If you think socks are just socks, think again.  You obviously haven’t seen Trumpette socks!  The first time I laid eyes on Trumpette socks was at a little boutique children’s shop sometime last year.  Seconds after my eyes caught sight of the sock display, my then three year old also caught a glimpse of the socks–she exclaimed, “Wow, mommy!  Those socks are so cute!”  Exactly my same thought. 

Trumpette makes baby and toddler socks that look like Maryjanes, Ballerina Slippers, Sneakers, Baby Golf Shoes, and even Baby Camoflauge! 

Also, if you’re easily sucked into buying a product because of the packaging (like me!), you definitely won’t be able to say ”no” to these socks.  They come in an adorable box.  If you have a child who digs playing with boxes, this means two gifts in one!  Gotta love that, right?

Go on, check them out here!  Trumpette socks are so darling, I bet you’ll wish they made them in adult sizes! 

Looking for an alternative to disposable diapers (a.k.a. “sposies”), but not quite ready to dive into cloth?  Well, the happy medium might just be gDiapers.  Marketed as the flushable, Earth-friendly hybrid diaper, gDiapers are actually eco-friendly.  In a nutshell, unlike traditional disposable diapers, gDiapers aren’t harmful to the Earth.  They are eco-consciously designed to break down in a way that isn’t harmful to the Earth, meaning they circumvent the landfill issue. 

Oh, in case you’re wondering what I mean by landfill issue, you should know that it’s said to take up to 500 years (yikes!!!) for a disposable diaper to break down in a landfill.  Hey, if you didn’t know this, don’t feel bad.  Now you know!

The cool thing about gDiapers is that they involve a washable outer cover and a flushable inside.  This means comfort for both baby and the Earth!  You can click here to see the gDiapers video.

Whether you opt for cloth, disposables, something in between, like gDiapers, or a combination of options, it’s important to find a diapering solution that works for your baby, your family and your lifestyle.  Keep in mind, too, that just because you start with one type of diaper doesn’t necessarily mean you have to use that same style forever.  Personally, I’ve mixed up diapering options along the way–sometimes opting for cloth, and other times opting for leading alternatives, depending on my baby, baby’s age, and household pace–e.g., if I’m swamped or behind in laundry, I’m less likely to reach for a cloth diaper.

Now, it’s your turn.  How do you diaper your baby?  What do you think of Earth-friendly diapering alternatives?

The U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission (”CPSC”) has announced a voluntary recall of certain Toy Wooden Block and Train Sets sold by Christmas Tree Shops, of South Yarmouth, MA and made by First Learning Ltd., of Hong Kong.

According to CPSC, “Surface paint on some pieces of the toys contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.” 

No injuries have been reported. 

For more information or to see what style numbers have been recalled, check out the CPSC News Release.

When my preschooler came home from preschool and announced, “I don’t like boys.  They don’t listen to the teacher when she reads at circle time,” I instantly imagined a chaotic preschool classroom scene–envisioning a room overflowing with four year old boy energy.  After reading about preschoolers behaving badly in the classroom and the rising number of preschool expulsions, I couldn’t help but feel relieved knowing that the only apparent behavioral issue in my preschooler’s classroom involves boys who like to pretend they are dinosaurs rather than listen quietly to a book about ones long extinct.

Rude and dangerous behavior–tantrums, biting, kicking, yelling–among preschoolers is sweeping across the country.  A Yale Study has found that some preschools are resorting to student expulsion as a solution.  Apparently, behavioral problems are increasingly plaguing both public and private programs.

Have you had to deal with aggressive behavior in your child’s preschool?  What advice do you have for new parents considering a preschool program for their child? 

Need to calm a fussy baby ASAP?  Here’s what you need: a baby-friendly necklace.  A necklace is the ultimate master of distraction and provider of baby comfort, offering endless hours of quiet play and visual and tactile stimulation. 

Nursing and teething necklaces are the latest in Mommy essentials.  The concept of baby-attention grabbing necklaces is far from new, but today’s designs are totally cool–and even baby-safe.  Whether you need keep your squirmy little one focused during nursing sessions or keep her occupied during quiet times (e.g., church), a necklace is the perfect solution.  Think of a necklace as a gift for two–although remember these necklaces really are intended for adults, but designed to withstand kid play.  Also, if you’re looking for a baby shower gift, think of a necklace as the ultra-cool gift.

While you can certainly find nursing or teething necklaces for mom in retail stores, nothing quite compares to the online selection.  Not sure where to start your shopping? Here are a few online picks:

1.  Smart Mom sells “pretty and practical” Teething Bling.  These necklaces are phthalate-free, non-toxic, food-safe and even dishwasher-safe!  According to Smart Mom’s website, Teething Bling is popular with celebrity parents.

2.  Mommy Necklaces.  Offering affordable, attractive tear-drop styled necklaces for mom. 

3.  Mt. Diaper Store.  Check out the line of natural, beautiful amber teething necklaces.  Classically European.   

4.  Etsy.  Check out Etsy, the online shop for all things homemade.  You’re sure to find some beautiful necklace designs.

Do you use a teething or nursing necklace with your baby? If so, give us the scoop.  Has it been a sanity saver?

Think your home is safe for your child?  You may need to think again.  According to the U.S. Consumer Protection Safety Commission (”CPSC”), here are the top five hidden home dangers that often go unnoticed by consumers:

1.  Magnets.

2.  Recalled products.

3.  Tip-overs. 

4.  Windows & Coverings.

5.  Pools & Spa Drains.

To learn what you can do to protect your child from these hidden home dangers, go to the CPSC news release.

I had my eye on a drop-dead gorgeous moses basket when I was pregnant with my first child.  The bedding was beautiful and the basket appeared rugged.  Did I buy it?  No.  Why not?  Because a shopping companion convincingly explained that it wouldn’t be worth the expense.  The baby would outgrow it too quickly.  It would take up too much space.  I’d never use it.  Who was I to disagree? What did I know about babies and their preferences?  This companion had already birthed several babies.  I hadn’t even seen the inside of a labor and delivery room.

By the time baby #2 arrived, I still had my eye on that moses basket.  But my friend’s words still stuck with me.  Sure, I had baby experience now and could see the practical value of a moses basket, but I again resisted purchasing one, even though I really wanted one.  When baby #3 was on the way, I decided it was now or never.

I spent hours researching the ”perfect” basket.  I agonized over the decision, comparing thread count and cushion thickness.  It’s a tough choice after all, especially when you’re faced with cool designs by manufacturers like Hoohobbers and affordable, quality baskets by Badger Baskets.  Speaking of Hoohobbers, that company’s award winning baby products and moses baskets can’t be beat–the bedding patterns are trendy and you can actually wash the duvet designed bedding without losing beauty in the wash.

Those hours of research paid off.  I ended up putting my baby in that moses basket everyday.  It came in especially handy when I wanted a shower.  I would haul the lightweight basket into the bathroom, putting it and baby on the floor beside the shower–talk about a relaxing experience for both mom and baby.  I only wish that I had used a moses basket with my other babies! 

As far as baby gear goes, I’d rank a moses basket in the top ten of cool baby items.  Sure, maybe you don’t *need* one in the way you *need* diapers or milk, but having a moses basket is a real treat–think icing on the cake.  Just think, having one allows you to create a mini nursery wherever you happen to be in the house.  And, don’t forget, once baby outgrows the basket, you can get further mileage out of the basket by converting it into a handy toy or blanket storage basket.                

Pregnant or hoping to be soon?  If so, here’s some news you don’t want to miss.  A new study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology cautions women that consuming more than 200 milligrams of caffeine a day may significantly up the risk of miscarriage.  According to researchers, the source of that caffeine makes no difference.  What this means is that drinking, coffee, tea or soda–even munching on chocolate–during pregnancy could be potentially dangerous.

Curious what products and how much add up to 200 milligrams?  According to CNN.com calculations, depending on brand and actual caffeine content, the following have roughly 200 milligrams of caffeine:

                           * 1-2 cups of coffee (12 oz. serving)

                           *2-3 cups of tea (12 oz. serving)

                           *5 cans of soda

What’s your reaction to this new study about caffeine during pregnancy?  Will you go 9 1/2 months without caffeine? 

Feeling blue today?  It’s predicted that today, January 21st, will be the most depressing day of the year for many of us.  Why?  Failed New Year’s resolutions are partly to blame.

If your resolution was to shed some extra pounds or simply get moving more (especially with the kids in tow), and you’re quickly losing hope on that goal, don’t despair.  Instead, like Nike says, “just do it.” 

Seize the moment.  Pick up the phone, call a friend and set up a stroller walk date.  Go find your sneakers and put them by the door, so you don’t have to dig around for them tomorrow.  Make tomorrow the day you walk your child to preschool or to the park, instead of taking the car. 

Grab a pen and paper, and take five minutes to write down the things that are holding you back from reaching your goal.  You might be surprised to discover that something small, and fairly easy to change, is standing in the way to achieving your goal.  For instance, maybe you’ve discovered that your stroller is too heavy to drag up and down the stairs, and the thought of carrying it deters you from getting out the door.  Perhaps you need a lightweight replacement.  Or, maybe you dread putting on that sports bra because it’s too tight.  Perhaps a new, properly fitting one could make a world of difference and get you moving.

If you feel like you’ve already “failed” at your resolution, keep in mind that each new day is a new beginning.  You can do it!

Are you keeping up with your New Year’s resolution?  If so, what’s your secret?   

The U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission (”CPSC”) has announced a voluntary recall of Cranium Cadoo Board Games, which are imported by Cranium Inc., of Seattle, WA.  The recall involves Board Games with lot numbers 2007195 through 2007244.  

According to CPSC, “The surface paint on the die contains excessive levels of lead.”

No injuries have been reported. 

For more information, check out the CPSC News Release.