LilSugar

Pillow Bear: Ga Ga or Gag?

babysugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 03:00:33 -0700

The Pillow Bear ($435) is just what its name suggests: part teddy bear, part pillow.

You can transition from snuggle time to nap time by releasing the 100 percent cashmere bear's tie-front closure and turning the bear's arms into a pillow.

Is the luxurious toy meets sleeping device worth the hefty price?

Kimochi Dolls Help Kids Share Their Feelings

LilSugar — Sat, 09 May 2009 05:00:00 -0700

Being a kid in this big, crazy world is hard work and with the hustle and bustle of growing up, comes a lot of feelings. It's a parent's responsibility look out for their child's emotionally stability and an inventive product might help you and your youngster in this process.

Kimochis ($25 each), a line of cuddly, plush dolls are designed to encourage children to express their feelings in a fun and comfortable way. Created by Marin-based mom Nina Rappaport Rowan, the dolls each come with a pocket where kids can tuck one of three little pillows bearing the name of an expression on one side and a drawing of a face expressing that emotion on the other. Sets of additional, more advanced, emotions – such as jealous, uncomfortable or embarrassed – can be purchased separately. The dolls are cute enough to be placed right on a wee one's bed and provide a great way to open the dialogue between generations.

Parenting Q&A: How To Channel My Two-Year-Old's Energy?

LilSugar — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 09:00:00 -0700

Q. My two-year-old son is incredibly active. He is always on the go and has a hard time sitting still for long periods of time. Are there particular sports or activities that could help him channel his energy?

A. Two things: It Sounds like you have a normal two-year-old boy and there are no age appropriate sports for a toddler. Two-year-olds should jump in their back yard, run in parks, climb mountains of pillows, learn what a crab walk and bear walk are and then walk up the block that way. Organized activities will only frustrate the very active as sitting and following directions for a period of time will not set him up for success. Keeping him safe is key so creating obstacle courses, having a small trampoline or a mat for tumbling helps. Bottom line -let him move. To see the rest of Lonna's answer, read more.
Create an environment where his physical exploration is encouraged, not squashed. Though toddler exercise classes are tempting, observe before you sign him up. Find the most physical boy and pay careful attention to how the adults interact. If he’s being told to calm down or even put in a time out, run away. His energy does not need to be channeled yet. If, however, he still needs to move this much at four, it is time to talk to professionals about pre-school and elementary school behavioral expectations.

- Lonna Corder

Parenting expert and Montessori school director, Lonna Corder has been doling out advice for 25 years as a teacher, parent/child consultant and on television. For more information, visit lonnacorder.com.

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Simple or Swank: Moses Baskets

LilSugar — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 10:00:35 -0800

Many new parents like to keep their bundle of joy as close as possible. A moses basket is a pretty and convenient alternative for mamas who are not ready to have their lil one sleep in the crib. Regardless of your budget, you'll appreciate its portability and style.

Simple: This Tadpoles Micro-Chenille Moses Basket Set ($77) gives you a lot of adorable and bang for your buck! It includes a soft micro-chenille bumper and blanket, mattress with removable cotton sheet, coordinating pillow (for decorative use only) and a matching chenille teddy bear.
Swank: The Pink Suede Moses Basket ($250) adds a chic touch of color to your lil one's place of rest. The slipcover is super soft and lightly padded, and a hidden Velcro closure makes for easy removal and washing.

Lil Find: Zoobie Pets

LilSugar — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 13:00:36 -0800

Your lil one may not be ready for a real pet just yet, but she'll adore her Zoobie Pet ($34-36). These innovative all-in-one toys easily transform from a cute plaything to a firm pillow to a super-soft blanket. From a koala bear to an alligator, you'll be able to pick one that matches your tot's personality. What's more? A Zoobie makes the perfect travel companion during the holidays leaving your wee one entertained while she's awake, and cozy when she's not.

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