Mom-Ratedhttp://www.lifeboatbaby.com/mom-rated/en-US2010-07-31T04:06:36ZSquarespace Site Server v5.11.5 (http://www.squarespace.com/)Munchkin Inflatable Duckhttp://www.lifeboatbaby.com/mom-rated/2010/5/24/munchkin-inflatable-duck.htmlChristina2010-05-24T17:38:20Z

I purchased this when Abigail outgrew her baby tub that she would recline back in. I thought it was silly to fill our whole tub and waste all that water and time. So this seemed perfect. It's cushioned on the bottom and on all sides to keep them safe with supervision. I also like that it has a HOT patch indicator on it to let you know if the water temperature reaches too high. Even though she bathes in it, this has become one of her favorite toys. She will sit in it in the living room and read a book, play with her doll, and climb in and out entertaining herself for a long stretch of time. It's especially nice on a rainy day when we are stuck in doors. Because of it's size it's perfect for her. Such an easy, nice purchase. You can find them in stores between $10-$15. Probably will not last them for bathing past the age of two as the instructions say, but until then, it's become useful in AND out of the tub.

]]>Make Reading Hands-Onhttp://www.lifeboatbaby.com/mom-rated/2010/3/14/make-reading-hands-on.htmlChristina2010-03-15T00:23:53Z

I'm thrilled that Abigail loves her board books. She probably would like the others just as much, but I don't want her tearing the pages before she's even old enough to enjoy the storyline.

This is just one of the books that she is drawn to this week. It has flaps she can lift to find where the children are hiding in the home. I have found that while she loves looking at the pictures, if the page invites her to do something to the book, she favors that one more. This may be something very obvious to experienced moms, however, while I was a teacher, I certainly didn't get to see the very early stage of learning to appreciate a book your hand.

I will be keeping my eye out for more sturdy pop-up books, touch and feel, and texture book. I also get a kick out of watching her mimic what we do when we feel, scratch, rub, or brush a page with our hands. Sometimes I take for granted how much she truly does watch our every move in order to copy our world and make it her own. If I can tap into what interests her early on, hopefully her love of books and reading will only grow.

]]>Egyptian Magic - A Natural Miracle Creamhttp://www.lifeboatbaby.com/mom-rated/2009/12/14/egyptian-magic-a-natural-miracle-cream.htmlChristina2009-12-15T01:51:40Z

I was given this as a gift from a fellow Rotarian of my club. She told me her daughter swore by it and was really into natural products. So thoughtful that she thought enough to give me a container for use. I have since been using this especially for diaper rash purposes as well as dry spots Abigail gets from the cold on her cheeks or from teething. With ingredients such as olive oil and bees wax, it's reassuring as a parent to be able to understand the list of ingredients rather than it being foreign chemicals that I have never come across. This is definitely a staple on the night stand and worth researching for yourself. I have used it as well when my hands get chapped from doing dishes etc. I have found through my pregnancy and and now parenthood that word has become invaluable!

]]>What's the Best Chair to Feed Baby In?http://www.lifeboatbaby.com/mom-rated/2009/11/9/whats-the-best-chair-to-feed-baby-in.htmlChristina2009-11-10T00:43:35Z

Feeding time for babies, and young children for that matter, is a messy task. I held off on foods until she was six months old...and in the meantime saved a lot of paper towels..and extra time cleaning.

For the past 2 months we have been feeding her in her high chair..which has become a pain. Perhaps when she is a little bigger..it will make more sense..but she is so far from the tray that finger foods fall on her lap. There are also so many nooks and crannies on the tray itself...that it takes longer than necessary to wipe down completely for the next round.

I went ahead and purchased a booster seat from Target after using a friend's during a play date. We do have a Bumbo..but she is too wiggly right now and I find it isn't sturdy enough for feeding. I am so pleased with our purchase..I have been using it for feedings for the past week..and realize it's so much easier. Easy cleanup and less mess. I actually prop it right on the table..and feed her at eye level. We still use the high chair to keep her occupied while we eat dinner, since she eats earlier than us most days, but for meals I am preferring the booster!

Since it's so portable and folds up nicely...I know it will come in handy when we visit those without a highchair...most of our friends...and family whose children are older. I actually have a friend who thinks all her children will use these instead of high chairs...since they attach onto any dining room chair. The thought has crossed my mind...but we'll see as she grows...if it grows with her. The high chair has more cushioning for her bum, but her meals don't last too long either. However...so far...this new purchase is well worth the $25.

]]>Baby Einstein...is it a Scam?http://www.lifeboatbaby.com/mom-rated/2009/10/27/baby-einsteinis-it-a-scam.htmlChristina2009-10-27T13:34:34Z

I read the following article from TimesOnline and it caught my attention:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article6891273.ece

I knew of Baby Einstein long before my daughter. I think I first saw their videos when I was in High School and baby sitting. All I knew was that infants/toddlers seemed memorized by what an adult would consider an overly simplistic arrangement of everyday toys and props set rhythmically to classical background music.

The article talks about Disney announcing a refund for false marketing. Did parents really think these videos would make their children more intelligent?

On the other hand...it does make a point that some are targeting children under the age of 1, which is now considered too young to be watching the "idiot box" as my mother used to call it. I do know...that Baby Einstein certainly found their spot in the market. It doesn't stop at videos. They now have toys and gadgets that young children seem drawn to. We have the Baby Einstein play saucer. Why did I choose this one? It had one of the best parent reviews. Her favorite toy on it...used to be the Dragon-Puppet that is one of Baby Einstein's main characters.

I did borrow a friend's Baby Einstein DVD to try out. It didn't hold Abigail's interest very long...but also haven't tried recently, and to be honest, she doesn't watch TV most days. Maybe 3 times a week I'll play her Baby Signing Time DVD...which holds her attention for about 10 minutes but that's about it. Our TV is also not in a very accessible location for daily chores/routines. It's in the den which works out well when my husband and I chill out before bed at the end of the day. However I can't get much done if I'm in there with the TV on. The location is somewhat a blessing too...which is why we put it where it is.

I think any parent who is home with their children all day long...has those moments they need a reprieve. I am lucky that my daughter usually takes 2 good naps a day...but not everyone has the same schedule...and we all know there are days when something comes up...someone feels ill...there is an issue that must be addressed..and they need to buy a little extra time to get that done.

The article says that Disney will reimburse up to 4 DVDs. I do think that is more than fair. If a parent bought more than 4...it was either a gift...or hopefully their children liked them so they added to their collection.

Either way, the maker and their partners did one heck of a marketing plan...as it took on a life of it's own considering it was bought out by none other but Disney.

Coming from someone with an entrepreneurial mind set...I hate to say it...but the creator of this was an genius...whether you approve or not. Is that too bold to say?

]]>How to Clear A Baby's Nose Who Can't Yet Blow Their Own?http://www.lifeboatbaby.com/mom-rated/2009/10/12/how-to-clear-a-babys-nose-who-cant-yet-blow-their-own.htmlChristina2009-10-13T01:15:33Z

I received the Bebe Sound machine as an add-on gift from my sister-in-law at my shower. She told me if works wonders. Basically, it is a gentle, mini electric nasal aspirator. It runs when you hold the yellow botton near the top but also plays 8 different tunes with the white button near the bottom (to drown out the motor) lasting for about 30 seconds each. You can also cover the speaker with your finger to muffle the music...or play none at all.

When Abigail was a newborn, I found other manual aspirators to be too large for her petite nostrils. There were not many times I needed one anyway...but the times I did...I resorted this this one because it has two different sized silicone tips. I will be honest...she was not a fan in the beginning.

However, she got her first runny nose this week. We made it 7 months free and clear...but this one caught up to us. Not sure if it's due to her teething...or is she just caught a bug. However, she has a whole new appreciation for this tiny machine. She actually will lean towards it so I can clear her nose when it becomes congested. I don't even use the music anymore. It's really sweet to see, she's very patient as she anticipates relief. It didn't take her long to realize it clears up her airways and has become positive experience.

I like it because it's gentle yet also quick. Another BIG bonus is it's easy to clean because it comes apart in 3 peices.

I highly recommend this for infants and babies who are too young to grasp the concept of blowing their nose...something we as adults take for granted.

Very glad this was given to me...and so is Abigail!

]]>One Sock, Two Socks, Clean Sock, No Sockshttp://www.lifeboatbaby.com/mom-rated/2009/10/6/one-sock-two-socks-clean-sock-no-socks.htmlChristina2009-10-06T16:34:33Z

There is a new chill in the air, or an old familiar friend to others! It makes mornings crisp and refreshing. It also means Abigail's feet need some protection once her sleep sac comes off from her night's slumber. Is it me or is it difficult to find socks for infants. In fact...she is crawling...but not a toddler...yet not quite infant either. She uses her feet a lot though to pull herself up on anything that comes to shoulder level. We have mostly hard wood floors so she needs a little more grip to her feet.

Barefoot really is the easiest for her, but not the most practical as we slide from fall into winter. I also find that sizes are NOT true to size. I picked up a pair at Kohls...cute as anything, super soft, and have grips. Sized 3-12 months! Quite a stretch. However, when she crawls they inch off her..and completely come off when in her jumper. I heard that Walmart's standard ankle socks with the grey stitched toe and heel work well. I bought them for her when she was a true infant...but have yet to try her current size now that she's on the MOVE. Also heard I may luck out at Old Navy?

When she was born, one of the gifts from my sister was a pair of bunny socks with an adorable little cotton tail on the end. Though they are meant for looks...they are actually the ones that stay on her feet the best. She just can't be a bunny 7 days a week though...it will look like I'm too lazy to do laundry, which is quite the opposite!

So the hunt for practical socks continues...meanwhile...I will keep adjusting the ones she has...and continue to pull them back over her little heels. Would appreciate any direction experienced winter moms have to offer.

]]>Love this Organic Baby Oilhttp://www.lifeboatbaby.com/mom-rated/2009/9/28/love-this-organic-baby-oil.htmlChristina2009-09-29T01:06:33Z

I was given this as a gift from a baby shower. When Abigail was first born, I was a sucker for the J&J sleepy time perfumed shampoos and lotions. However, the more I talked to other moms and read, the more I realized their ingredients aren't as pure as lead to believe, even though I use it now and then just for the aroma. A friend had given me this oil, and since baby skin starts off so thin and porous, I felt comfortable using this natural one and fell it love with it. LOVE IT!! I am still on my first bottle, but when it runs out, I certainly will re-stock. It's smells like a sweet, dessert mandarin orange. It does not leave her skin greasy and has never caused a rash or irritation. I give her a light massage after a bath by starting with her feet, avoiding the diaper area to keep that dry, and move onto her belly and arms. I even put a touch on her cheeks and forehead. If you find something better, please pass let me know. I am always a sucker for great products.

Check out the link below for the full list of ingredients:

http://www.naturesbabyproducts.com/ingredients.html

]]>Sunscreen Safety for Infantshttp://www.lifeboatbaby.com/mom-rated/2009/9/21/sunscreen-safety-for-infants.htmlChristina2009-09-22T01:08:07Z

The rule is no sunscreen until 6 months old. I did a lot of research on how much sun is too much and how much is not enough. I read about the importance of vitamin D for the body, and how the purest source is the sun. Interesting that vitamin D actually helps prevent cancer. Is it a double edged sword? Is there scare tactic involvved? Yet, look at how nature around us can't live with it! But, some of us shield ourselves from it like the plague. Ironically, I have read studies that have said those who live closer to the equator and who are exposed to more sun, have lower rates of skin cancer...but that's another story.

This does not mean I was going to prop my baby along side me and lay out in the sun all afternoon, as if I have time to do that anyway! It did mean, however, that during a stroller ride, I would allow her at least 10 minutes of sunshine a day when the weather was comfortable. Then, I would put her canopy over her for the rest of the ride. I know there are great benefits to allowing yourself 10-15 minutes of sun before applying sunblock. Everything in moderation.

We went through August with quite a lot of pool visits to various friends and family. Knowing she would be in the sun for prolonged periods of time with her fair baby skin, I knew it was time to pick up her first sun block...another mini-milestone!

I heard some good things about the Jason line. I use one of their body oils with vitamin E as an after cleanse moisturizer for my face and have sampled other products as well. I went to good old Wegmans...yes I live close to it...and headed to their natural products section, that I must add is very impressive. The saleswoman was VERY knowledgeable about what they had, what customers preferred, and which products had the most natural ingredients. For such a little body that a baby has, I know what goes on them, gets absorbed into them. I picked up the Jason's Sunbrellas natural suncare for KID'S SPF 46. It's paraben free which is always reassuring. I know there are other natural lines out there parents enjoy using...I am just glad I found one that I feel comfortable putting on her if I must use something.

So I lubed Abigail up for her swim sessions, which usually lasted about 1/2 an hour. The results were a happy baby, burn-free, and ready for a nap.

]]>Stoneware for Babies?http://www.lifeboatbaby.com/mom-rated/2009/9/14/stoneware-for-babies.htmlChristina2009-09-15T00:26:33Z

It was very exciting starting solids 2 weeks ago! Before the big event, I was in two of the biggest stores to lose track of time in: Babies R Us and Target. I was checking out all their different eating accessories from bowls to spoons etc. I knew I already had a set of rubber tipped metal spoons. However, I wasn't liking any of the dishes I was seeing. Sure, I don't mind using plastics here and there to eat out of, but, if everything she ate was going to be served from a plastic bowl, BPA free or not, I thought I could do better than the selection I saw.

I knew we had 4 small prep glass dishes at home, the kind of square dish you would use to put soy sauce in for your sushi. I started using those. While I don't always give Abigail her cereal or fruits/vegetables at ultra warm temperatures, I do like to at least take the chill off it if it just came out of the fridge. And yes, some foods are more appealing warm than cold, such as sweet potatoes. Do you like yours cold?

I discovered a little trick to keeping the food warm when serving without taking out the nutrients. Being she eats only a few tablespoons per item, I found that if I used my mini stoneware dish, ran it under hot water to warm it through, and then put the food in. It warmed the food up to at least room temp and held steady.

Plastics are great on the go and convenient, but when we are home, I am liking the dishes I already had on hand. They are small, go right in the dishwasher without worries of melting, and work for me.

The stoneware dish I use is from Crate & Barrel that I happened to get as part of a wedding gift. However I'm sure many stores carry small stoneware baking dishes that would make a nice addition to your baby's tableware! I like mine because it's glazed on the outside, but stoneware within. It doesn't have that scratchy, chalky feel to the touch, and cleans so easily!

]]>