UrbanBaby Buzz
May is National Bike Month, and today is Bike-to-Work (or school…or the grocery store) Day. In honor of the cycling spirit, follow these tips for a safe ride:
Happy riding!
Visit bikeleague.org.
As a devotee to Tim Gunn, Thom Felicia and the gang, you’ve already got gay men as your gurus.
Brett Berk put his experience in early childhood education (20+ years!) into his new book, The Gay Uncle’s Guide to Parenting. Using an outsider’s perspective, Berk’s no-nonsense approach helps moms and dads break the “parenting bubble” to recognize truths like:
Children are not little grown-ups.
Young kids see, understand and react to the world differently than adults.
Your children are not your equals, they are your dependents — meaning, they depend on you.
As GUG reminds, you are a parent and a person. Now, about that hair.
Visit askgayuncle.com.
Why do so many carseats come in ugly navy or ho-hum hunter green? Ditch that tired old style with the gorgeous car seat covers at Pure Joy. Though they’re a bit pricey at $89.95, they’re removable, washable, 100% cotton, and best of all, they don’t feature frumpy homespun patterns.
Available at purejoycollection.com.
More tummy time, the experts say. But those hokey play mats and mobiles seem more circus than chic.
Toys — and an attuned tot — may prefer the subtlety of Plain Mary’s micro-suede Kensington padded play mat. It serves its purpose of padding and ample space to park, but is easy on the eyes. The caramel, ivory or chocolate design folds up easily to tote in a diaper bag or stroller, and is machine washable and monogrammable.
Too pricey just for mommy-and-me Pilates? Gift one to your expectant BFF — a little luxe never hurt.
Available at plainmary.com.
Judging by the crowds at pre-natal yoga, last year was a spiritual one. You may even run into a Serenity or Sincere on the playground soon.
Both monikers made the list of the top baby names of 2007, which was recently released by The Social Security Administration. Jacob and Emily held the top spots yet again, with Michael, Ethan, Isabella and Emma trailing close behind.
In the paparazzi-infused year, Shiloh, Maddox and Jayden are celeb baby names that made the list, while stars of 2007 Danica Patrick and Miley Cyrus (pre-scandal) influenced a fair share of infants. Perhaps the most surprising entry? Armani.
Now, off to feed baby Cavalli and his sister Tuleh.
There was a time when you couldn’t wait to hear the pitter-patter of little feet. Then you realized that sound usually coincides with little shoes strewn all over the place. These days, persuading the tots to put away their Crocs is like trying to get Juicy Juice from a stone.
Before you resort to bribes, consider a seriously cool gimmick. Rakku Designs’ Shoe Wheel, now available in a kiddie size, is easy and, most importantly, fun to use. Slide up to twenty pairs of kicks into the expandable plastic pockets and show kids how to spin the wheel to make selections and put things back.
Now, where’s the whirligig for video game controllers and Dora dolls?
Available at rakkudesigns.com.
Not to sound too Desperate Housewives right before Mother’s Day, but these aprons are just darling, as Bree would say. You’re certainly not expected to whip up a German chocolate cake, but it may protect your “I’m finally out of maternity clothes” wardrobe as you chase after baby. Luckily, the infant options come “pre-stained.”
Available at progenyinc.com.
Down in the trenches of modern motherhood, you somehow manage to always put yourself last. But this Sunday, you finally come first. Aside from the poems and pictures from your kids (guaranteed to make you cry and/or start scrapbooking) — what do you really want this year?
Of course a massage would be lovely, but fighting the traffic (and the ‘tude at the spa) can undo whatever relaxed state you manage to achieve. Instead, how about some quiet time alone? Dad will take the brood out to the park while you put on some relaxing music, and doze off for an afternoon nap.
If you want to get out of the house for your spa experience, don’t settle for the usual slapdash manicure on the run. Set up real day of pampering: Start with a facial and end with a pedicure, and treat everything in between with the kind of love you really deserve. And turn off your phone.
Brunch is nice, except that wherever you go every other mom will also be there with her kids (who are nowhere near as cute and well-behaved as yours). Go on a picnic instead.
You love the idea of breakfast in bed, but not the inevitable clean-up. Leave a few easy recipes lying around — or take-out menus (that diner around the corner probably has great waffles).
Finally, after all the family togetherness, grab some of your girls for moms‘ night out, and celebrate over mommy margaritas.
Tell ‘em not to wait up.
You don’t wear your heart on your sleeve – or your baby’s name on your necklace. And the words “push present” make you cringe.
But not all trinkets need be tacky. C.H.A.R.M.’s baubles have a vintage vibe, with old-fashioned telephones, carousels, prams and piggybanks more reminiscent of your grandmother’s jewelry box than the mall. Pile them on a bracelet, or place just one on a pendant.
Add one each Mother’s Day – or any day you choose.
Available at charmco.com.
What’s the key to raising a happy and healthy child? Whether your first-born is on the way or you’ve already got a brood at home, it’s a question every parent aims to answer.
Read some inspiring stories in Mother Nurture: Life Lessons from the Mothers of America’s Best and Brightest. INCA designer Stephanie Hirsch gathered stories and advice from inspiring moms whose kids just happened to end up in the spotlight. Dot Jeter (mother of Derek), Suna Oz (mother of Dr. Mehmet), Nena Thurman (mother of Uma) and others share words of wisdom and a few little-known facts about their kids.
Nurture yourself.
For more information, visit mothernurturebook.com.
