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Baby Food? Taming Tantrums Later-in-Life Mommies Smart Buys for New Parents IV Beauty of Breast Pumping It's Not All About Granola Smart Buys for New Parents III Babies Go Natural Smart Buys For New Parents II Prepared for Postpartum Smart Buys For New Parents I Alternative Birth Baby, Baby, Baby! Baby Food? Teach them to eat right, right from the start. By Dr. Christine Wood Teaching your infant to eat baby food is a fun and significant developmental milestone, but helping your baby learn to make the right food choices is equally important. These early lessons in infant feeding will lay the groundwork for nutrition choices later on as they transition to table foods. With the epidemic of childhood obesity becoming a serious public health concern, teaching healthy eating habits at an early age is more critical than ever. By applying simple nutrition principles to your baby’s diet, however, you can encourage your little ones to make the right choices. Babies grow faster during the first two years than at any other time of their life. In fact, within the first four months of life, babies double their birth weight and triple it by the time they are 1 year old. Accordingly, it is crucial to feed them nutritious meals along the way to help them grow and develop to their full, and best, potential. But many parents aren’t sure what the best foods and ingredients are for little ones. I have found that the best approach is to take some of the common-sense ways we know what adults should eat and apply them to infant nutrition. Beginning each day with a healthy breakfast is a great place to start. In the morning, babies spend time exploring and learning, so they need a breakfast that will provide energy and a solid nutritional basis for the rest of the day. Much like for an adult’s diet, a baby’s breakfast should provide a healthy balance of carbohydrates from whole grains, without added sugar. Infants can experience many of the same energy fluctuations as adults, depending on what they eat. Understanding how carbohydrates affect a person’s glycemic index, or blood sugar level, makes it easier to choose healthy breakfast foods for baby. Carbohydrates are an important energy source, but not all carbohydrates provide long-lasting energy. Simple carbohydrates, like sugar and refined flours, give baby a rush of energy that quickly disappears, just as yours would if you were to eat a donut for breakfast. Simple carbohydrates such as those in doughnuts are high glycemic index carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates, like those in oats and oat bran, are good sources of soluble fiber and have a low glycemic index. Soluble fiber will be slowly absorbed by your baby, enabling a steady supply of energy over a longer period of time, much like the effect that eating a bowl of oatmeal would have on you. There is a new line of baby foods from Beech-Nut called “Good Morning” that provide a healthy balance of soluble fiber without added sugar. They make choosing and preparing a healthy breakfast easy. What babies eat for dinner is important for growth, because research has shown that children grow most when they are resting, particularly at night. Because they are growing quickly, babies need more protein per pound of body weight than adults do to build muscles. So an evening meal should include sources of easily digestible proteins (such as turkey, chicken or whey protein) to be substantial and satisfying for your baby. Digestive health is very important for adults and infants alike. Right now there is a trend in adult nutrition that has companies like Kraft, Yoplait and others introducing products that contain prebiotics. Prebiotics help stimulate the growth of “good,” healthy bacteria, in the digestive system and aid in regularity. Beech-Nut has also introduced a line of baby foods called “Good Evening,” which provides prebiotics and easily digestible proteins to support infant digestive health. Parents must realize that what their baby eats not only plays a big role on his or her nutrition for the day, but could also influence his or her food choices in the future. According to the American Dietetic Association, most food preferences of children are set by the time they are 2 to 3 years of age. So it’s never too early to start teaching children to eat right and help them make a smooth and nutritionally sound transition from baby food to table food and beyond. * Christine Wood, M.D., C.L.E. is a practicing pediatrician and certified lactation educator. She is also the author of How to Get Kids to Eat Great & Love It and contributing pediatric nutrition expert for Real Savvy Moms. Taming Tantrums Proactive parenting can reduce toddler tantrums. By Mel Hayde Every parent is familiar with the tantrums that punctuate the toddler years. The good news is that, whether your child is a screamer, crier, yeller, hitter or pouter, tantrums can be characterized and there are tricks to help you tame them all! First, it is important to understand the types of tantrums common to toddlers. Most toddler tantrums fall into one of three categories. 1. Frustration tantrums. These are often related to a child’s developmental restrictions. The square block will not fit through the round hole in the shape-sorter. The doll will not sit on the chair for the tea party. The bike will not pass through the space between the fence and the tree. Tricks
to tame frustration tantrums:
2. Tiredness tantrums. These are obviously related to fatigue—either due to lack of sleep, illness, temporary or constant overstimulation, or excessive socialization. If your child has one of these tantrums most days immediately after lunch and/or dinner and then always ends up falling asleep directly afterward, he or she is probably overtired. Tricks to tame tiredness tantrums:
3. Temper tantrums. These are displays of disapproval of your decisions. These tantrums may include biting, whining, yelling, swearing, kicking, throwing, vomiting, head-banging, breath-holding, undressing, scratching, sulking, hiding, hitting, running or tears. Tricks to tame temper tantrums:
Of course there is also the combination tantrum. This is when the child is frustrated, tired and cross all at the same time. Not much fun! Tantrum Theories There are two main schools of thought about how to manage tantrums in general. One is to ignore all the little stuff and focus only on the “big” displays of tantrums. You will overwhelm yourself and the child if you focus on every little thing. The child doesn’t understand until they are verbal at 2.5 to 3 years old, anyway. The other school of thought encourages parents to focus diligently on the little stuff. If you do this, things will not often develop into “big” displays. Your child can start learning this right from the crawling stage. In my second book, I refer to this as the “softball diamond approach.” Whichever school of thought you lean toward, experts agree that parenting is hard work. As parents, we can choose to be proactive or reactive in relation to tantrums. We can work hard proactively on the root causes of the tantrums, or we can work hard reactively on the expression of them. Here are some examples: Self-control. You can use your all day, everyday activities in a structured but flexible routine to teach children self-control from the outset. Children who learn self-control from the start will accept your choice for breakfast. They will also learn self-control by playing in one spot, with the designated toys, for a designated length of time. They will learn to sit and watch a video for 20 minutes. A child who learns self-control will use the Playdoh the way mom does, not with their own method that involves sticking it in their mouth, ears or hair. Or you can allow your child to choose the events of the day and you can react to the lack of self-control, and the resultant behaviors, as they occur. Both are hard work. Which is more fun for mom? Which is more fun for the toddler? Shopping. You can deal reactively with your child when he or she expresses frustration and temper in the supermarket due to a lack of self-control. Or you can proactively teach your child to sit patiently, to obey Mommy, to not whine for things, to not demand food and to speak quietly at home. If you choose the second method, the desired behaviors are more likely to be displayed in the supermarket. Both are hard work. Which is more fun for mom? Which is more fun for the toddler? Meals and nap/sleep time. Tantrums at meals or sleep times point to a day filled with too many choices—either in the structure of the day (child chooses when and where to play) or within activities during the day (Mom chooses the video time, but the child chooses the title. Mom says its reading time, but the child chooses the book). Of course, the odd choice by the child is fine, but if the child is making most of the decisions every day, they will feel they are in charge, and hence really act out when it comes to meals or sleep-time expectations. Dealing with meal- or sleep-time tantrums is hard work. Being in control of the day is hard work. Who is in charge at your house? Demand attention. Tantrums may be an attempt to get your attention away from a friend, a sibling or a task. You can proactively teach your child to accept that they are part of a family, not the center of it, by balancing their day between time alone, time with Mom and Dad, time with siblings and family time. Or you can reactively manage the expression of their displeasure when they do not have your full attention when they want it. Which is more fun? Toddler tantrums can be greatly minimized by gentle and patient proactive training. Day by day, we can lovingly and joyfully provide a positive environment in which our child can learn self-control. The process of day-by-day training leads to progress. Eventually! Later-in-Life Mommies Tips for first-time moms over 35. By Christine Burger There are many reasons for the increase in first-time moms over 35. If you are one of them, you know there can be myriad reasons for the late start. Maybe you finally found Mr. Right (this is a major accomplishment in and of itself) at the age of 34, or perhaps your career has limited the time you could “try.” Maybe your career would have been hard to have with a little one or it just didn’t happen and now, thanks to modern medicine, it finally has! With 35-plus years of life experience, however, you are pretty set in your ways. You know what you like. You have accomplished a lot, seen a lot, done a lot. Established routine? Absolutely. Quiet dinners after a crazy day at the office? Morning paper with coffee? Spontaneous shopping trips? Maybe you go to the gym regularly or just discovered yoga. Although these firmly cemented routines are difficult to alter, having a few extra years under your belt certainly has benefits for first-timers! Unlike some younger women, you are READY to be a mom. You understand the vast amount of responsibility that comes with bringing a new life into the world and you look forward to sharing your life experiences with a child. But when you have had a little extra time to become set in your ways, having a baby can especially turn your life upside-down and inside-out. Also, let’s face it; you probably do not have quite as much energy as you did when you were younger. Here are a few tips to pull you through the first couple of months (it does get easier): 1. Accept help. As an independent woman, it has been a long time since you have “needed” help. Now is the time to let the people that love you help you. You do not have to be super-new-mom. Having a baby is hard on your body. It is emotionally and physically draining. It is alright to let someone else put a load of laundry in, bring you dinner, straighten up the place. 2. Savor the moment. Don’t worry about everything that is not getting done. These first few months go by so quickly. Take the time to take in every moment. You will be surprised how easy it is to just sit and stare at your beautiful baby. Drink in every detail. This is what life is all about. It doesn’t get any better. There is plenty of time to get things back in order (when they turn 18 and head for college). 3. Time is your friend. Your body may not spring back quite as fast as if you were 25, but it will rise to the occasion. Do not be discouraged. Eat healthy; your body needs nourishment. In time, you will start to see a resemblance of your original shape. 4. Drink lots of water. You are hormonal. Your body has just made a baby. Dramatic hormone changes can cause your skin that has been clear for 20 years to have break-outs. Lots of water will help. You will be amazed at how beautiful your skin will be. 5. Rest when baby rests. The second baby falls asleep, take a nap. This will give you the endurance you need to keep up with baby’s schedule. It is a luxury you may only get with your firstborn. Take it! 6. Forget the rules. Everybody has an opinion on what you should do to care for your baby. You can listen to everyone, but know that there is no “right way.” What is right for you and your family is all that matters. Do not let people pressure you because of your choices. You are going to do a great job! * Christine Burger is the founder and CEO of Noodle & Boo, which offers safe and gentle products to nourish and protect the delicate skin and hair of little ones. TOP
Breast
pumping is a healthy alternative … for mother and child.Smart
Buys for New Parents
The latest and greatest products for mom, dad and baby! By Kimberly Davis Mommy Gear! Mama Rocks! Mama Rocks! is a CD for the whole family full of timeless songs as well as catchy original tunes with sophisticated sound for adult ears, while keeping the interest of little ears too. With its hip musical sensibilities and meaningful messages, this CD effortlessly reaches music fans of all ages. The CD itself is a mixture of folk rock and pop, with a hint of rhythm and blues, and contains classics such as ’I’d Do Anything, Ooh Child,’You Are My Sunshine,’and ‘Rainbow Connection,’ to name a few. For her solo debut, MAMA ROCKS! Ashley Gramins collaborated with a team of musicians who have played and recorded with Suzanne Vega, Carly Simon, James Taylor, Simon and Garfunkel, Bette Midler, Jewel, Shawn Colvin, Michael Stipe and Dar Williams.”Mama Rocks! is available online at Cdbaby.com, iTunes, and Digstation.com. MSRP $9.99. Have a Mei Tai Looking for something different? Check out the Catbird Baby carrier. This attractive and functional carrier is based on a traditional Chinese carrier known as a mei tai. This design provides comfort for baby and wearer by bringing the baby's legs up into a seated position (rather than hanging straight down) and employing the wearer's waist and hips to bear some of baby's weight. The padded shoulder straps distribute weight evenly across the back and both shoulders. Discreet breastfeeding is also a breeze in a Catbird Baby carrier. The choices in fabrics are beautiful and eye-catching Carriers are proudly made in the U.S.A. Check out all of their designs at www.catbirdbaby.com. Available for $98 – 108. Cuddle ‘n cover This product is smart and stylish! The Cuddle n' Cover® Towel Apron and Bath Set is perfect for the first time parents and easily accommodates the busy schedule of the stay at home mom or dad. It is designed for parents to more efficiently be able to bathe their newborn or toddler without the fluster of reaching for a towel and bath time products. It is also ideal for protecting yourself from getting wet during baby bath time. It has two pockets in the front of apron for holding your towel cap and wash gloves (included with set) or for bath time products such as shampoo, soap, qtips, cotton balls, lotion, etc. The apron is designed to stay secure on your body with snaps around the halter and straps you easily tie around your waist! Available in pink, blue or green for $19.99 - $29.99 at www.marlosinspirations.com. Comfort and Security Moms who are breastfeeding will find this item handy! This breastfeeding pillow cradles your little one securely to allow for maximum comfort for the both of you. Available at www.onestepahead.com for only $12.95. Daddy Gear Cool, hip, Diaper Bags for Dad Guys everywhere can still feel cool, hip and fashionable whether you’re a dad to be or a dude on the go. Diaper Dude is warming up winter with their line of cool and funky bags. I like the guitar bag and the one with the peace sign, but there are many great designs to choose from. Whether it’s toting your tots or lugging your laptop, Diaper Dude has men all over the world looking stylish and feeling confident. Visit www.diaperdude.com for the full selection. Bags start at a reasonable $60-$112. Rough and Rugged Dad This is the bag for all those new dads who do not think they are going to need a diaper bag. Even if they do think they need one, they definitely aren’t going to carry one! Well, Baby Sherpa has you covered with this one. Offering a rugged look, this bag has it all. Pick up one for your favorite dad at www.babysherpa.com for $89. Double Duty Bag Looking for more bang for your buck? Then this is the bag for you. The Sidekick is designed for multiple uses. Not only is it a good looking bag for dad to carry, as your little one grows, this bag is also a carrier! Offered in 3 colors from the Parent of Invention’s website, this bag packs quite a punch for only $79. Check out www.parentsofinvention.com for this and other great ideas. A Stroller Dad will be Proud to Push The Mutsy collection is designed to meet parents’ every need with a unique modular system that is extremely flexible and looks cool! Engineered to fold from the front, the silhouette of the strollers is clean and modern. Various components fit into these frames such as a travel cot (bassinet), a stroller seat, a car seat, a fun seat and for a second baby or twins, the duoseat. An intelligent click mechanism enables the user to transform the buggy in to a stroller or to fit a car seat with a single movement. Each frame comes complete with a full-sized bassinet and stroller seat. Unique 3-wheel design, swivel front wheels for easy pushing and turning, one hand folding, quick release wheels, reclining seat with side protection, adjustable handle, leg support for baby, protective hood and storage basket. Available online at one of my favorite sites, www.LandofNod.com for $249.99. Must Haves for New Moms! Baby to Go! One of the first major purchases for a new parent is your car seat. There are so many choices these days, that it can be overwhelming. Graco tries to make it easy. They have developed a 3 step system for you to protect your child from birth to booster seat. The new Infant SafeSeat (Step 1) is one of the only infant car seats on the market that will accommodate a child rear-facing up to 30 lbs. and 32 inches tall. Thus, this car seat fits 97% of one-year-olds, which is very important because children must remain in a rear-facing car seat until they reach one year of age AND at least 20 lbs. The convenient stay-in-car base features an innovative belt lock-off which tightly secures the vehicle seatbelt for easy installation. One-hand dial adjustment on the base will also help ensure that you have the proper angle for installation. The patent pending, 5-point harness buckle features front adjustment which makes buckling & unbuckling more pleasant for both parent & child. With over 40 patterns to choose from, you are sure to find the one that will work for you! Visit www.gracobaby.com for a full selection online. $189.99. Teeny Towels Made with busy moms in mind, this is a great invention. This pocket size pack of wipes can fit anywhere! Attach it to your purse, the car seat, the stroller, whatever. For only $7.99, you can pick up a 4 pack. Visit www.parentsofinvention.com to order yours today. Hug Me When your baby has just arrived, and you are getting ready to take him/her home for the hospital, this item is a lifesaver if you have a premie or a smaller baby. Hug Me Joey is designed to help your baby receive the proper support in positioning in their car seat. Simple to use, this product can be purchased for $39.99 online. Visit www.hugmejoey.com for more information. Suds and Safety! Take the stress out of bath time by installing your very own bath gate! The Baby Bath Gate™ is an instant barrier that prevents the burns, bruises, scrapes, and chipped teeth that occur when the faucet and fixtures are within baby’s reach. The Baby Bath Gate™ is the only faucet guard that allows Mom and Dad full access to the fixtures and faucet while at the same time protecting baby from them. No assembly is required, it installs in seconds and is unmovable by baby. Pick this item up at multiple online or retail locations for MSRP of $29.95. Visit www.thebabybathgate.com for purchase locations. Babystyle My sister-in-law in Dallas turned me on to this site and I am so glad she did. Although they do not offer a bricks-and-mortar store in Houston, like they do in Dallas, I don’t care. It just makes it easier to shop and have them deliver it straight to my door! You will fall in love with many of their products, but their Moses basket is absolutely gorgeous. Made from dark colored natural fibers, this basket includes a washable mini-quilted bumper and matching mini blankie that's fleece on one side, mini-quilting on the other. The comfy waterproof cushion is covered by a soft fitted sheet that's easily removed for washing. A little pricey at $129, but worth every penny. www.babystyle.com A Spoonful of Sugar Designed by a Chicago couple for their seriously ill child, this invention was truly born out of necessity and it works! The Medibottle has a center sleeve with an airtight dispenser that sends medicine to the tip of the nipple. As the baby drinks in the liquid, you pump in short bursts of the medicine and it is mixed with the liquid in small doses. This reduces the unpleasant experience for the child and for you. Visit www.medibottle.com for more information or to purchase for $13.95. Kiss It and Make It Better A new line of kid-friendly products helps parents administer first aid in a way that is calming and engaging for your child. The Boo-Boo Care line features twelve pediatrician-approved first aid products that appeal to children and take the “scare” out of being hurt. The family of serious first aid products is made more kid-friendly with adorable cartoon-character decorations. Parents are able to treat wounds quickly and effectively with such products as Boo-Boo Juice, a non-stinging gentle antiseptic foam, and antibiotic Boo-Boo Cream with Pain Reliever. Keeping the wound covered is a snap with colorful character Boo-Boo Care Sterile Bandages, the first complex shaped bandages for children. The line includes two first aid kits containing individual items which are also sold separately, priced competitively with other non-kid friendly first aid items. Pick it up on your next trip to Target or go online to www.booboocare.com for more information. Create Geniuses of Tomorrow See My World Braincandy creates a “lean forward” experience. While most educational videos provide a passive learning experience (flashcards on video) and can be great for pacifying young children to sleep, Braincandy recognizes the negatives of deliberate passive exposure. Braincandy’s secret formula on the other hand creates a new standard of content that “actively” engages young children in the learning process, never talking down to them, all within a fun and entertaining platform. Braincandy is Smart Food for Hungry Little Minds. Purchase both 'Braincandy, The 5 Senses of My World' and 'See My World' videos or CDs. Available online at braincandykids.com for $17.99 (DVDs) $9.95 (CDs). Talk to Your Baby Early communication is one of the most wonderful and pivotal bonding experiences parents share with their children during their early development. Produced in association with the National Literacy Trust in England, Baby IQ DVDs series supports its “Talk to Your Baby” campaign, which conveys that the ability to communicate is the basis of social and emotional well-being and encourages parents and caregivers to talk more to children from birth to age three. Music for the Baby IQ series – which is filmed in High Definition – is beautifully scored by the world-renowned London Symphony Orchestra. Each 35-minute Baby IQ DVD features “Baby I” and “Baby Q,” charming puppet characters who introduce young eyes to the world around them. Baby IQ is produced without narration and is designed for parents and babies to watch together, an approach that encourages the natural “parentese” – conversation between parent and child about what they’re watching together on screen. Choose from “The World Around Us”, “Baby’s First Words”, “Colors”, “Counting” DVDs are available at www.brainybaby.com for $17.95. Also available will be 30 minute CD soundtracks of each DVD for $12.95. Bilingual Baby! Children will enjoy Sarah Wilkins' illustrations while learning 26 nouns in English or Spanish with Mudpuppy's Basic Words Spanish-English on-the-go ring flash cards. Use as flash cards, practice sorting by color or type, or separate and hang as decorations in a playroom or classroom. They are adorable and affordable. $12.00 at www.mudpuppy.com Check out their site for other great gift ideas. Only the Best for Baby Crib Couture Simple and chic. Dwellbaby offers luxury bedding for families with discerning taste. With ten terrific patterns to choose from, this designer bedding doesn’t come with a designer price. Crib sets like the Garden design shown here run $384.00. Check out www.Dwellshop.com for crib sets, stuffed animals, stroller blankets, bib & burp sets and more. Baby Jar These are some of the hippest baby blankets I have found. Made with fabric that makes you wish it came in adult sizes, these blankets will sure to be a hit with the most fashionable of your friends, and their babies, too! Wonderful color combinations available for both boys and girls, you have to check out this funky line to truly appreciate all they have to offer. I assure you won’t be disappointed! Snuggler blankets $68 at www.babyjar.com. Tatr Tots Soft and silky, this is the ultimate car seat cover. Reversible, most importantly – washable, this beautiful cover fits most car seats and comes in 38 color combinations/patterns to suit every taste. Ranging in prices from $85 - $145, these luxury covers will be the envy of all your friends! Visit www.tatrtots.com for a complete selection of products and allocations of the stores near you. Fun for Your Little One (& You, Too) Moncalin (French for 'my cuddle') Created in the good old USA, these unique and colorful toys make you smile no matter what kind of day you've had. Made from the highest quality materials and fabrics these products are the real deal. Choose from pigs or cats in crazy color combinations like pistacio and chocolate or white and melon, you can really have some fun with the choices. Looking for a great blanket for your little star........then choose one of their adorable star blankets! Whatever item you choose, I am sure you will be pleased when the box arrives at your door. Blankets start at $42 to $92 and pigs and cats come in at $65. For a full preview of their collection, visit www.moncalin.com. Baby Abuelita For those who have lost or who are not geographically close to their parents, this doll helps you to bring a sense of family to your new bundle of joy. Baby Abuelita products have been embraced by families from coast to coast because the dolls sing the traditional songs passed down from generation to generation. The melodies bring back cherished childhood memories of their grandparents and help parents keep the tradition going to the next generation. Ebeanstalk I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this site! This site offers the PERFECT, age appropriate gift for any child. They employ child development specialists to review thousands of toys and choose only the best for their customers. You can purchase a single gift or, my recommendation is, sign up for their Gift Series. Every 3 months, a new toy arrives matched to your child’s development stage! Not only is it a wonderful thought, it helps your child by giving them a gift that they actually can play with. Rather than giving a baby a gift that frustrates them, you will provide them with many hours of enjoyment and stimulation! Have I mentioned I love this site? Check them out today at www.ebeanstalk.com. You will be glad you did! Looking Good Baby! New for Baby The hip baby’s new wardrobe. For the new mommy who doesn’t have a clue where to start, this site is the place. Grouped by color and style, New for Baby offers great gift sets that can get you started. Perfect for the trip home from the hospital, pick up one of the gift sets. Offered in boy, girl, or unisex, these great bundles come in a wide range of prices to fit most budgets. Check out www.newforbaby.com to choose the one that fits your style. What’s Your Sign Baby? Little Baby Signs knows how challenging it can be to find the perfect gift for a new baby. This Zodiac line is the perfect gift for a new baby! This line displays the 12 astrological signs associated with each month of the year in vibrant gender neutral colors. The 12 zodiac signs are unique baby shower gifts! Check out the variety of fun characteristic traits unique to each astrological sign. Let mom & dad know what they’re in for! Little Baby Signs onesies are available for $21 at www.littlebabysigns.com. Mine! Babies are now making statements before they can even talk - all thanks to MyPacifier. It's a new twist on a classic baby product that has people no longer asking "whose pacifier is this?" MyPacifier is the latest baby accessory because it allows you to personalize the paci with just about anything. You pick the style, color and what you want it to say. You can literally have it say anything from the baby's name to unique phrases like "Grandma's Angel" or "Spoiled." Visit www.mypacifier.com and let your imagination run wild! MyPacifier’s start at $7. Pediped Pediped™ footwear, one of the fastest growing children’s footwear companies in the U.S., unveils it most imaginative and innovative styles to date with the launch of its Fall/Winter 2007 collection. This collection once again delivers on the exceptional quality and comfort Pediped™ customers have come to expect. It features new colors, textures and fabrics plus 10 original new designs and 5 new color combinations of top selling styles. Perfect for indoor and outdoor adventures, these podiatrist-recommended shoes are not only stylish, but also good for children’s feet. Pediped™ shoes retail for $29-$31 and are available in sizes newborn (select styles only), 0-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months and 18-24 months. Pediped™ footwear may be purchased at select children’s boutiques, children’s shoe stores and department stores nationwide, or online at www.pediped.com. Get Up and Go! Crawlies is a unique line of clothing specifically developed to safely encourage your baby to crawl! Non-slip pads, sewn onto the wear points of the garments, provide the traction and stability needed to succeed with the critical crawling phase of infant development. Crawlies were designed by a “mom-preneur” who saw a need for a product like this in today’s marketplace – a need that was confirmed after thoroughly researching the developmental benefits of infant crawling. There are three distinct styles of Crawlies garments: a sleeper, a fleece romper, and a stretch denim overall. They are available in two sizes: small: for infants aged 3-6 months, measuring 21-22” from shoulder to heel, and medium: for infants aged 6-12 months, measuring 23-24” from shoulder to heel. All garments have been pre-washed to ensure proper sizing, and all Crawlies garments exceed the quality and safety standards for children’s clothing. Sold at www.crawlies.ca or call 1-866-222-1512; see website for retail locations. Retail $29.95 - $34.95. Baby Au Naturale Natural as Sleep The makers of the Natural as Sleep mattresses are extremely proud of their crib mattress and the "baby's needs" were of primary concern! Their goal is to make the Parents happy because the baby sleeps comfortable and SAFE right through the junior bed stage AND this mattress can be used for each child in the family as it has a 20-year life expectancy! In other words, this is an important investment that is worth researching and spending a little extra money on! Visit www.naturalassleep.com for more information. Sealed with a Kiss Tashi Nibber is a local mom and business woman. The name of her company is Kissaluvs. They manufacture baby cloth diapers and accessories that are enjoyed throughout the US, Europe, Canada, Australia, Japan etc. They sell our products and help support WHAM (work at home mom) businesses, mom & pop retailers, catalog companies etc. They are one of the better known cloth diaper brands in the country and take pride in offering the world a great alternative to disposable diapers. Check them out at www.kissaluvs.com/about.html or visit the Young & the Restless store in the heights for a good selection! Cute as a Bug This baby care line is too cute! The perfect gift for baby showers, their baby basics gift pack will help get your favorite new family off to a great start with fun, all-natural infant bathing essentials-including a plush caterpillar washcloth, refreshing extra mild baby powder, and our organic lavender baby wash & bodymilk. Newborns and up. Gift pack is $39.65 and cute as a bug! Visit http://store.littletwig.com for more information! Bebe Luv Fruits & Passion introduces their new Baby Care Line and it is among the most natural on the market. Ultra-gentle textures and very practical packaging for parents that know what is best for their babies. All of the products are formulated with vegetal bases and enriched with natural active ingredients derived from organic plants (certified by ECOCERT). In order to achieve maximum softness, certain ingredients have been avoided, such as paraben, chemical dyes, sulphates, soaps (for cleansing products), alcohol (for eau de toilette) and petroleum derivates (mineral oil, silicones). The perfume used in the products was specially formulated in order to minimize the risk of an allergic reaction. My favorite is the Oatmeal Bath Milk ($20), but all of their products are divine. Visit www.fruits-passion.com and introduce your baby to nature. Beauty of Breast Pumping By Wendy Williamson Like many mothers, throughout my pregnancy I prepared to breastfeed my sweet little baby by attending classes and reading books. But when the baby arrived, all of the practice in the world could not have prepared me for what happened. I spent the first three days immersed in emotions ranging from anxiety to frustration. This was supposed to be the most beautiful time of my life; instead it was turning into one of the worst. Each day grew worse, until one day my mother explained that I might be experiencing postpartum depression. After seeking counseling and spending time with a lactation consultant, I was able to reduce my anxiety enough to practice bringing my baby to breast. Due to my personality, however, I finally had to admit that bringing my baby to breast was causing too many other problems, so I figured out another solution to ensure that my baby got my breast milk. My lactation consultant informed me that if I purchased a very good double pump and worked diligently, then perhaps I would be able to breast pump enough of my own breast milk. Thankfully, I was able to spend many months doing this to provide a great start for my baby. Though my case was extreme, I realized through my experience that every mom who wants to provide their own breast milk to their baby, whether via nursing or pumping only, needed to have some type of breast pump available to them. Yet, no one really informs mothers of this while they are pregnant. During breastfeeding classes, you expect that you will bring your baby to breast. Perhaps you will have a bit of difficulty in the first couple of weeks, but you will overcome this and breastfeeding will eventually be a cinch. But what happens when you must return back to work in six weeks? What happens when you decide to resume occasional date nights with your husband or if you become engorged with an excess of breast milk? What is the best way to “express” yourself in these situations? After the birth of my baby, I left the hospital with a sweet little diaper bag filled with coupons and samples of baby formula. I just threw these things in my cupboard thinking that I really had no use for any of them. Well, two days later at 2 a.m., I found myself trying to figure out how to make the stuff with a screaming newborn in one arm and a lactation consultant on the phone in my other hand. I was terrified. My milk had come in and my breasts were so swollen that I could not get my son to latch on. He was starving and I did not know what to do. Luckily, the lactation consultant recommended a manual breast pump and my mother had one at my door within 30 minutes. Before I could even figure out how to make the formula, I was able to express some of the breast milk and successfully get my son to latch on. I wondered, “Why had they sent me home with formula instead of an inexpensive manual breast pump?” Benefits of Pumping When I began pumping, I immediately felt relieved—but also guilty. I was relieved that my son was consuming many ounces of breast milk and that I could now get extra hours of sleep while my husband fed the baby, but guilt began to drown out my relief. I felt like I was missing the natural motherly instinct to breastfeed my own baby. Every few days I attempted to bring my baby to my breast and again struggled with frustration and feelings of inadequacy. After speaking with my counselor, she explained that, instead of creating a bond with my baby through the breastfeeding experience, I was actually creating hostility between the two of us. She told me that giving my baby my breast milk was the important thing; the bonding experience would certainly come as I cuddled and fed her during our many special intimate moments. She reminded me that the act of bringing the baby to breast didn't do anything magical. As long I was calm, happy and relaxed, the baby would sense this and we would form a strong bond. And by breast pumping, I could still give her the best nutrition possible. My counselor was so right. After a few days of exclusive pumping, I became calmer and happier, and I began to feel closer to my daughter. I would breast pump and then during her feeding times I would hold her close and we would stare into one another’s eyes. It felt so warm, so natural, and I was truly enjoying our time together without frustration or aggravation. Once I learned the correct technique and efficiency of breast pumping, I became proud of our breastfeeding accomplishments. I did spend much of my day attached to the breast pump the first couple of weeks; however, it became somewhat of a challenge—to see how much I could pump at each sitting—rather than a chore that I had to get done every three hours. Although I needed to pump every three hours during the day, I expanded that time to every five or six hours at night. I was able to take this long stretch because my husband would take one of the night feedings so that I could sleep longer. I think this is a big reason why I was able to continue to pump for so long. While some exclusive breastfeeding mothers may become sleep-deprived from months of waking up throughout the night, mothers who exclusively pump and have a “helper” are able to get a few extra hours of sleep each night. While these extra hours of sleep are very good for mom, they also allow others in the family to bond with the baby. My husband fed the baby every evening, which helped them to grow very close. Since the initial escapade with my first child, I have had two additional children and breast pumping has become an art form for me. Although breast pumping helped me tremendously, I still encourage all mothers to make the initial attempt to bring baby to breast as they did in their daydreams while they were pregnant. I want to inform these same mothers, however, that breast pumping at some point during the feeding adventure will become a necessity—whether it becomes a full-time venture or an occasional supplement. In either case, all moms need to be aware of the different varieties of breast pumps available and consider which type of pump is best for their unique situation. Support the Decision to Pump As with exclusively breastfeeding, you and your baby will be more successful at pumping when you receive support and assistance. You must remember that you have made a decision about what you believe is best for your newborn, and you may need to educate others, including doctors and other medical personnel. They may not understand the point of exclusively pumping. You may find this especially true when you give birth, during your hospital stay or at doctor visits. Assure doubters that you can do this successfully. If you need help persuading them, there is solid research readily available online at www.gotbreastpump.com. If you decide to exclusively pump, be sure you receive the support you need. It will not only assist you in dealing with any challenges you encounter, but also help you feel comfortable—and proud—of the way you are caring for your baby. Donating the Surplus Once I got a very good grasp of pumping and my breast milk supply increased, I pumped almost twice as much as my baby consumed every day. I had enough breast milk in the freezer to enable me to continue providing it to her for nearly two months after I stopped pumping. Since my freezer was overwhelmed, I decided to help others who needed my breast milk as much as my baby did. Donating breast milk is one of the incredible benefits of pumping. Not only was I providing wonderful nourishment for my own baby; I was also able to provide for premature and very ill babies who were in life-threatening need of breast milk. My experience with the Mother's Milk Bank of Austin (MMBA) was very pleasant, and MMBA provides a forum so that the donating mothers can even chat with one another. It was a tremendously rewarding experience. One Mother’s Mission Wendy Williamson supplied her own breast milk for each of her children exclusively through pumping, and she is determined to help other mothers realize the benefits of breast pumping for baby and mother. She hopes to create a greater awareness of donating breast milk and breast pumps to mothers who want to provide their milk to premature or ill babies. More information on breastfeeding and breast pumping can be found on her Web site: www.gotbreastpump.com. It’s Not All About Granola Start with Good Values By Beth Irvine Healthy mothers are everywhere. A healthy mother isn’t only the one who eats healthy foods and exercises at the gym. A healthy mother is one who embraces healthy living from a grounded, centered place. A healthy mother teaches her child through the acts of love, compassion, understanding and awareness. Actions Speak Louder Than Words Children absorb feelings and actions subconsciously, so whether a mother knows it or not, her actions speak much louder than any of her words. The comment about someone else that she casually makes while chatting on the telephone to another mother gets overheard and infused into her child’s subconscious behavior. A healthy mother is a woman who stands up for what she believes in. When an uncomfortable situation arises, requiring her to speak up for one of her own beliefs on a delicate issue of religion or politics, she speaks with a centered confidence—and her child observes and imitates her manner. She is a woman who sacrifices. She does not place her own wants and needs before those of her child or others. Her child learns from her selfless acts of love. Mini-Me I have this little bad habit of talking to myself while I am driving. Actually, I am talking to the other drivers on our over-crowded-orange-barrel-construction-laden major metropolitan roads. My language sometimes slips as I refer to other not-so-courteous or just-plain-crazy drivers. And when I drive, my children are usually in the car with me, soaking up all of my vocabulary like the best bran of absorbent paper towels. Healthy From the Inside Out There is no need to get hung up on the thought, “I am not a healthy mother.” Look at your health from the inside out and embrace who you are, acknowledging all of your healthy behaviors and actions. Take pride in who you are and how you act. Think of what you do well. Continue to remind yourself of your positive actions and continue to be mindful of your own behavior. The repercussions of your actions become part of your child’s way of being in the world. A healthy mother remembers to focus on the positive actions leading her child on to becoming an adult, with values and actions that manifest love, compassion, understanding and awareness. Words to Weave into Your Day Love: 1. Deep, tender feeling of affection or devotion. 2. Feeling of brotherhood and good will toward other people. Compassion: To feel sorrow for the sufferings or trouble of another or others, accompanied by an urge to help. Understanding: 1. The mental quality, act or state of a person who understands; comprehension, knowledge, sympathetic awareness. 2. To be informed or to believe. Awareness: Knowing or realizing; conscious; informed. 2. Implies having knowledge of something through alertness in observing and interpreting what one sees, hears and feels. Smart Buys for New Parents The latest and greatest products for mom, dad and baby! By Kim Davis Mommy gear! In a Pickle You’ve seen that mom on the street with the beautiful bag, but didn’t know where she bought it. I bet you it was a Petunia Pickle Bottom bag. Their beautiful fabrics and color combinations make these bags hard to resist. The Boxy Backpack is a fave and offers enough color combinations to satisfy even the most sleep-deprived mom! $158. Visit www.petuniapicklyebottom.com for more styles and to locate the store nearest you. Stateside Sensation Created by a Dallas mompreneur, The Ryco line (distributed by Kel-Gar) of upscale fashionable bags benefit today's mobile mom while not breaking the bank! Already a staple for new moms in Australia, this line is now making its way back to the states. The line includes Messenger Bags, a five-piece Combination Set and a Deluxe Backpack with Cooler, all of which are made from durable, easy-to-clean material and come in fashionable colors. $35 to $50 at www.kelgar.com. Dapper Duds This BabyMina allows mom to choose how much coverage she desires. It can be adjusted to have full coverage or minimal coverage, and sports cute bow detail at neckline. The Convertible BabyMina can be worn several different ways (over the head and toga style). Raw undyed organic white cotton lines the underside of The Convertible BabyMina, ensuring that only the softest cotton comes in contact with the baby. Discreetly placed pocket is perfect for breast pads or any other baby necessities. Can be used as a stylin' apron when done breastfeeding! Many styles and colors from which to choose. One size fits all. $40 at www.milkdudz.com. Pampered Mom This product is cute and practical! Tummy Honey is ideal to prevent and fade stretch marks … and now the full Bella B line has mothers covered from head to tummy to toes! Other products include Tummy to Toes, Body Buzz, Glowing skin lightener and all-over body cream. Try out the Tummy Honey three-pack. $60 at www.mothersintuition.com. Pump it Up! A must for working mommy… ISIS IQ Duo Twin Electronic Breast Pump. This pump includes all you need to express, store, transport and feed your breast milk. You’ll love how easy and convenient it makes feeding. $349.99 at www.aventamerica.com. Convenient Care A smart alternative to the changing table, this award-winning diaper caddy holds all the essentials for baby care. Portable and stylish, its patent pending design has fitted compartments and pockets—perfect storage for the baby wipes container, diapers, creams, burp cloths and swabs. In any room of the home, baby essentials are always in place and within your reach. Prices start at $39.95 at The Right Start and www.sarabearbaskets.com. Organized Baby Designed by a new mom who realized her baby's paperwork weighed almost as much as her baby, the BabyBriefcase is a wonderfully designed, charming little organizer that's going to make even the most mundane paperwork handling enjoyable and completely hassle-free. Totally adorable, completely practical, BabyBriefcase is the perfect gift that any mom—new or experienced—will appreciate. A true find! $29.95 at www.organizedfromthestart.com. Geniuses of Tomorrow Reading Secrets This revolutionary early-reading program encourages infants and toddlers to naturally learn the written word at the same time as they learn the spoken word. Studies indicate that early readers are more confident, have higher self-esteem and generally do better in school and in life! This language development system introduces children to the wonderful world of words using Dr. Robert Titzer's fun, multi-sensory reading approach. Babies and toddlers do not just watch this DVD; they interact with it! Five-DVD set, double-sided, interactive Learn to Read word cards, one wipe-clean word card and one erasable, non-toxic pen. $72 at www.amazon.com. Signs of Intelligence Did you know that babies communicate with signs before they are developmentally able to speak—and are smarter and better adjusted because of it? There is now research to validate what parents of signing children have experienced firsthand. From their magical, animated tree house, Alex (who can hear) and Leah (who is deaf) invite infants and children to “Come sign with us!” in the Signing Time DVD. Watch and enjoy as Alex, Leah and all their friends share American Sign Language (ASL) signs with your child in a fun and playful way. DVD set 1-3 $65 at www.mom4life.com. Fitness First In a country where the obesity epidemic has affected thousands and increased diseases like Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, the importance of being physically active at an early age cannot be underestimated. Our goal at athleticBaby is to inspire the parents of young children and underscore that it is never too early to start developing healthy habits. Studies have shown that being physically active at an early age can increase self-esteem, build confidence, and build a foundation for success in all areas of a child’s life—not just fitness. Several titles to from which to choose. $16.99 at www.athleticbaby.com. New-Mom Must-Have’s! Teething Tamer This is a must-have for new moms! Baby Vibe has come up with this revolutionary therapeutic device that vibrates, creating a massaging sensation that immediately relieves baby’s gums of any discomfort. According to our product reviewers, despite the instructions to put in the fridge for only an hour, keep it in overnight so it's good and cold. $12.95 at www.jejeteether.com. Mess-Relief With a regular burp cloth, baby’s mess runs down your back and onto you, the furniture and the floor. But BurpCatcher has an ingenious pocket that hangs open to catch baby’s spit-up every time. Put it over your shoulder or across your arm—BurpCatcher stops the spit-up before it makes a mess! Made of soft flannel or cozy fleece, BurpCatcher is totally washable and versatile, with no hard parts or hardware. It can be scrunched into a diaper bag and used just like any other burp cloth … only it’s much better. $9.99 at www.burpcatcher.com. Quick Change Tushy Gear is fusing function with fashion. All parents know that changing on the go can be awkward and messy, but Tushy Gear provides a solution that is not embarrassing to take with you! It's a changing pad, diaper and wipe storage pouch, all rolled into one. Now, mom can wrap it up tightly and make some much-needed room in her overflowing diaper bag. No more digging to find diapers and wipes in a hurry. This unique, mom-invented travel roll-up, makes quick changes in public places a snap. Tushy Gear comes in 23 exciting and adorable patterns; think baseballs, monkeys, psychedelic tie dye, flowers, paisley, surf boards, goldfish and much more. $45 at www.tushygear.com. Rockin’ Magic One of Graco's newest products, this is very unique because it features three products in one! Graco took a poll to see what moms consider to be must-have baby products, and infant swings and bouncer seats were consistently mentioned. As a result, the Swing ‘n' Bounce is one product that can be used as a traditional infant swing and a bouncer seat, as well as a carrier. The seat features two vibration settings, which can be used while the seat is on the swing frame or while it is being used as a stand-alone bouncer. The swing also features a three-position recline. This is a great product for new moms. Suggested retail price $129.99. Visit www.graco.com for a store near you. Cuddly Classic Sonya’s long-standing favorite classic, the waffle weave blanket, is back. She would be remiss if her collection did not include this favorite. And, alas, she has found the finest waffle weave worthy of a spot in the lineup. The yarn imported from Portugal is not only classically soft, but super-durable, as well. Tie it around your shoulders and run around the backyard like a super hero—it won’t disappoint. Intended to be loved on, cuddled with and passed down for generations. Retail $71 to $81 at www.fillintheblankee.com. Pacifier Peace The WubbaNub pacifier was created by a mom who was tired, literally, from being woken up by her baby crying every time his pacifier fell out. By attaching a cute stuffed animal frog to the pacifier, she was able to encourage baby to hold onto the frog and keep the pacifier in his mouth. When the pacifier does fall out, baby sees the frog and recognizes it, reaches for it, and replaces it. Comes in packs of two or more. Choose from purple frogs, red dogs, yellow ducks, blue horses and more. $29. Visit www.babydagny.com for a full selection and other great gifts. Cool Babies The BabyBeeCool Car Seat Cooler Pad was designed in the heat of the Arizona desert where interior car temperatures can reach in excess of 185 degrees Fahrenheit! Using the Baby Bee Cool Car Seat Cooler Pad, the seat will be up to 100 degrees cooler. Your BabyBeeCool Car Seat Cooler Pad is an insulated fabric, which comes with reuseable ice blocks that are placed in lined pockets of the pad. This cooling protection lasts up to 10 hours in the extreme heat. $49.99 at www.babybeecool.com. Moms on the go! On a Roll The Swift is one of the new designs from Italian designer Inglesina. The Swift is the ultimate lightweight umbrella folding stroller for parents and babies on the go. The Swift features a detachable hood that can be tilted forward to be used as a sun canopy, a mesh basket for holding mom and baby items, and lock/release options. $119.99. For available retail outlets visit www.inglesina.com. Off-Road Baby Knobby tires, state-of-the-art suspension, sparkling personality. The BOB Sport Utility Stroller is a perfect match for moms and dads who love the Great-Out-There and want to share it with their kids. Bumpy trails, curbs, cracked sidewalks; they’re all tough to get along with in other strollers—but they are a breeze with the Sport Utility Stroller. $279.99. Visit www.bobtrailers.com for more styles and retail outlets near you. Looking Good, Baby! Kushie Craze This is my favorite Web site. Not only do they offer reusable diapers; they offer the cutest outfits and the best toys. I can’t say enough about them, and if you are like me, you need a visual. Check out www.kushies.com for a complete overview of their line. Tough Booties IsaBooties soft-soled baby shoes are a unique, trend-setting combination of hip, fashionable style and practical baby shoe design. Crafted from soft, yet durable, Ultrasuede fabric, IsaBooties soft-soled baby shoes combine hip colors with distinctive ribbon accents. IsaBooties soles are made from Toughtek, a grip fabric frequently used in high-end climbing apparel and search and rescue dog booties. This durable fabric is also soft and flexible, making it the perfect choice for soft-soled baby shoes. See why IsaBooties soft-soled baby shoes are the hottest baby shoes around! 3 months to 18 months. $26 at www.isabooties.com. Sole Secrets Toddler Treads specializes in healthy footwear for active kids. Designed with the child's physical development and function in mind, exclusive Gucio shoes, imported from Europe by Toddler Treads, ensure that growing kids have perfect support, flexibility and durability in their footwear. Not to mention, they’re pretty cute! Each pair are individually handmade and feature wide elastic and non-slip rubber soles, important for flexibility in the child's foot joint and toe line. The durable soles host a soft air cushion under the heel to provide extra comfort for active toddlers. Constructed from soft, premium leather treated with non-toxic dyes, all shoes are available in airy summer styles to permit ventilation. $49.99 at www.toddlertreads.com. Droop-Free Designs Tinybigs is the accessory that makes droopy drawers no more. Combining function with charm, these Tinybigs are tattoo-inspired and designed for babies ages 6 to18 months. With a soft cotton back to be gentle against babies’ skin and a safe, easy-to-use magnetic clasp, Tinybigs can be conveniently worn anywhere along a child’s waistband, allowing them to be out of the way or showpieces. Spot-clean only as necessary. $16 at www.mom4life.com. Feeding-Time Fashion Bibs are definitely a necessity. However, they normally are a fashion disaster. Well, no more. Check out the Bumkins Waterproof SuperBib line! Made from waterproof, stain- and odor-resistant fabric, these bibs really make a statement. Choose from 15 different styles. Fits most 3 months to 2-years-plus+. $5.95 apiece at www.Mom4Life.com. At this price, you can buy all 15! Baby Au Naturale Plush Favorites Adorable, natural, and affordable, My Natural is an all-new children’s brand offered at only at Target with the added peace of mind of an all-natural cotton toy. The new line uses only the highest quality cotton; it is hypo-allergenic, free of chemicals, and made via the industry’s first natural dye process: Pure Water Wash. Also, you will find that My Natural toys are very cuddly and appealing, in styles for all ages! The cute and safe collection features four lines of playful plush bears, rabbits, cats, and dogs of varying sizes. Shown here is one of the 9-inch Spring Love characters. $14.99 at Target. Natural Nutrition Bohemian Baby offers fresh organic baby foods to support parents who want to raise their children with a natural and conscious approach. As a result, all of the products and services are created to give parents a convenient way to provide their children with the best and healthiest foods, as well as a positive environment in which to grow and develop. Each day, Bohemian Baby continues to develop new products and services that truly nurture your baby's body, mind and spirit. Starter kit $45 at www.bohemian-baby.com. Cotton Bottoms Curious about cotton diapers but not sure where to begin? Bummis makes it easy for you. No pins, no plastic pants—this is a simple and easy-to-use system of cloth diapering, and also one of the most economical! Bummis diapers are pre-folded, so there is no need to learn a tricky or complicated folding method. A fold here and a fold there will make them adapt to any baby, absorbent exactly where you need them to be. For babies 8 to 15 pounds: 36 incredibly thick and thirsty unbleached cotton pre-fold diapers and six Super Whisper Wraps. Enough diapers for three days of diapering your new baby. No need to wash more often. Plus a user guide and roll of flushable liners. Visit www.bummis.com for purchase and pricing information. Babies Go Natural Natural “threads” have gone from hippie to hip. By June Sayali You don't have to be a health fanatic to notice the growing trend toward organic and natural foods among American consumers. Fresh and unprocessed foods rather than genetically engineered goods are becoming considerably more prevalent in mainstream society. Similarly, consumer interest in natural products has fueled growth in children’s apparel constructed of natural fibers. Yes, more and more health-conscious parents are seeking the best fabrics for their children—and their children’s health. By dressing your child in clothing made of natural fibers, you are not only taking a fashionable approach; you are engaging in an effective way of protecting your child's health. Creating a pure, natural environment is of the utmost importance to a growing number of parents today. Studies have shown that millions of children in the United States are exposed to 35 percent of their estimated lifetime dose of carcinogenic pesticides by age 5, whether it is through food, household goods or other channels. When you take into consideration how fragile a young child’s health can be, it is important to minimize their exposure and prevent them from complications that can develop later in life. Unfortunately, there are many parents who do not know how many harmful chemicals are used in the manufacture of synthetic clothing. Fine Fibers June Sayali is the owner of June Bee Baby, Inc., a Hoboken, New Jersey-based company specializing in baby clothing hand-made with only natural fibers. Sayali was born and raised in Turkey, which is recognized as one of the world’s major producers of top-quality knitting yarn. Growing up with the finest of Turkish fabrics right at her fingertips, Sayali knitted and crocheted sweaters and other types of apparel throughout college. After earning a degree in Business Administration and embarking on a career in International Marketing, Sayali came to the United States in 1999. At that point, she decided to combine her interests and form her own business creating baby clothing made of natural Turkish fibers. Designing pieces in her New Jersey home and also commissioning local artisans from her home city of Istanbul, Sayali slowly brought her vision and designs to life. Traveling back and forth to Turkey, often for months at a time, Sayali built a strong foundation on which June Bee Baby, Inc. has since grown. A distinctive feature that sets this company apart from others in the natural fiber apparel industry is that every article of clothing is either hand-knit or -crocheted. There are no machines involved in the making of these clothes. Most of the products are hand-knit and then decorated with hand-crocheted ornamentations, which make them unique in the baby clothing industry. Artistic Individuals This approach makes each product a piece of art created with character and unique style. Sayali prides her company on having the resources to blend authentic, original patterns and motifs with an eclectic and contemporary flair. “Because they are solely crafted by hand, the interpretation of design for each model is left to the artisans’ individual inspiration,” says Sayali. “Each artisan is able to work with a free artistic mind and make the most of their own creativity.” Specializing in clothing for ages newborn to 36 months, June Bee Baby, Inc. uses only the finest natural Turkish fibers in every stitch of every article of clothing created. The fibers, which mostly consist of cotton and wool, do not include any synthetic materials, making it healthier against the baby’s skin and more comfortable to wear. Besides the quality-of-life benefits, the quality of clothing produced from these natural fibers is also substantially higher. The fabrics are light and allow ample ventilation to keep the skin at a consistent body temperature. From an economic standpoint, natural fibers yield stronger and more durable fabrics. So not only are they softer and more breathable against the skin, but they will last longer than most synthetic baby clothing. Additionally, June Bee Baby’s affordable designs combine casual and dressy styles in a way that grants every piece the functionality of being worn as a comfortable everyday garment or for special occasions. June Bee Baby, Inc. currently carries a line of handmade sweaters, hats, booties and dresses. Now an expectant mother herself, Sayali has found additional inspiration. She plans to expand her collection in the near future to include items such as jumpers, pants and other pieces suitable for cooler weather. To learn more about June Bee Baby, Inc. merchandise and the benefits of natural fibers, please visit www.junebeebaby.com. Smart Buys for New Parents II From brilliant ideas to pure “bling,” the best bets for mom, dad and baby! By Holly Beretto Baby Style New Jersey-based June Bee Baby offers your baby stylish handcrafted knit items made from natural fibers. From dresses, cardigans and booties to this adorable sweater and hat set, your little one will be the most fashionable babe on the block. Items are handmade by artisans in Istanbul and each is a unique piece. The collection is durable, versatile, and made to treasure for generations to come. Item inventory is limited, as all pieces are originals. Hat and sweater set $72. Visit www.junebeebaby.com for full selection and to receive a current catalogue. Your baby will be a trendsetter from birth with the hottest baby item in Hollywood—baby couture pacifiers from Sweet Bumkins. Whether you have a little princess or a budding sports fan, every baby (or “bumkin”) needs a little “bling.” The Princess Crown pacifier and the Rock Star pacifier are both handcrafted with Swarovski crystal rhinestones and non-toxic glue. $49.99 each. Visit www.sweetbumpkins.com for additional styles and to order. Your baby can step out in style with shoes from Arizona-based Pediped. The new fall lineup features fashions for girls and boys, including dressy patent leather Mary Janes, comfortable penny loafers and deck shoes. Ideal for both indoor and outdoor wear, this pediatrician-recommended footwear features soft, cushioned soles and Velcro fasteners. Intricate stitching and attention to detail make these the baby shoes of choice for celebrity parents like Julia Roberts and Liv Tyler, among others. Each pair is packed in its own sturdy keepsake box. Available in a variety of styles and colors for $28 to $38 at www.pediped.com. Made for Mom Childbirth: A Multimedia Course and Resource Kit helps parents prepare for the birth of their baby. The program offers eight lessons (more than 20 hours of instruction), including sections on Your Last Week of Pregnancy; Early, Active and Transition Labor; Postpartum Care of Yourself; Care of Your Newborn; and Feeding Your Newborn. Each |