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.                

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?   

Lately, anything–okay, let’s be real here, everything–retro is totally chic.  Somehow retro looks even more fashionable the second time around.  Take for example, oh say, kitchen appliances.  Cuisinart, one of the coolest names in kitchen gear, has infused retro spunk into their products, making even somewhat dull kitchen appliances, like the toaster oven, look outrageously hip. 

When it comes to *baby*, retro style is over-the-top adorable.  From groovy crib bedding by Babylicious to retro play kitchens by KidKraft, it’s entirely possible to raise a baby retro style.  The must-have Ergo Baby Carrier is even available with retro lining (among other lining options)!  Even when your baby is no longer a baby and heads off to school, you can continue the retro theme with a  metal lunch box reminiscent of your own youth!

Love retro, too?  Tell us, what’s your favorite parenting/baby retro must-have?

Yesterday, I decided to reclaim the “sippy cup” cupboard in my kitchen.  You see, over the years I’ve amassed sippy cups of nearly every brand, including Avent, Munchkin, Nuby, and Gerber.  Every time I open ”the” cupboard, sippy cups, tops, and spill proof valves fall out on top of me.  To make matters worse, whenever I go to use a particular cup, I waste multiple minutes rummaging around for the matching top and valve. 

As sentimental as those spouts with baby teeth chew marks may be, a full purge was in order. I decided the ultimate solution is to start anew.  This time with BornFree Drinking Cups.  BornFree bottles and cups have made headline news in recent months.  Why?  Because BornFree products are said to be the ultimate in safe feeding.  BornFree products are made free from the chemical Bisphenol-A., a chemical found in bottles and cups made from polycarbonate plastic.  Studies suggest that Bisphenol-A can leach into bottles and cups, which may have potential health consequences.  BornFree products may cost a little bit more, but the potential for added safety and a clean sippy cup cupboard are well worth the price.

If your child uses BornFree products, what influenced your decision to buy the products?

Got a cute kid?  Of course you do.  What mom doesn’t think her kid is simply adorable?  Go ahead then, skip on over to Skip*Hop or Babble for a chance to see your kid featured in a national Skip*Hop advertisement. 

Yet another important milestone has been reached in my household.  My toddler is now officially afraid of the dark.  Just because this fear is natural, doesn’t mean it’s an easy one to handle–for my toddler or me.  It’s distressing to see your little one afraid–and maybe even more so to know that all the reassurance you provide isn’t quite enough to forever quash the fear–that it will likely resurface again tomorrow night.  And once again, the bedtime routine will include combing the bedroom for monsters and “spooksie” things. 

At this age, being afraid of the dark is said to be completely normal.  The bittersweet part, though, is that this new fear signals that my toddler is growing up.  He’s coming to better understand the world around him.

Beyond listening to my toddler and acknowledging his fears, I find it useful to pull out two secret weapons:  a night light and a flashlight.  Ensuring a night light is plugged in is part of the bedtime drill now, as is giving my toddler a flashlight to bring along into the bed–apparently a flashlight makes hiding under the covers more fun.

What tricks do you have up your sleeve for helping children conquer their fear of the dark?

Gearing up for baby, eh?  If hip is your style (like it is for daddy celeb Hugh Jackman), add something Babylicious to your baby shower wish list, like Babylicious Bedding.  As featured on Parents.com, Canada based Babylicious offers fresh and groovy nursery products, like changing pad covers, sheets, and “fringe” crib bumpers which eliminate the “should I or shouldn’t I bumper the crib” question. 

Oh, in case you’re wondering what’s so cool about “fringe,” let me tell you.  Instead of using a controversial traditional bumper that ties alongside the crib rails, “fringe” ties to the top and hangs like mini flags for an ultra chic look. 

If you like funky, unique designs (think, Zutano), you’re going to fall head over heels in love with Babylicious.  But you don’t have to take my word for it.  Parents.com, celebrities, and baby-Wise’s own Kimberly, also think Babylicious rocks. 

Last night I had an opportunity to attend a Mom’s night out event sponsored by Graco.  Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I took a couple of hours to unwind and have pure fun like I did last night.  I actually dressed up and wore heels for the first time in ages! 

At the party, the terrific Graco Reps displayed the brand spankin’ new Graco Newborn Soothing Center–the World’s Only Newborn Soothing Center.  If only this product had come out just a few months earlier, I would have purchased it for my little one.  Instead, I bought the Fisher-Price Butterfly Garden Baby Papasan Swing, which my baby loves–and as far as baby products go, it’s eye candy…simply beautiful.

Wow!  The Graco Soothing Center is truly incredible.  It’s designed to simulate a mother’s motion, with adjustable seating that allows you to custom tailor a position to your child’s unique preferences.  For example, if your child has reflux and needs a particular position, you can actually tweak the position–happy baby, happy mom! 

If only Graco would make a “grown-up” model.  Hey, Graco, what do you think?

“Wow, exercise is so much fun!”  Those are the words my preschooler uttered when we finished a “run” around the block.  I couldn’t agree more, especially when exercise involves my children. 

As a mom of three, I know that finding time for myself during the day is a rare event–certainly too rare to steal time for a predictable exercise routine.  At least, so I thought until I realized that exercising with my children is entirely possible with a little planning and the right equipment.  For me, planning includes integrating a walk or run into ”afternoon outside playtime”–and setting aside appropriate fitness clothing sometime during the day, so I have fewer excuses to get moving.  Equipment includes good walking/running shoes, but most importantly the double jogging stroller.  I pack my two youngest into the stroller–who usually fall into a deep sleep as soon as I get going–and my preschooler walks or jogs alongside me.

While I know my preschooler gets the bulk of her enjoyment from the energy release of moving about, we add more fun to our exercise activities by engaging in fun conversation (think, “I Spy” games on the run) and learning activities (like shouting out directions, “left” or “right,” and steering the stroller together in the direction called).  My enjoyment comes from knowing that I’m doing something good for “me” (yeah!) and for my children, while spending quality time with them.  Thanks to my children, I’ve learned that exercise really can be so much fun!

While chaperoning a recent school field trip, I was surprised at the number of chaperone dads in attendance.  As it turned out, several of them were stay-at-home dads or work-at-home dads.  When it comes to caregiving, stay-at-home dads are stepping forward in record numbers to take on the primary caregiver responsibility.  But just because men are increasingly trading in day jobs for diaper duty doesn’t mean that the job is easy, especially when it comes to finding support. 

Sure, there are support groups out there, like playgroups and ”mommy and me” classes.  There are even a few dad only groups sprinkled here and there depending on geography.  However, it’s still not unusual for a dad to find himself the only male attending parenting groups.  Sorry, dads, but truth be told, women continue to shoulder most of today’s child care, and they are still more likely to be the parent who stays-at-home. 

The good news, though, is that the Web is chock-full of terrific resources for stay-at-home dads–and aspiring ones, too–like stay-at-home dad blogs and online meet-up groups.  Dads can even find stay-at-home dad group and playgroup maps. There are also informative ”stay-at-home dad” books on the market, such as The Stay-at-Home Dad Handbook and “dad only” discussion boards. 

Of course, there are also products that make “Dad duty” even more attractive, like the Skip Hop Via Messenger Diaper Bag.  Oh, by the way, speaking of dads (stay-at-home or not), you might be surprised to know how much men appreciate toting around diaper bags that reflect their own style!  Talk about a great gift for “Dad” or the father-to-be–and one that let’s him know he can count on you for support in the parenting adventure!