nannytomom.com http://www.nannytomom.com/ en Copyright 2007 Thu, 06 Dec 2007 12:12:25 -0600 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss The First Years Newborn-to-Toddler Reclining Feeding Seats recalled 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.]]> http://www.nannytomom.com/recalls/the-first-years-newborntotoddl-1.php http://www.nannytomom.com/recalls/the-first-years-newborntotoddl-1.php Recalls Thu, 06 Dec 2007 12:12:25 -0600 Book Review: Love You Forever 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.]]> http://www.nannytomom.com/reviews/book-review-love-you-forever.php http://www.nannytomom.com/reviews/book-review-love-you-forever.php Reviews Sun, 11 Nov 2007 14:50:12 -0600 Non-candy Halloween treats 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. ]]> http://www.nannytomom.com/celebrations/noncandy-halloween-treats.php http://www.nannytomom.com/celebrations/noncandy-halloween-treats.php Celebrations Sun, 28 Oct 2007 23:41:29 -0600 China agrees to stop using lead paint on toys 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.]]> http://www.nannytomom.com/recalls/china-agrees-to-stop-using-lea.php http://www.nannytomom.com/recalls/china-agrees-to-stop-using-lea.php Health / Safety Products Recalls Tue, 11 Sep 2007 11:11:21 -0600 Crazy8.com has launched 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.]]> http://www.nannytomom.com/products/crazy8com-has-launched.php http://www.nannytomom.com/products/crazy8com-has-launched.php Products Thu, 30 Aug 2007 09:45:01 -0600 The danger of "black henna" 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. ]]> http://www.nannytomom.com/health-safety/the-danger-of-black-henna.php http://www.nannytomom.com/health-safety/the-danger-of-black-henna.php Health / Safety Wed, 04 Jul 2007 23:58:10 -0600 Veggie Booty snacks recalled due to potential Salmonella contamination 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]]> http://www.nannytomom.com/recalls/veggie-booty-snacks-recalled-d.php http://www.nannytomom.com/recalls/veggie-booty-snacks-recalled-d.php Feeding / Nutrition Health / Safety Recalls Thu, 28 Jun 2007 18:52:05 -0600 Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Toys recalled 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. ]]> http://www.nannytomom.com/recalls/thomas-friends-wooden-railway.php http://www.nannytomom.com/recalls/thomas-friends-wooden-railway.php Recalls Thu, 21 Jun 2007 22:32:47 -0600 Product Review: Skip Hop Dash and Expo diaper bags 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:]]> http://www.nannytomom.com/reviews/product-review-skip-hop-dash-a.php http://www.nannytomom.com/reviews/product-review-skip-hop-dash-a.php Products Reviews Thu, 14 Jun 2007 14:56:17 -0600 Make your own Sidewalk Chalk! 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.]]> http://www.nannytomom.com/activities/make-your-own-sidewalk-chalk.php http://www.nannytomom.com/activities/make-your-own-sidewalk-chalk.php Activities Fri, 08 Jun 2007 23:20:35 -0600 Gymboree's Crazy 8 stores to launch in August 2007 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. ]]> http://www.nannytomom.com/products/gymborees-crazy-8-stores-to-la.php http://www.nannytomom.com/products/gymborees-crazy-8-stores-to-la.php Products Fri, 01 Jun 2007 23:58:10 -0600 Snack tray ideas 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!]]> http://www.nannytomom.com/feeding-nutrition/snack-tray-ideas.php http://www.nannytomom.com/feeding-nutrition/snack-tray-ideas.php Feeding / Nutrition Wed, 30 May 2007 18:25:12 -0600 Summer sun protection 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. ]]> http://www.nannytomom.com/health-safety/summer-sun-protection.php http://www.nannytomom.com/health-safety/summer-sun-protection.php Health / Safety Wed, 23 May 2007 13:52:51 -0600 Gymboree to open new store concept: "Crazy Eight" 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.]]> http://www.nannytomom.com/products/gymboree-to-open-new-store-con.php http://www.nannytomom.com/products/gymboree-to-open-new-store-con.php Products Tue, 15 May 2007 13:10:36 -0600 Wal-Mart baby bib recall 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.]]> http://www.nannytomom.com/recalls/walmart-baby-bib-recall.php http://www.nannytomom.com/recalls/walmart-baby-bib-recall.php Recalls Thu, 10 May 2007 13:59:44 -0600