UrbanMommies » Shopping for the wee one http://www.urbanmommies.com Your Online Baby Resource Fri, 30 Jul 2010 13:10:24 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8 en hourly 1 White Lake Organics Bickies http://www.urbanmommies.com/the-baby/hungry-baby/white-lake-organics-bickies/ http://www.urbanmommies.com/the-baby/hungry-baby/white-lake-organics-bickies/#comments Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:27:00 +0000 Jill http://www.urbanmommies.com/?p=7924 Yum. Chocolate with zucchini? (chocoZini Bickies).. Banana snacks that resemble cookies? (banaBickies) Cranberry (cranaBickies), and now even Parmesan (parmaBickies)... These White Lake Organics snacks are to die for.  And the names are super cute.  Currently available in health-savvy stores across British Columbia and Alberta, they are a perfect treat for the little ones.  The right amount of crunch, and the kids will never guess that they are healthy too. www.whitelakeorganics.com]]> Bickies+026Yum. Chocolate with zucchini? (chocoZini Bickies).. Banana snacks that resemble cookies? (banaBickies) Cranberry (cranaBickies), and now even Parmesan (parmaBickies)… These White Lake Organics snacks are to die for.  And the names are super cute.  Currently available in health-savvy stores across British Columbia and Alberta, they are a perfect treat for the little ones.  The right amount of crunch, and the kids will never guess that they are healthy too. www.whitelakeorganics.com

]]> http://www.urbanmommies.com/the-baby/hungry-baby/white-lake-organics-bickies/feed/ 0 Ever Bamboo http://www.urbanmommies.com/the-goods/shopping-for-the-wee-one/ever-bamboo/ http://www.urbanmommies.com/the-goods/shopping-for-the-wee-one/ever-bamboo/#comments Mon, 10 May 2010 22:14:15 +0000 Jill http://www.urbanmommies.com/?p=7620 Purify.  Detox.  Buzzwords?  Maybe.  But these charcoal bamboo diaper pail deodorizers, air fresheners, soap and bath/spa packs really work.  (And the black and white packaging is super-chic, not that we care.  Much.)  Each in their own bag, you drop them into the area which most needs freshening or dehumidifying, and the bamboo charcoal inside goes to work.  Gym bag odour begone.  Kids shoes?  Bye bye.  Hockey bag.  Ok.  Enough.  You get the picture.  Available at www.everbamboo.com.]]> img-mini-deoPurify.  Detox.  Buzzwords?  Maybe.  But these charcoal bamboo diaper pail deodorizers, air fresheners, soap and bath/spa packs really work.  (And the black and white packaging is super-chic, not that we care.  Much.)  Each in their own bag, you drop them into the area which most needs freshening or dehumidifying, and the bamboo charcoal inside goes to work.  Gym bag odour begone.  Kids shoes?  Bye bye.  Hockey bag.  Ok.  Enough.  You get the picture.  Available at www.everbamboo.com.

]]> http://www.urbanmommies.com/the-goods/shopping-for-the-wee-one/ever-bamboo/feed/ 0 Little Star Handmade Books http://www.urbanmommies.com/the-goods/shopping-for-the-wee-one/little-star-handmade-books/ http://www.urbanmommies.com/the-goods/shopping-for-the-wee-one/little-star-handmade-books/#comments Mon, 10 May 2010 22:04:16 +0000 Jill http://www.urbanmommies.com/?p=7609 Elaine Muldrew’s handcrafted books make the perfect heirloom baby gift.  If you have Kleenex. The ribbon-bound keepsake describes the search of one Little Star for its own Earth Child.  The premise is that each child has its own special star, and at the end of the delightful bedtime story the new baby is introduced to his or her own star.  "Hello Little Star", said the Earth Child.  "My name is..." The absence of personal pronouns makes it appropriate for either gender, and the personal naming at the end helps babies and parents alike become familiar with the musical sound of their name.  So if you're looking to give the most cherished gift,...]]> little+star+collage+jpgElaine Muldrew’s handcrafted books make the perfect heirloom baby gift.  If you have Kleenex. The ribbon-bound keepsake describes the search of one Little Star for its own Earth Child.  The premise is that each child has its own special star, and at the end of the delightful bedtime story the new baby is introduced to his or her own star. 

“Hello Little Star”, said the Earth Child.  “My name is…”

The absence of personal pronouns makes it appropriate for either gender, and the personal naming at the end helps babies and parents alike become familiar with the musical sound of their name.  So if you’re looking to give the most cherished gift, and have an interest in our universe and the connections of us all within it, well.. look no further.  There are a limited number printed, so be the first in line.

In the Vancouver area, Little Star is available at:
Isola Bella in Kerrisdale
Blackberry Books on Granville Island
tartooful in Edgemont Village
Utopia Gifts on Lonsdale
Favourite in Lonsdale Quay
Firestar in Horseshoe Bay
Vancouver Public Library downtown in their gift store, Bookmark
Courtney  (Vancouver Island) at Firefly
Hornby Island at 32 Books.

Alternatively, for Canada wide shipping, please contact buildabookmedia@gmail.com.

]]> http://www.urbanmommies.com/the-goods/shopping-for-the-wee-one/little-star-handmade-books/feed/ 0 Dressing Your Boys http://www.urbanmommies.com/the-goods/shopping-for-the-wee-one/dressing-your-boys/ http://www.urbanmommies.com/the-goods/shopping-for-the-wee-one/dressing-your-boys/#comments Tue, 06 Apr 2010 03:39:00 +0000 Jill http://www.urbanmommies.com/?p=5526 Some boys will only wear ‘Athletic Clothing’.  Stripes, logos, numbers.  Hmmm.  Not always a stylish choice for boyswear.  Why not have a rule, shall we, that sports clothes are for, well, playing sports, and cool, cute, hip clothes are for going out in public without a ball/racquet/bat in hand.  I’ve never understood the hockey jersey thing (especially for grown men and women.)  Why would you wear a boxy jersey bearing a professional hockey player’s name on the back?  Your own name, ok...  Same opinion for little boys' sporting attire.  If you earned it by playing a season of T-Ball, sure.  But to put Walmart’s logo and year...]]> boys sports clothesSome boys will only wear ‘Athletic Clothing’.  Stripes, logos, numbers.  Hmmm.  Not always a stylish choice for boyswear.  Why not have a rule, shall we, that sports clothes are for, well, playing sports, and cool, cute, hip clothes are for going out in public without a ball/racquet/bat in hand.  I’ve never understood the hockey jersey thing (especially for grown men and women.)  Why would you wear a boxy jersey bearing a professional hockey player’s name on the back?  Your own name, ok…  Same opinion for little boys’ sporting attire.  If you earned it by playing a season of T-Ball, sure.  But to put Walmart’s logo and year of inception on his back because you think your kid looks athletic?  No.

(Are they paying you to promote them BTW?  Because we have a bunch of UrbanMommies shirts we’d love to give away if you’re into free advertising.)  So what is a parent to do?  Check out the alternatives.  Hard to find?  Yes.  But it can be done. 

Our secret list of great clothing for boys:

Redfish Kids Clothing
Agoo
Peekaboo Beans
Knuckleheads
Joules
Jacadi
Bonpoint
Strasburg
Pom D’Api
Lonvig
Joe Fresh Style

Any other suggestions for cute boy’s clothes are always appreciated.  But no numbers or stripes, please.

- Jill Amery is feeling rather artistic today.  (Sorry Team Canada).

Photo: Ralph Lauren

]]> http://www.urbanmommies.com/the-goods/shopping-for-the-wee-one/dressing-your-boys/feed/ 3 Lalabee Bathworks http://www.urbanmommies.com/the-goods/shopping-for-the-wee-one/lalabee-bathworks/ http://www.urbanmommies.com/the-goods/shopping-for-the-wee-one/lalabee-bathworks/#comments Sun, 14 Mar 2010 06:24:26 +0000 Jill http://www.urbanmommies.com/?p=7108 As I was smearing this on the little one’s soft skin, it occurred to me that the word ‘butter’ could be misleading.  This gorgeous certified organic product is not greasy or oily, but soaks into skin making it soft and luminescent.  Lalabee offers a whole line of Mom and Baby products available across Canada, and each beautifully packaged treat is handcrafted in British Columbia.  Unscented, organic and not tested on animals, either.  Hmmm.  Silk lotion?  Smoothing balm?  Moisture-inserter?  Oh well, butter it is I guess.  But you will definitely believe it’s not butter.  www.lalabeebathworks.com]]> baby butterAs I was smearing this on the little one’s soft skin, it occurred to me that the word ‘butter’ could be misleading.  This gorgeous certified organic product is not greasy or oily, but soaks into skin making it soft and luminescent.  Lalabee offers a whole line of Mom and Baby products available across Canada, and each beautifully packaged treat is handcrafted in British Columbia.  Unscented, organic and not tested on animals, either.  Hmmm.  Silk lotion?  Smoothing balm?  Moisture-inserter?  Oh well, butter it is I guess.  But you will definitely believe it’s not butter.  www.lalabeebathworks.com

]]> http://www.urbanmommies.com/the-goods/shopping-for-the-wee-one/lalabee-bathworks/feed/ 0 Tot I.D. Wristband http://www.urbanmommies.com/the-baby/safe-baby/tot-i-d-wristband/ http://www.urbanmommies.com/the-baby/safe-baby/tot-i-d-wristband/#comments Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:03:02 +0000 Jill http://www.urbanmommies.com/?p=6868 So cool.  Channel the Livestrong Bracelet and avoid lost children. This funky yellow wristband gives parents of active kids a bit more peace of mind.  You can write a name and phone number on the inside face of the bracelet (it can’t be seen by strangers without the removal of the band) and your child can always be identified if lost.  www.childishnotions.com]]> Lost ChildSo cool.  Channel the Livestrong Bracelet and avoid lost children. This funky yellow wristband gives parents of active kids a bit more peace of mind.  You can write a name and phone number on the inside face of the bracelet (it can’t be seen by strangers without the removal of the band) and your child can always be identified if lost.  www.childishnotions.com

]]> http://www.urbanmommies.com/the-baby/safe-baby/tot-i-d-wristband/feed/ 0 What Your Baby Needs: Registry and Checklist http://www.urbanmommies.com/the-belly/third-trimester/what-your-baby-needs-registry-and-checklist/ http://www.urbanmommies.com/the-belly/third-trimester/what-your-baby-needs-registry-and-checklist/#comments Sat, 02 Jan 2010 16:37:31 +0000 admin http://www.urbanmommies.com/what-your-baby-needs-registry-and-checklist/ With the soon to be arrival of your baby, there are so many things that you need to start preparing for.  Walking into a baby store for the first time can be a little overwhelming trying to decipher what you really need vs. all the cute stuff that you may want or even wonder what it is or what it does. The below checklist is as a guideline to help you think about what you need for the arrival of your new baby.  All stores and registries say you will need all of the below, but ultimately what you need depends on how much space you have,...]]> Baby registry and checklistWith the soon to be arrival of your baby, there are so many things that you need to start preparing for.  Walking into a baby store for the first time can be a little overwhelming trying to decipher what you really need vs. all the cute stuff that you may want or even wonder what it is or what it does.

The below checklist is as a guideline to help you think about what you need for the arrival of your new baby.  All stores and registries say you will need all of the below, but ultimately what you need depends on how much space you have, and how much money you want to spend.  Newborns grow so fast and may not take to some of the gadgets and gear you have purchased.  If you can borrow some of the items from friends to test out or use for those few short weeks that your baby is interested in it, I highly recommend it.

Furniture
Bassinet
Crib
Crib mattress
Crib bedding set
Waterproof crib pads
Blankets
Change table
Dresser
Glider or Rocking chair
Highchair

Room Décor
Mobile for the crib
Monitors
Lamp or dimmer
Night light
Wall décor (wall stickers, pictures, etc.)

Layette
Receiving blankets (6 or more)
Lap pads or burp cloths
Swaddling blanket
Undershirts kimono style (6 or more)
Onesies (snap at crotch, 6 or more)
Hats
Socks
Sleep sack
Sleepers
All in one sleepers
Booties/shoes
Baby detergent

Out and About
Stroller
Car seat
Infant carrier
Stroller blanket
Rain cover
Sun cover
Diaper bag
Baby Carrier

Playtime
Plack and Play
Swing
Bouncy chair
Doorway jumper
Gymini/Activity mat
Books
Plush toys
Rattle
Crib toys
Bumbo seat

Diaper Station
Disposable diapers and/or cloth diapers
Waterproof pants (for cloth diapers)
Changing pad
Changing pad covers (1-2)
Baby wipes
Baby cream (diaper rash)
Baby lotion
Diaper pail

Feeding (bottle)
Bibs (6 or more)
Bottles 4oz (2-4)
Bottles 8oz (4-6)
Nipples
Bottle brush
Nipple brush
Bottle warmer
Sterilizer kit
Nursing pillow

Feeding (breast)
Breastpump
Nursing pads
Bottles 4oz (2-4)
Lily Padz
Bibs (4 or more)
Nursing pillow
Lanolin nipple cream

Bathtime and safety
Bathtub
Bath thermometer
Washcloths (4-8)
Hooded towels (2-4)
Bath toys
Baby shampoo and bubbles
Brush and comb
Nasal aspirator
Thermometer
Nail clippers
Safety scissors
Cabinet locks
Vaporizer

]]> http://www.urbanmommies.com/the-belly/third-trimester/what-your-baby-needs-registry-and-checklist/feed/ 0 Registering for a Baby Shower http://www.urbanmommies.com/the-belly/third-trimester/baby-showers/ http://www.urbanmommies.com/the-belly/third-trimester/baby-showers/#comments Fri, 01 Jan 2010 09:29:31 +0000 admin http://www.urbanmommies.com/shopping/baby-showers/ Q. Is it acceptable to register for my baby shower? A. Not only is it acceptable but it is also encouraged. Registering helps your family and friends make sure that they are purchasing what you need. It's safe to say the last thing you want to deal with after you've had your baby is to drive all over your city exchanging your gifts because you've received 4 ear thermometers.  Register for everything that you want and need, even the big items.   It is very common for guests to go in as a group on a present. Shopping online is an easy way for others to get presents.  See our Little Black Book for online shopping...]]> Q. Is it acceptable to register for my baby shower?

A. Not only is it acceptable but it is also encouraged. Registering helps your family and friends make sure that they are purchasing what you need. It’s safe to say the last thing you want to deal with after you’ve had your baby is to drive all over your city exchanging your gifts because you’ve received 4 ear thermometers.  Register for everything that you want and need, even the big items.   It is very common for guests to go in as a group on a present.

Shopping online is an easy way for others to get presents.  See our Little Black Book for online shopping options.

]]> http://www.urbanmommies.com/the-belly/third-trimester/baby-showers/feed/ 0 Melissa and Doug Joey Magnetic Playset http://www.urbanmommies.com/the-goods/shopping-for-the-wee-one/melissa-and-doug-joey-magnetic-playset/ http://www.urbanmommies.com/the-goods/shopping-for-the-wee-one/melissa-and-doug-joey-magnetic-playset/#comments Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:19:05 +0000 Jill http://www.urbanmommies.com/?p=6195 Our testers have tried this one, and it is the most fabulous toy for toddlers and preschoolers.  Outfits make a little boy named 'Joey'  into a fireman, policeman, superhero, pirate or knight, and the magnetic clothing sticks incredibly well.  Did we mention that it is wooden?  And includes a super heavy-duty stand?  Creativity abounds, and you might just end up with a little fashion designer.  Next?  A sewing machine.  www.melissaanddoug.com]]> JoeyOur testers have tried this one, and it is the most fabulous toy for toddlers and preschoolers.  Outfits make a little boy named ‘Joey’  into a fireman, policeman, superhero, pirate or knight, and the magnetic clothing sticks incredibly well.  Did we mention that it is wooden?  And includes a super heavy-duty stand?  Creativity abounds, and you might just end up with a little fashion designer.  Next?  A sewing machine.  www.melissaanddoug.com

]]> http://www.urbanmommies.com/the-goods/shopping-for-the-wee-one/melissa-and-doug-joey-magnetic-playset/feed/ 0 Making Technology Work for You http://www.urbanmommies.com/the-goods/shopping-for-the-wee-one/making-technology-work-for-you/ http://www.urbanmommies.com/the-goods/shopping-for-the-wee-one/making-technology-work-for-you/#comments Tue, 01 Dec 2009 05:24:15 +0000 Jill http://www.urbanmommies.com/?p=5909 Bluetooth.  Twitter.  Blackberry.  Ipod. SMS. GPS.  IM.  Help!!  As a parent it is pretty hard to keep track.  On a recent visit with some Torontonians, I realized that even I was out of touch.  Technology can intimidate me, but it should exist to make our lives easier.  So get out the PVR manual, create a Twitter handle and use technology to your advantage.  We need all the extra time we can get, and sometimes a text or an email received on a wireless device can decrease stress in our hectic lives.  Here are some ideas:
  1. Sign up for iGoogle, and subscribe to SMS feeds for the news,...]]> Technology use for parentsBluetooth.  Twitter.  Blackberry.  Ipod. SMS. GPS.  IM.  Help!!  As a parent it is pretty hard to keep track.  On a recent visit with some Torontonians, I realized that even I was out of touch.  Technology can intimidate me, but it should exist to make our lives easier.  So get out the PVR manual, create a Twitter handle and use technology to your advantage.  We need all the extra time we can get, and sometimes a text or an email received on a wireless device can decrease stress in our hectic lives.  Here are some ideas:

    1. Sign up for iGoogle, and subscribe to SMS feeds for the news, blogs you like (UrbanMommies, perhaps?), and the weather.  If you make it your homepage you see your world at a glance each time your computer boots.  As a busy mom, I certainly find it hard to read the paper or watch the news.
    2. If there are topics you have tons of interest in, you can sign up for Google alerts – so that you are always up to date on the latest breastfeeding research or news from Dr. Sears.
    3. Phones are expensive, but if you’re like me, you are never far away from it.  Make sure your phone’s features work for you.  Evaluate your needs – photos, music, texting, email, internet, or, well, phoning.  My husband feels like he’s talking into a calculator while using his Blackberry, but I couldn’t live without mine, as text and email are crucial.
    4. GPS.  They have come down in price, and they will find the nearest pizza joint or playgroup, as well as getting you un-lost.  Ah-hem.
    5. PVR.  No more rushing to the store for another Dora video.  Program your PVR to record them all (and for you?  You no longer have to make sure the kids are actually asleep during Grey’s Anatomy).  No more lost DVDs or old VCR tapes to worry about either – congratulations – you’re saving the environment.
    6. Applications:  if you are lucky enough to have a Blackberry or an Iphone, get informed.  Hundreds of cool applications are available – many of them free – that will help you get organized (and keep you going when you’re waiting for your H1N1 vaccine).  See our articles on Ovulation predictor tools and household cleaners.
    7. Get off the phone in the car.  And if you can’t, get a Bluetooth.  This is a wireless earpiece that allows you to talk hands-free.  And makes you look like you work at the GAP.
    8. Podcasts.  The news, the latest CBC Radio 1 thing.  Make every moment count.  You don’t get many.
    9. ipods:  If you get the video one you can download Barney and avoid having to lug a DVD player on the airplane.
    10. Disorganized?  Google has a free calendar feature that you can access from your phone.  You can send yourself reminders, and other people – like your nanny or your husband – can check your schedule and add their own profiles too.

    Jill Amery is starting to get hooked on technology.

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