nannytomom.com tag:www.nannytomom.com,2007://2 2007-12-07T05:45:37Z Movable Type 3.33 The First Years Newborn-to-Toddler Reclining Feeding Seats recalled tag:www.nannytomom.com,2007://2.41 2007-12-06T18:12:25Z 2007-12-07T05:45:37Z Around 100,000 seats were recalled by the RC2 Corporation because the safety belt waist straps can slide through the openings in the plastic seat, posing a safety hazard. Twelve children have fallen out of seats due to the faulty... Julia Around 100,000 seats were recalled by the RC2 Corporation because the safety belt waist straps can slide through the openings in the plastic seat, posing a safety hazard. Twelve children have fallen out of seats due to the faulty straps. These seats were sold from November 2006 through October 2007. Check your seat; if it has either an R stamped in the plastic on the back of the seat or if the distance between the waist strap slots is around 9", it is NOT included in the recall. The seats come in different colors and patterns, so check this site for more pictures. If your seat is one of the affected ones, visit the manufacturer's website for more information on how to get your replacement straps.]]> Book Review: Love You Forever tag:www.nannytomom.com,2007://2.40 2007-11-11T20:50:12Z 2007-11-11T20:54:50Z What: Love You Forever, by Robert Munsch Website: www.robertmunsch.com Rating: 1 out of 5 stars I have heard great things about this book for years. A number of mothers have told me that it's their favorite book, and they... Julia What: Love You Forever, by Robert Munsch Website: www.robertmunsch.com Rating: 1 out of 5 stars I have heard great things about this book for years. A number of mothers have told me that it's their favorite book, and they can't get through it without crying. I agree that telling your child you will always love them is very important. I appreciate the sentiment of knowing that your baby will always be someone with whom you share a special bond, even as they grow into adulthood. This book, though, seriously creeps me out. Yes, I watch my son while he sleeps. Yes, I rock him while he sleeps. Yes, I will miss the days when he's no longer small enough to hug and cuddle and rock. But no, I will not drive across town when he's an adult, climb a ladder to sneak through his window, and pick him up out of bed to rock him. He will NOT always be a baby. He will always be someone I respect, care for, and love like no other, but part of a parent's job is knowing when to set your children free.]]> Non-candy Halloween treats tag:www.nannytomom.com,2007://2.39 2007-10-29T05:41:29Z 2007-10-29T05:50:07Z Tired of the post-Halloween sugar craze in your house? Have kids who are allergic to milk and/or nuts, or are you limiting artificial dyes? Are your kids too young for candy, but you still want to dress them up... Julia Tired of the post-Halloween sugar craze in your house? Have kids who are allergic to milk and/or nuts, or are you limiting artificial dyes? Are your kids too young for candy, but you still want to dress them up and give away treats? Has your house gone healthy, and you don't want candy leftovers around? Think your kids (and everyone else's) don't need any more sugar and just plain junk? Don't want to give candy, but don't want to give nothing? Whatever your reasons, you're not the only one looking for non-candy treats to give to trick-or-treaters this year. Lucky for us, there are lots of inexpensive options that kids and parents will be excited to see in their loot bags at the end of the night. ]]> Edible goodies: - Crackers (snack-sized packages) - Dried fruit - Fruit leather - Granola bars - Small packs of sugarless gum - Juice boxes - Pretzels (snack-sized bags) - Raisins Non-edible goodies: (If you go this route, I recommend including decent-quality things that aren't Halloween-related. I know so many kids who don't want to use the "Happy Halloween" pencils after the holiday is over, and parents who just throw away the super-cheap toys when they break after the first use. And you can only use so many black plastic spider rings.) - Bouncy balls - Bracelets - Bubbles - Mini decks of cards - Cars - Coupons if you own a family-friendly business - Crayons (If you plan ahead, you can get these on clearance at Back-to-School sales.) - Erasers - Finger puppets - Flashlights - Friendship bracelets - Funky shoelaces - Glow necklaces/bracelets (These are really popular!) - Glowsticks - Harmonicas - Keychains - Pencils - Pens - Mini tubs of Play-doh - Seeds for growing mini pumpkins or flowers - Silly putty - Stamps - Stickers - Temporary tattoos - Toothbrushes - Toy spiders or bugs - Yo-yos]]> China agrees to stop using lead paint on toys tag:www.nannytomom.com,2007://2.38 2007-09-11T17:11:21Z 2007-09-11T17:30:41Z After a large number of toys were recalled over the past few months due to excessive levels of lead in the paint, United States and Chinese safety officials met to discuss a solution. China's General Administration of Quality Supervision,... Julia After a large number of toys were recalled over the past few months due to excessive levels of lead in the paint, United States and Chinese safety officials met to discuss a solution. China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine made an agreement with the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to immediately create and implement a plan to eliminate lead paint used on all toys exported to the U.S. The Chinese and U.S. safety agencies will review the plan and its effectiveness in a year to see how things are going. Don't count on all lead paint to be gone quite yet, but it's definitely a step in the right direction. More information here.]]> Crazy8.com has launched tag:www.nannytomom.com,2007://2.37 2007-08-30T15:45:01Z 2007-08-30T16:25:07Z Crazy8 has launched their new e-commerce website at www.crazy8.com. For those of you who haven't seen their clothes in person at one of their brand new stores (in California, New Jersey, New York and Texas), you can now take... Julia Crazy8 has launched their new e-commerce website at www.crazy8.com. For those of you who haven't seen their clothes in person at one of their brand new stores (in California, New Jersey, New York and Texas), you can now take a look and order online. The clothes are quite similar to the styles you'd find at Old Navy (especially those for older kids), while retaining some of the Gymboree feel.]]> The danger of "black henna" tag:www.nannytomom.com,2007://2.36 2007-07-05T05:58:10Z 2007-07-05T06:29:36Z When you're vacationing with the kids this summer, you may come across tents & booths at resorts or tourist areas offering mehndi, or henna temporary "tattoos." Sounds like fun, right? The kids get a harmless temporary tattoo and some... Julia When you're vacationing with the kids this summer, you may come across tents & booths at resorts or tourist areas offering mehndi, or henna temporary "tattoos." Sounds like fun, right? The kids get a harmless temporary tattoo and some cute photos and memories. Yes, if the henna artist is using pure henna. If, however, the henna artist has added a chemical called PPD (para-phenylenediamine) to the paste they're using, your children could bring home much more than memories, including itching, painful blisters, permanent scarring, and permanent chemical sensitivities. Natural henna is a powder from dried, ground leaves of the plant Lawsonia inermis, and when made into a paste and applied to the skin, leaves a reddish-brown stain. There is no such thing as "black henna." Allergic reactions to the natural henna plant or pure essential oils added to the paste are possible, but very rare. PPD is found in black hair dye, and some henna artists have taken to adding it to regular henna or using it alone to create dark black temporary tattoos that look more like real ink tattoos than the lighter orange or brown stains left by true henna. PPD-based hair dye contains a warning that it shouldn't touch the scalp. The chemical PPD is a strong sensitizer, carcinogen, and accidental ingestion (which is common in young children who might ingest the paste before it's taken off) can cause death. It is associated with liver failure, asthma, and cancer. If your children become sensitized to PPD, they run the risk of having future reactions to chemical hair dye, PABA-based sunblock, sulfa antibiotics, many cosmetics, anesthesia ending in -caine, fabric and other dyes...the list goes on and on. ]]> The Henna Page, there are a number of important questions you can ask: 1. How long should I leave it on? Good answer: "As long as possible." (The longer you leave natural henna paste on your skin, the darker the finished stain will be.) Red flag answer: "Less than an hour." (If the paste stains quickly, it likely has PPD in it.) 2. What color will the henna tattoo be when the paste is gone? Good answer: "Orange, and it will get darker over the next few days. At its darkest, it will appear brown, but never black." (The color also varies based on the body parts that are hennaed. Hands and feet will stain darker brown than upper arms, backs, or abdomens, which will all stain a lighter orangey-brown.) Red flag answer: "Black." 3. What's in the paste? Good answer: "Henna, lemon juice, and essential oils." (And/or other natural things, like sugar, tea, honey, coffee, spices, etc.) Red flag answers: "Henna powder and water." Or, "Umm, I don't know." (Or some similar noncommittal, vague response about "natural" ingredients. Ask for specifics.) Come right out and ask them if there's dye or PPD in the paste. If they don't know what that is, be wary. If they assure you they don't use it, continue to be wary (people *do* lie) and make sure they have all the right answers to your other questions. Look for yourself. The paste should be green or greenish brown, and has a grassy, green, herbal scent to it. Better yet, ask the artist to put it on their own skin and come back in 20-30 minutes to see what the stain looks like. (Make it seem like you can't decide, so you want to get lunch first while you think about which design to get.) Natural henna can provide you and your kids with some beautiful temporary body art. Know what to look for and what to ask so that you can keep your family safe. Have fun!]]> Veggie Booty snacks recalled due to potential Salmonella contamination tag:www.nannytomom.com,2007://2.35 2007-06-29T00:52:05Z 2007-06-29T01:13:57Z Robert's American Gourmet Food, Inc. has recalled all lots and sizes of their Veggie Booty Snack Food because of possible contamination with Salmonella. 51 cases of Salmonella infection were reported across 17 states, most of which occurred in children... Julia Robert's American Gourmet Food, Inc. has recalled all lots and sizes of their Veggie Booty Snack Food because of possible contamination with Salmonella. 51 cases of Salmonella infection were reported across 17 states, most of which occurred in children under 3 years old. Veggie Booty has been tested and so far has not been shown to contain Salmonella organisms in the finished product, but the company is taking the proper precautions and temporarily halting the manufacture and sale of Veggie Booty. Veggie Booty is sold across the United States and Canada in a flexible plastic foil bag in 4 oz., 1 oz., and 1/2 oz. sizes. If you have any Veggie Booty, discard the contents of the package and contact Robert's American Gourmet at 1-800-626-7557 for reimbursement or a product voucher. You can also return the empty bag to the store where you purchased the product, or send the empty bag along with your address to: Robert's American Gourmet P.O. Box 326 Sea Cliff, NY 11579]]> Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Toys recalled tag:www.nannytomom.com,2007://2.34 2007-06-22T04:32:47Z 2007-06-22T04:54:48Z RC2 Corp. recalled around 1.5 million Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Toys due to lead in the paint. The recall includes train cars, buildings and other accessories that were sold at various stores across the country between January 2005... Julia RC2 Corp. recalled around 1.5 million Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Toys due to lead in the paint. The recall includes train cars, buildings and other accessories that were sold at various stores across the country between January 2005 and June 2007. Some of the products have a manufacturing code on the bottom or inside their battery covers, and if the code contains "WJ" or "AZ," they are not included in the recall. Following are the names of the products included in this recall:
  • Red James Engine & Red James’ # 5 Coal Tender
  • Red Lights & Sounds James Engine & Red James’ #5 Lights & Sounds Coal Tender
  • James with Team Colors Engine & James with Team Colors #5 Coal Tender
  • Red Skarloey Engine
  • Brown & Yellow Old Slow Coach
  • Red Hook & Ladder Truck & Red Water Tanker Truck
  • Red Musical Caboose
  • Red Sodor Line Caboose
  • Red Coal Car labeled “2006 Day Out With Thomas” on the Side
  • Red Baggage Car
  • Red Holiday Caboose
  • Red “Sodor Mail” Car
  • Red Fire Brigade Truck
  • Red Fire Brigade Train
  • Deluxe Sodor Fire Station
  • Red Coal Car
  • Yellow Box Car
  • Red Stop Sign
  • Yellow Railroad Crossing Sign
  • Yellow “Sodor Cargo Company” Cargo Piece
  • Smelting Yard
  • Ice Cream Factory
You can click the photo at the top of this post to enlarge it. For additional information and to get replacement toys, contact RC2 Corp. toll-free at (866) 725-4407 (M-Th 8a - 5p CT, Fri 8a - 11a CT) or online at recalls.rc2.com. ]]> Product Review: Skip Hop Dash and Expo diaper bags tag:www.nannytomom.com,2007://2.33 2007-06-14T20:56:17Z 2007-06-14T21:13:32Z What: Skip Hop Dash Canvas diaper bag Website: www.skiphop.com Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars What: Skip Hop Expo Canvas diaper bag Website: www.skiphop.com Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars I have been using the Skip Hop Dash diaper... Julia What: Skip Hop Dash Canvas diaper bag Website: www.skiphop.com Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars What: Skip Hop Expo Canvas diaper bag Website: www.skiphop.com Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars I have been using the Skip Hop Dash diaper bag for the past year and a half, and while I'm pretty happy with it, I had a couple gripes and decided to get a new bag. I discovered one of Skip Hop's new models, the Expo, and couldn't wait to check it out. Here are my experiences with the two bags:]]> Skip Hop Dash: This is a messenger-style bag with a flap that velcros over the main compartment. There are 5 outer pockets: 2 wide ones on the front, below the flap; one on each side, under the strap; and a large, shallow one on the back for the changing pad and perhaps a magazine. The pros: The Dash is just big enough to hold the things I normally keep in my diaper bag: a diaper, some wipes, a changing pad (we don't actually use it anymore, but it's so unobtrusive that I never took it out of the bag), a few toys, sunglasses, my cell phone & keys, a container or 2 of snacks, a water bottle, and perhaps a hat or light jacket for my son. The Dash is durable and well-made. I've used this thing for 17 months, and it still looks brand new. Nothing has fallen off, come unsewn, ripped, or broken. It's beautiful. The Dash hooks onto the handlebars of my stroller, so I don't have to shove it into the tiny basket under the seat. The cons (or, why I wanted to get a new bag): The Dash is a little too small for those times I want to bring along more things. We use cloth diapers, so they take up more space than their über thin disposable counterparts. That means they don't fit in those slim little pockets in the bag, so I'm forced to put the diapers in the large main compartment. We're pretty close to being finished with diapers anyway, thanks to elimination communication, so I usually only pack 1 spare diaper in case we're out somewhere without potty (or tree) access, but I remember when he was a newborn and would go through diapers a lot faster. Once I threw in diapers, wipes, and a burp cloth, there was absolutely no room for anything else inside the diaper bag. The Dash's flap doesn't stay closed. The "hook" part of the velcro is on the flap itself, so it sticks to anything poking out on top, like a diaper that also fastens with velcro, a blanket, or a sweater (eek!). The bag often falls over in the trunk of my car, and things roll out. The Dash's outer pockets close with velcro. It's nice that they close with *something*, but boy, am I tired of getting scratches on my hand from the "hook" part every time I stick my hand into one of the pockets. Skip Hop Expo: This is a clean, simple bag, taller than it is wide. It has 3 outer pockets: one covered with a flap (with a cell phone pocket inside), one uncovered, and the same shallow changing pad pocket on the back. The pros: The Expo unzips along the bottom edge, which expands to hold more stuff. Without expanding it, the bag is about the same size as the Skip Hop Duo. It's the same width as the Dash (13"), but a little taller (14", vs. the Dash's 11.5") and not as deep (Expo 3.5", Dash 4/5"). When expanded, the bottom of the Expo doubles to a whopping 7" deep, which is enough extra space for me to throw in more snacks, a change of clothes for my son, and a bottle of sunblock, and still have room for more of my own stuff, like a hat, camera, and an extra bottle of water. The Expo is made of the same materials as the Dash, and looks to be just as durable. The Expo also has the stroller conversion straps, as do all of the Skip Hop bags. The cons (or, why I returned it): I was hugely disappointed to see that the Expo does *not* zip closed. I thought it did (based on the pictures I saw before I bought it), but that's not the case. It closes with velcro, and each side has a zipper at the top, which opens to reveal a shallow pouch (one is deeper than the other). The Expo only has 2 outer pockets (not counting the large changing pad pocket on the back), both of which still close with velcro. The covered pocket is fine on the hand-scratch issue, since the velcro is on the flap and the outside of the pocket. My conclusions: They're both great bags. They're trim and clean and very well-made. They come in a wide variety of color options, none of which are flowery or cutesy. The two models are the same price, USD $64, which is a decent buy for a designer diaper bag. Some of those suckers can get pretty pricey, but Skip Hop has managed to combine quality workmanship with affordability. If you don't carry much in your diaper bag, the Dash would probably be fine for you (as would Skip Hop's $50 Duo). If you want a little more space, the Expo's a good choice. If, however, you're the kind of Mom who carries everything anybody might ever want or need, you're likely to find these bags' capacity to be too limited for you. If you don't have velcro issues like I apparently do, Skip Hop's family of diaper bags may meet your needs. If you aren't a fan of that scratchy, grabby stuff, stay away from Skip Hop...or plan to get out your scissors and snip away all the little squares in each of the many pockets. Or you could just wear gloves - but not knit gloves, because they'll get caught on the velcro, too. I'll hang onto my Dash until I find something with a nice zippered top. Any recommendations? Right now I'm thinking a regular old backpack is looking pretty good.]]> Make your own Sidewalk Chalk! tag:www.nannytomom.com,2007://2.32 2007-06-09T05:20:35Z 2007-06-09T06:37:38Z Here's something I can't wait to make with my 17-month-old son. He loves to draw, and I'm sure he would be very excited to draw all over the ground outside with chalk. Older kids can make the chalk themselves,... Julia Here's something I can't wait to make with my 17-month-old son. He loves to draw, and I'm sure he would be very excited to draw all over the ground outside with chalk. Older kids can make the chalk themselves, but my little guy will have to settle for just helping me tear the chalk out of the molds and decorating our sidewalks. Ingredients: - Plaster of Paris - Water - Food coloring or tempera paint (powdered tempera works best, but liquid is fine) Molds: - Paper cups - Egg cartons - Toilet paper tubes (taped closed on one end with duct tape) - Use silicone ice cube trays, candy molds, or mini muffin pans to make chalk in different shapes. (If you use molds that aren't flexible (like a metal muffin pan), line them first with wax paper or foil to help the chalk slide out more easily.) Directions: 1. Mix equal parts plaster of paris and water. 2. Add powdered tempera paint, liquid tempera paint, or food coloring until you get the color you want. 3. Pour the plaster mixture into molds, and let harden. (Don't pour any extra plaster down the drain. Let it dry and throw it away in the garbage.) 4. Peel away the mold and use your new chalk! Fun Variations: - Try swirling togther a few different colors of paint to make marbelized or rainbow chalk. - Add a bit of glitter to the plaster mixture to make sparkly chalk.]]> Gymboree's Crazy 8 stores to launch in August 2007 tag:www.nannytomom.com,2007://2.31 2007-06-02T05:58:10Z 2007-06-02T06:04:29Z I've learned a little bit more about Gymboree's plans for their new store concept, Crazy Eight, from their First Quarter 2007 Earnings Report. The company hasn't released too much more than I've already shared with you, but there are... Julia I've learned a little bit more about Gymboree's plans for their new store concept, Crazy Eight, from their First Quarter 2007 Earnings Report. The company hasn't released too much more than I've already shared with you, but there are a few new details:
  • Crazy 8 will launch in August 2007 with a minimum of 10 stores opening in 2007.
  • They will have a web presence with an e-commerce website.
  • Crazy 8 will have a larger boy selection than Gymboree.
  • The stores will be roughly 2,500 square feet.
  • Gymboree is employing a separate design team for Crazy 8.
Gymboree wants to reach every mom in America with their three different brands: Janie & Jack, their European-inspired boutique brand, Gymboree, their mid- to upper-end mix & match brand, and the new Crazy 8 brand, which will serve customers who want cool, wholesome, age-appropriate fashion for their children at a great price. The company insists that the targeted lower household income bracket is "not necessarily the focus" of Crazy 8, but that consumers, regardless of income, view kids' clothes as "disposable" and tend to spend less money on them. ]]> Snack tray ideas tag:www.nannytomom.com,2007://2.30 2007-05-31T00:25:12Z 2007-05-31T22:45:16Z Stuck in a food rut? Tired of trying to get more healthy snacks into your toddler? Try the snack tray! Find an inexpensive serving tray with separate compartments, or use something you already have - an ice cube tray... Julia Stuck in a food rut? Tired of trying to get more healthy snacks into your toddler? Try the snack tray! Find an inexpensive serving tray with separate compartments, or use something you already have - an ice cube tray or a muffin pan - and fill it with various healthy options for your kid to munch on throughout the day. Children love all the tiny little compartments, and when you fill each one of them with something different, it can really look nice. The photo above is of our silicone mini-muffin snack tray, filled with corn, peas, carrots, cheese, pickles, raisins, bread, black beans, crackers, strawberries, celery, and peaches. Sometimes we forget that our little ones need to eat frequently, especially if they're busy playing and don't think to stop and ask us for food until they're ravenous. Low blood sugar and hunger can make them particularly grumpy or whiny. If you're having one of those days, try filling up a snack tray and leaving it out to help tone down those behavior challenges. Make a larger snack tray for yourself while you're at it!]]> click here for a printable .pdf) on my refrigerator to help me when I can't think of what to serve. Fruits (frozen, dried, or raw): Apples Apricots Asian Pears Bananas Blackberries Blueberries Cantaloupe Cherries Craisins Dates Dried Fruit (without preservatives or sweeteners) Figs Fruit Leather Grapefruit Grapes Kiwi Mandarin Oranges Mangos Nectarines Oranges Peaches Pears Pineapple Plums Raisins Raspberries Strawberries Tangerines Trail Mix Vegetables (frozen, raw, steamed, canned, dried, or roasted): Asparagus Avocado Beets (careful, they stain!) Bell Peppers Broccoli Carrots Cauliflower Celery Corn Cucumber Edamame Green Beans Jicama Lima Beans Mushrooms Nori Olives Peas Pickles (you can get many kinds of pickled vegetables, not just cucumbers) Potatoes Snow Peas Spinach Sprouts Squash Sweet Potatoes Tomatoes Turnips Zucchini Protein: Almonds Beef Jerky Black Beans Cannellini Beans Cashews Cheese (cubed or sliced) Chicken (cubed or shredded) Chickpeas Deli meat (cubed or roll-ups) Eggs (hard boiled) Fish Sticks (preservative-free) Ham Hot Dogs (nitrate-free) Kidney Beans Peanuts Pinto Beans Pistachios Pumpkin Seeds Sunflower Seeds (shelled) Tofu (cubed) Trail Mix Carbs/Grains: Bread (whole-grain) Cereal (whole-grain) Cheerios Crackers (whole-grain) Graham Crackers Granola Granola Bars Homemade Muffins Pancakes Pasta (whole-grain, cooked) Pita Bread Popcorn (plain, air-popped) Pretzels (unsalted) Rice (cooked) Rice Cakes Tortellini (cooked) Tortillas Tortilla Chips Waffles Dips: Applesauce Honey Hummus Jam Ketchup Maple Syrup Molasses Nut Butter Pasta Sauce Peanut Butter Salad Dressing Salsa Yogurt Tray ideas: Ice Cube Trays Muffin Pans (Metal or Silicone) Serving Trays (You can find a variety of different trays at stores like Target.)]]> Summer sun protection tag:www.nannytomom.com,2007://2.29 2007-05-23T19:52:51Z 2007-05-23T20:01:06Z Did you know that getting just one bad sunburn as a child can double the risk of getting skin cancer later in life? Here are the top 5 ways to keep your kids safe in the summer sun: Try... Julia Did you know that getting just one bad sunburn as a child can double the risk of getting skin cancer later in life? Here are the top 5 ways to keep your kids safe in the summer sun:
  1. Try to find shady places to play when the sun is strongest (10a to 4p). Keep young babies (under 6 months) in the shade as much as possible.
  2. Cover up with UV-protective swimwear. They're increasingly common these days, and you can find "rash guards" or sun shirts sold at popular stores like Target and Old Navy. You can also get plenty of sun protective swimwear for kids and adults of all ages online from sites like Solartex and Sand Pail Kids.
  3. Slather plenty of sunblock (SPF 30 or higher) on all exposed skin (for children over 6 months of age). Most people use too little sunblock, so really slop it on! Reapply it frequently - after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying. Look for a non-chemical sunblock like the ones made by California Baby.
  4. Put on a sun hat with a nice wide brim that will shade their face, ears, neck, and shoulders.
  5. Don't forget their little eyes! Sun exposure can do damage to eyes and lead to cataracts later in life, so find some UV-blocking sunglasses for your kids. Even the littlest babies can wear fun shades like the ones made by Baby Banz.
Above all, set a good example. Most parents protect their children from the sun, but fail to protect their own skin. Wear your sunglasses, hats, and sunblock, and have fun playing outside with your kiddos this summer. ]]> Gymboree to open new store concept: "Crazy Eight" tag:www.nannytomom.com,2007://2.28 2007-05-15T19:10:36Z 2007-05-15T19:22:42Z The idea mirrors what Old Navy is to Gap and Banana Republic: a lower-end children's apparel store targeted at customers with a smaller household income than those who shop at Gymboree and Janie & Jack. Set to launch in... Julia The idea mirrors what Old Navy is to Gap and Banana Republic: a lower-end children's apparel store targeted at customers with a smaller household income than those who shop at Gymboree and Janie & Jack. Set to launch in the second half of 2007, Gymboree plans to open at least 10 Crazy Eight retail stores in 3-4 test markets across the country. These stores will be found in traditional malls, more upscale "lifestyle centers", and other venues. The stores will be similar in size to the Gymboree Outlet stores, and will showcase a broader range of sizes, with clothing and accessories for newborns up through size 14. The concept behind the name "Crazy Eight" is that children and their families are crazy eight days a week, from the time they wake up in the morning and hurry off to school, rush to sports activities, and visit with friends and relatives, until they fall into bed at night. Kids are going nonstop from 8am to 8pm, and Gymboree wants to clothe and accessorize them the whole time.]]> Wal-Mart baby bib recall tag:www.nannytomom.com,2007://2.27 2007-05-10T19:59:44Z 2007-05-10T20:18:37Z After legal action was taken against Wal-Mart, the mega-corporation has recalled its vinyl and vinyl-backed baby bibs, which have been found to contain high levels of lead. The amount of lead found in these bibs not only exceeds the... Julia After legal action was taken against Wal-Mart, the mega-corporation has recalled its vinyl and vinyl-backed baby bibs, which have been found to contain high levels of lead. The amount of lead found in these bibs not only exceeds the lead levels permitted in children's products, it is over 16 times higher than the amount of lead allowed in paint. The Baby Connection brand vinyl bibs were sold at Wal-Mart stores across the United States as far back as 2004. They came in packs of 2 or 7 bibs. If you have these bibs, stop using them immediately and contact your local Wal-Mart to see if you are eligible for a refund. Here is a description of the bibs from Wal-Mart's product recalls page:
Name of products:
Baby Connection 2-Pack Easy Wipe Bibs (UPC No. 01468152705)
Baby Connection 7-Pack Feeder Bibs (UPC No. 01468151077)
Baby Connection 2-Pack Feeder Bibs (UPC No. 01468102732)
Description:
The Baby Connection 2-Pack Easy Wipe Bibs contain two bibs per unit, each with a textile back, laminated with clear plastic front and having a clear plastic pocket at the bottom of the front of the bib.  The textile backing, visible through the clear plastic lamination, is imprinted with multiple patterns and colors.  The Baby Connection 7-Pack Feeder Bibs contains seven bibs per unit, each with a textile terry cloth front, and white plastic sewn to the back.   The textile terry cloth front comes in multiple colors with multiple embroidered prints. The Baby Connection 2-Pack Feeder Bibs contains 2 bibs per unit, each with a textile terry cloth front, and white plastic sewn to the back.  The textile terry cloth front comes in multiple colors with multiple prints of various Sesame Street characters like Big Bird, Elmo & Cookie Monster.
More information about the recall can be found at the Center for Environmental Health.]]>