droolicious : parenting

NoThrow Giveaway: 'Cuz Kids Love To Throw Things!

Cathy Hale — Mon, 11 May 2009 19:00:00 GMT

I'm sure you enjoy a good game of I'm-gonna-throw-this-sippy-cup-on-the-floor-and-you're-gonna pick-it-up as much as the next mommy. At some point, it gets old. Not to mention nobody wants their kidlets sipping on a bunch of yucky germs from the ground. Want a solution?

If you haven't heard of NoThrow, here's your chance to give it a test drive for free! The innovative mommies behind the NoThrow products are doing a giveaway for Droolicious readers. Two lucky folks will get a free NoThrow! Just send your name and mailing address to babblecontest@gmail.com. Winners will be chosen at random on Monday, May 18, 2009. Good luck!

Learn more about NoThrow here!

Arguably The Best Baby Wipes

Cathy Hale — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:00:00 GMT

It's one of those things you don't think about until you become a parent - baby wipes. As soon as that first poopy diaper appears, you begin to realize just how important sturdy, reliable, non-irritating wipes can be! Did I mention sturdy...

I've tried all of them and none can compare to Member's Mark Moist Wipes from Sam's Club. They are thicker and bigger than most wipes and come in a handy pop-up pack. You can buy a box of them - like nine 80-count packs - for about $14. They contain a mild cleanser that is fragrance-free, alcohol-free and hypoallergenic. If you've tried them, do you agree? If not, which wipes would you recommend?

Laminated Diaper Bag AKA Your New Best Friend

Cathy Hale — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 02:00:00 GMT

Diaper bags have to endure quite a bit of abuse. They get tossed in the car, the trunk, the stroller, on the floor, etc. After a few months of wear and tear, it can easily look shabby. That's why I really like laminated diaper bags, like this Buckle Diaper Bag by Kalencom. The colors and patterns are fun, yet stylish, and it's so easy to clean. The bag is roomy with lots of pockets and compartments for everything you need to carry. Check it out at BabyEarth. Retails for $70.

Wishjack? Drinkle? Snoot?

Cathy Hale — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:00:00 GMT

"Wishjack" is defined as the act of blowing out the candles on another kid's birthday cake.

"Drinkle" can be defined as the liquid burst emitted when a toddler grips his juicebox to tightly.

Life as a parent is complicated. Thanks to the hilarious KidDictionary by Eric Ruhalter, it just got easier. Ruhalter has defined some of those oddities we all encounter as parents. He has written the ultimate book of words we've needed, but haven't had. You can read more about the author and add this fun read to your library for $12 here. A great gift for new parents! After all, wouldn't we all like to talk gooder?

Parent Humor: Pathetic Broken Heart Dolls

Cathy Hale — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 15:00:00 GMT

Meet Chrissie. The tatoo of a bleeding skull on her backside might not have been a great idea after all. Ah, spring break memories. This Valentine's Day, treat your spouse to something different - a plush Broken Heart Doll. Each one has a ~~hilarious~~ depressing story to share. The "Fun Facts" might just be the best part. I'm really loving these things! Grab a little sad and let the sunshine in. Shop here.

Naptime Is The New Happy Hour

Lisa Mulcahy — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 23:32:00 GMT

The title says it all, Naptime is the New Happy Hour. In fact I’m enjoying “happy hour” right now as I write this. When your loving little infant gets to be a rambunctious toddler you will appreciate naptime more than ever. But naps aside, this book tackles all the nitty gritty you need to know about managing life with a toddler in tow. And just in case you’re not at the toddler stage yet Stefanie Wilder-Taylor’s preceding book, Sippy Cups Are Not for Chardonnay, offers honest advice for the first year. Happy reading!

$10.94 on Amazon.

10 Baby Gifts UNDER $10

Cathy Hale — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 23:30:00 GMT

Just in time for holiday shopping, BabyEarth unveiled a new "Under $10" gift category. There are lots of cute items to choose from, including plenty of organic and eco-friendly products. After much deliberation, here's my list of Top 10 Baby Gifts Under $10. Enjoy!

$8.00 - Organic Bear Teether by Under the Nile Organics

$6.00 - Boon No-Spill Sippy Cup

$9.00 - Roller with Sounds by Plan Toys

$9.95 - Green to Grow Bottle - 5 Oz.

$5.95 - "I do all my own stunts" Message Onesie

$7.50 - Baby Einstein Discover & Play Teether Book

$9.95 - The Oh-So-Famous WubbaNub Infant Pacifier

$8.95 - Organic Wash Cloths (set of three) by Bumkins

$9.00 - Mudpuppy Photo Album

$8.95 - HuggaCub Security Blanket

Yes, We Can: Positive Thinking for Kids

Meredith Broussard — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:05:00 GMT

When I was a kid, my mom had a little needlepoint sign next to the kitchen telephone that read, "Call your mother. She worries." Now that I have a kid, I understand why she worried. But in today's anxious world, kids sometimes get too many messages about worry and negativity. To counter the effects, pick up a copy of Freeing Your Child from Negative Thinking: Powerful, Practical Strategies to Build a Lifetime of Resilience, Flexibility and Happiness, by psychologist Tamar Chansky, Ph.D.

The book takes on the often messy, typically heart-wrenching, and at times utterly frustrating issue of seeing a child struggle when his thinking style supersizes ordinary obstacles into impossible, insurmountable problems.

Chansky, an expert in children's OCD and anxiety, gives detailed instructions on how to talk a child through his negative thoughts; how to listen (and empathize with) his negative emotions; and how to help him out of the negative maze so that he can competently find happiness. In the process, parents may learn to untangle their own negative thinking, be good teachers, and perhaps feel better themselves.

Other books in the series include Freeing Your Child from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Freeing Your Child From Anxiety.

Freeing Your Child from Negative Thinking: Powerful, Practical Strategies to Build a Lifetime of Resilience, Flexibility and Happiness, $10.85 at Amazon.

Do You Have an Honest Baby?

elizabeth leach — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:00:00 GMT

Nobody is perfect. That's the principle of Honest Baby, a website founded by a mom who was frustrated by the pressures of being a perfect parent. Honest Baby's store sells t-shirts with funny sayings which gently remind us to have a sense of humor about all our imperfections.

Honest Baby is also a parenting website with articles, links, and a place to submit your personal parenting stories. Their motto: "Celebrating the imperfect journey of parenting".

Shop Honest Baby here.