Baby Gear

Although I never had one, I just love the idea of a moses basket for babies. There are so many unique ones on the market today. It seems like such a cozy, safe place for an infant and I also just love the esthetics of it! It is also great to travel with. Now you have something to put baby in for nap or play when you are visiting friends or family.
It is also an alternative to a baby hammock or bassinet.

These moses baskets are warm and cheery. They each measure 32 x 12 x8 and come in various, beautiful patterns. They each include the soft bedding and a matching blanket.
Babybeemine.com has many choices when it comes to moses baskets. They are more traditional with the removable hood. They also offer many fabric and lining choices and the basket can be used until baby is approximately 15 lbs.
This site also have some with faux fur lining and matching blanket!

These baskets get as elaborate as you would like them to. They have chenille, fur, cotton and organic baskets on the market today. These baskets really make amazing baby gifts. Add things inside like bottles, bibs, outfits, pacifiers and toys then wrap the entire basket in cellophane and decorate with ribbon. Everyone will want to invite you to their shower when they see you walk in with this! This is the show stopper.

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Every mom knows about the stroller struggles. The one you bought is too heavy/doesn’t fit well in your trunk/is too small/has no storage room. It is never exactly what you want. I have gone through three strollers in my kid’s five years of life. The bugaboo is the newest coveted strollers on the market and their newest model, the Bee, may be the best one yet.

This stroller is the most compact of the Bugaboo line. It has a reversible seat to face the child to you or away, it also has locking swivel wheels and 4-wheel independent suspension. That makes it easy to maneuver through doorways and small spaces like in department stores! The wheels are also easy to stroll right onto the beach with!
The back goes down to 4 different positions and it has height-adjustable handlebars for tall people, like my husband.

The Bug fits Graco and Peg Perego car seats. It also comes with chassis/seat, under seat bag, rain cover, sun canopy & 2-year warranty. The canopy is water repellent and all the fabrics are machine washable.
There are a couple of things I do not like about this stroller though. I think the weight restrictions limit the length of use of the stroller, it is only for kids up to 37lbs. It doesn’t have a cup holder (you can buy one for $24.99) and it also does not have a tray for the baby, which is my complaint about my Maclaren stroller.

This stroller will not come cheap, it is $529.00. Many bugaboo parents are total converts though, so I guess it is worth the cost.

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Baby showers are fun to go to but I love planning them too. There are so many cute things out there these days to decorate, to serve and to give away for showers. Plus, who can resist watching a mother to be open itty bitty baby clothes and accessories? It makes my ovaries twitch just thinking about it!

Check out weddingFAVORites.com for all of your shower needs. They sell items mostly for bridal showers but some can be used for a baby shower. For instance is someone having a winter baby? Try these winter mittens as favors, fill them with candy or tea bags. They do have some baby shower items, particularly very cute favors, like these egg timers or these hand creams.

Buy Jellybellys for favors or to make necklaces for the “forbidden word” game. String jellybeans onto thread to make a necklace for every guest. When the guests arrive explain the rules everyone wears their necklace, if you hear someone say the “forbidden word” usually “baby” or the parents to be names, you take their necklace. The person with the most necklaces at the end of the party wins a prize. You can also use candy necklaces for this.

What about making or buying cupcakes for favors or dessert? You can buy these cute and affordable flags for the top of the cupcakes.

Instead of typical pink or blue decorations what about using primary colors or instead of cute baby animals as a theme what about polka dots or stripes in cute color combinations. Use the mother-to-be’s personality to set the tone of the shower and she will be thrilled.
Yuo can always find more crafty ideas here.

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Are you looking for great accessories for babies? Maybe you are searching for a great baby gift or something unusual to bring to a new mom and baby? Look no further. Burpbees are unique personalized gifts that any new mom or new baby would love.

They make coordinating burp cloths, bibs and onesies with various ribbon embellishments. All the burp cloths are made from 100% pre-folded cotton diapers. Take my word for it, these are so soft and absorbent. Of course they are machine washable too.
They make two kinds of bibs, a drooler bib for infants that can be personalized. They are great for babies who are teething and well, drooling. They have a tie closure.
They also have larger bibs for older babies and toddlers. The ribbon bibs coordinate with burp cloth and pocket onesies designs. These are made with a velcro closure.

The 100% cotton onesies can be personalized and are short sleeved. They can be coordinated with the bibs and burp cloths. They also make custom fleece/flannel baby blankets by special order.
I also see on their information packet that they sell personalized children’s aprons and tote bags for $15.00 each but I did not see them on the site. The aprons would be perfect for my twins, they love to cook and bake with me and for that price I can afford two!

These are wonderful shower gifts, a change from plain white burp cloths and onesies. Plus all gift sets come wrapped very sweetly in ribbon with a decorative pacifier. Their prices are affordable, check out the different prices and packages.

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Car seat decisions are the worst. There are so many out there on the market different colors, names and styles. Do you go with the Graco seat you see everyone with or do you go with a newer car seat? Do you check consumer reports, ask friends and check buyers reviews online, or do you go with the one you like the best?

I can’t make that decision for you, and trust me I have had these same issues, we have bought three different car seats in 4.5 years.
This maxi-cosi Priori Convertible Car Seat is one I have been keeping my eye on. It is a European car seat that fits infants through toddlers, no need for a separate infant seat unless you want one for a stroller. It is equipped with LATCH, rear and forward-facing modes to accommodate growing little ones, a 4 position independent recline in forward-facing mode, 5 harness heights, a removable seat pad for easy cleaning and a padded fabric seat, buckle pad and harness cover ensure a comfortable ride for baby.

It is made for babies 5lbs up to 40lbs. It is stylish and comes in three great colors orange, grey and red. I do have a couple of issues with this seat, it is slightly heavy at 16lbs but you are not constantly taking this type of car seat in and out. Also it has no carrying handle like most infant seats do, but because it is a convertible car seat it doesn’t need one. They do make a infant car seat if that is what you are looking for.

What car seat do you have? Do you like it or hate it?

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Every parent I know is concerned about lead in children’s toys, baby gear and accessories for kids. I know I have been going through my cabinets, throwing away plastic cups and plates and trying to replace them with safe products. It will make me sick to throw away all the sippy cups and bottles I have saved for this baby. Never mind all the baby toys I have saved that I now have to test for lead. Every week up until Christmas I will list some safe toys made for babies and toddlers and none of them will be made in China.

This Nest Jax toy cube is made from sustainable materials including organic cotton and recycled wood. Made in India through a fair-trade partnership. Perfect as a toy bin in a child’s room, closet or as a hamper. This comes in orange, green, pink and purple.

This Nest Seat is great for one or two children. It has interlocking parts to share with a friend or sit alone. Better then a bean bag chair and more durable. Made from sustainable materials including 100% certified organic cotton and is also made in India through a fair trade partnership.
It comes in orange, purple and green.

Little Tykes 5-in-1 Adjustable Gym is perfect for babies from birth to three years old. It adjusts into twelve different positions and for five different stages of development.
Little Tykes makes over 70% of their toys in the U.S. and tests everything it sells.

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When I was pregnant one of my Aunt’s had given me a great idea. She told me that when you have a baby in winter, like I was, that those baby buntings they sells are great and warm but impossible to put the baby in the car seat with. Plus, how hot is that baby in the bunting in a warmed up car? She suggested something new on the market at the time, a bundle me.

Bundle me is like a sleeping bag for the car seat. Made out of soft fleece it stays in the car seat and the straps easily fit through the pre-made slots. The top can zip off so you can easily regulate the baby’s temperature. It fits car seats, strollers, and joggers. It eliminates the need for coats and blankets in the car or out for a stroll on a cool evening. It comes in many different colors and the price is the same as five years ago when I bought them $39.99. JJ Cole also offers an urban bundle me. This one is made with soft chamois lining, and has a wind- and water-resistant outer nylon that protects the baby from the weather. The urban bundle me is slightly more at $49.99.

These bundle mes are a great investment that you will not be sorry you made. Perfect shower gift for a cold weather baby and first time moms! We put ours to good use from their first car ride until the spring thaw.

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After you become a parent and you have all of the things you registered for, all of the things you bought on a whim and all of the things you thought you could not live without, you realize your house is full of stuff you used once, or never. This is so true with a lot of baby gear. Sure you need a clothes, diapers, bottles, wipes and a place for baby to sleep, but what else?

This HABA Dream Baby Play Mat is not a necessity but it sure is cute and functional! This alternative to a regular floor mat has lateral sides can be flapped up so that the playing rug changes into a little bed or flapped down for a changing station. It has a wooded rod with a squeaker, rustling and glitter foil pockets included. Hanging toys can be purchased separetly. The best part is that the cover is removable for easy washing. It has a ton of different things to look at or touch on the sides and overhead.
It measures 54″ l x 48″ w.
It is not cheap at about $150.00, but it is different and perfect for baby when you travel overnight or for use as a bed or changing station when you visit family or friends for the day.

HABA toys are are some of the best designed toys worldwide, meeting Eupopean standards, but this toy is made in China and I know many parents want to be aware of where their children’s toys are made.

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Can you handle another recall? I am not surprised when any new baby gear is recalled now, there has been so many just this year alone!
Whether you are ready for another one or not, here it comes. Graco just announced a recall of their infant car seats today. The recall is of the standalone SnugRide seats manufactured between Aug. 1, 2006 and June 30, 2007 and could have been sold as late as just last week.

The recall is because the backing of the seat pad may pull away from the seams, exposing the pad filling that could pose a potential choking hazard. This recall does not affect SnugRide models sold as part of a travel system or those made before August 2006, because the design is different.
If you are unsure if your snugride is part of the recall check the model number and manufactured date on the back of the car seat.
The model numbers that are affected are: 8609FOF2, 8609FOF3, 8616FOF2, 8616FOF3, 8643DDH2, 8643DDH3, 8643CDR2, 8643DH03, 8643SUP2, 8643SUP3, 8643JOS2, 8643JOS3, 8643MDW3, 8643PWC3, 8643SFJ3, 8645FMT2, 8645FMT3, 8645GLM3, 8645GLN3, 8645HEM2, 8645HEM3, 8645MYC2, 8646SML3, 8645MYC3, 8645MRG3, 8645PKR2, 8645SNY2, 8646SND2, 8645THR2, 8645THR3, 8646FIE2, 8646FIE3, 8646GRT3 and 8646RRY3.

The company said customers should not return the seat to the retailer. Consumers can get a replacement seat pad by calling 800-345-4109 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, or go to www.gracobaby.com.

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When I had my twins, I didn’t have a baby sling, we had a baby Bjorn. It was great, in theory because I had two kids to carry so unless my husband was around, I wouldn’t just carry one baby around the house. I didn’t take my kids out until they were older for errands and things so the carriers were not really needed. Now that I am having just one baby this time around, I was so excited to try out the Rockin’ Baby Slings and Pouches.

The slings they carry come in a gorgeous array of colors and styles. They can be worn in five different positions depending on your preference or the baby’s development. They are all made of 100% cotton linen, cotton twill, cotton poplin, or cotton voile. They are soft and comfortable to wear. They are stylish and don’t let you look frumpy. Finally I had my arms free to pick up produce at the store or answer the phone around the house.

The Rockin’ baby pouches are perfect for a newborn. They come in two sizes and again can be worn with the baby in five different ways. Their pouches are completely reversible and adjust to four different sizes through the ease of zippers! They also have a ton of different fabric choices available.

Baby wearing is a positive experience for both the parent and child. These slings and pouches make it easy, safe and stylish to wear your baby wherever you go. These are the best on the market and, I know I have found my new go to baby gift!
Check back next month for your chance to win a Rockin’ baby pouch!

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Are you lucky enough to have a baby with hair? I was not, my daughter was practically bald until she was two and a half years old! I tried putting barrettes and pony tails in her hair but they would always slip out. If you are a parent to a child with luxurious locks, then I have great things for your daughters hair!

Check out these felt hairclips by Etsy seller Siiri. Cute hand embroidered snowman hair clips but the cuteness doesn’t end there, she has other designs as well.

If you like felt hair clips seller mayapapaya has so many designs that are perfect for any holiday, season or ensemble. From ladybugs to gingerbread men and mushrooms to button flowers, she has it all.
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One of the web sites I love is dwellshop.com because they are the greatest unique things for your home. I was so caught up in looking for things for my own house that I didn’t realize they sold great things for baby.

Check out this beautiful crib set from dwell, Garden Blossom. It comes in a traditional crib size or for oval cribs. It is beautiful without being overly frilly and would go with any home’s decor. They also sell matching hooded blankets, bibs and burp set, pillow and stroller blanket. I have never seen that before with any other crib set. It is priced at $384.00 for the crib set.
They sell so many beautiful crib sets with modern, unique fabrics that goes beyond Pooh Bear and polka dots.
Think it stops at baby bedding? You would be wrong, Garden Blossom and other sets are available for kids beds too. They have duvet covers and sheet sets for twins and full beds. I am always happy when people carry sheets for kids in full sets because that is what my children each have and it is a pain to get sheet sets that are cute enough for kids but lovely enough that I want to look at it for a year!

Are you looking for a upscale baby gift? What about a cashmere/cotton receiving blanket? It is of generous size at 28 x 34.5″, comes in chocolate and pink or chocolate and blue. It is reasonably priced at $84.00.

They also make great toys for baby like these soft blocks or these hand puppets that all babies seem to love.

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When my kids were born it was a struggle to find something for them and me that didn’t contain harsh chemicals for my kid’s diaper rash and for my every changing body. I used what I could; vaseline, A&D ointment and Desitin. I wasn’t very happy about it, but at the time it was all I could find.

The great people at Least Likely 2 Breed, sent me samples of their products to try out and I will never go back to putting vaseline on my nipples again! The Tough Titties Nipple Rub is easy to put on as I prepare my breasts for breastfeeding. Made with great natural things like coconut and clove oils, vitamin E and beeswax, it will make me feel ok about my child nursing after I have used it.

Bad Ass Booty Balm goes on smooth and protects baby’s bum as anything else I have ever used. Made from aloe butter, emu oil and lanolin I don’t feel bad putting it on sensitive baby’s skin. I like buying things that have no lab created additives.
Mother Effer’s Va-J-J Jelly is something I haven’t used yet, ( I hope I don’t have to use it!) but it smells so good. Again, all natural ingredients makes it much better in my book, the fact that these products work well is frosting on the cake!

Each of these products are of generous size and are only $5.99 each. Really how can you not buy products from a company with such a great sense of humor and terrific product names?
Buy the bundle now, you will not be disappointed!

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Any parent knows that kids songs, are usually just for kids. I know I want to poke my ears out hearing “Cinderella” sing some day my prince will come or some high pitched kid singing pop goes the weasel, over and over again. The same goes for lullabies.
We would play classical piano music instead of traditional lullabies for our kids, because if we had to listen to it, we at least wanted to enjoy it!

Rockabye Baby! saved our day. Rockabye Baby is not traditional lullabies, but rock classics that YOU love that are transformed into beautiful instrumental lullabies. Everyone from The Rolling Stones to Metallica to Coldplay are reconstructed into lullabies using instruments like the glockenspiel, vibraphone, mellotron, harp and bells.
Yeah, I don’t know what they are either, but they sound amazing.

Do you want one of these cds for your very own? You are in luck, I have two Baby Rock Christmas cds to give away. Filled with rock classics like 2000 Miles and Do They Know It’s Christmas? I am sure you will love it so much you won’t just listen to it at Christmas time.
To enter to win one of these cds simply leave me a comment on parentingourchildren.com!
Deadline for this contest is midnight November 23. Good Luck!

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