LilSugar

Blast Back From the Past: Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine

LilSugar — Tue, 05 May 2009 14:18:09 -0700

I have a friend who loves to tell me about the time she convinced her aunt to buy her the Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine, only to have her mom immediately take it back to the store because she had been forbidden to have it. With Spring in the air and the hint of a warm Summer to come, I am always reminded of her story when I see lil ones lining up at the ice cream truck for their rainbow snow cones.

The Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine ($17) is still being made and looks just like the original one from the early '80s (though the plastic is not quite as sturdy this time around). While it does require a lot of work to grind up the ice, the kit comes with favored syrups/mixes and an ice scoop shovel for making authentic icy treats that will have tots lining up on your doorstep on humid days.

Ecotot: Gorgeous Garments From Sarah Waldo Organics

LilSugar — Tue, 05 May 2009 04:00:00 -0700

There are enough cute organic t-shirts out there to fill a closet, but when an eco-conscience mama is looking for something a bit more stylish, the options are limited. That's what makes Sarah Waldo Organics, so refreshing and fabulous. Using organic natural fibers, such as cotton, silk and wool, and using plant based dyes, Waldo has designed a line that leaves me craving more though it costs a pretty penny. The Gabby dress ($144), shown here, has natural shell flower-shaped buttons, button cuff sleeves and a-line skirt, all begging for a tea party or special occasion this Spring.

Bike Safety 101: Get Your Wee One Riding

LilSugar — Fri, 01 May 2009 08:00:24 -0700

Pump up those tires and strap a helmet on your tot, today marks the the first day of National Bike Month! One of the most popular physical activities for kids, the health benefits of biking are second to none. In addition to keeping children outside and in shape, biking helps develop lil ones' hand-eye-coordination and sense of balance. Even the littlest ones in the family can share in the benefits, but it is imperative to start them off safely. Bike safety skills should be taught the first time a wee one sits on a trike and insisting a helmet be worn is an easy way to set the standard.

According to Safe Kids USA, "Each year, more than 130 children die from bicycle-related injuries, and more than 280,000 are treated in emergency rooms. Properly fitted bike helmets could reduce the risk of bike-related brain injuries by 88 percent; however, only 15 to 25 percent of cyclists ages 14 and under usually wear a helmet."

To ensure that your kids are as safe as can be on their bikes, Safe Kids recommends:

Make sure the helmet fits and your kids know how to put it on correctly. In a crash, the risk of head injury is doubled if the helmet is worn incorrectly. A helmet should sit on top of the head in a level position, and should not rock forward and backward or side to side. The helmet straps must always be buckled but not too tightly.
Remember bike helmets are for biking. Kids should not wear bike helmets on the playground (where the straps can get caught on equipment and cause injury) or for activities that require specialized helmets (such as skiing or football).
Know the law. In 19 states, the District of Columbia and more than 140 local jurisdictions, children under 16 are required by law to wear a helmet while riding a bike. In some jurisdictions, the helmet law also applies to scooters, inline skates and skateboards.

For additional bike safety tips, read more.

Make sure the bike itself is the right size for the child. There should be 2-4 inches of clearance between the bike frame and the child’s groin when the child’s feet are flat on the ground. Also, make sure the bike is in good repair - reflectors are secure, brakes work properly, gears shift smoothly, and tires are tightly secured and properly inflated.
Ride on the right side of the road, with traffic, not against. Stay as far to the right as possible.
Use appropriate hand signals.
Respect traffic signals, stopping at all stop signs and stop lights.
Stop and look left, right and left again before entering a street or crossing an intersection. Look back and yield to traffic coming from behind before turning left.
Adult supervision of child cyclists is essential until you are sure a child has good traffic skills and judgment.
Cycling should be restricted to sidewalks and paths until a child is age 10.
Children should be able to demonstrate riding competence and knowledge of the rules of the road before they cycle with traffic.
Children should not ride a bicycle when it is dark, in the fog or in other low-visibility conditions.
If riding at dusk, dawn or in the evening is unavoidable, use a light on the bike and make sure it has reflectors as well.
Wear clothes and accessories that incorporate retroreflective materials to improve your visibility to motorists.

Source

Kiddie Wellness: Fifth Disease

LilSugar — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 14:29:36 -0700

Spring brings about a new set of cooties and concerns for parents of preschoolers. In addition to tree and pollen allergies, mamas need to be on the lookout for Fifth disease. A contagious virus, Fifth disease typically takes its form as a rash on a child's face – often referred to as a "slapped-cheek" rash – as well as a lacy-looking rash on the body's trunk and limbs accompanied by a low-grade fever.

According to A.D.A.M.:

Fifth disease is caused by human parvovirus B19. It often affects preschoolers or school-age children during the Spring. The disease is spread by contact with respiratory secretions and usually return for 5 days. However, the rash associated with fifth disease may return for several weeks. Return of the rash may be brought on by sunlight, heat, exercise, fever, or emotional stress.

Unfortunately, the virus is considered contagious before the rash appears, so most parents are unaware that their child is sick at that point, and continue to send their lil ones to school. While the virus does not require any treatment other than a fever reducer, it is important that pregnant women who come in contact with it contact their doctors immediately as it can have a negative affect on unborn children.

Source

Texts and Tunes: Spring Into Reading

babysugar — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 05:00:00 -0700

Since today is the first day of Spring, I thought I'd suggest some cheery, floral laden books for your tot's library.

To see a few of our family faves, read more.

Bunny Kisses ($10): A take on Pat the Bunny, this board book has a "kiss" button that your wee one will delight in pushing at every page.
Wake Up! It's Spring! ($16): As the sun warms the earth, lil creatures from all over are ready to shout, "Spring is here!" The sweet story truly is a blissful celebration of Spring.
It's Spring ($8): Linda Glaser wrote this delightful tale that beautifully illustrates welcoming Spring. The paper–cut images are inspiring for young artists. And at the end of the story, the author provides a list of outdoor activities for youngsters.
Caterpillar Spring, Butterfly Summer ($8): A smart way to introduce your tot to nature and the transition of seasons, this brightly crafted text shows a caterpillar's adventure as he starts as a tiny thing and turns into a beauteous winged creature.
Planting a Rainbow ($7): Help jump start your babe's color knowledge and green thumb by reading this vibrant tale to your sweetheart. Soon enough, the whole family will enjoy a jaunt in the garden.

Look Who's Expecting: Tiffani Thiessen and Brady Smith

babysugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:42:13 -0800

It looks like the Peach Pitt clan has another baby to add to the brood. Actress Tiffani Thiessen and hubby Brady Smith are expecting their first baby this Spring. Her rep told People:

We are over the moon! It's something we've wanted for a long time and we are thrilled that it's actually happening.

It wasn't that long ago when the mama-to-be chatted about putting motherhood on hold for her career. She said, "I don’t want to spring a pregnancy on a brand new show that I just got on." Well, apparently her secret has sprung and now we'll have to wait and see how they manage her bump into the White Collars story line. Will they work it into her character or hide it away behind bags and pizza boxes?

Little Maven Gets Up Close and Personal During Fashion Week

babysugar — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:00:46 -0700

Not one to miss out on parties or fabulous clothing, mother Tori Spelling is doing her part to make sure Little Maven has its piece of the Fashion Week pie. The always entertaining mama of two is taking time out of her NYC trip to meet and greet fans of her clothing line at Bloomingdale's this Saturday, Sept. 12. And because she knows that the moms of fashion-forward tots may like a juicy read, she's bringing buckets of her top-selling book Mommywood. Lucky ladies who have time to saunter may also catch a glimpse of Ben Harper and David Arquette as they do their Fashion Week thing just a floor away. How's that for signed, sealed, and delivered?

Rachel Zoe Puts Pedialyte on Ice to Get Through Fashion Week

LilSugar — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 07:07:06 -0700

It turns out stylist Rachel Zoe doesn't just know how to dress a pregnant woman, she also knows how to use kid products to heal an aching adult body. The style maven put a photo on twitpic of Pedialyte on ice from Fashion Week, which got me thinking about grown-ups using goodies formulated for kids.

Pedialyte is an electrolyte drink that was "specifically designed to replace fluids and minerals (electrolytes) that are lost when a child has diarrhea with or without vomiting," but many adults - especially athletes - use it to replenish their bodies after times of stress, sickness and electrolyte loss. I've been known to snack on the Cliff Kid Z Bar instead of the jumbo-sized meal replacement Cliff bar, but I can't say I've used Pedialyte as a remedy.

While food and medicine made for little bodies don't offer us adults the full nutrition we need, I know many parents who pop a Children's Tylenol every now and again or steal beauty products from their kids. Do you ever use products intended for tots?

Guess the Couture Mama

LilSugar — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 05:00:09 -0700

When it comes to dressing their children, these mamas don't have to worry about running to the mall for last minute items. Many of the fashion world's most talented designers consider their children and grandchildren their lucky charms when it comes to showing off their latest collections – bringing them onto the runway at the conclusion of their shows. See if you can guess which couture kids go with which designing women.

Question 1 of 8

Which fashionable mommy brought all three of her tots, including her newborn son, onto the runway to close out her show?

Cybex 2.Go Combines Best of All Baby Carriers

LilSugar — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 04:00:30 -0700

Wear your baby in style! Though Baby Bjorn made carriers mainstream, companies like Ergo, LilleBaby and Belle, not to mention all of the sling manufacturers, have given mothers many options.

When we took our first look at the European import Cybex last Spring, we were interested in the 2.Go baby carrier – a cross between the Baby Bjorn and Ergo that comes in bright colors. Working with orthopedists and midwives, the company designed the carrier to place 70 percent of the weight distribution on the hips, rather than the back and shoulders. With five different carrying positions – allowing parents to use it when their child is between eight and 40 pounds – the 2.Go proves versatile.

To see what really impressed us, as well as some photos of how the 2.Go works, read more.

The 2.Go's seat and headrest can be expanded to accommodate growing bodies - with a simple unzip, the seat converts into the spread-squat position that doctors recommend for infants. The zipper can also be closed to move the hips closer together for older tots. The well-padded straps didn't dig into my shoulders and the removable bib made for easy laundering. The all-in-one carrier also makes it an economical purchase for mamas tightening their purse strings!

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