UrbanBaby BuzzIs it loud in here? If you’re having problems hearing over music, parades, sirens and such, imagine what it does to baby’s little ears.
Sure she may look like a mini-DJ, but Peltor Hearing Protectors help guard against harmful noises. So the next time that kiddie concert gets a little out of control (most likely from the cries of the under-2 crowd), your tuned-in tot can escape with eardrums in tact.
Rock on.
Available at dandelionkids.ca.
As your baby whizzes through developmental stages, discarded toys litter your place like shrapnel. A greener option is BabyPlays Toy Rental Program, which works much like Netflix: you pay a monthly fee ($36.99-64.99), you pick toys to put in your queue, and then the UPS guy starts visiting your house with much greater frequency. You can hang on to toys as long as you like with no late fees, or ship duds back right away to be exchanged for ones your child might prefer. If it turns out your kid really loves a particular toy, you can even purchase it at a delightfully discounted price.
Feeling squeamish about your kid getting pre-drooled-upon playthings? No need. BabyPlays sanitizes toys each time they return back home.
Find out more at BabyPlays.com.
You’re working your way through the best-seller list, but your kid won’t pick up a book.
Maybe he’ll relate to Tyrone, self-proclaimed “king of the monkey bars.” This class clown, who declares books “so last year,” discovers the magic of reading in Read All About It, by First Lady Laura Bush and daughter Jenna Bush. Tyrone is so not into reading, he tells his teacher Miss Libro (get it?) – until story time brings some unexpected guests to life.
This charming tale of a reluctant reader shows how the library can actually be fun – and introduces kids to their own imaginations.
Available at amazon.com.
Forgetting something? Don’t. Instead of sticking Post-its to every flat surface, tie a Dapper Tag on your diaper bag or stroller. With a pre-made list of baby essentials (sippy cup? check. blankie? check.) you may actually have a shot of getting out the door.
Available at dappertags.com.
So you pick out a fabulous color for your nursery, a stylish crib, modern linens…and then your glider chair looks as homespun as a prairie girl dress. Fling off that mass-market style with the stunning Luca Glider, $895, a clean-lined cozy nursing chair that would even look great in the living room. Check out the chocolate brown glider with the orange lumbar pillow. M&M-licious.
Equally stunning are the Cubino kids’ chairs ($99) and loveseat ($129), modern-looking square foam seating options covered with polyester canvas in colors that will compel parents — and won’t have to be hidden away when guests come over.
Available online at Montedesign.net.
Every office has its share of frenemies, what-have-you-done-for-me-lately types, and a sacred few people you’d be happy to call friends. Like it or not, when you go on maternity leave, you’d better make nice with the whole crew.
J.C. Conklin is the co-author of Comeback Moms: How to Leave Work, Raise Children, and Restart Your Career Even If You Haven’t Had a Job in Years. She offers advice on using a little good will to build the foundation for a return to work before you even leave.
Pay it Forward: Networking involves a favors bank. When it’s time to re-enter the workforce, you want former colleagues to remember you with fondness, not as the one who jumped ship and left everyone with all of her work. Take on the tasks no one else wants to do. Bring in donuts (or Pinkberry). Grab a drink (mocktail) with co-workers.
Contact: It’s about who you know. Assemble a good list of names and numbers while you’re still in the mix.
Some Like it Hot: Don’t let contacts go cold while you’re out of the workforce. Grab lunch with former colleagues, email them regularly and join professional organizations.
Somewhere in Time: Start laying the groundwork for your exit as soon as you know you’re pregnant, even if you’re not sure whether you’re just taking maternity leave or quitting. Co-workers can be helpful in either situation.
Gone with the Wind: A graceful exit is key. One surefire way to annoy a lot of people is to take maternity leave and then quit. Remember: You’ve just had a paid leave, your boss holds your spot and your co-workers pick up the slack.
Practical Magic: Do a dry run of being a one-salary family. For two months, deposit your paycheck into savings and see what life is like living on a single salary. If the financial strain is too much, you might need to reevaluate your decision to stay home or rethink your budget.
For more information, visit momsnextmove.com.
No matter what kind of drama is going on in your own life, get a babysitter, plan a girls’ night (or afternoon matinee) out, and laugh for an hour or two.
SNL alums Tina Fey and Amy Poehler take the lead in Baby Mama, in theaters today. The story goes something like this: Career gal Kate, 37 and single, has a million-to-one chance of getting pregnant. Enter Angie, her loudmouth South Philly surrogate. Kate – a classic UBer if there ever was one – tries to turn Angie into the perfect expectant mom (jumbo-sized prenatal vitamins included). Needless to say, hilarity – and an unlikely friendship – ensues.
As for the baby? We wouldn’t want to spoil the ending.
For more information, visit movies.aol.com.
Maybe breakfast really is the most important meal of the day: The New York Times recently reported on a study exploring whether what a mom-to-be eats during conception impacts the sex of her baby. According to researchers at England’s Oxford and University of Exeter, high levels of glucose (encouraged by eating breakfast) in Mom’s body could mean a boy is on the way. So if your heart is set on a DH, Jr., pile on the eggs and pancakes?
You’re big into strategies – for birthing, breastfeeding, raising a bilingual child. But when it comes to decorating, your trial-and-error track record isn’t too solid.
Put a plan in place: The design experts behind chic children’s bedding collection Serena & Lily recently came out with their first book, Nursery Style. The bedding gurus offer useful advice on preparing a precious baby space, from how to choose focal points and furnishings to examples of gorgeous nurseries that are sure to inspire you.
And inspiration is exactly what you need. –B.S.
Available online at serenaandlily.com.
