Baby Manicures

New babies hands are super cute.  There are few things as adorable as a new born hands balled up into teeny tiny fists.  Be careful though, on the teeny tiny hands are even tinier nails.  They look innocent enough but they can be unexpectedly sharp.

Little babies do not realize that they have little talons on the ends of their hands; they do not even realize that they have hands, many time they accidentally scratch themselves and then are devastated and shocked by the pain. There are few things as heartbreaking as seeing a new born cry in pain.  So prevent it.  Take care of his or her little nails so there is not the chance to scratch.

It is best to wait for your newborn to doze off before attempting nail care.  New born nails are so tiny and new babies often move in unpredictable ways.  So rather than risk cutting your little one, it is just easier and safer to wait until he or she is sound asleep.

Rather than using your grown up nail clippers on her, get the baby sized ones.  Again, new baby fingers are unbelievably small; it is so much easier to be accurate with smaller tools.  Do not forget to file down the sharp corners.  I have made this mistake.  I am not sure who cried more, my daughter or me.

Maclaren Strollers

Quest Sport Stroller

Maclaren is a British company founded by a retired aeronautical engineer (so the strollers actually have something in common with airplanes, maybe that is why they are so expensive).  The stroller he invented in 1965 would revolutionize the stroller world. Maclaren’s stroller was the first stroller to collapse like an umbrella; which allowed for ease in travel and versatility in storage.

Since Maclaren’s inception they have been innovators and leaders in safety in the stroller industry.  Continually inducing new products and features, Maclaren strollers have long been at the height of fashion and technology.   Maclaren launched the front swivel wheel, with linked breaks, and a double umbrella stroller (that is suitable from newborns to toddler).  Also Maclaren developed a balloon foam wheel to allow for a soft ride.  Aside from umbrella collapsing strollers, Maclaren also introduced the first stroller to fold flat, much like a folding chair for a card table.  This stroller was the first stroller that was suitable for use from birth until toddler-hood.

Maclaren has never followed the crowd.  They have always been leading the way, developing new technology and products to help guide children and family through life.  Maclaren has done this while always exceeding safety and quality standards set out by governments.

Shop BareBabies

Submit Now: Application Deadline April 14th 2011

BareBabies Boutique program is all about highlighting small businesses and the goods created by innovative and resourceful Americans.  If you create custom products for infants, toddlers, or small children, BareBabies wants to give you an opportunity to sell your items. Whatever your niche and no matter the focus of your efforts, we want to hear your story.  Apply today!

BareBabies is now accepting nominations for its Boutique and the winners will be announced online at www.facebook.com/barebabies May 2, 2011. Five (5) winners will be selected to have up to 20 distinct items added to BareBabies online retail store in a new boutique area.

Evaluation Criteria
Unique quality products are the first requirement for any successful boutique participant. BareBabies is looking for partners who offer products that are exciting, provide lasting quality and performance, and appeal to today’s mother and child.  Applicants must be able to provide professional product images, descriptive product language, keywords and meta tags/descriptions. Applicants must be able to provide frequent updates of inventory.

*BareBabies reserves the right to reject images or language that is deemed inappropriate.

Applicants will be further screened on:

• Customer Service – Participants must provide exceptional customer service and care about the well-being of those purchasing their products.
• Delivery – Participants should be able to demonstrate the ability to deliver products in a timely manner and in accordance to accepted shipping practices.
• Cost – Participants must be willing to offer competitive pricing for similar products.

Who Can Participate?

All organizations that are not vendors or service providers are eligible and encouraged to apply including:

• Small to Mid-size Businesses
• All Product Types
• US Organizations or Companies

HOW TO Apply

Applicants need to provide a write up describing their product and highlight how it demonstrates value.  Outline cost structures, connectivity options, delivery, returns and exchanges and time lines.

Award submissions will only be accepted via nominations@barebabies.com. No other forms of entry submission will be accepted.

baby bjorn active baby carrier

Baby Bjorn carriers are the most well known and recognizable carrier on the market.  They have brought baby-wearing to the mainstream.  This is fantastic.  Recently, “bag slings” have been recalled due to the unsafe way babies were often positioned and the tragedy that could ensue.  Baby Bjorns however, avoid this particular issue.  Study after study* confirms the crucial nature of baby/caregiver contact.  Infants who are worn are happier, learn more, are more involved in day to day life, most notably, premature infant weight better, grow more, and generally are healthier than other babies.  In my experience, babies with reflux or colic often have immense relief from being worn in an upright position which is great for everyone involved.

The benefits are not just for the baby though.  Caregivers also reap rewards from wearing their babies.  Caregivers are more able to get around:  it is a lot easier to not have to worry about dragging a stroller with you,  it is easier to get things done around the house, it promotes bonding, provides exercise, also wearing your baby allows you to learn how to communicate with her/him and respond in a nurturing way.  Personally- with four children, wearing a baby is a simple matter of necessity.  It evens the odds a little.  If I have one baby in a carrier, I then have two free hands to wrangle whichever of my other children need it at the moment.

^“Current knowledge about skin-to-skin (kangaroo) care for pre-term infants”. J Perinatol. 1991 Sep;11(3):216-26.