LilSugar

Baby Wellness: Hot Tubbin'

LilSugar — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 12:00:07 -0800

Even babies need a trip to the spa every now and again. Bathe your babe the European way with Spa Baby ($40).

Allowing infants to sit in the natural upright position submerged up to their shoulders, the basin provides a calming environment similar to the mother's womb. Available in a shade of soft green, the tub gives them a good soak and is a perfect shower present for the mama-to-be.

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Five Tips For Bathing a Baby

LilSugar — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 14:00:42 -0800

When the nurse bathes your baby with one arm in the hospital sink, it's no big deal. But, once you get home and have to scrub your slippery lil bug yourself, a small panic can set in. And, the task is just as slippery as your tot ages so we've rounded up five helpful items that make washing your wee one easier so you both can enjoy tub time!

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Baby Wellness: Puj Baby Bathtub

LilSugar — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 05:00:29 -0800

Rubba, dub, dub, it's time to get your newborn in the tub! This task can be pretty scary for first time mamas who either hunch over a bathtub or have their lil one slipping and sliding around the plastic tub in the kitchen sink. The Puj Baby Portable Bathtub ($98) is made from soft foam that folds to fit all standard bathroom sinks, creating a snug environment for your baby. The anti-fungal and anti-bacterial tub is available in six pastel colors and opens up to hang flat against a wall, alleviating the need to find a drying spot for the large plastic tub.

Be Careful When Taking Bath Photos of Your Tots

LilSugar — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 05:00:00 -0700

What family album doesn't include a bath photo? An Arizona family may be thinking twice before ever having such snapshots developed again. The couple's three children were taken from them and placed in foster care after a Wal-Mart employee discovered nude images of the kids while printing up the clan's vacation photos. Though the parents have since been cleared of any wrongdoing, investigators originally were tipped off when a store employee found pictures of the children, ages 5, 4, and 1½, in various states of undress while en route to the tub. Following the youngsters' removal from their home, the state launched an inquiry into the possibility of sexual assault which included thorough physical examinations of each child. The family is now suing Wal-Mart, the city, and the state for punitive damages for defamation and outrage.

Do you consider who will be viewing your family photos when having them printed?

Source: Flickr User Ernst Vikne

Non Voyage: Bring the Surf, Sun and Sand Home!

LilSugar — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:00:33 -0700

A lengthy stay at a coastal getaway can be pricey for families so bring the beach to your abode! This non voyage doesn't require much advance planning - just oodles of imagination! Slather on the sunscreen, slip into swimsuits, sun hats and shades and head out to the backyard!

Pack the cooler with fresh squeezed lemonade, Popsicles, fruit salad, sandwiches and bottled water then roll it on out so everyone has easy access to the refreshments.
Lay beach towels out on the lawn so everyone has space to spread out and dry off.
Invest in a sand and water activity table so children can scoop and pour as daily activities. Or fill a basin or tot pool full of sand for castle building!
Go for a dip under the garden hose or take a run through the sprinklers to cool off. If your lil fish prefer to be submerged, fill up the kiddie pool.
Set up a seashell scavenger hunt so the kids can find hidden treasures you've strewn around the property.
Have your youngsters snorkel in the bath and spy all their oceanic tub toys. Then, give them magnet rods and let them fish.
Bundle up in sweatshirts and head back outside for a bonfire! Roast marshmallows and admire the stars after the sun sets.

Coocoose Swaddle Keeps Mama Dry Before Wrapping Baby

LilSugar — Tue, 12 May 2009 04:00:20 -0700

Baby might be in the tub, but inevitably mama gets wet! Bath time with a splish splashing tot can turn the bathroom into a site for full blown waterworks.

The Coocoose apron towel ($60) soaks up some of the wetness as it is worn as an apron by the bath-giver during tub time and then serves as a warm wrap once the child gets out of the tub. Made from 100 percent turkish cotton, the super-soft towel features a hood on one corner to ensure that the wet one is covered head-to-toe en route to his changing table.

Bringing Sexy Back: Romancing the Home

babysugar — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 09:00:00 -0700

Don't want to spend $100 on dinner and then fork over another $60 for the babysitter just to have a few hours to yourselves? Then plan a date night at home. When the kiddies are tucked in bed and mom and dad are all alone, turn up the heat with some of these easy ideas.

Set the table with the finest dinnerware. Pulling out some old china may remind couples of their wedding and all the hoopla that accompanied it.
Light some candles around the house instead of using regular lights.
Set up a picnic blanket and have dinner and wine on the floor.
Make popcorn and cuddle up to classic old movies.
Pour some champagne and fire up a big bath tub full of bubbles.

To see some more home date night ideas, read more.

Buy some massage oil and get to rubbing.
Cook dinner together.
Face off in a board game challenge.
Make sundaes for dessert. Don't forget the whipped cream!

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Baby Wellness: Caring For Umbilical Cord

babysugar — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 05:00:52 -0700

Unless a lotus birth is the plan of action, a mother will have to tend to her baby's umbilical cord until it detaches on its own. Typically cut in the hospital immediately after birth, the cord is clamped and quickly begins to shrivel into the newborn's belly button. The appendage usually falls off between 10 to 14 days after birth but can last longer in some cases.

Until then, parents should simply try to keep the bloody stump clean and dry. The best way to achieve this? Sponge baths. Avoid submerging the baby in a full tub and limit cleanings to sponge baths. If the cord appears dirty, a q-tip or damp cotton ball will do the trick.
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Tips For Prepping Baby's Tiny Nails For a Trim

babysugar — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 08:30:20 -0700

Many parents fret over the task of cutting their wee one's nails. Parents who forgo the chore for too long run the risk of carrying a tot around that looks like it has been dragged through a prickly rose bush. Keep the youngster's face fresh and scratch free by following these simple tips:

Bath time: After soaking a tot in the tub for a short amount of time their nails soften, making it easier to snip the hard edges away.

To see the rest of my pointers, read more.

Sleeping: When baby falls into a deep slumber, it's mommy's perfect opportunity to trim the nails. I keep a pair of clippers in my car, diaper bag, and my medicine cabinet so I won't miss out on an opportunity to snip while snoozing.
Biting: Though not a preferred personal method, some parents choose to bite the nails as they can feel where the nail ends and the skin begins. Though it may prevent mama from breaking the skin, it can also introduce germs to both mommy and baby. If choosing this route, parents should wash their tiny hands after the chore is done.

For a guide to using an emery board or clippers on tiny fingers and toes, check out the video below. Happy snipping!

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Plan Ahead For the Perfect Easter Basket

LilSugar — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 10:00:28 -0700

Easter goodie aisles at drug, craft and grocery stores are overflowing with robin eggs and chocolate delights, but if you'd rather bring home a bunch of bunnies then give your children a basketful of candy - the secret to Easter basket success is planning ahead and purchasing one medium sized treat (like a stuffed animal or book that's under $20) and a few healthy snacks or mini toys.

Aim for an inexpensive basket like this festive Colored Easter Basket ($6) from Pottery Barn Kids. If you don't want to make a mess skip the fake grass and use tissue paper.
Forgo candy and instead fill your basket with toys that will last longer than a single sweet moment. The book Peter Rabbit's Happy Easter ($7) and a snuggly stuffed rabbit are perfect for young tots, while older kids will have springtime bath fun with Tub Tints ($11).
Consider purchasing one larger Easter gift instead of a handful of different little trinkets. This Skip Hop Hare Comb & Brush Set ($20) promises entertaining grooming time.