LilSugar

Summer's Last Hurrah at the County Fair

babysugar — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:00:48 -0700

As much as I hate to see Summer go, I don't mind bidding it adieu with one last hurrah at the local county fair. Tall enough to enjoy the rides on her own, my daughter grasped onto her tickets and ran for the shiny roller coasters pumping her arms up and down like she'd won the lotto. Thinking she needed easing, we put her on the most juvenile ladybug ride first, which turned out to be a bust as she yelled, "Stop!" most of the way. Thinking we just wasted our money on 12 more tickets, she was fired up and ready to go on the more adventurous rides. Trusting her instincts, we let her. She rode an alligator roller coaster and a flying dragon all on her lonesome and had the time of her life. The only thing that could top her joy rides was some good old fair food - sure to clog arteries and ruin one's clothes. Having worked up her appetite, we treated her to a corn dog and a fat chocolate ice cream cone. Next up on the list - pumpkin patch!

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Healthy Ring Pops Quench a Kiddo's Thirst

LilSugar — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 05:00:32 -0700

Kids love ring pops, but the wearable lollipops aren't the healthiest of treats. Offer your child an alternative to the sticky, sugary favorite by investing in a jug of fresh squeezed juice and some ring Popsicle molds ($10). Perfect for a lil princess party or to bestow frozen jewels on the wee royalty in your home, these treats take just moments to prep and a few hours in the freezer to harden.

Check out some of our favorite kid-friendly designs including a push-pop mold and a Lego-inspired one. When you are ready to make a batch for your next moms' night out, check out this creative adult option - a bust of Daniel Craig.

When Poop Hits the Pool

babysugar — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0700

Any child of the 80s will have a hard time forgetting the Baby Ruth scene from Caddyshack. But contrary to Bill Murray's declaration, it is a big deal when a tot poops in a pool. The dark matter can spread bacteria like E. Coli and Hepatitis A, parasites or other germs. A thick unbroken stool is often better than a diarrhea type disaster, but in either instance, moms should notify other swimmers and the lifeguard. Unfortunately everyone will have to get out of the water while the matter is removed and chlorine levels are tested and adjusted but at least the chances of infecting others is decreased.

An embarrassing experience for the child and her mother, some moms choose to take their tyke and run, never notifying the pool keeper of the accident. Others put the alert out and cause everyone to get out for at least a small break, if not longer. What would you do if your babe went number two in the pool?
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The Summer Season Itch: Sea Lice

LilSugar — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:00:13 -0700

Just the word lice makes a mom itch. Parents normally reserve their fear of infestation for the school year when notices are slipped into backpacks or during the warm months when camps send warning. Trips to the beach aren't normally on a mother's radar because the lice kids acquire there isn't the head-to-head type, but rather sea lice, tiny irritations from ocean larvae, also known as seabather's eruption. According to WebMD:

Shortly after being stung, a swimmer may complain of skin discomfort. The rash develops in a few minutes to 12 hours after swimming. The rash consists of raised, hard or soft bumps, or blisters of different shapes and sizes that appear very red and may be extremely itchy. The larvae can become trapped in the fabric of a swimsuit, under swim caps and fins, and along the cuff edges of wet suits and T-shirts. The rash often appears in areas of the body that were covered.

Thimble jellyfish and Sea anemone are usually the offenders. While sea lice normally goes away within two weeks without medical treatment, there are suggestions for how parents can treat their children at home. To see the recommendations, read more.

Do not rub your skin. If larvae are on your skin, rubbing will cause them to sting.

Remove your swimsuit as soon as possible. Since larvae can become trapped in the fabric of your suit, it is important to remove a contaminated suit to prevent more stings. If possible, rinse your suit in household vinegar or rubbing alcohol. Wash your suit in hot, soapy water and dry it in a dryer, if possible, before you wear it again.

Shower with fresh water. Apply soap and vigorously scrub your skin. Do not shower with a contaminated suit on. If larvae are trapped in the fabric of a suit, a freshwater shower will cause the larvae to sting.

Take an antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine, or apply hydrocortisone cream (1 percent) to help control itching. Note: do not use the cream on children younger than age 2 unless your doctor tells you to. Do not use in the rectal or vaginal area in children younger than age 12 unless your doctor tells you to. Also, don't give antihistamines to your child unless you've checked with the doctor first.

Use an ice pack to help relieve pain.

Keep the rash clean. Wash it every day with soap and water.

Tubes Out of Water: Four Million Floats Recalled

LilSugar — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:56:53 -0700

Get the kiddie tubes out of the pool! Before you set your child out to sail in the swimming pool, check out the more than four million flotation devices that have been recalled by Chinese manufacturer, Aqua-Leisure. The company makes many of the popular water items sold for between $8 - $15 at national retailers like Toys R Us, Kmart, Target and Walgreens. Though no injuries have been reported (likely because parents were supervising their children), 31 incidents of the leg straps tearing and causing tots to fall into or under the water were filed. If you have one of these inflatable devices, discontinue use and contact the company for a full refund.

What Are You Most Excited to Do With Your Kids This Summer?

babysugar — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 04:00:00 -0700

Schools all over the country are getting ready to close their doors for the next few months. When that final bell rings, teachers and their pupils may celebrate, but some mommies are more concerned with figuring out what to do with their kids during the time. Some families heading to the local pool to soak up the sun or ship their youngsters off to camp.

My working mama always looked forward to taking a couple weeks off for our monumental road trips. I, too, can't wait to pack up my wee ones for a family holiday that will include hiking, swimming, and biking. What are you most excited to do with your children this Summer?

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Off to Camp We Go!

babysugar — Mon, 18 May 2009 14:00:00 -0700

After spending a weekend in camp country, I got nostalgic about the old beat up camp trunk I took on my childhood trips. Camps usually send a list to parents to help them prepare their kiddos for the weeks away from home, but it helps to have a second checklist to cross-reference so mama feels good about putting her sweet babe on the bus. Print this roster out and get to folding!

The Basics:

Towels
Sheets
Sneakers
Swim shoes

To see the rest, read more.

Flip-flops
Hat
Shorts
T-shirts
Jeans
Sweatshirt or fleece for chilly nights
Sweatpants
Underwear
Pajamas
Raincoat
Socks
Swimsuit
Swim coverup
Dresses or clothes for camp dances

Toiletries:

Shampoo and conditioner
Soap
Toothpaste and toothbrush
Dental floss
Deodorant
Hairbrush
Hair clips, headbands, rubberbands, etc.
Hair dryer
Laundry bag to place all dirty clothes
Q-tips and cotton balls
Nail clippers
Sunscreen
Bug repellent

Personal Miscellaneous Items:

Camera and film
Batteries
Water bottle
Sleeping bag
Flashlight
Cards, books and other games
Music player with headphones
Band-aids
Sports gear - tennis racket, baseball glove, helmets or knee pads if the camp doesn't provide them
A protective cup for sporty boys
Stationery, pens and stamps so they can write home!

Source

What to Pack in Mama's Beach Tote

babysugar — Mon, 18 May 2009 12:00:00 -0700

Now that we've got the tots ready to wade in the surf, let's think about what mom needs to bring. Mums heading to the shore should be prepared for some sandy sun time while also arming themselves with sun blocking tools.

Mommy needs sunscreen. We don't want those babes to get too sun-kissed. To enjoy an exhausting day on the bay, kids need to stay hydrated and fueled. Whip up some peanut butter and jelly sammies and toss in a few pieces of fruit for an afternoon snack. Single bags of crackers and cookies are also easy to manage. Bring water or juice to wash down the tasty tidbits. To keep kiddos from getting too much of the sand in their mouths, bring a blanket to lounge and munch on and a set of wipes to rid their mitts of grains and salt water. To see what else mommy needs to toss in her tote, read more.

If the rascals need more than their natural surroundings for entertainment, toys are a must-have. Buckets, shovels, and paddle balls are always a hit. And, toss in a pack of band-aids for good measure. Don't forget a few things for mommy - a wide brimmed sunhat with a fab pair of shades will keep her looking young despite braving UV rays.

Give children the chance to show their independence by having them carry their own bag of goodies - a sun hat, flip-flops, shovels and sunglasses.

Gidget Gear For Lil Beach Blanket Beauties

babysugar — Wed, 13 May 2009 12:00:43 -0700

Let's go surfing now, everybody's learning how, come on and shop for baby with me... After dusting off all of those Summer toys for the tot's amusement, it's time to suit her up for some hot action! Whether you're headed to the pool, beach, or backyard, baby girl needs to be dressed and accessorized for the occasion.

Protect her from harmful UV rays with child-friendly sunscreen and sunglasses. Safeguard wee feet with petite sandals and safeguard foreheads with brimming hats. Active sports who delight in boogie boarding and riding the waves can stave off rashes with body tees and board shorts. Tots sporting bikinis and swimsuits should have a cover-up for lunch by the pool or building sandcastles. And don't forget a towel to keep that tush from getting too sandy on the way home.

Junior Jetset: Set Your Sights on San Diego!

babysugar — Tue, 12 May 2009 13:00:00 -0700

Before children, couples often plan vacations around sunbathing, frozen cocktails and an exciting nightlife. A step in that same direction, families looking to take a trip full of activity and pleasure for everyone can book an adventure to San Diego. Keeping parents and their wee ones in mind, the city offers fun in the sun for everyone.

Perched along the Pacific coast, visitors can soak up rays on the beach in near perfect weather. Check out all the brilliant places it has to offer.

When everyone tires of the surf, take the fam to the San Diego Zoo. Famous for the animals alone, the surroundings and shows make it worth visiting.
Leave the sand behind and head to Sea World to watch Shamu jump through the air and the penguins waddle around the ice.

To see the rest of my favorite family attractions, read more.

Kids and parents can enjoy a blast from the past at LegoLand. The construction play land is a dream come true for wee ones who love to build and tear things down. Adding to the fun are rides and water parks to keep things cool and entertaining.
Get out of the sun at the New Children's Museum where tots can jump on cushions, explore a sponge forest, finger paint a real live car, and build wooden structures.
When the sun has set and everything above is closed, parents can take the troops to a San Diego Padres baseball game. Taking them out to the ballgame and buying them peanuts and Cracker Jacks will keep a smile on their mugs while allowing mom and dad to sip on a cold one.
For some old school amusement, head to Belmont Park. The boardwalk type roller coasters and games will have mama singing Beaches songs throughout the evening.
Kids who relish seeing the fish behind a glass pane window will delight in the sea life offered at the Birch Aquarium. Tykes can reach out and touch a starfish in the tide pools at this venue.

A relatively small city, most every site is a short drive from the center making it that much more attractive to parents toting children through the town.

Kiehl's Since 1851 Face & Body Lotion SPF 40 (Self Best Sunscreen) - $18.50	Juicy Couture Stripe Scarf Raffia Hat - $95.00
Womens' Mossimo Large Round Plastic Sunglasses - White - $15.29	JJ Cole Essentials Blanket - Cocoa Bubble - $29.99
Tory Burch Flip Flop - $45.00	Learning Curve The First Years Take & Toss Portion Snack Cups - 6 Pack - $3.49
Green Toys sand play set - $20.00	The Grime Fighter - All-Purpose Wipes - $9.00
Martha Stewart Collection "Koi Pond" Beach Towel - $50.00	Pacific Play Tents® One Touch Beach Tent - $59.99
American Red Cross On-The-Go First Aid Kit By The First Years® - $20.00	Rice Paper Beach Tote - $38.00

Flower Beach Wrap - $25.00	Daisy Appliqué Two-Piece Swimsuit - $30.00
Stripe Straw Sunhat - $14.75	Toddler Girls' Hello Kitty Beth Flip Flops - Pink - $7.99
Baby Silk® Babysafe Sunscreen Towelettes - $7.50	Polka Dot Bow Sunglasses - $9.50
Girls Ruched Rashguards - $12.50	Polka Dot Board Short - $22.75
California Baby No Fragrance Sunscreen Lotion SPF30 - $19.99	Girls' flutter paisley tank - $88.00
Toddler Girls' Circo Berdie Butterfly Flip Flops - Purple - $6.99	Women's Printed Canvas Totes - $19.50
Greendog Girls Terry Coverup Dress - $24.00	Seahorse One-Piece Swimsuit - $16.50
Flower Swim Cover-Up - $26.75	Nike Sunray Protect Sandals - $32.00