Pure & Honest Kids

Sympathy Weight?

2012-02-06T20:34:00.002-05:00

British researchers have found that the average dad-to-be gains 14 pounds during his spouses' pregnancy due to more frequent dinners out and additional snacks around the house. However, unlike the females, only 30 percent of the men dieted with the new moms to lose the weight after the baby’s arrival.

Just wondering...did your spouse or partner gain weight during your pregnancy? Sound off in the comments section.

Naps for Toddlers are Even More Important Than You Might Think!

2012-01-23T17:28:00.004-05:00

Hey moms...listen up! A new study from the University of Colorado Boulder shows that toddlers between 2 and a half and 3 years old who miss only a single daily nap show more anxiety, less joy and interest and a poorer understanding of how to solve problems.

Check out what CU-Boulder Assistant Professor Monique LeBourgeois has to say about this new study here. It's a very interesting read! Do you agree? Sound off in the comments section.

Cry It Out?

2012-01-15T17:03:00.004-05:00

A recent blog entry on Psychology Today's website discusses the dangers of parents letting their babies "cry it out." The origin of the "cry it out" method began long ago in the 1800's, but it's a philosophy many parents still follow today. Dr. Narvaez, the author of the article, states that research has shown that babies left to cry alone in their cribs suffer from extreme distress and the practice creates long term effects, such as impaired growth and an inability to trust.

Yowza. Does this new school of thought change the way you view the "cry it out" method, or are you still a firm believer? Check out the article and let us know what you think!

New Year, New You!

2012-01-02T14:39:00.006-05:00

When I think New Year's resolutions, I often think fitness goals. However, this year, I am trying to think of family and parenting goals to set for myself for 2012. Resolutions such as, "I will spend one-on-one time with my husband each week, sans kids" or "I resolve to fix more natural, organic and fresh meals for my family."

Do you ever make any New Year's resolutions that revolve around family life? If so, what are they? Share with us in the comments section below.

Here are a few sites that have some examples of family or parenting resolutions that may give you some good ideas! I encourage you to add some family resolutions to your list for 2012!

Fit Pregnancy- 26 Resolutions

Towson Patch- A Mother's New Year's Resolutions

New York Times- New Year's Resolutions to Parent By

Baby Zone- Practical New Year's Resolutions for Busy Parents

Super Foods!

2011-12-11T13:21:00.003-05:00

Ever wonder what to feed your toddler to make him or her a brighter, healthier child? Here are 15 super foods that, according to Parenting.com, you need to put in your shopping cart this week!

Certain foods can boost your child's energy level, improve their concentration, help build brain tissue and keep their immune systems healthy. Sounds good to me!

How Often Do You Talk to your Child's Teacher?!?!

2011-12-04T19:25:00.003-05:00

When I came across this article on the Lil Sugar website, I must admit, it made me chuckle. I am what you call a "need to know" kind of mom. I crave information on what my child does at school. And since I get so little info out of my five year-old, sometimes I may linger at the door at pick-up, just to try to get some scoop.

One way my daughter's teacher communicates with the parents is a communication log. It is stapled to the inside cover of my daughter's folder that comes home with her each day. I can write the teacher a note or ask her a question, and she responds right under my note. The teacher can also use the log to communicate with me, too. The communication log has really cut down the hallway chatter that comes with drop-off and pick-up and I feel more informed than in years past.

The article from Lil Sugar talks about how some teachers' quest to communicate more with parents via classroom email accounts has backfired because they are inundated with emails they don't have time to answer.

Tell me...what ways do you communicate with your child's teacher? What works and what doesn't? Do you wish your child's teacher communicated more or less than he or she does? Sound off in the comments section below.

Holiday Shopping= Holiday Cold and Flu?!?!

2011-11-18T21:17:00.003-05:00

Even though online shopping is more popular now than ever, a trip to the mall is usually a necessary evil during the holiday season when shopping for your loved ones. And according to Health.com, a shopping mall or center is the perfect place to pick up a virus, cold or flu. Can you say, "Yuck?!?!"

So before you head to your local shopping center, arm yourself with some hand sanitizer and read this very interesting article on the eight "germiest" places at the mall.

Stay healthy this holiday season!

Is your child talking back to you?

2011-11-05T15:33:00.002-04:00

One of the things we are working on at our house for our five year-old is to curb the talking back. "No fair," "why" and "you can't make me" can become pretty mainstream from preschoolers all the way up to teenagers, so this is a topic many parents can identify with and would like to eliminate from their households.

Breezy Mama website had a great article entitled, "5 Steps to Put the Brakes on Back Talk." Check it out here!

The third step is my favorite...pay attention to your kids! The step encourages parents to give their child undivided attention daily and you will see an improvement in their behavior. Such an easy thing to do, and very positive for both parent and child.

Stay-at-Home Moms- This is a Must Read!

2011-10-24T20:52:00.004-04:00

Stay-at-home moms...this is a great read from the website Yahoo! Shine. It has some great tips on how to keep staying at home with your kiddos fresh and stimulating for you and baby.

My favorite tip? Become a joiner...the article encourages new moms to find mom groups and connect with other moms in their communities. Such a good tip, and so true!

Enjoy!

Mommy Marathon...Literally!

2011-10-13T20:59:00.004-04:00

Did you hear about the pregnant woman who ran (and finished) the Chicago marathon when she was only eight days away from her due date? Incredible! Even more incredible...seven hours after finishing her marathon, she gave birth to her baby girl. Read more about this amazing story on the Today Moms website.

This mom's unbelievable story made me wonder, how much exercise is healthy during a pregnancy? Can you overdo it? According to WebMD, if you were physically active before your pregnancy, you should be able to continue your activity in moderation. It really depends on how physically fit you were before your pregnancy as to what is considered safe to do during your pregnancy. It is best to talk to your doctor about your exercise routine when expecting to ensure you don't exert yourself too much.

For some more great tips on exercise during pregnancy, check out the WebMD article here.

Can your kids "catch" your stress?

2011-09-26T21:10:00.002-04:00

I ran across an interesting article today on a subject I have often wondered about...can kids "catch" your stress and anxiety? When you are feeling stressed, does it affect your kids?

The answer is yes. According to the article on Yahoo Shine, "Stress is highly contagious between parent and child, even if the parent is unaware of his or her own anxiety." Ouch.

Parents, it's time to destress, for the sake of our kids! Check out the article here for more info on how to deal with stress and help your kids deal with stress, too!

September is Baby Safety Month!

2011-09-19T21:18:00.003-04:00

Did you know that September is Baby Safety Month? Underwriters Laboratories (UL), an independent product safety certification organization, is asking parents and caregivers this month to take a minute to learn some valuable at-home safety tips to keep your babies safe and sound at home!

Will you accept UL's challenge to commit to learning its top 10 babyproofing tips? UL cited the alarming statistic that over 2.5 million children are injured in their homes every year, so help keep your babies and children safe by checking out the this very informative article on the website, Baby Zone.

Get Up and Go!

2011-09-05T18:42:00.010-04:00

Most kids are heading back to school this week. (Moms everywhere are sighing with relief!) With the lazy days of summer behind us, it's time to start gearing back up for our early morning, back- to-school routines. Julie Cole, a mother of six kids under the age of 11, gave some great tips on Celebrity Baby Blog on how to get back-to- school ready. Check it out here!

What Experts Wish Parents Knew…

2011-08-28T18:01:00.004-04:00

Parents, this is a must-read from Real Simple magazine!

This is a very informative article on different points of views from experts, including doctors, dentists, therapists, teachers and coaches, on how to handle certain situations with your kids. Here is the scoop on what the experts wish us parents knew!

Back to School!

2011-08-22T20:08:00.002-04:00

With so many kids heading back to school this month, it's hard for students and their parents to not think about the first day of school! Can you feel the butterflies in your stomach just thinking about it?

Of course you want your child to make a good impression on their new teacher, but what about you?!?! Here are seven tips from the website, Shine, on how you, the parent, can forge a positive relationship with your child's new teacher from day one!

Good Ol' Fashioned Fun!

2011-08-14T20:21:00.006-04:00

Sometimes I think back to my childhood, and how I would spend my summer days playing outside from sun up to sun down. I wish that for my own kids so much, as we have all grown accustomed to video games, Ipads, and other technologies that keep us from the great outdoors.

Check out the article from Real Simple magazine entitled, "Good Ol' Fashioned Playtime!"

I've been inspired...my daughter and I are going to skip rocks in the creek near our house tomorrow!

Build Your Kids a Library at Home

2011-08-08T18:45:00.000-04:00

Reading to your kids is one of the most important things you can do for your child as you raise them. Experts everywhere say that reading to your children for 20 minutes a day will help them to succeed at school, expands and build their vocabulary, as well s help grow their imagination.

Babble, a parenting website, has a list of the 100 best children's books of all time. If you desire to build your kids a home library, then you must check out this list!

It even puts the books into categories, including infant, toddler, grade school and young adult.

What is your favorite children's book? Sound off in the comments section below.

http://www.babble.com/products/kids-products/best-kids-books-by-age-back-to-school-guide/

Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot? Check out our HOT Summer sale!

2011-08-07T18:31:00.003-04:00

Pure and Honest Kids is having a summer sale like no other! We are offering 25% off Last Chance Clearance items. (And P.S.---the merchandise under the Last Chance section is already reduced...you are going to find some great deals!)

Hurry and place your order now because quantities are limited and the offer ends on August 14. Just use the coupon code HOTHOT at checkout!

Check out our Last Chance Clearance items here!

Dads Can Help New Moms...Even with Breastfeeding!

2011-07-30T13:23:00.012-04:00

Almost all new mothers get some form of the "new mommy blues." Figuring out how to care for your newborn is quite stressful, and the dynamics of your relationship with your husband or partner can change as you figure out this thing called motherhood.

A friend of mine who has a six week-old called me this morning, and said, "Breastfeeding is so hard. I am so tired. And me and my husband are trying to remember that we like each other." I can totally relate! Those first few months can be tough for everyone.

I ran across this article today from a website called Giggle Gab and thought of my friend. This article touches on how a partner or husband can help a new mom's adjustment, even when it comes to breastfeeding. Your hubby may not have the equipment to actually feed the baby, but they can still help. Check out the article here.

Hang in there, new moms! It does get easier. And remember, ask for help when you need it!

The Bucket List....Before Kids!

2011-07-23T15:41:00.005-04:00

You've probably heard of a "bucket list" before...the things you want to do or accomplish before you die. Have you ever heard of a "before kids bucket list?" I ran across this article on The Bump website that asks parents for a list of things they wish they had done before they became parents.

It's a very interesting read and it made me think...if I could turn back time (sorry for getting the Cher song in your head), what do I wish I'd done before we decided to have kids?

My favorite answer in the article was, "Go to the movies more." I can so identify with this one! Some answers are more serious than that, but it's a fun read all the way around. Check it out here.

If you could turn back time, what would YOU have done differently before the kiddos became the centerpiece of your life? Sound off in the comments section below.

Playdates for Mom

2011-07-11T20:54:00.006-04:00

A blog entry by celebrity mom Brooke Burke recently talked about how moms need playdates, too. I couldn't agree more! Time with girlfriends, mama friends, even your own mother is so important to us as women. If you don't agree, check out this friendship study from UCLA on how friendships even help improve women's health.

According to the head of psychiatry at Standford University, "Among other things, one of the best things that a man could do for his health is to be married to a woman whereas for a woman, one of the best things she could do for her health was to nurture her relationships with her girlfriends."

Funny, but kind of true, eh? Agree or disagree? Sound off in the comments section below.

Great Lengths...Great Scott!

2011-06-26T20:26:00.005-04:00

If you have ever reached your due date (I did twice), you know how maddening it can be that you haven't gone into labor yet. Pregnant moms get desperate to meet their little one and spur themselves into labor with all kinds of crazy techniques. But how far is too far?

Here's an interesting article from IVillage on how far some women will go to try to induce labor themselves. (Herbal supplements and Castor oil and hot peppers, oh my!)

Pregnant Women May Go to Great Lengths to Induce Labor

What did you try to do to get the (labor) party started? And did it work? Leave it in the comments section below.

So Advanced....

2011-06-20T21:24:00.004-04:00

My friends and I always joke that our kids are "so advanced!" Of course, most parents think their kids are geniuses, but how do you know if your child is truly gifted? Check out this article from Lil Sugar for signs of a gifted child!

Word Explosion!

2011-06-12T22:00:00.003-04:00

My husband often jokes with me that I am now being punished for worrying about my daughter’s speech when she was a toddler because as an almost five year-old, she never stops talking!

I often tell people that my sweet little girl has a paragraph in her head when she wakes in the morning, just waiting to come out! Just this past weekend, when she woke up one morning, she told us she had "five things she needed to tell us."

Now that my son is at the age that I used to worry about my daughter’s speech and vocabulary, I have noticed he is way more verbal at 22 months than she was…and I often wonder why? I know that every child develops differently and at their own pace, but I also think my son's verbal ability has to do with the fact that my son hears me and my daughter talking all day long to one another.

There are many things you can do to help build your toddler’s vocabulary and encourage and enhance his or her language development. Here are just a few ways you can help build a vast vocabulary in your little one below.

- Talk, talk and more talk!
Talk to your child all day long. Narrate what you are doing, what you see, and what you hear. There is no better way to teach your child words and how to have a back-and-forth conversation than to talk to your child. According to www.babyzone.com, a 1991 University of Chicago study documented the vocabulary growth of 22 children from the age of 16 months to 2 years. Half of the mothers of the children were considered "very talkative" mothers and the other half were considered "least talkative" mothers. Children with the “very talkative” mothers learned 295 more words by the age of 2 years than their counterparts, proving that exposure to speech is critical to building a child's vocabulary.

- Read to your child every day.
A child’s vocabulary is built tremendously by reading books to them every day. There are so many benefits to just 20 minutes of reading a day. For one, reading books aloud to your children builds a stronger relationship between parent and child. Children are also more likely to express themselves and relate to others in a healthy way when they relate to characters in a book. Make it part of your daily routine and your kids will be learning new words and gaining self-confidence and a healthy self-esteem in no time!

- Correct the cute-ness!
You are doing your child no favors when you let them incorrectly label something with the wrong word…so correct the “cute-ness!” I am the world’s worst at this. My daughter used to “be-cide” she wanted to do something, instead of “decide,” and I thought it was precious! My son calls his sippy cup his “doddle” (aka- bottle) and I don’t correct him because it melts my heart. Carol Garhart Mooney, author of Use Your Words, says parents need to correct improper word usage because the correction and clarification is essential to help children make sense of the word around them.

- Talk to your children, not at them.
Be sure to engage your kids in conversation, rather than just barking orders or giving instructions. Just talk to them, and let them express how they are feeling and what they are thinking. Ask your kids questions to engage them in conversation make sure the questions require a more in-depth answer than just one word. (Example: Instead of asking a question that can be answered in one word, such as, “Do you want milk or water with dinner,” ask your child, “Which is your favorite drink with dinner, milk or water, and why do you like it the best?” The more a child has the opportunity to use his or her words, the more adept he or she will become at holding a conversation and speaking to friends and adults as they grow.

Remember, you are your little one’s first and most important teacher, so start building their vocabulary today!

How do you help build your child’s vocabulary? Leave your ideas in the comments section below.

Seriously?!?!

2011-05-29T20:02:00.009-04:00

Seriously, where was this product when my kids were infants? There is now a self-warming baby bottle system available to parents. This baby product, made by Yoomi, safely and conveniently heats up breast milk or formula in just 60 seconds!

Designed by a husband and wife team, this revolutionary technology warms breast milk or formula to the ideal temperature (86 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.)

What I would have given to have a mechanism such as this to warm bottles when I was out and about with my oldest while she was still nursing! She would not drink cold milk from bottles, so bottle feeding was tough while away from the house.

To boot, Yoomi’s bottles are BPA-free and ergonomically designed so they’re easy for babies to hold. The wide, soft silicone nipple mimics a woman’s breast and it also has well-placed vents that prevent air from bubbling, which helps to reduce colic. It is also lightweight and easy to transport.

The Yoomi bottle system kind of makes me want to have another kid just so I can buy this product. Okay, maybe I don't like the bottle warming system that much, but I definitely will be telling all my expecting friends about this product!

Sound off in the comments section if you or someone you know has tried the Yoomi bottle warming system. Give us the scoop!

How To Prepare a Child for Outpatient Surgery

2011-05-15T18:13:00.003-04:00

Recently I learned my four and-a-half year old has sleep apnea! Crazy, huh? For a while now, we have noticed she holds her breath in her sleep and somewhat during the day as well. A trip to the ENT showed us that her tonsils and adenoids are both enlarged and need to be removed. We have scheduled surgery for our daughter in t-minus two weeks. Aggggghhhh!

My husband and I know we need to broach the subject with her before the surgery to let her know (in terms she can understand) what is going to occur. But when is the right time? We don’t want to tell her too early because of the undue worry she will have about going to the hospital, but we also don’t want to spring it on her either!
We know she needs some time to prepare psychologically for her surgery.

After some research, here are some tips from the experts on how to prepare your child for outpatient surgery.

- Kids of all ages cope better when they understand what type of surgery is going to occur and why it is necessary. Explain in children’s terminology why the surgery must happen and what she is going to experience.

- Allow your child to ask questions and answer them in a way that they can understand. Don’t over explain!

- Most children fear the surgery itself will hurt and this is their main concern. Explain to your child that there is a special doctor- an anesthesiologist- that will help your child go to sleep so they won’t feel a thing during the surgery. Reiterate that mommy and daddy will be with her as soon as she wakes up.

- However, do not lie about the discomfort she may feel after she awakens from anesthesia. Say, “It may be a little uncomfortable when you wake up, but mommy and daddy will make sure you get plenty of medicine to make any uncomfortable feeling you have go away and feel better.”

- Find books about hospital experiences (that are appropriate for your child’s level) that explain surgery and hospital visits. Children often learn best through examples and books are a wonderful way to help explain the difficult concept of surgery, anesthesia, and other hospital procedures.

- Have your child practice surgery on his or her stuffed animals with a toy doctor kit. This will help them become more comfortable with blood pressure, temperature taking, and other routine hospital procedures that must occur before surgery.

- Consider setting up a pre-surgery visit to the hospital so your child can become acquainted with the hospital. This will make it seem like a less scary place.

- Remind your child that having this surgery will make their bodies healthier and stronger. Keep reminding them it will make them feel better.

- On the day of the surgery, pack your child special stuffed animals, toys and books that will make them more comfortable while they wait for surgery.

Have you had any hospital experiences with your child? What helped them (and you) relax before the surgery? Leave any tips you have in the comments section below.

Crib Climber...What To Do?

2011-05-01T21:47:00.007-04:00

My 20 month-old decided to make an already stressful week (we move in four days) even more eventful by climbing out of his crib this weekend. This occurrence has pushed this already on edge mama over the brink.

Why so anxiety-ridden about my boy taking the plunge, you ask? Here is the background: My son is such a good sleeper…he still takes two naps a day at 20 months old (each one averaging 1.5-2 hours, sometimes longer.) And to boot, he still goes down for bed at 7 p.m. and sleeps until 7 a.m. (Do you hate me yet? Don’t worry…my first child was not a sleeper, so I was due for one!) When my daughter started climbing out of her crib (at 22 months), that was the end of naps for us. The freedom of roaming her room was too much for her, and from there on out, naps were a struggle. By two-and-a-half years of age, my daughter stopped napping completely. This CANNOT happen again. I don’t think it will since my son loves to sleep, but I can’t risk it. Naptime is too precious!

However, I know that it is much safer to have a toddler walking around a baby-proofed room than it is climbing out of a crib and possibly falling. What to do, what to do? While researching online, here is some advice I found that was a good refresher for me and helpful on deciding what to do:

- If your child is old enough to understand “you must stay in your bed,” then explain this concept to your child. Every time he gets out of his bed, put him right back in it. This may make for some long nights at first, or some challenging naptimes, but your consistency will pay off.

- Try not to speak or interact with your child as you put them back in their bed. Sometimes children even appreciate negative attention, so minimum contact is essential.

- If you know your child is not ready for a big bed or toddler, then consider a crib tent. A crib tent is mesh and attaches to the crib rails with Velcro, to keep your little one safe and unable to climb out of the crib and fall.

- Again, if you feel your child is not ready to move out of the crib, then buy yourself some more time by lowering your crib to the lowest setting possible. Remove the bumper pad so your baby cannot use it to boost herself up over the rails.

My favorite piece of advice I found when researching tonight was from Jodi Mithchell, Pediatric Sleep Expert, found on the popular website, Baby Center. She said, “It's best not to react to climbing out of the crib with a sense of crisis. First, assess the situation and see if you and your child are truly ready for a change.”

Amen! I think I rushed too fast to put my daughter in a big girl bed when she climbed out the crib for the first time. I am going to access the situation this week and decide what we need to do to keep our boy both safe and sleeping.

So go with your gut, parents! You know your child best and you will know if it is time for him or her to move to a toddler bed or big girl/big boy bed.

Oh, and FYI: when we put our baby to bed for nap today, he tried a few times to climb out of his crib, and we went in and firmly put him back in the crib, and he finally went to sleep, sleeping for over two hours. Tonight at bedtime, we didn’t hear a peep out of him. He didn’t even try to climb out! I am sure the saga will continue this week, but for now, we are going to try to keep him (safely) in his crib.

A Green App!

2011-04-19T22:06:00.004-04:00

A big trend in nursery decorating these days is eco-friendly designs. There are so many ways to go organic when it comes to preparing your baby’s room, and now there is an app to help you figure out how to make your baby’s room as “green” as possible. It’s called “The Peaceful Nursery” app, and it can be yours for $2.

Created by Laura Forbes Carlin and Alison Forbes (authors of the book, also named The Peaceful Nursery), it guides expectant parents on how to best design an organic nursery for their new arrival. The app also shares great tips for how parents can prepare for the early months with baby with eco-friendly and pure products.

Did you know that there are organic baby mattresses on the market? How about organic baby bedding? There is even organic baby furniture that is made from non-toxic means and won’t omit gases from the chemicals and glues normally used to make furniture. Who knew there were so many ways to make a greener and more healthy lifestyle for our babies, even before they get here!

Check out the app here if you are in the market for an organic nursery.

What Does Food Dye Have to do with Hyperactivity?

2011-04-03T18:30:00.005-04:00

About two years ago, after a few months of wondering why our sweet kiddo was bouncing off the walls a good majority of the time, my husband and I decided it was time to do some research into what could be causing this behavior. In our findings, some researchers believed there was a direct link between hyperactivity and the ingestion of certain food dyes and additives. We decided to try to cut preservatives and red food dye out of our daughter’s diet as much as possible to see if it helped our daughter’s overly “spirited” behavior. I felt, it couldn’t hurt, and it would only force us all to eat healthier, right? Surprisingly, we felt it made a big difference in our daughter in a positive way! It may have just been the case of the terrible twos rearing its ugly head, but eating healthier seemed like a win-win, regardless of whether it was truly having an affect on our child's behavior. In the months after this little experiment, when we found ourselves backsliding and not being as diligent with monitoring our daughter’s diet, the hyperactivity seemed to intensify, thus confirming how the change in diet was working for us. We would then become conscientious once again. I came across an interesting article today and wanted it to share it with everyone. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is now formally weighing the evidence if hyperactivity is truly tied to certain food dyes and additives. If the FDA determines that additives and dyes do intensify hyperactivity in children, then the agency may eventually have to strengthen its regulations with the food dye and additives ingredients. Check out the article here and sound off below in the comments section. Anyone else have an opinion or any experience with eliminating food dyes and additives in their kids’ diets?

How to Explain the Unthinkable to Your Kids: Natural Disasters

2011-03-15T10:43:00.004-04:00

With the horrendous earthquakes and subsequent tsunami occurring in Japan this week, our children are seeing some pretty horrific images on the television and hearing discussions in the community and in our churches about how we can help the people of Japan. How do you explain such a terrible situation to your young children?

It is important to take into account how old your child is and their developmental stage, because every age is going to have differing levels of comprehension. Even adults struggle with understanding these unthinkable disasters, so can you imagine how a child grapples with such a tragedy? It is important to explain an earthquake, tsunami, hurricane, and any other type of natural disaster in a manner in which children can understand. Here are some tips on how to do just that:

- Answer your child’s questions about the natural disaster, but don’t overload them. Too much information will just overwhelm them.

- Try to keep your emotions in check when discussing world disasters with your kids. If you cry or appear upset or angry, this will certainly spill over into how your child views the situation, thus making them feel even unsafe or insecure.

- Talk about what you can do as a family to help the people of the torn or ravaged nation. This is an amazing opportunity to teach your child about charity and the importance of helping others in need. Volunteer together as a family or do something at home to help the people who need it.

- Don’t keep the television on all the time when the news is covering a disaster 24-7. While, as adults, we can get enthralled in gathering information and learning as much as we can about the disasters as it is occurring, this is not healthy for your children. The images and sound bites used on the news are often too graphic and hard for kids to understand.

- Reassure your children they are not in danger and make them feel safe. Yes, the world can be a dangerous and unsafe place, but it is important to make our children feel loved and secure. Talk to your children about all the things your family does to keep yourselves safe from danger and prepared in case of emergency. Although no one knows what will unfold in the future, it is important to make your child feel safe and secure today.

How To Survive Your House Being on the Market with Kids

2011-03-07T14:18:00.004-05:00

It’s day three of having our house on the market, and you know what?!?! It’s not so bad! (Again, it’s only been three days. Ask me three weeks from now if I am feeling the same way.)

The reason I think it hasn’t been so bad is we prepared. We cleaned out. We streamlined. And then we cleaned out some more. It has taken several weeks to get to this point, and now I am kicking myself because our house has never looked so good! I am wondering why we didn’t live like this years ago?

Here are some of my tips on how we keep our house “show ready” with two kids and two dogs. Never a dull moment around here!

- Streamline as much as possible. Determine if each household item is used on a daily basis. If it is not, then pack it away. If you do need it on a daily basis, then it should have its own spot. Every time you use this item, put it back in its designated spot. This will make it so much easier on you when someone calls you for a showing and only gives you a 15 minute warning (this happened to us on Saturday, but we were ready!)

- Consolidate bathrooms. We are all using the master bathroom to bathe, brush teeth, etc. This limits the amount of time I have to spend cleaning bathrooms each night. One bathroom is much easier to clean than three. Bathrooms and kitchens, in my opinion, are the most time consuming rooms in a house to clean and both should be spotless during showings.

- Clean and pick up every night. Make it part of your nighttime routine. This will cut down on the “frantic time” in the morning when you are trying to get your kids ready for school.

- Box up toys in bins or boxes and then rotate them in your child's play area every few weeks. The other bins and boxes go in storage. This way, you keep your toys at a minimum for showings, but your kids don’t tire of them because they get to play with "new" toys every few weeks.

- Make a new rule: Before you leave a room, you must all pick it up. Again, why didn’t I enforce this rule years ago?

- If you know you are going to have a showing that day, clean up, get your house set up how you want it, and then go on a family adventure to get yourselves out of the house. It will be less stressful for everyone to just get out of your house then it is to try to not mess up the house all day.

- Prepare your meals ahead of time. Make a lot of meals all at one time once a week and then freeze them. That way, you only really mess up your kitchen once a week. Then, at night, your dinner is already made and all you have to do is pop it in the oven. This will save time in the long run because you don’t have to worry about making your kitchen spotless every night.

Again, this is only day three for me. If anyone out there has any other tips, please leave them in the comments section! I'd love to read them. I’ll check back with you guys in a few weeks and let you know if my attitude towards keeping a clean house while it’s on the market is still this chipper!

Going Back to Work after Baby? Here’s How to Make Life a Little Easier on You and Baby

2011-02-23T19:50:00.006-05:00

Adjusting to life with a newborn is hard enough, but when the days of your maternity leave are coming to an end, here are some tips on how to make life a little easier when it’s time to head back into the office.

• Set up your childcare as far in advance as possible so you can begin to adjust to this new situation.

• A few days before your first day back in the office, if your childcare is not in your home, do a trial-run of leaving your house to the childcare location at the same time you will leave in the mornings for work. This will give you a better idea of how long you need to allot for travel time. Once you figure out travel time, factor in the time it will take you to get your baby in and out of the car, and also leave enough time to give instructions to the daycare teacher or nanny. Always give yourself a few extra minutes in the morning, too, in case there is a spit-up or if you need to do an emergency diaper change.

• If your childcare is away from your home, pack your baby’s bag the night before. Also make your bottles ahead of time. This will save you so much time in the morning. If you have a nanny come to your house, set up the bottles, clothes, diapers and anything else the nanny will need for the next day the night before. This will alleviate stress in the a.m. while you get ready for work.

• To make your mornings go more smoothly, lay out your outfit for work the night before as well. After you have a baby, you may not be back in your regular clothes right away, so finding suitable outfits for work can be stressful. Do this the night before to avoid wardrobe meltdowns!

• If at all possible, try not to have the childcare travel arrangements solely your responsibility. Sometimes work or personal things come up unexpectedly, and you may not be able to always be the one who picks up your baby from childcare.

• If you are nursing your baby, set up a pumping location with your boss and the HR department before you return to work. Pack your pumping necessities the night before, too.

• Take care of yourself and get plenty of sleep when you can. Working all day and then taking care of your baby at night leaves little room for “mama” to take care of herself. If you have a spouse or partner, divide the responsibilities at home so it doesn’t all rest on you. And remember to cut yourself some slack. The laundry can wait another day- get your rest while you can!

• Make time for your friends with babies even when you go back to work. Nothing can substitute your “mama friends” as they provide emotional support and understand what you are going through!

Good luck heading back to the office!

Valentine's Day---Homestretch

2011-02-08T18:27:00.005-05:00

My daughter is a holiday-a-holic. What does this mean, you ask? It means she is obsessed with holidays. ALL holidays. So, needless to say, she's pretty excited about Valentine's Day being less than a week away!

We’ve already made Valentines goody bags for her friends. She’s crafted the perfect Heart Day cards for her family and teachers. She’s colored countless Valentine’s Day coloring sheets, and she has made a plethora of V-Day crafts I have been collecting from all over town.

With t-minus six days until February 14, what else can we possibly do to celebrate the holiday?

I came across some Valentine’s Day Apps for the IPad/IPhone today that look pretty cool, so we'll probably check those out tomorrow. Maybe these free or low-cost apps below will bring us into the homestretch of Cupid’s very favorite day!

Julius Harts Cupcakes: Decorate a cupcake on mommy’s IPhone/IPad with the perfect Valentine’s Day decorations app!

KidCalc 7-in-1 Math Fun-Valentine’s Day Theme: This app teaches math skills for ages 3-9 year-olds, but does so with a fun new Valentine’s Day theme.

Valentine’s Day Coloring Books: Get your creative juices flowing with this cute and colorful way to personalize and send Valentine’s Day e-cards on the IPad or IPhone.

Matching Hearts Game: It’s memory time, but this clever game uses conversation hearts to get in the mood for February 14!

Valentine’s Day Countdown: Instead of enduring the, “How many more days until Valentine’s Day, mommy?” question that I will inevitably get every day, I am going to download the V-Day countdown so my daughter can see for herself and tell me all about it!

Talking Cupid: Who wouldn’t be entertained by a cupid that talks, laughs and interacts with you? This is a must-have download for February 14!

Valentine’s Day Painter: Let someone special know how much you love them with this free
Valentine’s Day heart painting app. Send it to your loved ones via e-mail!

Looking for a Rainy Day Activity? Homemade Play Dough!

2011-01-24T20:34:00.007-05:00

The weather is cold and rainy this week where we live, and I have been trying to think of something fun to do with my four year-old daughter tomorrow. Luckily her preschool teacher

e-mailed me tonight reminding me I signed up to make homemade play dough for her class for the month of February, so I thought...why not? Let's go ahead and make it! We'll make enough to play with at home, and also enough to share with her class.

I wanted to share the recipe with you, too, in case you are in need of a fun activity to do this week with your kids! Hope you have fun making homemade play dough...I know we will. Now, the question is, will it be more fun making the play dough or playing with it afterwards?

Homemade Play Dough Recipe:

Ingredients:
3 cups Flour
1 ½ cups Salt
3 cups Water
2 TBSP Vegetable Oil
1 TBSP Cream of Tartar
Few drops “ Neon” Food coloring of your choice or 1 package unsweetened "Kool-Aid" of your choice

Instructions:

1. Mix ALL of the ingredients in a large saucepan.

2. Cook over medium low heat, until the dough comes away from the edges of the pan and it becomes difficult to move the spoon. Remove from heat. Cool until it can be handled.

3. Place on counter or wax paper. Knead until blended and smooth.

4. Store in a large zip-lock bag or air-tight container.

Tip for you- You must let it cool ALL the way before sealing it off, or it will be gooey--even if it feels like a normal play dough consistency after even 20 minutes...it needs longer.

Enjoy and have fun!

Are Your Shopping Days Over?!?!

2011-01-15T20:37:00.007-05:00

I was talking to a girlfriend the other day about shopping with our toddlers. Let’s just say we both have had our share of shopping struggles as of late and running to the mall has become a bit of a strain.

When your toddler becomes mobile and the stroller begins to feel more like a prison than a mode of transportation to him, are your shopping days over?

Your shopping days don’t have to be numbered, but you do need to start thinking more strategically when shopping with a toddler. Take my morning last week, for example. My oldest child was in preschool, and I had just a few hours to cross off some items on my to-do list. I had to buy three birthday gifts and also had to buy an outfit for myself for an upcoming party. I was not looking forward to taking my son with me. However, the shopping had to be finished and I was on a deadline. Instead of dreading it, I thought strategically and came up with a game plan.

Before we even started our shopping trip, I took my son to the neighborhood playground to burn some energy. I felt like he may be less likely to want to crawl out of his stroller to explore the mall if he was physically tired from playing hard. He happily ran and played at the playground, and when he seemed tired, we headed to the mall to begin our shopping adventure.

At the first store, I fed my son an early lunch in his stroller. He was a happy camper, and so was I! One birthday present down, one outfit and two birthday presents to go.

The next stop at the mall was finding an outfit for me. I chose a store that I have had much success in the past with finding clothes. Since time was precious, I wanted to try to eliminate the need to go to multiple stores. I asked for the biggest dressing room available. While I was trying on clothes, I pulled out toys from my diaper bag and my son ran around the dressing room and played. He was pumped to be out of his stroller and I was happy to try on clothes. And luckily, I found the perfect dress for our upcoming event. Score!

I knew my time was running out. I chose one final store near the mall to buy the other two gifts I needed… good ol’ Target. This is my go-to store. During this trip to Target, I had two strategies. One, I put my son in a cart instead of his stroller so he could have a different mode of transportation to switch things up. He seemed excited to ride around the store and we chatted away, face-to-face. I think he enjoyed the change of scenery, and he also loved being close enough to get about a million kisses from me while we shopped. When the newness of the cart wore off, I pulled out my daughter’s toy MP3 player for him to play with. Since my daughter was at school, (shhh...don't tell tell her), my son was in heaven pressing all the buttons, listening to all the songs. This worked like a charm!

I managed to find a birthday gift for a friend, but struck out finding a gift for my brother. Rather than press my luck and try to make it to one more store, I decided to call it a day and we headed home. When I put my son down for his afternoon nap, I got online and ordered my brother’s birthday gift. Remember that online shopping is always an option if you get in a bind!

Hopefully next time you have to go shopping with your toddler, you can come up with a game plan that will work for you, too. See?!?! Your shopping days aren’t numbered. You just have to be a little more strategic!

Post-Holiday Blues---How To Help Your Kids Shake It Off

2011-01-03T18:05:00.001-05:00

After weeks of no school, being off schedule and enjoying the rush of the holiday season, it’s hard for kids to get back into the swing of things. Often times, kids can get what I call the “post-holiday blues.”

Most families go strong from Halloween to the New Year, and then all of a sudden, it slows down and the social calendar is not as full. Kids can get bent out of shape when they are not constantly on the go after many months of going full throttle.
What can we do to get our kids to calm down after many weeks of sensory overload and get them back on schedule?

- Go to bed at normal times and get plenty of sleep. Also, make sure you are eating healthy and nutritious meals. The holidays sometimes bring too many sweet treats, and it’s important to start focusing on eating a balanced diet again.

- Try to get outside each day, even for just a little bit. In the winter, we tend to huddle up and stay inside. Fresh air can do wonders, though, so bundle up and let your kids explore the great outdoors.

- Resume normal activities and get back on a schedule. Children thrive on consistency, and that is the best thing you can give your children after the busyness of the holiday season.

- Exercise is a great way to improve everyone’s mood. Take your kids outside to run and play! If the weather is too cold or rainy for outside time, turn on some music inside and dance away the blues. If you get your kids moving, it will surely put a smile on their faces.

- Take some time to relive the holidays. Talk to your child about their favorite memories, traditions and presents. Show them pictures and home videos from the past month. You’ll both remember the holidays fondly.

- Plan something to look forward to in the coming months. Maybe it’s time to go on a family trip to the zoo or a local museum, or it can be as simple as family movie night, but try to get something fun on the calendar that you can focus your child’s attention on. Let him know there are fun things to enjoy year-round.

- Remember that returning to school may be tough for your children. Remind them of all the friends they will get to see and fun school activities that are right around the corner. Try to be as positive about going back to school as you can.

Good luck beating the post-holiday blues. Hopefully these tips will help ensure a Happy New Year for all!

Can’t Find a Baby-Sitter on New Year's Eve? No Worries!

2010-12-27T17:41:00.003-05:00

Every year since we had kids, my husband and I look at each other as New Year’s Eve rolls around and say, “What are we going to do this year?” It’s become a holiday we look forward to see come and go because it is so hard to find a baby-sitter. What usually ends up happening is we put the kids to bed and try to stay up and watch the ball drop on TV, but rarely do we actually make it to midnight. (Kind of sad, huh? We know other parents out there can relate!)

How can you celebrate New Year’s Eve once you have kids? What are some fun things you can do if you find yourself without a baby-sitter (again)?

- Find other couple friends who have kids and team up to celebrate the New Year. Let the kids all play together while you to enjoy adult conversation. Celebrate New Year’s Eve before the children go to bed. Do a countdown early and let the kids have New Year’s hats and noisemakers.

- Start a new family tradition. Pick a (family-friendly) restaurant to go to each New Year’s Eve. Dress up and celebrate the holiday by having dinner out together. Only go to the restaurant on New Year’s Eve so it becomes a special place for your whole family.

- Celebrate “Noon Year’s Eve” instead of New Year’s Eve. Host a party at your house for friends and family and do a big lunch for everyone. Count down at noon instead of midnight and you’ll feel like you celebrated enough by the time midnight actually rolls around. Don’t forget to give your spouse a Noon Year’s Eve kiss at the stroke of noon!

- Create a time capsule on New Year’s Eve with your family. Fill a shoebox up with pictures and mementos from the past year. Talk about your favorite memories from the year and then bury your time capsule in the backyard.

- Find a local community event that is kid-friendly. Many towns and cities have “First Night” events that are alcohol free, low-cost, and fun for the whole family.

Here’s to a happy, healthy and safe 2011!

'Tis the Season to be...Stressed?!?!

2010-12-13T08:49:00.004-05:00

Hello everyone! So sorry it has been two weeks since I have posted a blog entry. But like a lot of you out there, our family has been in the throes of the holiday season. Parties, events, shopping…you name it, we have been busy doing it!

While the holiday season can bring visions of sugarplums, it can also bring tired feet, overwhelming anxiety and dread. If you are feeling this way, then it is time to SLOW DOWN! (In all honesty, I am giving myself this advice. Maybe it will help someone else out there, too.)

It’s hard to be a good parent when you are feeling stressed out. And I firmly believe the old saying…happy mother makes for happy children. So mamas, instead of focusing on the kids in this week's blog entry...this one is for you!

How To Beat the Holidays Blues

If the mercury level on your stress-o-meter is rising, you’re not alone. According to the National Mental Health Association, more than 17 million Americans experience some form of depression and anxiety during the holidays. Women tend to feel more of the “holiday blues” because we typically bear a greater burden during the season. The ladies tend to be the ones spearheading the holiday shopping, planning, and schedules.

Stress increases in so many of us around the holidays because of unrealistic expectations, financial hardships, and sometimes, due to the colder weather, a little bit of cabin fever.

Here are some tips on how to deal with competing demands of the holidays.

Plan ahead.
During the holiday season, your social calendar can go into overdrive. Try downshifting to a more manageable schedule.

Get a separate calendar and organize all your seasonal activities. Be sure to allot time for decorating, holiday cooking and shopping, as well as annual get-togethers. This will help prevent you from over-committing.

Before agreeing to a new commitment, check your calendar and see if it is feasible. Remember, you don’t have to say yes to every invitation.

Stick to a budget.
Make a budget for your gift giving and stick to it. While the holidays are about giving, they aren’t about breaking the bank. Shop early for bargains and to avoid crunch-time crowds.

People fall into the trap of spending a lot of money on a gift to express how they feel. A homemade gift can show how you feel about someone just as much, if not more, than a more expensive gift. These are often more personal and appreciated.

Take care of your body.
The holidays are an emotional and eventful time, so it is vital to make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating right and scheduling downtime for yourself.

Just because Santa enjoys milk and cookies at all of his holiday stops doesn’t mean you should follow suit. Try to cut back on holiday eating and drinking. When faced with a table of holiday treats, be selective and take small portions.

Be flexible.
Keep traditions and family gatherings simple. As families grow and change, so do your holiday traditions. Be flexible, embrace change and keep in mind that being together is more important than keeping family customs.

Stepfamilies will want to discuss holiday schedules ahead of time to avoid confusion and stress during the holidays. This way, all family members can plan ahead and know what to expect.

Don’t expect perfection.
Hallmark cards may portray holiday harmony, but in reality, there is no such thing as a perfect holiday season.

In reality, your relatives may argue, your eggnog may sour and your Christmas party may be less than perfect. Just remember that a positive attitude, forgiveness and a sense of humor go a long way during the holidays.

Don’t become another victim of seasonal stress. By taking care of yourself and managing expectations this yuletide season, you, too, can have stress-free holidays. Your kids will thank you for it!

Holiday Excitement Can Equal Cranky Kids

2010-11-30T12:26:00.004-05:00

I am the world’s worst at revving up my children during the holiday season. Yes, it is not even December 1, and we are already decorated for Christmas. The house is lit up like “Christmas Vacation,” holiday music is playing 24/7, and the stockings are already hung by the chimney with care…you get the picture. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at our house, and we still have 25 days to go until the big day.

So what does this mean for my four year-old? Well, it means she is already in holiday orbit and every bit as excited as her mama!

This also means it is getting harder to settle her down for bedtime and keep her (somewhat) calm throughout the day. How do you manage your kids and their schedules during the the holidays, but still keep that spirit of the season?

Here are some tips on how to balance being full of holiday cheer, while keeping bedtime battles and holiday sugar highs at bay:

• Schedule holiday parties and plans when the kids are well rested. Try not to interrupt naptimes and bedtimes.

• If the holidays mean you must travel and be away from your home, then try to keep mealtimes and bedtimes as close to your schedule as possible. You may not be able to control where your little one sleeps, but you can control what time they go down for bed at night.

• Don’t go overboard. Children like simplicity, so instead of doing three holiday crafts, baking Christmas cookies and visiting Santa all in one weekend, just choose one holiday activity to do as a family. It will mean more to your child (and to you) if you have one special event or activity to focus on at a time. Too many new and exciting experiences can make children overwhelmed, thus leading to a meltdown.

• While holiday treats certainly are a fun part of the season, limit cookies and candies. Too much sugar contributes to children having a tough time settling down at night. When several holiday treats are offered to your kids in a single day, have them select one and tell them to either save the rest for another day or give the treat to a friend or family member. This is an excellent way to eliminate too many treats, as well as reinforce the importance of giving to others, instead of always receiving.

• Keep your stress level in check. Remember that children are very much affected by their parent’s stress levels. If holiday activities become too much for you and you can feel your stress level rising, then it’s time to take a step back and look at your schedule and to-do list. Determine what you can eliminate from it to make the holiday season more enjoyable for everyone.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas...Card!

2010-11-15T13:56:00.006-05:00

It’s that time of year again…time to prepare for the (often dreaded) family photo for the annual Christmas card!

Something that should be fun and easy is oftentimes very stressful... your kids won’t cooperate, your husband is complaining about having to smile on cue, and you are thinking to yourself, "Why do I put myself through this every year?"

Hopefully this year will be different! Here are some tips to help your Christmas card photo session go well!

- Don’t be above bribery!
Come armed to the photo session with snacks, lollipops and bubbles…anything to get your kids through the shoot while keeping a smile on their faces!

- Keep the weather in mind.
Sometimes you may have the perfect outfits picked out, but if you are doing an outside photo session and it is terribly cold that day, it might be time to ditch the cute, coordinated outfits and go with something warmer, like coats, gloves and toboggans. A happy child in a winter coat is better than a teary one who is cold!

- Bring a helper.
Consider bringing grandma or a favorite baby-sitter who get the kids’ attentions during a family photo or can play with one child while the other one is getting photographed. An extra set of hands can alsofix collars, flyaway hairs and clothes once you are all posed.

- Less is more.
The family itself should be the focal point of the card. If you try to incorporate too many props, your Christmas card may become too busy or can get “cheesy.” Just keep it simple for a beautiful holiday card that you’ll treasure for years to come.

- Don’t be afraid to be “candid.”
Sometimes it’s hard to capture a good photo of the entire family, especially when you have little ones who have trouble sitting still for more than a few seconds! Just interact with one another and leave it to your photographer to capture holiday magic. Candid pictures sometimes make more interesting holiday cards than posed ones anyways!

Have yourself a merry little Christmas card this holiday season!

Surviving the Doctor’s Office with your Kids

2010-11-03T21:08:00.002-04:00

Cold and flu season is upon us (NOT AGAIN!), and one of the worst places to pick up germs is the waiting room at the doctor’s office. Both of my kids have well visits coming up, and it makes me want to cringe at the thought of taking them into the lion’s den (aka- the doctor’s office.)

I admit it. I can be somewhat of a germaphobe. What can I say? Besides, when the American Academy of Pediatrics states, “An office waiting room often presents opportunities for transmission of infectious diseases among patients,” well, I am going to listen and try my best to keep those germs at bay!

Here are some tips on how to reduce your child’s chances at catching an infection at your next well visit.

- If there is a “well section” at your doctor’s office, utilize it.

- Wash your children’s hands often during your well appointment with hand sanitizer. If you know your doctor’s office doesn’t have hand sanitizer available, carry your own hand sanitizer with you. When you get home, wash your child’s hands thoroughly with soap and water. This tip goes for parents, too! You could pick up germs while taking your kid to the doctor's office, too.

- Bring your own toys to occupy your kids in the waiting room. The toys in the waiting room are a germ cesspool. Also avoid toys and books once you are back in the exam room, too.

- If your child is compliant, have them hang out in their stroller while you wait to be called back to the exam room. This will help them to avoid germs on waiting room chairs.

- Try to get at least two chairs between you and someone who is coughing and sneezing. Flu droplets can travel!

- Avoid using bathrooms at the doctor’s office if possible. These bathrooms are packed full of germs.

I know germs are everywhere and your kids can pick up illnesses anywhere you go, but these tips will help you protect your kids as much as you can.

Here’s to a safe and healthy winter!

Play It Safe on Halloween!

2010-10-25T21:35:00.004-04:00

Halloween is right around the corner, and our ghosts and ghouls are brimming with excitement about trick-or-treating!

What are some ways you can keep your little pumpkins safe this Hallows’ Eve? Check out some safety tips below.

- Never allow your child to trick-or-treat alone. Always walk in groups and have a responsible adult with your group.

- Use reflective tape on your costumes and shoes so drivers see your children.

- Always face away from traffic. Use sidewalks when possible, or stay on the far edge of the road when sidewalks are not available.

- Only allow your children to eat packaged candy from stores. Avoid homemade goods. Inspect all your children’s candy before they eat it.

- Do not walk near decorative luminaries with an open flame. Your child’s costume could catch fire.

- Ensure your kids’ costumes are not too long to avoid tripping and that their shoes are comfortable so they don’t get blisters from walking around so much.

- Stay close to home. Try to trick-or-treat at your neighbors houses. Avoid unfamiliar neighborhoods.

- When someone opens the door for your trick-or-treaters, make sure they know to stay on the porch. Never let your child go inside someone’s house.

Have a happy and safe Halloween!

Keeping It Clean…Organizing Your Kid’s Toys

2010-10-16T18:20:00.006-04:00

Both of our kids have fall birthdays and each birthday means new TOYS! This delights our kids to no end…and if I am honest, it makes this stay-at-home mom happy, too, because it means new toys to enjoy with the kiddos.

All the new birthday toys have prompted us to clean out our playroom and “toy stash,” and it’s coming at a perfect time since the holidays are right around the corner. It seems like such an overwhelming task to accomplish, but with these tips below, I think it will go smoothly this year!

- Use clear bins to house similar toys. Cars go with cars, dolls go with dolls, etc. This will make finding toys and cleaning them up much easier.

- Avoid duplicate toys. Children do not need two stacking rings or two musical keyboards. Consider donating duplicate toys to goodwill. This will help you declutter your toy areas

- Always put toy bins at eye-level and within reach of the kids. This way, they can find the toys they are looking for easily, and they can also put the bins away when they are done playing. This will teach your children the importance of cleaning up after themselves.

- Consider using photo or pictures to label bins when your kids are younger. Pictures will help small children know where to put certain toys when it is time to clean up. When your kids are older and can read, use labels with words to mark your bins. This will help them to learn how to spell new words while keeping your play areas tidy.

- When organizing your toys, think about what your kids play with the most often. Put those toys out in your play areas and when you sense your child is tiring of them, put them back in a closet or in storage and bring out different toys. Rotating your toys will make old toys feel new again.

- Consider donating the toys not used very often to charity or goodwill. This is an excellent way to instill the spirit of giving to your children.

Good luck cleaning out your toys this year. Here’s to staying organized the rest of the year and into 2011! I'm off to a good start...I just put all my daughter's Barbie gear in clear bins with labels. It's funny how the small things in life can make you feel accomplished!

Sleep Positioners- Read This Warning

2010-10-05T21:12:00.003-04:00

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are urging parents and caregivers to stop using sleep positioners.

A sleep positioner is a product used to keep babies on their backs while sleeping. These products are marketed as an aid to help with food digestion and reflux, ease colic, and prevent flat head syndrome. Sleep positioners are also marketed as a way to help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death syndrome (SIDS) by keeping babies on their backs.

There have been more than 12 reports over the past 13 years of infants (between the ages of one and four months old) who have died when they suffocated in a sleep positioner. In some of these instances, the babies died when they became trapped between the sleep positioner and the side of the crib or bassinet.

"In most instances, these products provide no real benefit and the risk of harm when they are used is significantly greater," said FDA deputy commissioner Joshua Sharfstein.

Parents need to remember that the safest way to put a baby to sleep in a crib is for the crib to only have a mattress and a tight-fitting sheet. Also, babies should always be placed on their backs.

According to these organizations, parents should stop using sleep positioners or any device to hold an infant on his or her back or side for sleep. These are unnecessary and can pose a suffocation risk to your baby.

For more information on the CPSC and the FDA’s warning, please click here.

We at Pure and Honest Kids like to try to stay abreast on safety issues involving children's products. As we continue to learn more about this issue, we will share it with our readers.

Are You Ready For Some Football?

2010-09-26T10:39:00.005-04:00

Football season is upon us, and down in the south where I'm from, going to a college football game is a typical Saturday activity. When your family expands with little ones, does that mean you need to give up sporting events all together until the kids are older? Definitely not! Here are some tips on how to survive game day with kids.

- Check with the stadium ahead of time about rules on bag sizes, strollers and cameras (you have to capture little one’s first football game, right?) There would be nothing worse than being told in the ticket line that your diaper bag is too big and cannot be taken into the game or that strollers are not allowed.

- Speaking of diaper bags, stock yours with extra diapers or undies, a change of clothes and lots of wipes! This will have you covered if your child has an accident during the game.

- Food and drinks are a must! Plan on feeding your child (either a snack or a meal) during the game. Check ahead of time what foods and drinks are available at the stadium to determine if you need to pack your own snacks or if you can buy food at the game. Also check on the rules of bringing your own food into the game. You may be able to get away with food and snacks for toddlers and babies. Eating always allows kids to happily pass the time and will hopefully help you stay longer at the game.

- One personal tip…we took our kids to a football game last weekend and brought our travel high chair for our one year-old. He happily ate lunch and snack strapped to the stadium’s bench in his travel chair. This was key to lasting as long as we did at the game. And it was a much better alternative to holding him the entire game!

- Pick up any promotional items being passed out at the beginning of the game. It is (free) entertainment (our four year-old loved playing with the pom-poms most of the game) and a great souvenir to take home to remember your fun day.

- Consider the noise level of the game before you go. Do you think the cheering, bands and fireworks might scare your kids? If so, pack ear plugs or noise-canceling headphones to drown out some of the sound for them, not to mention, protect their hearing.

- Be flexible. Understand up front that you more than likely won’t make it through the whole game. Look at the game as an adventure and however long you make it is a success. Also be willing to walk around the stadium with toddlers who don’t want to be held for long periods of time.

- Be mindful of the weather. If it is blazing hot, bring sunscreen for your kids (and yourself!)Have them drink plenty of water throughout the game. If it is going to be cold, bring warm coats and even a stadium blanket. Protect your kids from the elements as much as possible.

- Don’t forget your sanitizing wipes! Wash their hands with the wipes frequently, and even consider wiping down the bench before you sit down if the seats look grungy.

- Change diapers right before you go into the game. Sometimes the diaper changing stations inside stadiums are less than favorable.

Are you feeling brave enough to try to root on your favorite team next weekend? If so, head to the stadium and have a great time! Give us your tips, too, on what worked/didn’t work for you at the next home game.

Getting Your Kids Ready for School- How To Beat the Morning Madness

2010-09-19T16:48:00.002-04:00

Do you ever feel like you are running a race against the clock in the mornings? I know I do, and my daughter only goes to preschool three mornings a week! So many moms I have talked to recently feel like no matter what time they start getting their kids ready for school in the mornings, they are always running late and feeling frazzled.

How can we make the mornings run more smoothly and make the start to school days more peaceful for everyone? Here are some tips below to help manage the morning madness!

1. Do as much as you can the night before.
You can pre-pack your kids’ lunches, lay out their backpacks, and even layout their school clothes the night before school. The more you do ahead of time, the less hectic your mornings will be. If your child is particularly opinionated about what they wear, include them in the decision the night before when laying out their school clothes. Let your child know in advance that changing his or her mind the next morning is not an option.

2. Have a designated place for all “school-related” items, such as backpacks, library books, homework, notes to teachers and lunch boxes.

It will save you time in the morning so you are not scrambling to find what your child needs to take to school that day.

3. Wake up earlier than your kids.
Even if it is just by fifteen minutes, I know the mornings I rise before my kids and have a cup of coffee in solitude, I am more prepared to deal with the hurriedness of the morning time. You won’t feel as frantic and stressed out if you get that alone time. (Remember that kids can sense when you feel stressed out.)

4. Have a morning routine.
Create a morning routine and stick to it. If your kids know they have to brush their teeth, wash their face and make their bed every morning in the same order, they will less likely fight you on it and do it in a more timely manner.

5. If your child is sluggish most mornings, consider moving up their bedtime earlier.
When children constantly drag their feet in the morning and have trouble getting out of bed or sleepwalk through their morning routine, this is a good indication they are not getting enough sleep. Consider moving up your child’s bedtime by 30 minutes for a week and see if it makes a difference in the mornings. Keep moving their bedtime up week by week until you see an improvement in your child’s energy level in the mornings. You’d be surprised by how many children do not get enough sleep at night!

Here’s hoping your mornings become more peaceful and less stressed! Speaking of…I’m off to pack lunch and lay out school clothes!

Talk of the Town: What Are You Going To Be For Halloween?

2010-09-11T11:49:00.004-04:00

I couldn’t believe my eyes when I was shopping the other day and Halloween gear was already in the stores! Can you believe it?

It’s hard to not get in the spirit of Halloween when all the stores are brimming with pumpkins, candies and costumes! So of course, my almost four year-old daughter discusses daily what she wants to be for Halloween, and it’s not even October yet! She has decided she wants to “coordinate” with her one year-old brother and dress up together (how sweet?!?!), so it got me thinking…what are some dynamic duos the kiddos could be for Halloween this year?

Here are my favorite brother and sister costumes I’ve found so far…feel free to leave in the comments section some of your favorite “couples” ideas for Halloween. Good luck finding the perfect Halloween costume for your kiddos this year!

1. Little Miss Muffet and her Spider

2. Little Bo Peep and her Sheep

3. Mickey and Minnie Mouse

4. Dorothy and The Cowardly Lion

5. Little Mermaid and Sebastian

6. Elmo and Abby Cadabby

7. Cowgirl and her Pony

8. Dora and Boots

9. Cookies and Milk

10. Tinker Bell and Peter Pan

Packing Lunch for Little Ones!

2010-08-31T19:43:00.004-04:00

My daughter starts preschool next week, and this means I will be packing a lunch for her three times a week. (Her wonderful preschool includes lunchtime!)

No big deal, right?

Well, I am a little nervous about running out of ideas and being “that parent” who packs the same thing every day, especially since it is a peanut-free school. (No peanut butter?!?! What will my daughter eat?!?!)

Luckily, there are so many wonderful resources on the Internet to help you when making lunch for your kids this year. Here are some alternatives to the ho-hum turkey and cheese sandwich that are both healthy and delicious!

- Cream cheese “tea sandwich”
- Roll-ups (deli slice of ham or turkey with cheese rolled up together)
- Whole grain bagel with cream cheese
- Pasta salad
- Fruit salad
- Baby carrots with vegetable dip
- Vegetable soup (in an insulated thermos or container)
- Granola
- Mini-muffins
- Hummus with baked tortilla chips or vegetables
- Dried fruit bars
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Cheese cubes
- Ham and cream cheese pinwheel sandwiches
- Fruit kabobs (make sure the stick holding the fruit together is not too pointy)

(Also parents…this article on back-to-school lunch and snacks is a must-read. I can’t believe 98 percent of children fail to meet the five core food groups each day. Yowza!)

Clearance Sale- Don't Miss It!

2010-08-23T19:45:00.004-04:00

Pure and Honest Kids is having its best sale of the year...the clearance sale! From now until August 29, you can take an additional 30 percent off all clearance sale items. Just use the code BIGSALE when you check out.

Clearance sale items are up to 80 percent off. These deals won't last long, so check it out today! Happy shopping!

Empty Threats?!?!

2010-08-10T10:28:00.007-04:00

I recently read an article on a website called "Mom Logic" about a mother who gave her son an empty threat while on an airplane. She basically said, "If you don't stay seated and calm down, I'm going to ring the flight attendant's call button and get the flight attendant to take you away."

Okay parents...confession time! How many of you out there have given an empty threat to your kids? Have you ever threatened something you knew you could never follow through with? (I am raising my hand over here, too!) Why do parents do this?

I think we get so flustered and stressed sometimes that we say things we don't mean or that will never come to fruition in hopes of stopping an unfavorable behavior.

Here are a few examples of empty threats parents may sometimes give their children:

- "If you don't hurry up and get ready for school, I'm going to leave you." (Hello, child services! You can't actually leave your young child alone.)

- "If you don't pick up your toys, I am going to give them all to goodwill." (Seriously?)

- "If you don't stop throwing the ball at your brother, I'm going to throw your ball away in the trash can." (Most parents would not want to deal with the meltdown that would occur from actually throwing the ball away in the trash can. By the way, this one happened at my house recently. My husband said it and I suggested he follow through with it. It wasn't pretty.)

A parent that makes these kinds of threats has lost control and their children are winning! Kids are perceptive. They quickly begin to understand that you are not going to follow through with your threat, so why should they modify their behavior?

When you make ultimatums that you cannot carry through with, you undermine your authority as a parent. So next time you are trying to discipline your child, remember you are in control! Make discipline choices that fit the crime and that you can actually follow through with.

You are the parent...you are in control. You are the parent...you are in control. Keep chanting this to yourself until you actually believe it!

Have you given a funny empty threat lately? Leave it in the comment section below.

Too Hot, Too Fast: Signs your Kids Could Be Dehydrated

2010-08-03T20:47:00.004-04:00

Where we live, it is hotter than hot this summer. When I walk outside, I am full-on sweating before I even reach my car. My almost four year-old, who usually does not complain about rain, sleet, snow or heat, even said to me today, “Mommy, it’s too hot to play outside today.”

The summer sun can be ruthless, so it’s important to recognize the early signs of dehydration and other heat-related illnesses. Children are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, because their bodies do not get rid of heat as efficiently as adults' bodies do. Check out these tips below on how to keep your kids from reaching the point of too much sun, and not enough water.

- When kids begin to complain with thirst or feeling hot while playing outside, or just seem irritable in the heat, they may have early dehydration. Get them out of the sun immediately and find a cool spot to sit and relax. Push fluids as well (water or sports drinks with electrolytes are best.)

- If you know your child has been outside in the heat and is experiencing one or more of the following symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible: few or no tears when crying, eyes that look sunken in the head, lack of urine or wet diapers, headache, extreme fatigue, dizziness or altered mental state.

- Encourage your child to drink water before, during and after outside activities when it is a hot day.

- Avoid giving your kids fruit juices, sodas and other caffeinated beverages when playing outside in the heat. These types of drinks can actually make dehydration occur more quickly.

- Find shady spots outside to take breaks from playing. Have your kids drink fluids every 20-30 minutes, or even more often if they ask for it.

- When playing in the heat, dress your children in loose, light colored clothing.

- Whatever you do, do not leave your children alone in a hot car, even for a few minutes.

Play it safe in the sun by staying cool and hydrated the rest of the summer!

Summer Snacking

2010-07-25T18:10:00.005-04:00

It’s so easy when the kids are out of school and on summer vacation to become lax in eating healthy. Ready to get summer snacking back on track? Check out these delicious (and healthy) snack ideas that moms and kids alike can agree on.

- Cheese: The protein in this kid-friendly snack will help your kids stay on the go all day long! There are so many variations you can do with cheese, such as cheese and crackers, string cheese and cheese and fruit kabobs. The possibilities are endless!

- Peanut Butter: For a dose of protein and fiber, turn to peanut butter, a favorite food for so many kids. Peanut butter and crackers, as well as peanut butter and apples slices, will satisfy your children and give them a nutritious snack to tide them over until dinner.

- Yogurt: Low fat yogurt is a delicious and healthy snack for your kids, and also an excellent source of calcium. To amp up the nutritional value even more, pair the yogurt with fruit or granola.

- Sweet potatoes: Before you skip over this one, hear me out! Sweet potatoes are one of the most nutritious vegetables around. This vegetable is packed with vitamin A, and is also a good source of vitamin B6, vitamin C and folate. Whip up some yummy sweet potato chips in lieu of store-bought chips, and both kids and moms will be happy campers.

- Hummus: Kids love to dip their foods, and hummus is one of the healthiest (and most delicious) dips around! Serve hummus with low-fat pita chips, salt-free crackers or vegetables for a tasty treat. Not only will your kids enjoy it, but they will also get a dose of folate, vitamin B6 and iron.

For more snack ideas, check out this article from Parents.com, entitled, “The 20 Best Snack Ideas.” It will have you and your kids back on track in no time to eating healthier snacks this summer season.

Car Travel with Baby!

2010-07-12T18:20:00.004-04:00

My family is embarking on a six hour car ride this weekend to spend time with friends from college. I have no worries about my three-and-a-half year old (she will be happy to watch movies, eat snacks, and play games), but the thought of crossing the state line with my 10 month-old breaks me out in a cold sweat. Needless to say, he is not the best car traveler in the world.

I have been doing my research on how to conquer car travel with a baby, and here are 10 tips I came across that I thought might help make our trip more successful. Here’s hoping it all goes well! If you have any additional car travel tips, leave them in the comments section!

1. First things first…plan to travel at your baby’s best time. This may mean you leave at nap time or bed time, so choose your departure time accordingly. (This is only if your baby sleeps well in the car. Your baby may be like mine and only take cat caps in the car, so there is no “best time” to travel!)

2. Plan a few breaks in travel so your baby is not strapped in his or her car seat for long periods of time. The longer your baby is in the car seat, the fussier he or she may become. Remember, it is not a race when traveling with a baby. Take your time and you will all be happier for it.

3. Pack plenty of toys for the trip. New ones or forgotten favorites will likely keep your little one occupied for longer periods of time over toys he plays with every day.

4. Also pack baby-friendly music, plenty of snacks and drinks, and books to read to your baby on the road.

5. Have a well-stocked diaper bag with everything you need for diaper changes. Don’t forget a change of clothes in case it’s a major diaper blow out! Make this bag easily accessible so you don’t have to dig it out under suitcases.

6. Never take a baby out of the car seat when the car is in motion. Always pull the car over if you need to change a diaper or if the baby gets extremely fussy.

7. Tape brightly colored pictures to the back of the seat your baby will be facing. This gives them something cheerful to look at and may keep their attention longer. If you have a car mirror, you can put that on the back of the seat, too.

8. Put up window shade screens in your car to protect your baby from the sun. Sun shades will also prevent your baby from getting too hot.

9. Keep a lookout on your GPS for baby-friendly places to stop. Your little one might like to go for a swing or walk around a playground, so don’t be afraid to stop at a playground and wear your little one out! This might also help your baby take a good nap in the car for the second leg of the trip.

10. Finally, don’t have your travel plans set in stone. If your goal is to make it to a certain city without stopping, but your baby is very fussy, make an unscheduled stop. If you sense your baby needs a change of scenery, instead of eating in the car as you planned, stop at a restaurant and let the baby see something besides in the inside of your car. The more flexible you are, the happier everyone will be while traveling!

Good luck with your summer travels!

Beat the Heat this Summer!

2010-06-30T18:18:00.005-04:00

Where we live, temperatures have been circling around 100 degrees and it is too hot to take the kids outside to play (unless it involves water.) In order to beat the summer heat, sometimes you have to get creative! Check out our top 10 ways to enjoy summer without melting away in the hot sun.

1. See a “dollar movie” or a free movie at a local cinema. Many theaters have a free summer kids program, too. Check out your local theater web sites for information on kids movie programs this summer.

2. Attend “story time” at your local library. Your kids will love hearing new stories, singing songs, and you can also check out some books while you are there!

3. Declare a board game day. Enjoy some family time by playing board games together in the cool air conditioning!

4. Set up your very own water park in the backyard. Have baby pools, slip-n-slides, and sprinklers going at the same time and enjoy watching your little ones run around outside while staying cool.

5. Make your own homemade ice cream. Your kids will love churning the ice cream maker, and will enjoy eating your cold treat even more!

6. Set your kids up with some (clean) paint brushes and water buckets and let them paint the town…literally! Your kids can “paint” the house, walkway, bikes, fence and porch! Throw some soap and wash rags in the mix, and you can have your very own car wash, too.

7. Host an arts-n-crafts extravaganza and invite your kids’ friends! Stock up on arts-n-crafts…crayons, markers, paper, glue, scissors, molding clay, and anything else that your kids can use to create a masterpiece. Watch your kids and their friends create beautiful artwork, and then hang their creations up on a bulletin board, refrigerator or clothes line to display for the week.

8. Throw a “pretend party.” Have your kids put on party clothes from the dress-up bin and then have the kids decorate for the party, as well as make simple, yummy snacks for the pretend party. You’ll be surprised how much fun they will have and how this one idea can take up a whole afternoon!

9. Encourage your children to write (or just make-up) a play. Have them make tickets for the play to sell to the audience (you and their favorite stuffed animals), create a stage with blankets, sheets or towels, and put together wardrobes for the “cast” from your dress-up bin. Then sit back and watch as your favorite stars put on a show for you!

10. Make homemade play dough together. It’s very easy to do and your kids will love playing with it afterwards.

All of these ideas will hopefully help you keep your kids busy and cool this summer. Good luck beating the heat!

Baby Talk

2010-06-17T14:15:00.005-04:00

Do you ever wish you could communicate with your baby? Decipher his or her cries? Know what it is that they really want versus playing a guessing game? Well, according to Pricilla Dunstan, a Sydney, Australia mom who was born with a rare photographic memory for sounds, "all babies, regardless of race or culture, make the same sounds." She spent two years working with babies around the world and soon found a pattern in the way they cried.

Someone has finally cracked the code on how to decipher the wants and needs of newborn babies!

Dunstan found that all babies have five “words” to communicate their needs. These words are actually reflexes that occur automatically during the first three months whenever your baby needs to eat, sleep, be burped or is uncomfortable. If you can learn to recognize these sounds and respond to them, your baby will cry less, settle more easily, and have more uninterrupted sleep. WOW is all I have to say! Why didn't I know this information when my kids were newborns?

Here are the five words your newborn will say, what they mean, and how to react: (Source: Just the Facts, Baby)

1. Neh means “I’m hungry.”

When your baby is hungry, she will say "neh" or "nah." According to Dunstan, you are listening for the "n" part of the sound. She also said that "neh" is the easiest to hear when your baby is in the pre-cry phase before she starts screaming. As soon as your infant begins to cry, listen for the "neh" sound to determine if she needs to be fed.

2. Owh means “I’m tired.”

Dunstan said this sound is created when sound is added to the yawn reflex. Your baby’s mouth will also be oval shape while they are saying: “owh.” This means it’s night-night time!

3. Eh mean “I need to be burped.”

This sound is produced when muscles in the infant’s chest tighten and sound is added. Start burping your infant whenever you hear “eh.” Dunstan said you will know when to stop burping your baby because she will stop saying “eh.”

4. Eairh means “Give me some relief.”

"Eairh" means your baby has gas. Respond when you hear "eairh" by doing an infant massage technique used to relive gas pains.

5. Heh means “I’m uncomfortable.”

When your baby says, "heh," it could mean he or she is hot, cold or needs to change positions. Do what you can to make your baby feel at ease.

Now you can better communicate with your newborn! This information may bring into your home more peace, more happiness, and more sleep!

By what age should a child express happiness?

2010-06-08T10:38:00.005-04:00

All parents want to know that there child is healthy and developing as they should be. With so much discussion in the media about autism, many parents look for signs of autism in their children earlier and earlier than we once did even 10 years ago. One sign a lot of parents look for is the expression of emotions. Moms and dads begin to wonder, “At what age should my child be able to express happiness?”

According to Pediatric Services, the first ”real” smile usually develops sometime between 8 and 12 weeks, and it accompanied by sweet “coos” and crinkling, smiling eyes. And as most parents can attest, there is nothing sweeter than getting that first gummy grin.

The next big milestone in your baby's ability to express happiness is the first laugh, which usually happens at around 4 months of age. Physical sensations, such as tummy kisses or swinging your baby in the air, will elicit these wonderful shrieks of laughter.

As your baby get older, more subtle forms of comedy will make your baby laugh out loud. Exaggerated voices, playing “peek-a-boo,” and making a toy come to life might make your little one howl with laughter.

Every baby is different, and there is a wide spectrum of behavior considered normal in the social and emotional developmental areas. However, for peace of mind, if your baby has not hit these milestones mentioned above, make an appointment with your pediatrician to discuss any concerns you may have.

Remember, not being able to express happiness is not the only sign of possible autism. There are many other signs to look for such as poor eye contact, resists cuddling and holding, prefers playing alone, and unusually sensitive to light, sound, or touch, but oblivious to pain. There are many other signs of autism as well, and you can see a comprehensive list on the Autism Speaks Web site.

A great chart to help you know what your child should be doing not only socially and emotionally, but physically as well can be found here at the Child Care Aware Web site. This chart also shows you what your child should master and by what age in regards to language, small motor and cognitive skills.

Peer Pressure- How To Deal With It

2010-05-27T21:04:00.006-04:00

No one is immune to peer pressure. From preschool age to adults, we all at some point have been influenced by our peers, either negatively or positively. It becomes more prevalent in the preteen and teen years because this is the time in life when children begin to spend more time with their peers and less time with their parents. Kids begin to look to their friends for acceptance at this age. Before your child enters this phase in life, it’s important you equip them with the proper tools and knowledge to deal with peer pressure.

- Tell your kids about peer pressure.
Explain to your kids that their friends will more than likely try to peer pressure them at some point and that they need to be prepared for these situations. For instance, you could say to your child, “At some point, one of your friends may ask you to cut school or drink alcohol, and it’s important that you say no and don’t do it just because others are doing it. Be your own person.” Then you can tell them a story about when you were peer pressured as a kid. It's comforting for a child to know that you have experienced what they are going through and it may make them more comfortable coming to you for advice when they feel peer pressured.

- Always be your child’s advocate and bail them out.
Tell your child that no matter what situation they find themselves in, you will always be there for them and bail them out. For example, if they need a ride late at night or if they feel uncomfortable in a situation and need a way out of it, tell your kids you will always be there for them, no questions asked. This will build trust and hopefully teach your child to reach out to you if they find themselves in a dangerous or troublesome situation.

- Get to know your child’s friends.
The more you know about your child’s friends, the more you know what you are up against. If your child is hanging out with kids with high morals, there may be less to worry about. If you know your child is hanging out with the wrong crowd, then you need to police your child’s whereabouts and know where your child is and who they are with at all times.

Get to know their friends’ parents, too, so you have a network of adults to help you keep tabs on what your kids are doing.

- Pick your battles.
It is inevitable that you and your preteen/teen will not agree on everything. However, if you nitpick and fight over small issues, such as what they chose to wear every day or a certain hairstyle they decide to try, your child may tune you out when it comes to the big stuff. If your child needs to rebel, let it be the things that won’t harm them or get them in trouble.

- Help your child avoid troublesome situations.
If your child wants to attend a party where there is no adult supervision, or wants to be alone with a boyfriend or girlfriend, tell your child it is not a good idea, be firm, and stick to your guns. Being in situations where trouble is likely to occur sets your child up to experience peer pressure, and it may lead to him or her doing something they regret.

- Encourage your kids to get involved in positive activities.
Encourage your kids to get involved in positive activities such as sports, volunteering, or youth clubs. The more positive social outlets your child has in their lives, the bigger chance your child will find friends that are encouraging and a good influence. Finding safe environments for your kids to grow and learn is essential to combating peer pressure.

Sources: Saltz, Dr. Gail. “Preteens and Peer Pressure: How to Help Your Kids Avoid Negative Influences From Friends.” Today MSNBC. September 10, 2009. Web. May 27, 2010. http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/3079366.

“Peer Pressure.” FAQs.org. Web. May 27, 2010. http://www.faqs.org/health/topics/76/Peer-pressure.html.

Internet Safety: Keeping Your Kids Safe on the Internet

2010-05-18T21:11:00.003-04:00

Back in the day, when it was time to work on a school project, I would dust off my trusty set of encyclopedias or cozy up to a desk in the library and use reference books. Nowadays, students have a wonderful resource…the Internet!

The Internet is chalked full of information on any and all subjects. There is no better learning tool around. But with great access to information also comes great danger. There are many Web sites with harmful information readily available for children to view. How do we keep our kids safe while surfing the Internet?

First off, we should warn our children about the dangers of the Internet, especially chat rooms and social networking sites where not everyone is who they seem. Dangerous strangers your kids meet online could coax them into meeting in person. Also, teach your children not to give out any personal information on the Internet to anyone.

Beyond that, there are many tips on how to keep your children safe on the Internet:

- Keep the computer screen in plain view so your kids know there is always the possibility someone can see what they are searching for on the Internet.

- Keep tabs on what your child is viewing through your browsing history. If the browsing history is deleted for some reason, investigate why.

- Share an e-mail account with your child or know your child’s password so you can monitor messages being sent to and from your child.

- Bookmark your child’s favorite sites so they don’t accidentally go to a harmful Web site. (For instance, your child may be typing in “Legos” but accidentally searches for “legs” instead and they are taken to pornographic Web site.)

- Forbid your child from entering private chat rooms; block them with safety features provided by your Internet service provider or with special filtering software. Also consider using filtering software to limit the Web sites your children can access.

- If your child belongs to a social networking site, such as Twitter, Facebook, or MySpace, monitor what your child is posting. Talk to them about putting only appropriate information on these sites.

Remember, monitoring your child’s Internet activity is not a violation of your child’s privacy. It is your responsibility as a parent to keep your child safe.

For more information on how to keep your child safe while surfing the Internet, be sure to check out the iKeepSafe Web site. It has valuable tips and information for parent s and children on Internet safety.

How Much Should My Child Weigh?

2010-05-11T21:11:00.003-04:00

Do you ever wonder if your baby weighs enough? Too much? Do you worry about how your little one compares in size to others his or her age? I know this is a topic many parents fret about because it is one of the most highly searched topics on the Internet in regards to raising children.

There are many factors that influence a child’s height and weight, such as, genetics, gender, nutrition, physical activity, health problems, environment, and hormones. And all of these factors are different for each child.

Just remember, like adults, children have different body types, too, so no single number on the scales is the right weight for everyone. It’s also important to remember that among children the same height and age, some are more muscular or more developed than others.

If you think your child has gained too much weight or is too thin, the best thing to do is make an appointment with your pediatrician. Your doctor will help you determine if your child has a weight problem. Since your doctor has measured your child's height and weight on a regular basis, he will know whether your child’s growth is proceeding normally.

Check out this very informative article from Kid’s Health Web site. Did you know that all kids are not measured on the same growth chart? I did not. Girls and boys are measured on different growth charts because they grow in different patterns and at different rates. Looks like I need to stop comparing my son’s measurements to my daughter’s measurements at the same age!

Flying with a Baby and Living to Tell About It

2010-05-04T18:41:00.002-04:00

One of my closest friends, Jessica, who now lives in London with her husband and their sweet 8 month-old baby girl, just made the long trek across the pond to visit friends and family in the United States. Her traveling adventure got me wondering, “How in the world do you travel that far with a baby?!?!”

Luckily, Jessica had done her research on how to survive air travel with a little one and picked up some great tips. I decided to do a little research myself so I’ll be ready the next time we need to travel by air.

• Make sure you book your flight for the right time. Take your baby’s schedule into consideration and see if you can plan your trip for your baby’s sleepiest time.

• Book a seat on the aisle. You will have access to move around easier in case your baby becomes fussy or if you need to change a diaper.

• Check to see if your airline allows you to pre-book a baby bassinet (sky cot) before you travel.

• Board the plane first and get off the plane last to get a better chance of assistance from cabin crew.

• Bring everything you think you'll need -- and then pack extra! That way, you will be prepared in case there is a flight delay. Pack extra diapers, clothes, food (solids and/or formula if you are not breastfeeding) and snacks.

• Bring an extra shirt for yourself, too. No one wants to sit on a long flight with baby spit-up on them!

• Disposable bibs are a great idea for mealtimes on board an airplane.

• Bring toys out one by one in order to ensure get maximum use of each toy. Once your baby tires of one toy, put it away, and get out another one.

• Ask for 'bulkhead' seats. They have much more legroom, and there is a small space for your baby to sit and play. It is also a great area for you to stand and rock your baby without disturbing other passengers.

• During take-off and landing, the change in air pressure might hurt your baby’s ears. This is a great time to feed a baby (either breast or bottle) or have your baby suck on a pacifier. Both feeding a baby and sucking on a pacifier will make your baby swallow, thus alleviating pressure in his or her ears.

Happy flying! We hope your flight with baby is a success. Please share your own air travel tips when flying with babies in the comments section below.

When Should I Give My Child a Cell Phone?

2010-04-25T14:37:00.015-04:00

Do you ever cringe when you see kids walking around the mall with a cell phone attached to their ears? I know I do, but it got me wondering, when do parents give their children cell phones nowadays?

Maybe I have an inaccurate view of what is considered a normal time frame for a child to receive a cell phone. I didn’t receive my first cell phone until I got my driver’s license, and even then, my first cell phone was only programmed for calling out in case of emergencies! I didn’t truly get a fully functioning cell phone until I was a junior in college.

I see my neighbor, who is 11-years-old with a cell phone nicer than mine and wonder, "Why in the world does she have a cell phone?"

I did some research and found some interesting statistics on children and cell phone usage, such as:

- According to the Center on Media and Child Health Web site, 54 percent of 8-to 12-year-olds will have a cell phone in the next three years.

- According to www.commonsensemedia.org, cell phones are the number one form of communication for teens.

- Teens text more than they talk; the average text rate per month is 2,272 texts.

So how do you know when your child is ready for a cell phone? Some things to consider:

- How independent is your child?

- Do they need to be in touch for safety reasons or purely social reasons?

- How responsible is your child? Do they understand the concept of minutes and the costs associated with abusing cell phones?

- Can you trust your child not to use the cell phone during class and to not use the text, photo or video functions inappropriately?

It’s a different world than the one I grew up in, so I can see where a cell phone can be a valuable safety device for kids.

Here are a few pros for giving your child a cell phone:

- A child can contact you in case of emergency at all times.

- When a child is participating in activities where the parent drops them off (such as soccer practice, etc.) the child can call his or her parents if practice ends early or late.

- During a school crisis or tragedy, your child’s cell phone may be the only means of getting in touch with you so you know they are okay.

But like I said earlier, it is a different world than the one I grew up in, and kids have to deal with cyber bullying, sexting, and embarrassing video and picture distribution on cell phones.

There are many cons for kids having cell phones, such as:

- Cell phones encourage kids to text and overspend with their cell phone plans. This can be costly to you.

- Cell phones can be a distraction from homework, school, and much needed recreation.

- Children become too reliant on technology to communication with peers. Instead of learning proper social interaction through play and personal contact, kids are relying more and more on technology to further their relationships with friends.

- Cell phones allow your children a portal to the Internet, making it harder to keep tabs on what Web sites your child is visiting and who is contacting your children.

- Humiliating texts, photos, and videos captured on phones can be sent instantly or uploaded to Web sites.

There is so much information to process when trying to decide when your child needs a cell phone. I have come to the conclusion it is dependent upon your family’s situation. If you work away from the home, and if your child will be home alone or elsewhere without parental supervision, then a cell phone may be appropriate for a younger child. However, for me and my family’s situation, I think I am going to stick to when my child gets her driver’s license. Worked for me, right? Thankfully, I have many, many years before I even need to ponder this decision! And who knows that the factors will be by then?

Check out these articles about cell phone usage and children for more facts and figures.

Kids and Cell Phones

CNN's What To Know Before Buying Your Kid a Cell Phone?

Cell Phone Tips from Common Sense Media

Where do you stand when it comes to the great cell phone debate?

When did you give your child a cell phone? Post it in the comments section below.

How Can I Help My Child Deal with a Bully?

2010-04-17T10:56:00.002-04:00

In light of the recent Phoebe Prince bully case highlighted on the cover of this week’s People magazine, many of our P&H Kids blog readers may be wondering, “How can I help my child deal with a bully?” Unfortunately, in national surveys, most kids and teenagers say that bullying occurs at their school, so how can we help out kids deal with these unsettling situations?

We certainly don’t have all the answers but here are a few tips and resources on how to help your child deal with bullies at school.

• Make it clear that it is NOT your child’s fault they are being bullied.

• Never tell your child to ignore the bullying because this makes it seem insignificant to you. To your child, being bullied may affect every aspect of their days so you don’t want it to seem unimportant. Offer comfort and support if your child tells you they feel bullied by a peer.

• Praise your child for telling you they have been bullied. This takes a lot of courage.

• Encourage your child to tell an adult they trust when the bullying occurs. Reiterate that this is not “telling” on the bully. Tell your child they have a right to feel safe at school and by getting help, they can make the bullying stop.

• Learn as much as you can about the bullying incidents. Ask who was involved, what happened, were there any other adults around to witness the bullying, and how often it occurs. The more you know, the more you can help.

• Do not encourage retaliation towards bullies. This will usually result in your child being disciplined at school as well.

• As a parent, it is important to keep your anger in check when your child is being bullied. Be as rational as possible and stick to the facts of the bullying incident. Do not act on emotion.

• Work with your child’s school to see what policies are in place with bullying issues at school.

• Encourage your child to get together with friends that build up their confidence and that are good influences.

Here are some resources for helping your child deal with bullies.

MSN ‘s Kids Health: Helping Kids Deal with Bullies

Kids Health.org

My Child’s Safety

Stop Bullying Now

Car Safety- When Can Your Child Ride in the Front Seat of a Car

2010-04-08T18:46:00.004-04:00

A sad but true fact: Car crashes are the number one cause of death and serious injury for children. To keep our kids as safe as possible in cars, have them ride in the backseat of the car for as long as possible. Why you ask? Riding in the front simply isn’t as safe as riding in the back.

According to http://www.car-safety.org/, children 12 and under should ride in the backseat of a car, but many passenger safety organizations recommend going even further by keeping your child in the backseat until your child is ready to get their drivers license.

Check out these statistics from BabyCenter about car safety:

- Buckling a child into the backseat instead of the front reduces by a third his risk of death in a collision.

- In a head-on crash (the most common and deadly type of collision), a child in the front seat is more likely to be thrown into your car's dashboard or through the windshield.

- Even if your child is properly buckled in, he's at much greater risk for being harmed by objects intruding into the car in the front than in the back.

- In cars with passenger air bags (which includes most newer models), the air bags deploy with such force that they can cause severe head and neck injuries to a child. Nationwide, more than a hundred children have been killed by air bags in recent years, and many of these deaths were in slow-speed collisions that should have been minor.

Not convinced yet? Read this editorial on MSN. I don’t know about you, but my kids will stay in the back for years and years to come.

Dealing with Food Allergies at School- How to Keep Your Child Safe

2010-03-27T13:00:00.000-04:00

Sending your child to kindergarten or preschool for the first time is nerve-wracking enough, but when your child has food allergies, it’s even scarier. Parents with food-allergic children have many worries and concerns such as, “Will teachers know what to do if my child has a reaction at school” and “Will the parents of my child’s classmates be understanding of my child’s allergy?

Because food allergies are so common these days (more than 3 million U.S. students have food allergies), schools are growing more and more adept at how to safely deal with children with food allergies. In fact, most schools have a food allergy management policy. But what are some things you can do as a parent to try to keep your child safe at school? By working with the school’s administration and directly with your child and your child’s teacher, these are some tips to help your child stays safe:

- Make sure your child knows his or her own food allergies. If they are too young to retain this information, have your child wear a medical bracelet with his or her food allergy information on it.

- Make sure you fill out any forms asking about food allergies as thoroughly as possible. Because some classrooms are quite crowed and teachers might not know your child right away, put a picture with the food allergy forms so your teacher will immediately put a face with the allergy information.

- Tour your child’s school before the beginning of the school year and meet with both the school’s administration and your child’s teachers to discuss your child’s allergy and allergy-triggers. Also meet with any other adults that might care for your child during the school day, such as bus drivers, cafeteria workers, teachers of special classes, such as music, art or physical education, and of course, the school nurse. You never know where a food allergy might occur!

- Have your child’s allergist write out clear, specific information on your child’s allergy, instructions on how to recognize an allergic reaction, and what to do should one occur.

- Let your child’s teacher and the school administration know that you want to work with them to keep your child safe at school and that you wish to minimize the disruption in the classroom.

- Teach your child how to say “no thank you” when offered food not given from home. Also teach your child to not do “food trading” during lunch or snack.

There are so many other valuable tips on how to deal with food allergies in the school system. A few Web sites to check out are:

http://www.kidswithfoodallergies.org/

http://www.allergykids.com/

What are some tips you have on how to deal with food allergies at school? Please leave your tips in the comments section. We can all learn from each other!

Important Safety Messages Regarding Slings

2010-03-23T19:17:00.004-04:00

Due to recent press about the Consumer Product Safety Commission's investigation about three infant deaths last year associated with sling-style infant carriers, we wanted to share with our customers the following information from companies whose slings we carry at Pure and Honest Kids.

Both Serena & Lily and ERGOBaby wish to let our customers know that babywearing is very beneficial for nurturing infants and for the emotional development of babies and toddlers. However, it is imperative for parents to follow all safety instructions and to use correct positioning when babywearing.

Both Serena & Lily and ERGOBaby ensure its compliance with safety regulations for all of their products.

For more safety information from Serena & Lily, please click on the following link, and then select the Important Safety Warning link.

For more safety information from ERGOBaby, please click here.

Your child's safety is our number one priority at Pure and Honest Kids. We will report any findings we discover on all safety issues regarding children and the products they use.

Slings Are All The Rage....

2010-03-14T20:59:00.005-04:00

I have thoroughly enjoyed “wearing” my baby (i.e. using a baby carrier) since he was born. With my first child, we used a stroller everywhere we went, but this time around, I love having my little buddy right in front of me.

Slinging my baby frees me up tremendously…I have my hands available to assist my toddler when she needs my help, and it also gives me more mobility to get things done around the house. And as it turns out, I am not the only one who is enjoying one of the oldest and most widely accepted parental practices in the world.

An article in the New York Times entitled, “The Latest in Strollers? Mom and Dad,” discusses how many parents are dumping their strollers in favor of wearing their little one in a baby carrier or sling.

The article states that between 2006 and 2008, overall sales of industry-certified carriers rose 43 percent, and is now a $21.5 million dollar industry. That’s a lot of baby carriers!

You may be wondering why so many people are choosing to carry their baby in a sling or carrier? Well, there are many wonderful benefits to babywearing! Many highly acclaimed pediatricians have identified that babywearing is a good practice for babies and provides benefits that unslinged babies do not receive. Research has shown that:

- Babies who are carried in slings cry at least 40 percent less than those babies who are unslinged.

- Babywearing can help reduce colic in infants.

- Babies worn in slings show more alertness, both visual and auditory, and absorb information much quicker.

- Because your baby is close to you when worn in a sling, he or she is not scared by loud noises, thus allowing them to absorb more sights and sounds around them.

- Babywearing also helps promote speech development, as babies are exposed to more conversations and sounds when held closely to their parents.

- Using a baby sling or carrier can simply make life easier for you and your baby. It is a convenient way to breastfeed while caring for an older child, working or getting chores done around the house. It also is a great way to snuggle babies that liked to be held frequently, but it frees your hands to complete other tasks.

Are you going to join Team Babywearing? Or are you still Team Stroller? Or are you like me and think they both have a place in your life? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Celebrating Baby Number Two!

2010-03-05T17:17:00.012-05:00

More and more second time moms are having baby showers to celebrate the newest addition to the family, but often times, they don't know if they should register or what they should register for. It's all in what you feel comfortable doing, and if there are items you need to make the transition from one to two children easier, I say go for it...register away!

But...since many of your guests may have given you a gift when you were pregnant with your first child, focus on the essentials when registering for your second baby. Some items to consider registering for are:

- Diapers

- Wipes

- Gift Cards

- Daddy Diaper bag

- Burp cloths

- Bibs

- Double Stroller (Perhaps family members will pool together to get you this big item.)

Consider registering for a few outfits, too. If your second baby is a different gender than your first child, gender specific clothes are always very fun, and very necessary! Even if the gender is the same, new clothes are always a great gift idea since baby clothes become worn out so easily.

If you still feel uncomfortable about having a good ol' fashion baby shower thrown for you for your second child, there are other ways to celebrate your pregnancy. You could suggest to your gracious hosts to hold a specific themed shower, such as a book shower (guests bring children's books to build your baby's library), a diaper shower, or a frozen meal shower. All of these shower ideas would mean less expensive gifts that your guests would have to give, but all are very useful. Or you could simply have a "Baby Bash" where your friends and family come to a party in your honor, but no gifts are given.

Expanding your family is an exciting time...enjoy celebrating your new baby!

Napping is Necessary!

2010-02-25T20:02:00.003-05:00

My baby has (luckily) been a good napper from the beginning, but after a recent ear infection, he has been off his nap schedule for about a week now. Not having those long, restorative naps has made my little guy a little off kilter. (It made me off kilter, too! I need those down times as well.)

Being off schedule this week made me realize how important those naps are...not only do they rejuvenate moms and babies, but according to a new study from the University of Arizona in Tuscon, babies learn better when they nap within four hours of learning something new.

The study shows that babies who are able to take a daytime nap are more likely to exhibit an advanced level of learning known as abstraction. Abstraction is a level of learning where the brain detects patterns of new information.

One of the researchers of this study, Lynn Nadel, stated that babies should get some sleep within a reasonable amount of time after learning new information. If a baby doesn't sleep within four to eight hours of learning new information, they most likely will lose everything they just learned.

So what does this mean, parents? It is important to stimulate your baby with reading, talking, playing and other stimuli, but these stimuli need to happen within a timeframe that includes adequate sleep.

Interesting, huh? Nap schedules are important for your little one's disposition and for their learning, too!

For more information on the nap study, click here.

Teething Is the Pits....

2010-02-15T16:30:00.006-05:00

My little guy got his first tooth last week…at five-and-a-half months old! I forgot how hard teething can be on both babies and parents! Long, sleepless nights and fussy, irritable babies make teething one of the hardest parts of raising your baby for some parents.

Here are some ways to cope with the inevitable milestone in your little ones life…teething!

• Look for signs of teething. Excessive drool and cramming anything and everything in their mouths are sure signs that a baby is teething. Other signs of teething include swollen gums, sleep issues, and biting behavior. If you know your baby is teething, you can sympathise with them during this trying time.

• Wipe your baby’s mouth and face often when they drool. This will prevent what is known as “drool rash’ from appearing on their mouth, chin, and cheeks.

• Give your baby something to chew on, such as a teething toy or a frozen wet washcloth. Make sure it is big enough to where your baby cannot choke on it, and that it also cannot break into little pieces.

• One way to soothe your baby while teething is to rub his or her gums. Make sure your fingers are clean before you put your fingers in the baby’s mouth.

• If you baby is eating solids, sometimes cold foods, such as chilled applesauce or pears feels good on your baby’s gums and is a good remedy for teething.

• If all else fails, give your baby Infant Tylenol. Before giving your child Infant Tylenol, always check with your pediatrician first.

Teething is the pits, but remember it does end...eventually!

Cabin Fever Got You Down?

2010-02-04T19:53:00.004-05:00

Our household was recently blessed with some awesome winter weather, and the whole family enjoyed sledding, eating snow cream, and making snowmen! However…after a weekend of winter bliss, we were plagued with days of closed schools, cabin fever, and cold, wet rain.

Are you feeling the effects of winter in your household? Cabin fever got you down?

What are some ways you can combat the winter blues? Here are a list of ideas on how to make the not-so-great indoors become fun for the whole family.

- Have a movie date with your kids, complete with popcorn and treats! Create a comfy atmosphere with pillows, sleeping bags and blankets and curl up and enjoy the show!

- Host a game day and invite neighborhood kids over to compete against one another. Play Candy Land, Monopoly, Uno, and other family friendly board games and card games all day long…you and the kids will love the competition and camaraderie!

- Put together puzzles as a family. You can do this over an extended period of time. Once you finish a puzzle, it’s time to pull out another one and start again! Always have a puzzle out for family members to work on during times it’s too cold to go outside.

- Stock up on arts and crafts supplies. Before winter weather heads your way, stock up on fun crafts you can do with your kids. Glue, crayons, scissors, glitter, foam shapes, stickers and paper are sure to create hours of fun for your little ones!

- Cook with your kids! Everyone loves to eat when you are snowed in, so make preparing the meals a family affair! Have everyone join in making warm soups, delicious baked goods and yummy comfort foods.

Being snowed in with your family can be a wonderful bonding experience. Enjoy the time together and when cabin fever starts to creep in, use your creativity to make your time at home fun for the whole family!

Losing the Baby Weight...Again

2010-01-25T08:38:00.002-05:00

How do celebrities lose their baby weight so quickly?

Lately, there have been so many magazine covers touting new celebrity moms who lost their baby weight in record time, and their baby isn’t even three-months-old yet! It took me more than a year to lose all the baby weight after my first daughter was born.

After the arrival of my son, the weight is coming off quicker, but I still have those last pesky 10 pounds that I would like to lose pronto. I don’t want to celebrate my son’s first birthday with this extra weight, so what can I do to lose the baby weight…again?

Here are some tips I found when researching how to lose baby weight!

- Find time to exercise.
“Duh”, you may be thinking…so simple, yet so true. With two kids and a husband who travels quite a bit, finding my way to a gym is not so easy. My goal is to find ways to exercise that works for my family, such as taking walks with the kids (outside on nice days, and inside at the mall on cold, rainy days). I can also utilize nap times and work out in the living room with my Wii Fit or an exercise DVD while the kids are sleeping. Finding time to exercise will make a difference in your day, as well as a difference in your mental and physical health.

- Have healthy snacks readily available.
It is so easy to eat what’s left on your toddler’s plate, or to hit up a drive-thru restaurant on your way to pick up your oldest from preschool, but resist. Have nourishing snacks near you at all times. Put some nutritious snacks in your purse and in your pantry in plain sight. Grab for those wholesome snacks that will satisfy your hunger. Some great grab-and-go healthy snacks are: edamame, baby carrots, string cheese and rice cakes.

- Drink more water!
If you drink a glass of water before each meal, it will make you feel fuller, making you eat less. Also, if you are nursing, make sure to drink a glass of water during each feeding as well.

- Set a fitness goal.
I find that if I set a goal to work towards, it will actually happen. For me, that would mean working towards running a race or working out a certain amount of days a week. When you reach your fitness goal, reward yourself with a special treat, such as new running shoes or a pedicure!

- Delay, delay, delay!
If you are feeling hungry, drink a glass of water and wait fifteen minutes to see if you are still hungry. Often times, moms mistake thirst for hunger. Also, at the end of a meal, instead of rushing to get seconds, drink a glass of water and decide if you are still hungry. Taking a break from eating will allow you to figure out if you are indeed full and satisfied.

Check out this article from Parents.com for more weight loss secrets. It has 18 great tips on how to lose the baby weight for good from real moms!

A New Adventure: Making My Own Baby Food!

2010-01-16T16:31:00.006-05:00

My son is just starting solids, and this time around, I decided to try to make my own baby food. When my daughter was a baby, I found the idea of making her baby food at home overwhelming, so we never attempted it. I feel more confidant in my abilities the second time around, so we are going to give it a try!

Why make your own baby food, you may ask? For me, I thought it would be fresher, healthier, easier and more economical in the long run. Instead of buying prepackaged foods, your baby can eventually eat what the rest of the family is eating. Also, because you selected the organic foods yourself, you know exactly what is going into their little tummies.

Here are some tips on how to make your own baby food.

- Get the tools you will need to make the baby food ahead of time. You will need some sort of blender to puree your baby’s foods. A regular kitchen blender or food processor will do, or you can opt to get a baby food maker, such as the Beaba Babycook from Williams-Sonoma (there are other baby food makers out on the market as well.) You may also need to purchase storage containers and ice cube trays to use for freezing extra portions.

- Select the freshest fruits and vegetables you can find. Organic produce is best, but you will have to be mindful to use them in a timely manner, usually within a day or two. You want your baby to eat as organically as possible to ensure pesticide-free and additive-free baby foods.

- Label your freezer packages with what the food is and the date it was made. Baby food can be stored for up to three months, so put the freshest foods in the back of the freezer and use the older foods first.

- To avoid wasting the baby foods you have prepared, only thaw our small portions to heat up and serve. Once you have thawed out baby food, it cannot be refrozen. Also, do not save any baby food that is leftover after a feeding because once your baby’s saliva has touched the food (via the baby spoon), bacteria can grow in the food.

- Play with the textures and tastes of your baby’s foods. Because you are able to puree the foods and mix the foods to suit the taste buds of your baby, transitioning to table foods will be much less stressful.

- Do not add any salt, pepper, seasoning, butter or spices to your baby food. Your baby’s digestive system is not ready for that yet!

If you decide to make your own baby food…good luck and have fun with it! Post some of your favorite baby food recipes in the comments section below. If making your own baby food if overwhelming to you, remember that your local grocery stores more than likely carry organic baby food brands, such as Gerber Organics, Earth’s Best, Happy Baby Foods, and Natures One.

Mom Resolutions in 2010

2010-01-06T13:00:00.000-05:00

When thinking of my New Year’s resolutions this year, most of them revolved around my children. Some of my initial thoughts were:

- I am going to add more structure to my daughter’s day.
- I am going to feed my children healthier foods this year.
- I am going to read more to my kids.

It got me thinking…am I the only one out there that has “Mom Resolutions” (or “Dad Resolutions”) for the new year?

If you, too, made Mom Resolutions, what are they and how do you plan on achieving your goals? Post in the comment sections what you are striving to do for your kids in 2010!

Happy New Year from Pure and Honest Kids!

Did You Know...

2010-01-04T08:00:00.002-05:00

Did you know about our deal of the day? Every day, we feature one item from Pure and Honest Kids that is marked down considerably and is known as the "Daily Deal." To check out what the deal of the day is, go to our homepage, http://www.pureandhonestkids.com/, and look to the far right column, and you'll find the Daily Deal section.

Who knows?!?! You could find just what you are looking for at a remarkable price. Happy shopping!

Stars Like To Keep It Clean, Too!

2010-01-02T18:01:00.007-05:00

Even celebrity moms are all about "keeping it clean" this flu season with Baby Silk's Gentle All Over Clean Towelettes! As seen on Celebrity Baby Blog, celebrity moms such as Nicole Ritchie, Christina Aguilera, Halle Berry and Courtney Cox Arquette are all fans of Gentle Clean All Over Cleansing Towelettes.

These towelettes are great! Developed by two pediatrician moms, they’re made with an alcohol-free formula of organic aloe, ginger root, chamomile and vitamins E & B5 so they’ll keep your children's skin clean and moisturized without harsh chemicals.

Jennifer Garner and Sheryl Crow also use the brand’s SPF 30 sunscreen towelettes to protect their little ones from the sun.

Both the cleansing towelettes and the SPF 30 sunscreen towelettes are available at Pure and Honest Kids!

Annual Friends of Tea Sale!

2009-12-29T17:09:00.009-05:00

Are you looking for some good deals on adorable children's clothing? If so, you must check out our Tea Collection and Daily Tea Collection, available at Pure and Honest Kids! It's time for the Annual Friends of Tea Sale, so you might find just what you are looking for at just the right price!

A lot of our Tea Collection and Daily Tea items are on sale, so happy shopping!

Here are some of our favorite Tea items that are on sale below. For many other great deals on some of Tea's cutest clothing, click here.

Daily Tea Triceratops Long Sleeve Tee
$14.85
And you thought dinosaurs were extinct. Not on this triceratops shirt from Daily Tea! Mix or match with your favorite side stripe or cargo pants for an outfit that puts the fun in functional. 100% cotton. Machine wash.

Daily Tea Kiddo Butterfly Wrap Dress

$22.05
We love the pretty butterfly print on this great little wrap dress from Daily Tea. Made with super-soft cotton, this dress will look great layered over her favorite pants. 100% cotton. Machine wash.

Hoppet Cargo Pant
$29.99
Cool and classic, these menswear inspired two-tone herringbone twill street styled cargo pants from Tea Collection's Norway Collection are just right for fall and winter. Simply a classic! Adjustable waistband. 100% cotton. Machine wash. Dark Chocolate.

Tea Collection Hermosa Floral Skirt
$29.99
Green is the color of the season and this little skirt is the perfect green addition to her wardrobe. This versatile skirt, from Tea, with a romantic, tiered look, hits above the knee. Wear alone or layered under a jumper. Dark green and sapphire floral motif on celery background. 100% cotton. Machine wash. Celery (green).

Last Minute Stocking Stuffers....

2009-12-19T15:51:00.003-05:00

Do you need a few, last minute stocking stuffers? We have a wonderful selection at Pure and Honest Kids that will delight all the little ones on your Christmas list this year.

Our range of stocking stuffers include adorable hair bows, cute baby socks, whimsical rattles, cuddly stuffed animals, colorful bath toys, beautiful jewelry, and fun toys! There is something for everyone in our Stocking Stuffers category under the Pure and Honest Kid's Holiday section.

Happy Shopping from Pure and Honest Kids!

Holiday Savings- There is Still Time to Save BIG!

2009-12-15T19:56:00.002-05:00

Pure and Honest Kids has a special holiday offer to help you with those last minute gifts for all the little ones on your Christmas list! From now until Friday, December 18, take 15% off your entire holiday purchase!

Just use the following coupon code at checkout: HOLIDAY

And don't worry...there is still plenty of time to get your gifts before Christmas! For delivery by December 24, make sure you order by:

Order by midnight on 12/16 (Ground shipping)
Order by midnight on 12/21 (Express shipping)
Order by midnight on 12/22 (Overnight shipping)

Happy shopping and happy holidays from Pure and Honest Kids!

Holiday Sleepwear-Sale!

2009-12-13T19:03:00.000-05:00

Are you looking for the cutest holiday pajamas for your little one to wear on Christmas Eve? We have quite the selection for you and many of our holiday pajamas are now on sale!

Pure and Honest Kids has the sweetest collection of holiday sleepwear! From snowmen, Christmas trees, and even a Rodeo Santa, we are sure to have the perfect pajamas for your kids to wear this holiday season. Check out our wonderful selection of holiday footies, night gowns, and classic pajamas here. We put some of our favorites below. And to all a goodnight!!!!!

Light Blue Snowman Pajamas
$25.50
Bring on the snow! In light blue and dotted with whimsical snowmen, wearing darling red and white striped accessories, there is nothing cuter for wintertime zzzzzs! Perfect for holidays, pictures and everything in between this winter! Snug fitting two-piece pajama set. 100% cotton. Machine wash. Made in the USA.

Little Tree Footie
$21.75
Even little ones can spread cheer with the Little Tree Footie pajama! Pretty green trees dance around multi-colored ornaments on this fun and festive footie. Super soft and comfy, these great pajamas help everyone to get in the holiday spirit! 100% cotton. Machine wash. This garment should fit snugly for safety.

Pink Snowman Gown
$28.50
Bring on the snow! In pink and dotted with whimsical snowwomen, wearing stylish green and white striped accessories, there is nothing cuter for wintertime zzzzzs! Perfect for holidays, pictures and everything in between this winter! Snug fitting girly pajama gown. 100% cotton. Machine wash. Made in the USA.

Rodeo Santa Pajamas
$21.38
Giddy up Santa! These cotton pajamas certainly make you think about what Santa does in the off season! They are super comfortable, super cute, make great loungewear and are just perfect for the holidays! Rib–knit ankles and neck and elastic waist. Some shrinkage is expected. These pajamas are not flame resistant. 100% cotton.

Friends and Family Sale- Save BIG!

2009-12-11T18:53:00.002-05:00

Now through Monday, December 14, shop our Friends and Family Sale and save 20 percent off any order! Just use the following coupon code at checkout: SHAREPHK

Happy shopping from Pure and Honest Kids!

Just Say No to Holiday Stress!

2009-12-08T20:03:00.003-05:00

With a newborn and toddler at home, sometimes in a normal month, there just aren’t enough hours in the day….Add the holiday season and all the many tasks that go along with it, and sometimes I go into full blown panic mode!

My goal this year is to try to enjoy the holiday season, even though my house may not be immaculately decorated and the Christmas cards may go out a little late. In order to enjoy the holidays, I have to say goodbye to the stresses that come with it. But how do you do that? Check out some holiday stress busters below that will help busy moms everywhere learn to take the holidays in stride.

- Get organized. Make your holiday to-do list and decide each day one or two things you want to accomplish. This will give you a sense of control. If you try to do too many things each day, it will just overwhelm you and you’ll focus on what you did not accomplish. Instead, make manageable goals for each day.

- Don’t try to do it all. When making your holiday “to-do” list, decide what is important and don’t try to do everything just because it’s “what you’ve always done.” If you need to take a year off from the annual Christmas party, then so be it!

- Lower your expectations. Not everything has to be perfect. If your Christmas tree does not look like it belongs in Martha Stewart’s magazine, it’s okay! If your gift wrapping is less than stellar, that’s fine, too! Family, friends and holiday cheer is more important than over-extending yourself to make everything about the holiday season perfect.

- Get enough sleep. Don’t skimp on your sleep in order to get everything accomplished on your holiday “to-do” list. It is more important to be well-rested and enjoy the holiday season than it is to stay up late accomplishing holiday tasks. You’ll risk being irritable and will end up not enjoying the holiday season (and others may not enjoy you either!)

- Delegate. You do not have to do everything yourself. Enlist help from family members and make accomplishing your holiday “to-do” list a team effort. Let your little ones put stamps on your Christmas cards. Ask your husband to take care of the exterior house decorations. As a team, your family can accomplish more, and in the meantime, you’ll build a sense of holiday spirit while working together!

- If your kids are out of school and you still have a million errands to run for the holidays, take turns with a neighbor watching each other kids or hire a baby-sitter. It might be easier on both you and your kids to tackle some of your holiday “to-do” items sans children.

- Count your blessings. When you are overwhelmed, tired and stressed, it is easy to focus on what is wrong in your life. Instead, focus on all the many blessings and be thankful for all the positive things in your life, such as family and friends. If you take five minutes out of your day to focus on the many blessings in your life, you’ll shift from a stressed-out frame of mind to a more relaxed attitude towards the holidays.

Here’s to a stress-free and enjoyable holiday season from Pure and Honest Kids!

Shop Local This Season!

2009-12-06T19:09:00.004-05:00

Shop local this season at Pure and Honest Kids' Gifts and Outlet Center, located at 277 North Main Street, Mocksville, NC.

From now until December, you can come to our outlet center and shop for all the kids on your holiday list!

Our special holiday hours are:
Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Our outlet center is on the lower level of Salvation Army Store Building, across from Deano's Restaurant.

Of course, online shopping is always an option at Pure and Honest Kids, too! Happy shopping!

One to Watch: Egg by Susan Lazar

2009-12-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

Pure and Honest Kids is now carrying a stylish and eco-friendly new clothing line called Egg by Susan Lazar. Egg hatched in 2003, when designer Susan Lazar decided to switch from women's sportswear design to building lifestyle brand – Egg.

Egg uses natural fabrics with clean, simple designs- with no bows and ribbons in sight. This clothing line is class is and cozy, as well as superbly made. Made in soft, cuddly fabrics, these baby clothes are a huge hit with moms everywhere.

Egg is all about natural, modern designs that nurture your baby in style. With Lazar’s attention on love and family, she is able to create products that are contemporary, stylish and beautiful, all the while highlighting the love between parent and child.

Already featured in New York Times Style Magazine, Pregnancy & Newborn magazine, Babytalk magazine, Celebrity Baby Blog Web site, American Baby magazine, and many other media outlets, this fashionable clothing line by Susan Lazar is certainly one to watch!

I recently received the Egg Baby Signature Footie for my newborn son, and it quickly became one of my favorites! Check out the Egg Signature footie below, along with some other of my favorite pieces from the Egg line.

Egg Baby Misty Signature Footie
$20.00
This 100% organic cotton creeper is super soft and comfy-looking. Reminiscent of your favorite sweatshirt, this little one-piece is sure to be his favorite outfit. A zipper makes it super easy to get the little snugglebug dressed and changed. 100% organic cotton. Machine wash. Also comes in Pink, Dotted Ash and Dotted Pink.

Egg Baby Organic Wind T-Shirt $38.00
This little green organic t-shirt celebrates the earth in style! As natural as the wind, this t-shirt is all natural, 100% certified organic cotton. Made in Peru, using ancient processes, without the use of pesticides, herbicides or other agri-chemicals. Machine wash. Allow approximately 10-15% shrinkage in length for tumble drying.

Egg Baby Organic Jersey Tunic & Pant Set
$82.00
Sweet, delicate and natural, this dainty little set is made of the softest, sweetest, pale pink organic cotton. With beautiful shirring on the top and comfortable drawstring pants, this set is absolutely pure and honest, in every way! Made of 100% certified organic cotton. Made in Peru, using ancient processes, without the use of pesticides, herbicides or other agri-chemicals. Machine wash. Allow approximately 10-15% shrinkage in length for tumble drying.

Celebrate Cyber Monday with Free Shipping!

2009-11-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

Pure and Honest Kids is offering FREE SHIPPING today to celebrate Cyber Monday! At checkout, simply use the following code and receive free shipping on all purchases!

Free Shipping Code: FREESHIP

Today's the perfect day to start shopping for all the little ones on your holiday list this year. We have a very user-friendly holiday section on the Web site to assist you in making your holiday shopping as easy as possible!

Our new holiday section has Holiday Sleepwear, Stocking Stuffers, and gifts categorized by price. From under $15, all the way to over $50, you are sure to find the perfect gift at Pure and Honest Kids.

Happy shopping on this Cyber Monday! Enjoy the free shipping!

Playing Dress-Up!

2009-11-28T09:46:00.001-05:00

Playing dress-up is one of my daughter’s favorite things to do. We do it almost every day! I am always looking for new dress-up pieces to add to her dress-up collection.

Pure and Honest Kids has a few must-have dress-up pieces that you must check out! This is a perfect holiday gift for your little princess. Here are some of my favorites below.

Fairy Wishes Tutu Dress
$36.00
Make her wishes come true! This magical Fairy Wishes Tutu Dress has layer upon layer of sweet tulle and a stretch elastic opening. Accented with beautiful rose buds at the chest this dress has ties around the neck with silky cream ribbon. Perfect as a gift, this tutu dress seems like a staple for every little girl's toy box! *Hairpiece not included.*

Sweetheart Tutu Set
$24.00
Give your little sweet heart the gift of magic with the Sweet Heart Tutu set! With layers of tulle and a stretch elastic waistband - this tutu set will fit for years of play. The coordinating tee shirt features a cute heart applique and ruched sleeves. Just try to get her to take the heart-appliqued tee shirt and coordinating tulle tutu off! Shirt is 100% cotton and machine washable.

My First Scrubs (Lab Green)
$34.00
Just what the doctor ordered! A genuine version of what real doctors and nurses wear, these scrubs are as cute as the baby or child that wears them. Mini scrub set, in lab green, includes drawstring pants and a snap shoulder closure shirt. Makes a great gift for a doctor's child or a perfect outfit for a new Big Brother or Big Sister to visit the hospital in! 100% cotton. Machine wash.

Allow 1 week for shipping when personalized. Add embroidery color and add personalization in the box below or in the box at checkout.

Pretty Princess Tutu Set
$24.00
Give your pretty Princess the gift of magic with the Pretty Princess Tutu set. With layers of tulle and a stretch elastic waistband - this tutu set will fit for years of play. The coordinating tee shirt features a crown applique and delicately ruched sleeves. Just try to get her to take the crown-appliqued tee shirt and coordinating tulle tutu off! Shirt is 100% cotton and machine washable.

Ivory Fairy Tutu
$29.99
This beautiful fairy tutu is not your average tutu! Make with layer upon layer of the softest netting that's adorned with little petals, her imagination is sure to run wild the moment she slips this little tutu on! Oh, she's just going to love it!

Holiday Shopping Has Never Been So Easy!

2009-11-25T08:50:00.000-05:00

Pure and Honest Kids just added a new Holiday Shopping section to our Web site! Categorized by theme and price, you’ll find just what you are looking for in the Holiday section on our Web site!

We have Holiday Sleepwear, Stocking Stuffers, and gifts categorized by price, too! From under $15, all the way to over $50, you are sure to find the perfect gift at any price point in the Pure and Honest Kids Holiday Shopping section.

Happy shopping and Happy Holidays from Pure and Honest Kids!

Let Your Little Chef Help You This Thanksgiving Holiday!

2009-11-23T09:18:00.001-05:00

With so much to do to prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, I was wondering how am I going to get it all done with a toddler and a newborn at home? Instead of trying to find ways to entertain my three-year old while I’m cooking, this year, I am going to let her be my little chef and join in on the Thanksgiving fun!

Here are some ways you can let your little chef (safely) help you prepare a fabulous meal this Thanksgiving holiday!

- Teach your child the importance of washing your hands before preparing a meal. Letting them wash their hands in the sink all by themselves will certainly be fun for them! Also teach your kid to wash their hands in between each dish you make, too. Playing with soap and water will be a highlight for your little one during the cooking process.

- Talk about kitchen safety with your child as you cook. Teach them never to touch the stove or oven while you are cooking, and to never touch knives or other sharp tools while preparing food.

- Prep the foods before you cook with your child. If you have the ingredients already measured out, your child can be the official food “dumper” and pour the ingredients in bowls, blenders and crock pots for you. This will save you time and will also allow you to keep things rolling in the kitchen, so you don’t have to appease a small child who doesn’t want to wait for you to cut and prep the ingredients.

- Ask your children to wash the fruits and vegetables, snap the green beans, and stir the cake batter. These tasks are easy and safe, and are also very helpful to you as you prepare the rest of your meal.

- Encourage your child to help you clean as you go. Give them the job of washing the bowls or dishes. They will see it as a game rather than a chore and you’ll have a clean kitchen by the time you are finished preparing your foods! It’s a win-win!

- If there is not enough room or things to do with the actual preparation of the food, then ask your child to make placemats, place setting cards, or table decorations for your feast! They will love making decorations for the table and for your guests. Simply provide them with the necessary supplies (crayons, paper, tape, glue, scissors, etc.) and this will keep them happily occupied while you cook away!

- Also, have your kids set the table for you while you cook. Show them an example of a place setting and see if they can replicate it for you. You can be the inspector and inspect their work! They’ll love trying to mimic the place setting you created and will also learn table-setting etiquette that they can put into practice all year long.

Hopefully these tips will help keep your Thanksgiving holiday a little more. Happy Thanksgiving from Pure and Honest Kids!

Also, check out these fabulous aprons and smocks for your little chefs! They'll feel like the "real deal" with these adorable, perfectly sized aprons for kids, available at Pure and Honest Kids!

Big Brother and Big Sisters Can Get Creative!

2009-11-21T08:00:00.001-05:00

Pure and Honest Kids has a great new product for kids expecting a brand new baby in the family…Big Brother and Big Sister Paint Can T-Shirt Sets!

You can create a special memory with your older child by doing this super-fun craft kit! The Paint Can T-Shirt set includes:

• 1 White 100% cotton short sleeve tee shirt
• 2 paintbrushes
• 6 colors of fabric paint to create any skin, hair, or eye color.
• 1 gallon paint can for storage

You and the big brother or big sister to-be can paint the kid on the t-shirt to look just like them! Your oldest child will be proud to wear their new t-shirt to the hospital to meet their new baby brother or sister!

We know how important it is to make your older children to feel special when a new baby arrives in the family. That’s why we have an excellent selection of sibling gifts. To check them out, click here!

Help! Is My Child is Over-Scheduled?

2009-11-18T13:00:00.001-05:00

I have been wondering lately, "Is my child over-scheduled?" Granted, she LOVES being busy. And there isn’t an activity out there that she doesn’t want to try. However, some weeks I feel like we are running from event to event, activity to activity, and it makes me wonder, are we over-scheduling our daughter? And if so, how do we determine what stays in the schedule and what goes?

Here are some good tips I found while researching over-scheduled child.

Signs You May Be Over-Scheduling Your Child:

- Your child tells you they don’t want to go do a special activity or practice repeatedly. They either may not like it as much you as think they do or they would rather have more time at home.

- You feel like your life is too hectic. If you are feeling that way, then your child is probably feeling that way, too.

- If you don’t see many blank days on the calendar, you may be over-scheduling yourself and your children. It is important to have “do nothing” days, or as we call them, “choose your own adventure” days.

- You find your vocabulary mainly consists of “hurry,” “let’s go,” and "come one, we are going to be late again.”

- Your child cannot figure out how to play alone during unscheduled free time.

Remember that over-scheduling distracts parents from what you are ultimately trying to create: a peaceful, loving home that makes you and your children happy.

If you have a few minutes, check out this article from www.parenthood.com. It is entitled, “When Kids Have Too Much To Do, They May Need Time to Do Nothing.” It is a very informative and thought-provoking article.

Puffy Coat

2009-11-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

As seen on Celebrity Baby Blog, puffy coats are all the rage for this winter! Celebrities are dressing their tots in these very fashionable and very warm style of coats!

Make sure your little guy is stylish and warm, too, with this adorable puffy coat from Alphabet, available at Pure and Honest Kids!

The extra insulation in this puffy coat will makes sure your little boy stays cozy during the winter season. It looks as great as it feels, too!

Alphabet Hooded Puffy Coat
$80.00
Now this is a coat! The Puff Hooded Jacket from Alphabet is definitely emphasizes the fun in functional! The dark red puffy jacket with hood is so warm and cozy for all of those cold winter days! He can choose to wear this coat with our without the zip off hood. And, as if that weren't enough, zippered sleeves are easily removable to create a super fun vest that he won't be able to get enough of. Can you say versatile?

An Ounce of Prevention…

2009-11-14T10:15:00.006-05:00

With the number of people contracting the H1N1 flu on the rise and with the seasonal flu season looming just around the corner, most moms are thinking of ways to keep their kids healthy and how to keep germs at bay. Pure and Honest Kids want to help you do just that with these really great products designed to help guard against germs.

Tuffet Too Shopping Cart Cover
$64.00
Because it's a nasty world out there! This is the perfect solution for those yucky, dirty and germy shopping cart seats! The Tuffet Too is a super–cute, shopping cart seat cover made from top quality fabrics and wonderfully yummy trims. With its own safety strap and buckle, just pop it in the cart and you're ready to shop! So strap your little babycakes in and shop the day away! Makes a great addition to the Pure & Honest GiftList! Comes in Baby Stripe and Pink Chocolate.

Designer Diner
$22.00
Make mealtime fun with a Designer Diner! This funky, wipe clean placemat reverses to a reusable chalk mat for the perfect mix of fun and functionality! Think of it as a portable imagination station for your budding little artist and a traveling table for your little eater! Measures 18"x11" and includes a 12 piece box of non-toxic colored chalk and detachable chalk pouch. Check out all four designs available at Pure and Honest Kids here.

Bella Tunno Pacifier Clip
$8.00
Fashionable yet so functional, these stylish paci holders make a child and mom's life easier by keeping binkies clean and close at hand. Safety tested pacifier holders are 7/8 inch wide and 10 inches long. To check out all the designs offered of Bella Tunno Pacifier Clips, click here.

The Tuffet High Chair Cover
$52.99
Get this gear! The Tuffet is the absolute perfect solution for those yucky and dirty restaurant highchairs that you just hate to put your little one in. This super–cute, high chair cover is made from top quality fabrics and wonderful trims and easily reverses to show two beautiful patterns. It's simple to use, just strap your little one in using the existing high chair safety strap and enjoy an eating out experience that's a little less germy. Makes a great addition to your Pure & Honest GiftList! The high chair covers come in Baby Stripe and Paisley Punch.

Gentle Clean Cleansing Towelettes
$12.00
Gentle, soft & luxurious, these cleansing towelettes are a must-have for any new Mom! Keep baby clean from nose to toes with these soft, luxurious cleansing towelettes are effective enough to use nose to toes yet gentle enough to use even on irritated or sensitive skin. An alcohol-free blend of marine silk, vitamins E and B5, organic aloe and comfrey provides moisturizing and antioxidant benefits, while ginger and chamomile soothe and calm irritation. Baby’s skin on both sets of cheeks will be squeaky clean and silky soft! Contains 72 towelettes.

- Contains no phthalates, lanolin, mineral oil, petroleum, waxes, wheat or gluten
- Clinically tested & hypoallergenic
- Made in the USA
- No animal testing

Come See Our New Look!

2009-11-10T08:00:00.001-05:00

We’ve made a few changes we think you are going to love to our Pure and Honest Kids Web site!

Some of the new features include:
- Larger pictures
- Better zooming
- More ways to shop
- Deal of the Day- featured products on sale that particular day
- Featured items on display on homepage
- Better navigation
- And more!

Check out the new and improved Pure and Honest Kids Web site. We are constantly looking for ways to improve your shopping experience!

Paired with our top-notch customer service, super-fast shipping, and fabulous product selection, what’s not to love about www.pureandhonsetkids.com!

Last Chance!

2009-11-08T10:00:00.000-05:00

Did you know about our Last Chance section on the Pure and Honest Kids Web site?

The Last Chance section is the place to find the best deals around! From clothes for boys and girls to gifts, gear and more, you are sure to find a fantastic deal some really great items!

These last ones are hard to pass on…so shop the Pure and Honest Kids Last Chance category today! Organized by size, these items are all available in very limited quantities, so shop quickly and stock up now! And, if you don’t see what you’re looking for, check back again soon. Our Last Chance inventory is added to weekly.

Happy shopping!

Boot-Scooting Boogie- Stylish Boots for Your Kids!

2009-11-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

This winter’s must-have accessory is a pair of darling boots for your little one! Celebrity babies, such Gwen Stefani's son, Kingston, Jason Priestley's daughter Ava Veronica, and Sarah Jessica Parker's son, James Wilkie, as have gotten into the Boot Scootin’ craze, too, as seen on Celebrity Baby Blog. Check it out here!

Pure and Honest Kids has some adorable boots for your kids to sport around town. Your child will be the most stylish kid on the block in their new boots! Check out our chic boots below.

Cater Shoe in Sandbox
$35.00
Cozy up to these warm winter boots when the weather turns chilly! Soft cotton upper with matching stitching and a warm fleece inner. Flexible rubber soles to protect little feet and provide greater durability. These vegan winter boots are machine washable making it a snap to keep them looking as good as the day you bought them.

Brown Combo Cowpoke Shoe Soft Soles
$30.00
The brown Cowpoke soft sole baby cowboy boots from Kid Express are so cute — we can hardly stand it! Perfect for your little cowboy, these soft boots will comfortably surround his feet in style. Giddy up! Back Velcro closure.

Cater Shoe in Hot Pink
$35.00
Cozy up to these hot pink boots when the weather turns chilly! Soft cotton upper with matching stitching and a warm fleece inner. Flexible rubber soles to protect little feet and provide greater durability. These vegan winter boots are machine washable making it a snap to keep them looking as good as the day you bought them.

Dark Brown Nubuck Delia Boots
$60.00
These boots are made for walking...The Delia shoe combines Kid Express comfort and styling in these fabulous little boots. The perfect accessory for any outfit, she's going to live in these little brown nubuck boots that are just her style! This style runs small so please order a size larger than normal. Rubber sole.

Fuchsia Cowpoke Soft Sole Cowboy Boots
$30.00
The fuchsia Cowpoke soft sole baby cowboy boots from Kid Express are so cute, fun and fresh — we can hardly stand it! Perfect for your sweet little cowgirl, these comfortable and stylish little boots are just what you've been looking for! Back Velcro closure.

What To Do About Potty Regression After a New Baby Arrives

2009-11-03T08:00:00.002-05:00

My daughter was 99 percent potty trained this past summer, and with a new baby on the way, we were ecstatic at the thought that only one of them would be in diapers! Well, that unfortunately has not been the case. Our daughter has now totally regressed in her potty training now that her baby brother is two months old.

I've read that this is common for older siblings to regress in potty training once the new baby arrives. However, I was certain it would not happen to us, as Taylor was doing so well using the potty. Boy, was I wrong!

I decided to do a little research to find some tips on how to deal with regression- there is a lot of good information out there on the topic. Hopefully what I have found will help others out there that may be experiencing the same thing!

First off, what causes potty regression? The answer is simple: stress! Your oldest child may be feeling emotionally charged about the arrival of a new baby as it takes attention away from him or her. Refusing to go to the potty or asking to be “changed” may be your child’s way of regaining some control of the new situation and refocusing the attention back on them.

Once regression begins to happen, it is important to talk to your toddler about how much you love them and how the new baby is not taking his or her place. It is also important to make time for your oldest child and do special things with them. This may mean some of the household chores go by the wayside for a while, but making your preschooler feel loved and secure is much more important.

Here are some tips on how to deal with potty regression.

- When you get frustrated about the potty regression, it’s time to take a step away from training. Try revisiting training in a few days when you are calmer about it. Your toddler will sense your frustration and this will continue to make them regress.

- Make it a completely positive experience rather than a negative one. Use potty charts and reward stickers, potty treats, or lots of love, hugs and praise. Do not use negative reinforcement or try to discipline your child when accidents happen. Frustration and negativity displayed during potty training and regression will only create more obstacles.

- Allow your toddler to be your “big helper” when it comes to the new baby. The more you allow your child to be a part of the new baby’s routine, the more they will get used to the idea that the baby is here to stay and they will learn to adjust to sharing mom and dad. And once your child begins to feel less threatened, he or she will feel less stressed and hopefully get back on track with potty training.

- Use the words “big girl/big boy,” “big helper,” and “big sister/big brother” as often as possible. Making your toddler feel like a big girl or boy will make them strive to live up to the moniker and want to do big girl/big boy things, such as use the potty.

- Minimize the amount of talk you use while cleaning up accidents. Be matter-of-fact, and simply say, “Pee and poo poo go in the potty, not in your underwear.” Do not harp on the accident and do not belittle your child.

- If your child continues to experience potty training regression after several months and you continue to feel frustrated, contact your pediatrician for further advice. Sometimes it takes a fresh perspective to help you with this trying time.

Tea Clothes for Fall and Winter- Keeping the Cooler Months Stylish

2009-11-01T15:49:00.004-05:00

There’s a nip in the air and the beautiful colored leaves are falling to the ground…fall is officially here, and winter is right around the corner! It’s time to make sure your little ones are equipped with stylish clothes for the colder months. For all your shopping needs this winter, look no further than Tea clothes for children.

This fabulous clothing line for children offers a line of higher end pieces for dressier occasions (Tea Collection) and an equally adorable line of playwear for everyday life (Daily Tea).

Tea Collection is a line of clothes for children inspired by the beauty of cultures from around the world. The Tea Collection combines global aesthetics with a respect for modern design. Here are some beautiful pieces from the Tea Collection for boys and girls.

Tea Collection Dark Wash Denim Pants for Boys
$57.00
Sure to become instant favorites, these Tea Collection jeans look great with basic tees or something a bit dressier, like sweaters or button downs. In super soft and comfy denim, these classic five pocket styled pants are finished perfectly with a dark wash, adjustable waist and tall snap closure patch back pockets. Certainly not his basic denim - oh you're going to love them! 100% cotton. Machine wash.

Tea Collection Stalheim Fairisle Zip Pullover for Boys
$44.99
With a bold, multi-colored jacquard chest stripe, inspired by a Norwegian artisan's blanket, the Stalheim Fairisle zip pullover from Tea Collection is a perfectly stylish for fall and winter. Pullover style with a half zip front, this sweater make a great match to his favorite jeans or cargos. 100% Pima cotton. Machine wash. Butternut.

Tea Collection Nevado Cape Sweater for Girls
$49.99
This caplet is such fun! From Tea's fall collection, this cape sweater is meant to be worn around the shoulders like the gorgeous Peruvian mantas that inspired it. It's perfect for cool mornings and evenings! Button Collar and hidden pockets. 100% pima cotton. Machine wash. Aubergine.

Tea Collection Hanne Sweater Dress for Girls
$44.99
We love this sweater dress! Soft and warm for fall and winter, this feminine styled sweater dress features a contrast ribbed waistband and slim sleeves. From Tea Collection Norway inspired collection, Fjords and Forests. 100% Pima cotton. Machine wash. Maple leaf.

Daily Tea is an everyday line of well-priced 100 percent cotton knits that mix and match to create adorable play outfits for girls and boys. Here are some delightful pieces from
Daily Tea for boys and girls.

Daily Tea Kiddo Rocketbot Double Decker Tee for Boys
$25.00
The only thing cooler than robots are ROCKET robots! This awesome screen printed design is printed on super-soft walnut-colored cotton. Creamy birch colored sleeves and red trim at the neck add pops of color and make matching a breeze. This tee shirt looks great paired with the little bot hoodie and the solid cargo pant in indigo. 100% cotton. Machine wash.

Daily Tea Solid Walnut Cargo Pants for Boys
$25.00
Solid cargo pants in walnut are this season's MUST-HAVE item! Made with the softest cotton, these pants feature a covered elastic waistband and a neat-o side cargo pocket. The warm brown hue pairs perfectly with his favorite tops and shirts for a much-needed break from denim. These cargo pants pair perfectly with the robot long-sleeve tee and the robodog long-sleeve tee. 100% cotton. Machine wash.

Daily Tea Kiddo Striped Drop Waist Dress for Girls
$28.00
We LOVE the drop-waist dress from Daily Tea! A pretty printed walnut pattern and contrasting trim in chili pepper red make this dress irresistible. This dress pairs perfectly with the solid leggings in chili pepper. 100% cotton. Machine wash.

Daily Tea Kiddo Chili Pepper Bootcut Leggings for Girls
$23.00
Spice up her wardrobe with these awesome bootcut leggings in chili pepper! The bold red color really pops on a super-soft cotton knit that is oh-so-comfy. A covered elastic waistband adds even more comfort to these pants that are perfect for everyday. Looks great paired with the Woodcut tunic or the Woodcut wrap dress. 100% cotton. Machine wash.

Between the two collections, you’ll find just what you need for every occasion during the fall and winter months!

Tea is definitely a brand to watch. This hip and stylish clothing line is well-made and comfortable, offering a chic and sophisticated look that is not too babyish. Check out Tea clothes for children today!

Staying Well During the Flu Season Starts with You:

2009-10-29T07:14:00.000-04:00

With reports of the H1N1 flu (or swine flu) spreading like wildfire, especially in kids, and the start of seasonal flu, many parents are worrying about how to keep their children from getting sick this fall and winter. There are many ways to keep the germs at bay. Check out the five tips below to help you (and others) stay well as the flu pandemic escalates.

• Teach your child good hygiene by encouraging them to wash their hands repeatedly throughout the day, especially before meals when their hands will be at their mouths. When washing your hands, tell your children to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice to ensure the proper washing length.

• Show your children how to use a tissue to cough or sneeze into and then have them immediately discard it in the trash. If there is no tissue readily available, then show your children how to properly cough or sneeze into the inside of their upper arm. This will ensure that their germs are not spread to others.

• When out in public, carry hand sanitizer with you wherever you go, and apply it to your kids’ hands often. When your child touches areas or things that many other people may have touched, such as grocery store carts and doorknobs, help your children use hand sanitizer. However, when possible, soap and water is best, so as soon as you return home, have your children wash their hands the old fashioned way.

• Teach your child to avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth when at all possible during the flu season. Encourage toddlers to not put things in their mouth that do not belong, as this is the surest way to ingest germs.

• Keep your children away from adults and children who have been sick. Make sure you wait the proper incubation period when allowing your children to see family and friends that have been sick. Although a friend or family member may be feeling better, they could still be a carrier of the flu and still be contagious. If you are unsure of how long someone is contagious, call your doctor.

Stay healthy during this flu season!

Stay Warm and Cozy this Winter with SwaddleDesigns’ zzZip Me Sack!

2009-10-27T07:28:00.001-04:00

Research shows that sleep sacks (or wearable blankets) are a safe way to keep your baby warm as the temperatures drop outside. Sleep sacks eliminate the need for loose blankets in the crib and are a perfect solution to keep your babies warm once they graduate from wanting to be swaddled.

Pure and Honest Kids carries some darling sleep sacks from SwaddleDesigns that are perfect for any new bundle of joy! Called the “zzZipMe Sack,” this product is a wearable blanket that features a clever 2-way zipper that opens from the bottom as well as the top!

The zipper zips down from the top making it easy to place baby into sack and also zips up from the bottom keeping baby snugly warm during diaper changes. So easy! Featuring plush fuzzy fabric inside and out with soft satin trimmed edges.

SwaddleDesigns zzZipMe Sacks have passed rigorous third party testing in the US and UK, and meet CPSIA requirements. Fuzzy Plush zzZipMe Sacks have a TOG rating of 2.2 which is perfect for year round use and the TOG rating recommended for temperatures of 65- 70 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature range medical experts recommend for sleep environments.

Celebrities, such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Ben Affleck and Mariska Hargitay, are fans of SwaddleDesigns. Check out the write-up of these great sleep sacks here on Celebrity Baby Blog.

Pure and Honest Kids carries the zzZip Me Sack in three beautiful designs, including: Lime with Brown Mod Circles, Pastel Blue with Brown Mod Circles, and Pastel Pink with Brown Mod Circles. These stylish yet practical sleep sacks are available at Pure and Honest Kids for $36.00.

For other wonderful SwaddleDesigns products, such as the Ultimate Receiving Blanket and the Ultimate Organic Receiving Blanket, all available at Pure and Honest Kids, click here.

Halloween Costume Tips- What Parents Should Look For!

2009-10-25T08:12:00.000-04:00

The haunted holiday known as Halloween is right around the corner! If you and your little ones have not chosen the perfect Halloween costume yet, here are some costume buying tips from Pure and Honest Kids!

• Choose costumes that are brightly colored so your children will be easily seen on Halloween night. If your child wants to dress up as something that requires dark clothing, be sure to use reflective tape somewhere on the costume so your little ghoul doesn’t blend in with the night too much!

• Check to see if your child’s costume is fire resistant. Remember you will most likely be walking by jack-o-lanterns lit up by candles, and you don’t want a cape or a long, flowing dress to catch fire while trick-or-treating.

• Make sure your child’s costume is not too long or too cumbersome. You don’t want a long princess dress or dragon tail to trip your child or anyone else!

• Comfortable footwear is essential to a successful trick-or-treat experience. You don’t want your children to fall or twist their ankles when climbing up and down your neighbors’ steps. Your little Cinderella may want to wear the dainty glass slippers, but your princess may not make it to trick-or-treat at many houses without some comfortable shoes!

• If your child’s costume requires a mask, make sure it fits properly. You do not want the mask to impair their vision or be too tight, causing lightheadedness or dizziness.

• Dress for the weather. If it is going to be a cool night, make sure your child layers and wears a long sleeve shirt under the costume or wears a coat on top of the costume. If it is going to be hot, make sure a heavy costume, such as a gorilla, has proper ventilation and breathability.

Happy Halloween from Pure and Honest Kids! We hope it is a fun and safe night for you and your kids!

Celebrities Love ERGObaby Carriers!

2009-10-23T09:19:00.005-04:00

We spotted another celebrity using the ERGObaby Carrier to tote their little one around town!

Check out Ethan Hawke on Celebrity Baby Blog sporting the ERGObaby Organic Carrier in Cranberry, available at Pure and Honest Kids for $134.00.

You'll love this practical and comfortable carrier, too, because the ergonomic design supports a correct sitting position for the baby's hip, pelvis and spine growth. It also balances the baby's weight to parents' hips and shoulders, and alleviates physical stress for the parent.

Check out the other great features of the ERGObaby Carrier here. This is a must-have for any parent that likes to be on the go with their babies!

For other colors and styles of the ERGObaby Carrier, click here.