 22.8% of working households had to use more than half of their income on housing costs in 2009.

What do you think of these facts? Was there anything surprising to you?

Babies Switched At Birth Discovered 12 Years Later

2011-10-11T20:00:00.000-07:00

When Yuliya and Yuri Belyaeva were getting divorced, Yuri refused to pay child support and didn’t believe his daughter Irina – who looked nothing like him – was his child. A judge ordered a DNA test to find out, and the results showed Irina wasn’t either of theirs biologically.

Yuliya remembered that on the day she gave birth in December 1998, there was another woman in labor at the same time. Police located the other mother and after the DNA tests, it turned out the hospital switched the two babies’ name tags. As soon as she saw the other child, she knew she was her biological daughter.

The Belyaeva Family, Irina is in the middle.

Both families are planning to sue the hospital for 5m roubles (£101,000: $158,300). Because it’s been so long since the mix-up, they can’t press charges against any individual staff members who were involved.

The children, Anya and Irina, both want to continue to be raised by the parents they know and love. Please read more of this amazing story HERE.

Pouches For Homemade Baby Food

2011-10-10T10:39:00.000-07:00

Parents who make their own baby food will love these wonderful on-the-go pouches from Cherub Baby. These baby food pouches are very portable and disposable. Simply pour in baby food, seal, freeze, store, warm, serve and dispose or re-use!

From their website-

Pre-sterilised with tamper proof seal and ready for use straight out of the box
Extra strong easy pour double zip lock seal
Holds up to 150ml of baby food
Microwave, Bottle Warmer and Freezer safe

BPA, Phthalate and PVC Free

While you are out, you can simply add the 100% BPA free spoons

made to fit the pouches. The spoons also change color to clear if they are too hot! Love that!

Simply screw the spoon on and squeeze the pouch and baby food will dispense on the spoon. Easy!

You get 20 pouches for AUD $17.95. Unfortunately for some of us, the pouches are only found in Australia. I did see it on Ebay, but I am not sure if they will sell internationally.

Vintage Baby Ads

2011-10-07T18:08:00.000-07:00

Oh, the past. There are so many things past generations did that make us shake our heads, especially when it comes to baby care. It looks like advertisers of the past were not exactly leaders in baby safety care either.

The Huffpost.com posted some fun, yet incredibly crazy and scary vintage ads with babies in them. Here are a few of them, but you can see them all HERE.

The quote on her shirt- "Papa says it wont hurt us"!!

Sesame Street Special About Hunger

2011-10-06T12:58:00.000-07:00

Country star Brad Paisley and his wife Kimberly Williams-Paisley are the hosts of this Sunday's Sesame Street's special, called "Growing Hope Against Hunger." Sesame Street is also getting a new muppet named Lily, but she will only be on for their special that talks to children about poverty and hunger.

Lily is a 7-year-old who talks to viewers about insecurity over whether her family will have enough to eat. The puppet goes to a pantry for food and also volunteers there.
Everybody's gathered for a food drive near Hooper's store when, Lily, a new Muppet developed specifically for the show, reveals to Elmo that "sometimes I go with my family to the food pantry." Elmo is clearly jolted by the news. "Elmo never even has to think about where his next meal is coming from," he says.

The workshop's intent was to show a positive message, so it doesn't touch many of the really depressing aspects of childhood hunger — the fatigue, the headaches, the malnutrition, the inability to focus in school.

Just in the last couple of years, the Workshop has created specials about parents losing a job and how children grieve after a parent dies. Jeanette Betancourt, an executive with Sesame Street, says the show invents new Muppets occasionally, mostly to help with social issues. Four years ago a Muppet was created for a special on military families at a time of war.

You can watch the special this Sunday, Oct 9th on PBS.

SIDS Awareness Month

2011-10-05T14:21:00.000-07:00

October is SIDS Awareness Month and many states use the month to raise awareness of SIDS. Some states may call it "Infant Safe Sleep Month," or "SIDS, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month."

To help keep your baby safe, "back to sleep" is the rule to follow. The information given below is from the IMPACT (Infant Mortality Policy and Communication Tools) website.

"Back to Sleep" - In 1992, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a statement recommending that healthy infants be placed for sleep on their sides or backs. The national "Back to Sleep" campaign was launched in 1994 by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development as a joint effort involving the U.S. Public Health Service, American Academy of Pediatrics, Association of SIDS and Infant Mortality Programs, and First Candle/SIDS Alliance. Since 1994, it has been estimated that SIDS rates have declined by more than 50%.

To help keep your baby safe, please follow these safe sleep steps given from IMPACT:

Always place your baby on his or her back to sleep, for naps and at night. The back sleep position is the safest, and every sleep time counts.
Place your baby on a firm sleep surface, such as on a safety-approved* crib mattress, covered by a fitted sheet. Never place your baby to sleep on pillows, quilts, sheepskins, or other soft surfaces.
Keep soft objects, toys, and loose bedding out of your baby's sleep area. Don't use pillows, blankets, quilts, sheepskins, and pillow-like crib bumpers in your baby's sleep area, and keep any other items away from your baby's face.
Do not allow smoking around your baby. Don't smoke before or after the birth of your baby, and don't let others smoke around your baby.
Keep your baby's sleep area close to, but separate from, where you and others sleep. Your baby should not sleep in a bed or on a couch or armchair with adults or other children, but he or she can sleep in the same room as you. If you bring the baby into bed with you to breastfeed, put him or her back in a separate sleep area, such as a bassinet, crib, cradle, or a bedside cosleeper (infant bed that attaches to an adult bed) when finished.
Think about using a clean, dry pacifier when placing the infant down to sleep, but don't force the baby to take it. (If you are breastfeeding your baby, wait until your child is 1 month old or is used to breastfeeding before using a pacifier.)
Do not let your baby overheat during sleep. Dress your baby in light sleep clothing, and keep the room at a temperature that is comfortable for an adult.
Avoid products that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS because most have not been tested for effectiveness or safety.
Do not use home monitors to reduce the risk of SIDS. If you have questions about using monitors for other conditions talk to your health care provider.
Reduce the chance that flat spots will develop on your baby's head: provide "Tummy Time" when your baby is awake and someone is watching; change the direction that your baby lies in the crib from one week to the next; and avoid too much time in car seats, carriers, and bouncers.
View NICHD's safe sleep information.

Please pass this information on to those that are with a newborn or expecting. Be safe!

Letters To Lions

2011-10-04T18:42:00.000-07:00

Dereck and Beverly Joubert

Sadly, lions in Africa are in danger of extinction. Dereck and Beverly Joubert want your kids to help them save these lions. These filmmakers and National Geographic Exploreres-in-Residence will deliver all the letters to African leaders to let them know how important lions are to kids everywhere.

How can your kids help?

1. Have your kids write a letter to lions telling them what they mean to your kids. Include drawings of lions if you want. Their letter should be no more than 250 words long and must be their original work.

2. Print out, read the permission form, and parents must sign it. They would like your permission to print the letters and drawings and feature some of them on their websites.

3. Mail your letter, artwork, and signed permission form to:
National Geographic
Digital Media - Kids
M-4430
1145 17th St., NW
Washington, DC 20036

Selection for publication will be at the discretion of the Jouberts and National Geographic Society. Submissions become the property of the National Geographic Society and the Big Cats Initiative and all rights are transferred to the NGS. Submissions cannot be acknowledged or returned.

Please visit the National Geographic webpage HERE for more information on this.

Apptivity Case

2011-10-03T14:12:00.000-07:00

If you like finding fun apps for your baby to play with on your iphone, but hate all the drool and scratches they get all over it, this is for you.

Fisher Price has created the Apptivity Case for the iPhone and iTouch devices. The case will protect them from dribbles, drool, and unwanted call-making. Busy beads and a mirror add baby-appropriate play. Your device locks securely inside case to protect against teething and unwanted pressing of home button.
The Apptivity Case is compatible with:
iPhone®, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4
iPod touch® 2nd, 3rd & 4th generation

The case is sold for $14.99 and you can buy it HERE!

Weird Pregnancy Cravings

2011-09-30T18:59:00.000-07:00

Parenting.com asked moms what their strange and weird pregnancy cravings were. Here are some of the crazy things these mom to be's indulged in.

"I have cravings for apple juice and fried chicken wings with ranch, but thankfully not together." -lena241

"One week I ate ONLY chicken quesadillas - Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner." -HarperKsMommy

"My one and only really weird craving was pickle juice. I would drink it right out of the jar. Gross right? My husband always laughed when he saw a full jar of pickles with no juice." -ra11en

"Ketchup on everything. I don't normally like ketchup." -Mommy2Beans

"I craved AWFUL foods - Twix, and pretzels stuffed with cheese." -WWmama

"I craved deep fried cheese (mozzarella sticks/cheese nuggets) with milk throughout the entire pregnancy with my first." -clgleason08

"Potatoes. Baked, scalloped, mashed, whatever it doesn't matter. I love them." -JWills

"French fries thru the whole thing ... root beer like you wouldn't believe." -MamaT

You can read the all the cravings HERE from Parenting.com. What was your weird pregnancy craving?

What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag

2011-09-29T19:40:00.000-07:00

As you are getting closer to the big day you are starting to plan out what to take in your bag. Remember, pack early! Babble.com put out a list of all the things you should take with you. Check it out..

Your Stuff

Labor clothes (a big old t-shirt or something made for the occasion) unless you’re fine in a hospital gown (or naked). Consider that things may get pretty… dirty.
Nightclothes, robe, slippers or warm socks and underwear– maybe buy a 6-pack of super cheap granny underwear for the first couple weeks postpartum and then toss them.
Maternity or very loose clothes to wear home
Comfortable support bra or nursing bra
Toiletries (especially toothbrush/paste and lip balm as lips tend to get very chapped during labor)

Baby Stuff

Infant car seat: required to take baby home from hospital
Weather-appropriate clothing for your newborn
Socks/booties/hat (some of which may be given to you at hospital)
Cotton “receiving” or swaddling blankets (you will also get some from the hospital)

Other stuff

Insurance card and any hospital papers you have filled out
Birth plan, if you have one
Any labor support aids: ipod, headphones, birthing ball, pillow (some hospitals can be stingy on extras) and any other comfort props you like such as a massager, ginger candies for nausea or an calming essential oil or hot water bottle/heating pad/ice pack from the drug store to use on mom’s lower back.
Stuff for partner (change of clothes/shirt, toiletries, bathing suit if he or she will get in shower/tub with you)
Camera, film/charged batteries/tapes
Phone and any phone numbers of people you may want to call (pre-paid phone card for long-distance calls using hospital phone if you think this is necessary.)
Protein snacks and drinks with electrolytes such as Gatorade (and maybe some bendy straws so mom can sip a drink from any position); any snacks for your partner or special treats to enjoy after the birth! Champagne! Chocolates!

The one thing I would add to this list is a bathroom air freshner. Restroom trips after giving birth can remain, um.. unpleasant and you'll be happy to freshen the bathroom up especially with all those visitors you'll be having.

What would you add to this hospital bag list?

Asos Maternity Clothes

2011-09-28T18:58:00.000-07:00

The fun blog DesignMom.com posted about Asos, a wonderful shopping site that has a maternity line. I agree, they are cute, so I had to share with you too! They have jeans & pants, tops, jackets, dresses, lingerie and swimwear.

Check out these adorable maternity outfits...

Did you like the maternity clothes you wore? If you have a favorite clothing line you wore, please share with us!

Mommy Tummy

2011-09-26T19:40:00.000-07:00

The Mommy Tummy a wearable system that gives women and men a taste of what it would feel like to have a bun in the oven. The specially designed vest balloons to inflate breast growth, a water bag over the belly fills with water and air actuators mimic the sensation of kicking. Unlike real pregnancies, the Mommy Tummy's gestation period lasts two minutes.

Enjoy the Mommy Tummy in action (from YouTube)...

Ok, I'll admit I don't know any man that would actually put this on. For those of us who have been pregnant and wished our husbands knew what it all felt like (for extra sympathy, of course!), this would have been perfect! The vest was developed by researchers at Japan's Kanagawa Institute of Technology, and most likely will not be found in the US.

I have to ask. Would your husband wear this? Would you have worn this before you were pregnant?

Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey

2011-09-25T20:01:00.000-07:00

The hit of this year’s Sundance Film Festival is Constance Marks’ documentary Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey. The film is about Kevin Clash, the puppeteer behind the most famous Sesame Street character ever, Elmo. The film is narrated by Whoopi Goldberg and won the Special Jury Prize at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.

Kevin Clash, the creator of Elmo, dreamt of working with his idol Jim Henson ever since he was a little boy. After working on different television shows from a teenager, Clash had finally found a spot on Sesame Street. Clash is the puppeteer of Elmo, Hoots the Owl, and Baby Natasha.

In this documentary, Clash tells of his inspirations and obstacles he had trying to become a puppeteer. From early on, he had his sights set on being part of Jim Henson’s team. The documentary has received high marks and is definitely worth seeing.

Starting October 21 through early 2012 this documentary will be touring the US. You can view the schedule HERE. If you would like to see the trailer, please click HERE.