LilSugar

The Gifted Baby: Six Month Old

LilSugar — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 05:00:26 -0800

Babies may like the wrapping paper better than the present, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't put thought into their gifts. Six-month-olds are really beginning to explore their surroundings so it is a great time to introduce them to toys that stimulate their senses.

Whether the tot needs a distraction in his high chair or if he just likes moving things around, the Double Bubble Suction Cup Maze will keep him entertained while developing his hand and eye coordination.
Leapfrog's Baby Tad helps introduce the alphabet to lil ones and is easy for them to use. It attaches directly to strollers and car seats, preventing baby from throwing it on the ground.
Babies love music, so the lights and sounds that come out of the Fisher Price Little Superstar Sing-Along Stage should keep a babe's attention for a while. The toy is designed to grow with the tot, from just listening to singing along and performing in front of the mirror.
The Playskool: Busy Basics - Busy Ball Popper is a bit noisy, but loads of fun. The sound of the balls popping out of the machine and the chaos they create will keep your little one mesmerized for hours.
The six-month-old in your life is teething, the Winkel Toy is the ideal gift to keep him happy. With tons of soft tubes and a rattle to make noise, your tot will have plenty to gnaw on.
Like stacking toys of yore, the Safari Animal Stacker teaches size and sequencing with the added fun of six plush jungle animals.

Simple or Swank: Rockers

babysugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 05:00:00 -0700

Preparing for baby number two has got me nesting and reconfiguring nurseries and bedrooms. Not wanting to spend a huge amount on another glider, I started searching for a comfortable yet modern rocker for my toddler's bedroom. If I had the extra money, I might splurge on the sassy brown swank chair, as the padded arms look quite comfy. But my thrifty brain steers me otherwise.

Simple: At $149, Ikea's Lillberg rocker would suit a traditional, modern or artsy type child's room. Add some punch to the white cushions with sprightly decorative pillows.
Swank: If money is no object, the $900 Sleepytime Rocker is sure to send your tot into sweet dreams. The microsuede fabric makes it easy to clean and cozy to lounge on. If brown doesn't suit your fancy, you can have it custom made with the upholstery of your choosing.

Price aside, which one do you prefer?

Guess the Object

babysugar — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 04:00:00 -0800

This polka dotted object has a purpose that serves to tidy up an already clean area. Can you guess what it is?

Pimp Your Crib: Bunny Ends

babysugar — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 05:00:06 -0800

My daughter has accumulated quite a little library of books for such a small person. Her bookcase cannot squeeze one more Sandra Boynton book onto its shelves. As I have started to use other spaces in her room, I quickly realized I needed something to keep the books in place.

I found a pair of soft leather book ends at Giggle for $50. While that is a bit pricey, I think of them as a long term investment. Available in five peppy colors, they are modern enough for your child to keep them in his or her room for years to come.

Last Call For Gifts!

babysugar — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 08:00:33 -0800

Snap out of it Mama! Santa Claus is on his way! Rather than rushing around like a mad woman for those last minute gifts, fill your stockings and stuff some envelopes with a treat that everyone can use – gift cards!

Your expectant friend: A gift card to Giggle will most certainly be appreciated. She can buy anything from layettes and fancy highchairs to bedding and bottles to get ready for her new arrival.

To see more gift card ideas, read more.

The mom who is knee–deep in lunch boxes and backpacks: She could probably use a gift card to Target. The card is sure to be a bulls-eye for this mom. She can load up on toys, books, and clothes for her lil rascals. And, she can probably sneak in something for herself, too.
The godson/niece/nephew: The older kids who appreciate music, television, and movies will be stoked to get an iTunes gift card. They can either put it towards buying an iPod Shuffle or buying music or videos. Plus, you'll be the cool aunt for the rest of the holidays.
Your right hand woman: And for that friend you just don't know what you would do without but you somehow forgot to buy her something, hand over a green card – an American Express gift card. She can do whatever she wants with it – buy a plane ticket to get away from you and your kids or go to a spa.

All of these cards are available for purchase online, which is the beauty of waiting until the last minute. But, you can also buy many of them at national grocery chains like Safeway and Kroger.

Now hurry and get those presents wrapped. Happy Christmas Eve!

Ecotot: Beans

LilSugar — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 09:00:04 -0800

If you've got kids that love playing trucks, these streamline designed "beans" will keep them safely occupied for hours. Made of sustainably harvested Vermont maple wood and lead-free paint, these non-toxic, Eco-friendly toys literally buy parents a piece of mind. The Big Bean Fire Engine($28), Lil Bean Taxi ($24), and Big Bean School Bus ($28) are ergonomically constructed to be handled by small hands. So you won't have to worry about fingers being crushed or sharp corners catching foreheads. And, the beans durable build hold up to just about any pile of sand or dirt the driver needs it to tackle.

Simple or Swank: Highchairs

babysugar — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 08:00:39 -0800

With so many highchairs out there in babyland, it's hard to choose one. The chic minimalist design seems to be quite popular these days. And, while highchair makers have taken note, the price tags on some of these bad boys run upwards of $400. We looked around and found two that look similar and serve the same purpose. Both are nicely designed, simple to store, and will complement the decor in any home.

Simple: IKEA has the Antilop chair ($18), which is a simple white plastic chair on four steel legs with a strap. Moms love it because there's no cushion or creases to mess up.

Swank: The sassy Nano highchair ($180) from Giggle has a similar look but lots more features and costs ten times as much. The bells and whistles include a tray, foot rest, and a micro-leather seat available in four fun colors. The chair also folds flat so you can store it in a corner.

Marcia Cross Gives Thanks Early This Year

babysugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:30:53 -0800

Known as the buttoned-up and tightly wound kitchen queen on Desperate Housewives, Marcia Cross appears to be quite the opposite when seen about town toting her two tots to the local playground for a swing in the park or a roll in the grass. Though the multitasking mum certainly has her hands full and plenty of mouths to feed in her own home, the drama mama took time out of her Sunday afternoon to dish on motherhood, balancing a career, her fortunate life and how she gives back to the community.

How do you teach your children about giving back?

I have to be very honest and say that I'm in this very strange interim of wanting the world to seem like this perfect lovely place because they're 2-and-a-half... to then introducing them to the idea that other people have less. It's going to start soon, I think around the holidays. The way I try to do it is in simple ways. I have things in the house and I say, "Why don't we give this to so and so?" And I will say somebody else's child and "If you're finished with that, why don't you give that to so and so?" I've noticed that they'll come up with that on their own now, which makes me so happy... I can't yet go to the place where there are other kids that are hungry... maybe in another year. I don't know exactly. I think just teaching empathy and then teaching giving in that sort of way is how I've started and hopefully it will grow from there in terms of how lucky we are... We say Grace and we say prayers at night. Prayers to me is just sitting around and saying what you're grateful for. One answer that my daughter Eden says all the time, which I love, is "Outside," which is such a beautiful thing to say thank you for, which we take for granted.

What kinds of things do the girls do to make you laugh?

My girls are really funny. They're actually little jokesters. They do twists on words already, or I call them my little minxies. They dance, they do imitations of other kids dancing, they make up songs, they make up lyrics. It's all so silly but I think every mother just adores their own child and I'm the same way. They make me laugh all the time.

To see what the striking redhead has to say about balancing motherhood and her career, her character Bree, and what she is most thankful for, read more.

Are there any similarities between Bree and Marcia Cross?

Wow. I wish there were more because she's so organized and such the domestic diva, which I am not. But I think in her own twisted way, Bree has a big heart and a passion for life. Although, I'm thinking about what she's doing right now and we don't have that in common... she's having a little extra passion right now (giggle). At the moment, I'm going to say there's a little less in common than more.

How do you raise your kids and have a career?

I think some days I do it more gracefully than others. And other days it takes its tolls. Like any parent, I go through times where things are going great and then I have a week where both of my daughters are sick and so I'm trying to juggle work and home-life and it's hard and it's stressful and I think it would be unrealistic to say otherwise. I think that mothers manage an incredible workload. Whether you're a stay-at-home mother or you have a job as well, it's a very full life and certainly one that I dreamed about and always wanted. And even given that there are days that are challenging, because you can only be in so many places at once... whether it's at work or with your kids, or sometimes you just really want a nap so it's a full-time job.

What are you thankful for?

Health. Health of my family, health of my friends, health of my parents, who thank God, are still with me. I'm grateful that I have a family that I always dreamed about. I'm grateful for the job that I have. I get to do what I love. I'm grateful that I get the opportunity to be a spokesperson for things I feel are important.

This Thanksgiving, Marcia is encouraging all Facebook mommies to go to My Chinet's Facebook page where they can pick a plate, decorate it and show it on their profile page. By doing this, mommy will feed her soul and donate to the cause of filling someone else's stomach this holiday season.

What Do You Do to Make Your Tot LOL?

babysugar — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:00:23 -0700

Mamas will do just about anything to get a good giggle out of their lil one. When the standard laugh inducing gestures don't earn as much as a smile, jumping up and down, tearing newspaper, and singing "Jingle Bells" in August might just do the trick. The mother in the clip above said she hopped around the kitchen like a rabbit, sending her young lad into hysterics.

What antics do you employ to get your babe to LOL?

Join our Sugarbabies group over in the LilSugar Community and share your pictures and videos! Your little darlings could be featured on the site.

Love Your Leading Tot in Full Uniform Costumes

babysugar — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:00:54 -0700

There's something about a man, er child, in a uniform. If mama thinks she loves fleet week for the handsome sailors, imagine her reaction when she dresses her babe up in the pressed navy gear. If her lad prefers land over sea, mommy can check out the fireman and sheriff attire for a different line of duty. And what is sure to deliver some giggles and smiles? The postal service uniform complete with a satchel and hat. The UPS tot is also guaranteed to provide some hardy laughter in all the "brown" apparel. If the youngster is obsessed with band-aids and stethoscopes, bust out the scrubs and some gloves for a costume that will have mom swooning over her own lil McDreamy.

Which uniform do you like best for tiny trick-or-treaters?