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Baby Potty Training Products
Potty Training in One Day® – The Potty Patty Doll [N0001] Price: $39.95
The Potty Patty™ Kit includes the following 3 items:
1. The Potty Patty™ girl potty training doll
2. 3 “big kid” doll potty training pants
3. 2 Bottles to feed Potty Patty™
Riding Potty Chair by Potty Patty® [PC-00018] Price: $19.95
This musical potty chair can make potty training a lot of fun for your child. Potty Patty Musical Potty Chair is made for ages 1 to 3 years old. A musical sensor located in front panel detects moisture in the potty bowl, it will play music – an old favorite – “Old MacDonald had a farm”. Going to the potty becomes fun for children, the reward system is build right in. They like to hear the music and have to go potty if they want their reward.
2 in 1 Bath Tub with Toy Organizer by Potty Patty® [N0088] Price: $39.95
This blue bath tub can be used from birth until the age of 24 months. It is the biggest, deepest baby tub on the market and, it features a special molded contour on one side designed to hold younger babies in a comfortable and convenient position, leaving the adult’s hands both free (older babies, up to two years of age, are accommodated on the reverse side).
Only at Baby to Kids Boutique!
Latest Kid Toy Recalls
Fisher-Price Children’s Trikes
Date: September 30, 2010
Company/brand: Fisher-Price
The danger: A child can strike, sit, or fall on the protruding plastic ignition key. This could result in serious injury, including genital bleeding.
Sold at: Mass merchandise stores nationwide from January 1997 through September 2010, for about $25.
Fisher-Price Baby Playzone Crawl & Slide Arcade
Date: September 30, 2010
Company/brand: Fisher-Price
The danger: The valve of the inflatable ball on these toys can come off and pose a choking hazard to young children.
Sold at: Sold in retail stores from April 2003 to January 2004, for about $48
Fisher-Price 1-2-3 Tetherball
Date: September 30, 2010
Company/brand: Fisher-Price
The danger: The valve of the inflatable ball on these toys can come off and pose a choking hazard to young children.
Sold at: Retail stores from September 2005 to March 2008, for about $20
Step2 Children’s Transportation Station Toys
Date: September 7, 2010
Company/brand: Step2 Company
The danger: The light blue plastic wheels on the train cars can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.
Sold at: Target and other major retailers, specialty stores, and online retailers from December 2008 through June 2010. Each station sold for between $49 and $59.
Essential Gear for Baby’s First Six Weeks
It’s tempting to buy all the sweet gear for your new addition. But really, newborns don’t need much. Start with at least six pairs of socks and six onesies (Baby’s basic daily outfit). Add six sleepers, two packages of diapers (or enough cloth for two days), plus our brief list of grooming gear — and you’re all set for receiving your bundle of joy!
Newborn Necessities
Newborns don’t require an extensive wardrobe. But there are some basics that you will want to have on hand when your baby comes home. Buy a couple of side-tie or side-snap T-shirts to put on the baby until the umbilical cord separates. After that, dress your little one in his “working” outfit, the onesie. These little pull-over-and-snap T-shirts are the equivalent of a farmer’s overalls for your baby. Buy at least six — more if you don’t want to launder as often — because your baby will likely wear two or more every day. Have a half-dozen pairs of socks on hand, too, to keep his little feet warm.
Nightie NightPurchase a half-dozen stretchy sleepers that will cover your baby from neck to feet, with snaps in the leg area for changing diapers. Sleepers, as you might guess, are perfect for nighttime but are also good all-around traveling clothes. Babies grow out of these quickly so don’t give into the temptation to buy all the cute ones you see.
Nightgowns with cotton mittens are also good jammies. The little mittens will help prevent Baby from scratching herself. Sleep sacks are good for cold nights — one will see you through the first few weeks.
Snow BabyIf you have a winter baby or live in a cold climate, you will want to have a knit sweater and a cap or two for your baby to keep her warm. Since heat is lost out of the top of her head, these little caps are essential to maintaining Baby’s body temperature. Buy a baby snowsuit, too, if your winters are very cold; otherwise, wrapping a well-clothed baby in a heavier blanket will suffice.
Changing TimesYou should have two packages of disposable diapers or enough cloth diapers for two days on hand at all times. But since babies do tend to go through several every day, look for sales and coupons and stock up whenever possible if you’re using disposables. Make sure to purchase the right size, too, to avoid leakage. Use a natural diaper cream when necessary, avoiding those made from petroleum products. A good diaper pail is also helpful, but remember to empty it frequently.
Bath TimeYou will be bathing your infant daily, so a small plastic baby bath to place in the tub or in a large sink will help make the task easier — even fun! Be sure to hold onto Baby while in the tub. Use specially formulated baby wash and baby shampoo to clean your baby — they are gentler on new skin than regular soaps.
Rub-a-DubDisposable wipes are handy for diaper changes and for messes away from home. Keep a good-size pack near your changing area and a travel pack in the diaper bag. Avoid fragrance and use only after the first few days (use alcohol wipes on the cord area before it falls off). You’ll want to have three hooded towel and washcloth sets to keep up with the frequency of bath time.
Grooming GearKeeping baby’s nails short will prevent him from scratching himself and you. Use blunt nail clippers made especially for baby’s soft little nails. Buy a bottle of baby lotion to rub on his skin after a bath to keep it moist. Be sure to purchase lotions formulated for babies, and if your little one is prone to rashes or eczema, try oil made with calendula. If your newborn has hair, purchase a fine-toothed baby comb to gently style his hair after bathing.
Doctor TimeNewborns are uncooperative little patients at doctor visits when they’re sick or they’ve just had immunizations, but a few tools will help calm your fussy baby. Keep a bottle of infant acetaminophen drops for treating fevers with a doctor’s recommendation. Make sure you have a nasal aspirator for stuffy noses since newborns can’t breathe easily through their mouths. And don’t worry about that startled look on your baby’s face when you use it — it doesn’t hurt. To help track temperatures for the doctor, have a digital baby thermometer on hand.
Beddy-ByePurchase a new crib and mattress for your first baby to be sure that it meets all consumer safety requirements. There are so many styles available that it can be overwhelming, but even the simplest crib can be dressed up with adorable linens. Buy a couple of quilted mattress pads to prolong the life of your mattress and two waterproof liners if the pads are not already lined
Crib NotesBuy fitted crib sheets to suit your nursery decor. You will want to wash them frequently, so have three or four on hand. There is no need for a top sheet or blanket in the crib. Purchase a matching crib bumper to line the inside of the crib and protect the baby from the wooden slats of the crib sides. Your newborn won’t be moving around in the crib for a while, but the bumper will also protect her from drafts.
Snuggle InBaby blankets make wonderful gifts so you might never have to buy one for your own baby. You should have four receiving blankets to lay the baby on wherever you put him down (except the crib — never put blankets in the crib). Receiving blankets are usually a thin, soft flannel or knit. Have a couple of heavier blankets on hand to wrap your baby in colder weather or for outdoor walks.
Fill ‘er UpFor the first few weeks, your baby will seem like a sleeping and eating machine. Fortunately for you, the menu’s pretty limited. You will need to have four to six 4-ounce and 8-ounce bottles, a bottle brush for cleaning, and four to six bibs. It’s also a good idea to have about a dozen burp cloths on hand to protect your clothing. Cloth diapers make ideal burp cloths.
If you are nursing, you will also want to have two nursing bras, several nursing pads, and a breast pump so that you can keep some milk in bottles in the fridge. A nursing shawl is also nice to have if you need to feed the baby in public.
In the BagA diaper bag is a must-have for outings with your newborn. Choose a roomy style with compartments that will help you find necessities quickly. Also look for one that includes a foldout changing pad since you can’t control your surroundings when Baby needs a diaper change. Select a style that suits you — not your nursery décor–and if you ever want Daddy to carry it for you, you might want to consider his style, too.
Sitting PrettyAn infant car seat is the only baby gear that you are absolutely required to have, as the hospital will not allow you to take your baby home without it. Buy it a few weeks before your due date and practice securing it properly in all your vehicles to get familiar with it before the baby comes. Find a seat that doubles as an infant carrier so you have an easy resting spot for the baby in a grocery store or restaurant, for example.
Baby’s First WheelsTaking walks with your new baby is one of the simple joys of motherhood. A stroller is a necessity for these ramblings around the neighborhood or, especially in cold weather, the mall. There are so many different styles available that it’s worth shopping ahead of time and “test-driving” as many types as you can to see what fits your needs best. For example, if you live in a city apartment, an easy-to-fold style might be best for you to store or get on the bus. On the other hand, if long, suburban rambles are on your to-do list, a stroller with a sturdier frame and plenty of storage pockets might be just right.
Lights and SoundsAlthough most new moms are inclined to hover over their babies every moment, it’s not always possible. A baby monitor offers some peace of mind in those moments when you have to be out of earshot of your baby’s cries or coos. The best monitors offer a handset that you can take with you around the house or out into the yard.
Keeping a nightlight in the baby’s room is also a good idea. There will be many nighttime visits, and stumbling around the room when you’re half-awake isn’t safe for you or the baby. A low-level light won’t startle either of you and is perfect for feeding or changing.
Words to Love ByMany studies have shown the benefits of reading to your baby from a very early age for her intellectual development. But it’s also a wonderful time to cuddle with your baby and reacquaint yourself with some of your favorite stories from childhood — and discover some new ones. Keep a small library of picture books within reach of your favorite rocking chair.
Photo FinishFinally, you simply will not be able to get by without a camera. In fact, this little device will never be far from your hand and after a few weeks it might start to feel like a part of it. You will find yourself snapping photos of your baby in every change of clothing or environment. Minute changes of your baby’s expressions will also come under the camera’s scrutiny until you finally capture the one when the eyes light up and the lips curl because he saw your face. And despite everyone’s assurances that newborns can’t smile, you know, in your heart, that he’s happy to see you.
Baby to Kids Boutique
Steps to Finding the Best Swim Class
Ready to enroll your water bug in swimming lessons? Keep these important guidelines in mind
Check Credentials
You can feel confident about any program that is certified by the YMCA or the American Red Cross
Look for Safety InfoChoose a class that includes safety info and drowning-prevention training along with basic swimming skills.
Consider the Student-Instructor RatioFor 4- and 5-year-olds, under four students per teacher is ideal; for beginners 6 and older, no more than six students is best.
Visit First, Sign Up LaterObserve a class to be sure you are okay with the instructor’s teaching style.
Watch Water TemperatureFind a pool with water at about 86°F. Kids learn better when they aren’t chilly.
Learn CPRLearn to perform CPR on a child. Take a class through your local YMCA or American Red Cross chapter
When Should Your Child Start Swim Lessons?The answer to that question really depends on your child. In the past, pediatricians worried that placing children under 4 in swimming classes might make them less cautious at a pool and parents less vigilant about watching them. But after a major study found that kids ages 1 to 4 who took formal lessons had a lower risk of drowning than those who hadn’t had lessons, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is now more open toward classes for younger children. In new 2010 guidelines, the AAP stresses that not every child will be ready to learn to to swim at the same age, and therefore the organization advises that parents consider a number of factors, including their children’s frequency of exposure to water, emotional development, and physical abilities before enrolling them in lessons. (The AAP does not recommend formal water safety programs for babies under 1 year of age.)
Other Lesson AlternativesNo budget for lessons? USA Swimming now offers free or low-cost water-safety instruction in 27 states for kids ages 5 to 14 who are most at risk for drowning. Visit swimfoundation.org for additional information.
Baby to Kids Boutique
Best Beach and Sand Toys for Kids This Summer
Small World Toys Beach Builder Set
Perfect for a beginner, this set comes complete with a dump truck, shovel, rake, water-squirting pump and boat. 18 months+ $20, amazon.com
Clicker Crab Toss and Grip
Thanks to the Velcro, playing catch is so simple and addictive that you might want to grab one of the cutesy crab mitts and get in on the game yourself .3 years+ $12, melissaanddoug.com
Gecko Kite
This kite’s kid-friendly design and whirling tail will keep your child’s head in the clouds .8 years+ $7, xkites.com
Speck Seahorse Sand Ice Cream Set
What’s summer without ice cream? This set has everything your kid needs — scoops, cones and a “sprinkles” shaker — to make sandy treats. 3 years+ $15, melissaanddoug.com
Spongebob Squarepants 17″ Bodyboard
Catch some waves with everyone’s favorite Nickelodeon ocean-dweller. 5 years+ $5.50, bravosportscorp.com
No-Spill Big Bubble Bucket
The patented no-spill design is great for travel to the beach. Plus, up to three kids can blow bubbles — without the mess! 3 years+ $14, littlekidtoys.com
Tips for Moms from Moms
Household Help: Clothes Call
At the beginning of every week, I place five school outfits for each child into the separate compartments of a closet organizer. If the kids wake up late, they can just grab the clothes and go! –brownsugareyna
Repurposing Tips: Stash with Trash
A leftover egg carton can be used as a drawer organizer or to separate your favorite pieces of jewelry, while toilet paper rolls can be used to cover cords and keep them neatly wrapped up (simply label the outside so you’ll know what the cord goes to). –tcorganized
Bath and Body Works: Hair Repair
When my hair gets too static-y, I spritz static guard on my hands and run them through it (I keep a can at home and in my desk drawer at work — that way I’m always frizz free!). – tny_frgsn
Best Behavior: The Name Game
My son has had a case of the whinys since he was 3. Luckily, naming his voices really helped him — he can recognize a whiny, a sassy, a happy, a grumpy, and a loving voice. If he says something in a tone I don’t like, I’ll raise an eyebrow and he’ll apologize, and then say what he wants in a happy voice. –MiloMama
Household Help: Stopped Clock
With my last baby, I put away the digital clocks so I wouldn’t stare at them and get frustrated about losing sleep in the middle of the night. It helped! –babygirls_x_3
Best Behavior: Watch ‘Em Work:
It’s amazing how cooperative kids will be about cleaning up if you just tell them that you’ll time them while they do it. Most children love racing the clock. – ESPcooks
Household Help: Neat Sheets
To make midnight accidents less of an ordeal, I put several fitted sheets onto each of my kids’ beds at the same time — with waterproof mattress-top protectors between each sheet. If your little one gets sick or wets the bed during the night, just peel off the top sheet and mattress-pad combo and tuck him back in! –kendallg1
Bath and Body Works: E-Z Clean
While my daughters have a bath, I always take a few moments to clean something in the room. I can keep an eye on them and still get a chore done. –babygirls_x_3
Best Behavior: Practice Perfection
We say “please” and “thank you” every time our kids hand us something and “you’re welcome” each time they say “thank you.” It feels silly when they give you the same toy 18 times, but those phrases were among the first my kids used correctly. –MiloMama
Repurposing Tips: Fresh Start
Empty diaper-wipe containers can be repurposed for storing crayons and toy parts. They work especially well because they’re so easy for little ones to open and close. –carenbegun
Best Behavior: Fun Finder
When my son throws a tantrum, I say, “Go to your room and look for a happy face.” He can come out when he can return with a smile. I’m asking for an attitude adjustment — but in language he can understand. –Mommablogsalot
Bath and Body Works: The Power of Song
We make toothbrushing fun by singing Raffi’s “Brush Your Teeth” song to our son. He loves it so much! –HeathsMomm
Repurposing Tips: Chic Idea
For a cute pregnancy announcement, I gave our parents Easter eggs along with a note that read, “There’s a little chick coming your way! –MiloMama
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Baby to Kids Boutique
Check out our spring fashions for baby and toddlers. We have many items on sale!
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Baby Products We Can’t Live Without
You asked, we answered. We had real moms tell us which baby gear really got them through those first few roller-coaster months — behold the lifesavers you need to register for
Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier Active
Why We Love It: Running certain errands is so much easier when you’re sans stroller, so this sturdy, easy-on-your-back carrier is a must — especially since it has padded shoulder straps and lumbar support. Once you get the hang of it, it’s easy to move baby in and out — and it can be used up to 25 pounds.
What Real Moms Say: Like a sling, the Bjorn can also go a long way in calming a fussy baby. “I had a colicky baby,” says Heather from Queens, New York, “and it saved my life.”
Where to Buy: The Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier Active costs $120. To order online, visit:
www.babiesrus.com
