Monthly Archives: February 2012

Feb
29

Maclaren USA to File Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

The Norwalk, CT umbrella stroller company, Maclaren USA, has “quietly” filed for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. This type of bankruptcy ends with a liquidation of all products and concludes any reorganization of the particular business. In fact, no one has heard of, or is even willing to share what they do know about Maclaren USA filing for Chapter 7. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has insight of the bankruptcy but very little at that.

The company has less than $60,000 to its name. The downward spiral began in 2009 when nearly one million folding strollers from Maclaren were recalled due to the folding mechanism. Reports poured in of parents who were frantic over baby’s fingers being amputated.

Is the recent leak of Maclaren USA’s Bankruptcy an effect of the mass recall of 2009 or is it strictly because of the lawsuits the company is currently facing?

Feb
29

BABYBJÖRN High Chair

BABYBJÖRN believes that parents should not have to waste money buying massive amounts of baby products, but rather a few that will give them the best bang for their buck. The company’s products aim to be the best and safest on the market and with innovative developments to the BABYBJÖRN product line, they are well on their way.

The BABYBJÖRN High Chair is the ideal first high chair for children who have the ability to sit on their own which can be anywhere from five months to three years. When folded, the BABYBJÖRN High Chair measures in at 10-inches wide, saving space and hassle.

Eat a lot and be safe, too! The well conceived design with a unique safety solution guarantees that your child is securely seated throughout mealtime. But that’s not all that the BABYBJÖRN High Chair features; a foldable and lockable safety table keeps your child firmly in place, preventing him or her from standing up or resting their feet on the tray so that the high chair tips backwards.

The ergonomic and encircling design of this chair allows very young children who can barely sit up on their own, comfortable and upright positioning. Believe it or not, the chair was designed with more than just baby in mind.

Parents will love this high chair by BABYBJÖRN because it wipes down easily and keeps baby clean throughout mealtime. The smooth surface, free of nooks and crannies, features a detachable, dishwasher-safe tray. To further minimize mess, the safety table fits snug against your child’s tummy and helps prevent food from falling into his or her lap.

Feb
27

Is there an analogy between the environment and your child’s allergy?

There is a clear cut line between a healthy living environment and one that can be detrimental to the health of your child. Focusing on healthy fetal development can make for a clean slate later in your child’s life, reducing risks of cancers and other life-threatening ailments.

Though this may seem like common knowledge to some, many parents are not aware of the damage that can be caused during the fetal development stage of pregnancy. In as early as the third week, the babies heart begins to beat with his/her own blood, often different than the mothers. By the end of this week, a spinal column and nervous system are forming and the liver and kidneys begin to take shape.

While it will be beneficial to be observant of air quality, it is equally as important to monitor the intake of toxins found in foods, beverages and every-day products which can sometimes be overlooked.

• Cutting out the intake of second hand smoke, alcohol and other drugs is necessary to ensure healthy fetal development and will allow both parent and child to reap the many benefits of this lifestyle.
• Be cautious of food consumption. Saturated fats and Trans fats can be just as damaging to a developing fetus as to the mother who is carrying.
• Sushi lovers beware: Undercooked meat and most fish should be avoided at all costs.
• DO NOT stop any medications before first talking to a physician but DO be cautious as to which medications are being consumed. Certain pain killers and acne medications contain harmful additives and can lead to complications.

Feb
24

SIDS prevention

SIDS, better known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, is a leading cause of death in infants from ages 1 month to 1 year of age. What is scary about SIDS is that it is unpredictable and unpreventable. Fortunately as a parent, there are ways to reduce the risk of SIDS.

Step 1: Do not buy into over-the-counter baby products with unproven claims to prevent SIDS. These products include but are not limited to: baby monitors, mattresses, crib tents, and bedding.

Step 2: Creating a healthy and safe sleep environment for baby means removing all “cutesy” items that could be potentially harmful, such as: blankets, stuffed animals, bumpers, and pillows.

One product in particular that has been created to decrease the risk of SIDS is the HALO SleepSack wearable blanket. This wearable warm blanket replaces loose blankets in the crib that can cover your baby’s face.

HALO SleepSack founder Bill Schmid created the first HALO wearable blanket over 15 years ago after losing his first born to SIDS. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggested the use of wearable blankets in 2005, booming Bill Schmid’s HALO SleepSack sales. Rest assured that your child will sleep safe and sound with the HALO SleepSack wearable blanket. A portion of every sale goes to First Candle/SIDS Alliance and The Canadian Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths with the purchase of any HALO item.

Feb
24

Strollers under $100

Ever hear the term, “money can’t buy you happiness?” Same can be said for a safe and reliable stroller. BabyAge.com has a wide variety of top rated best selling strollers that are sure to fit your style and budget. As a parent, safety is of your upmost concern and should be kept in mind when shopping for items that will safely hold your precious bundle of joy. Here are a few strollers equipped with great safety and bonus features that sell for $100 or LESS! To view product descriptions and customer reviews, log on to BabyAge.com today and get the stroller you love at a price you will adore.

1- Baby Trend Snap-N-Go Universal Infant Car Seat Carrier
2- Baby Trend Snap-N-Go Double
3- The First Years Lamaze Ignite Stroller

Finally a stroller that is durable and, yes, it really will comfortably fit your little one up to 50 pounds. The Ignite features today’s popular Euro styled frame combined with our contemporary fashions deliver a stroller that you will love to use. The wider seat will keep your little one in their seat longer. The larger wheels allow your stroller to glide over any surface. The addition of the five point harness means your little one is securely seated. The taller handles mean no more hitting the back side of the stroller or the wheels while you go for that afternoon walk or trip to the mall. Fully adjustable and removable canopy means your little one will always ride in the comfort.

4- Chicco Ct0.6 Capri Stroller
5- Graco LiteRider Stroller

Feb
22

Benefits of water birth

It has been said that giving birth to a baby in the water lessens the stress to on your body and your newborn child. The theory behind water birth is that the baby has spent 9 months in the amniotic sac. Birthing into a similar environment is gentle and is said to reduce fetal complications. The buoyancy of the mother’s body in the water lessens her body weight, allowing for new positioning and better blood circulation which is less painful.

Stress-related hormones are alleviated allowing for the production of endorphins which diminish birthing pains. Water relaxes the mother physically as well as mentally, centering her efforts inward on the birthing process.

What to be cautious of:

It is important to speak with your health care provider before ultimately deciding to have a water birth. If you have been diagnosed with excessive bleeding or a maternal infection, avoid giving birth in the water. If a baby is expected two weeks or more prior to the due date, water birth is not recommended.

How to prepare:

Once you have decided to have a water birth, making sure that the hospital policies are water birth friendly is important when deciding where to have your baby. Renting a birthing tub is fairly expensive and can run anywhere from $300 up. Check with your insurance company to see if they will reimburse the expense of the rental or find out if a local birthing center provides water birth options.

Feb
21

The importance of play

The brain of a child is similar to a sponge in their first few years of life. Knowledge from the external environment such as the home or a learning atmosphere is absorbed at a rapid rate while your child grows. For many children, adding just one educational toy to their pre-existing collection of toys can provide hours of entertainment.
In today’s society, finding sufficient time for your child as they develop can be challenging. As parents are working in more competitive and demanding positions within the work force, they are faced with finding time to raise their children the way that they feel is best.
Introducing your child to educational toys at a very young age will feed into their ability and yearning to learn. If you are having a hard time deciding on which toys are best for your child, consider the following toys that are available for your children today to give them a jumpstart on their learning. Remember to buy toys appropriate for your child’s age group.
Alphabet: It is vital that your child learns the alphabet before proceeding to read. Letter blocks will not only teach your child the letters of the alphabet but will also teach shape and color. Check out this list of educational toys found at BabyAge.com. Your child will love them and you will love to watch your child learn:


1-Fisher-Price Thomas the Train Laptop
2-Melissa and Doug Alphabet Stamp Set
3-Lipper ABC 123 Easel & Chalkboard
4-Battat One Two Squeeze Blocks
5-Melissa & Doug – Alphabet Sound Puzzle
6-Twin Sisters Alphabet & Counting

Feb
20

Gotta Getta GUND

GUND has been a trusted manufacturer for over a century making soft, snuggly favorites. GUND holds true to its reputation of creating unique teddy bears and other soft toys recognized for their excellent quality and innovation.

Today, the company can be found globally, appealing to all ages and walks of life. GUND offers an extensive collection of licensed plush toys and can be found in gift, specialty, toy, book, and department stores as well as other retail outlets. You’ve gotta getta GUND! Shop at BabyAge.com TODAY to view a wide variety of GUND products priced at an affordable cost for you!

Gund 19″ Alfie Bear

The GUND Alfie Bear measures 19″ tall and is expertly crafted of some of the softest plush fabric around. The gently stuffed bear gives the best hugs! Alfie the teddy bear is sure to be a trusted friend to the special child in your life for years to come. Give the gift of Alfie for whatever the occasion may be and you will surely be glad that you did.

Feb
15

Rest easy with this pregnancy pillow

There’s one thing for sure when it comes to pregnancy: the aches, pains, and restless night sleep associated with being pregnant definitely take away from its beauty.

BabyAge.com’s exclusive line, Today’s Mom, was tailored for mothers, specifically. The Today’s Mom Cozy Comfort Pregnancy Pillow has received the most customer feedback and what people have had to say really makes this product stand out from its competition. Good maternity pillows are hard to find and one of the biggest pregnancy pillow problems has been hard edges digging into mom’s shoulder. The Cozy Comfort has a curve shaped, shoulder support design, that contours to the shoulder and provides a soft sleep. This pillow correctly supports mommy’s weight while she sleeps and features a belly support allowing the tummy to rest and support the baby comfortably.

Perhaps the best feature is the large, square head rest area. Other pillows feature a flimsy, oddly shaped area for the head. The Cozy Comfort’s head support resembles a standard pillow to provide comfort. “It’s like sleeping on a cloud,” as one of our happy customers would say.

Why buy The Today’s Collection?

In today’s day-and-age, the safety for both mother and child has never been more important and more evident. The Today’s Collection holds a spotless safety record and is proud to say that there has never been a recalled product in the collection line, to date! All products undergo strict testing in accordance with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

 

Reviews: (To read more, log on to BabyAge.com)

“I’m only 5 weeks pregnant and already couldn’t sleep. This pillow is a miracle worker. I love, love, love my new pillow.”

“As reported back to me by my daughter who is using it, “It is awesome”. She loves it and says that she is sleeping much better with the pillow, does not wake up with back aches and feels more rested.”

“I recently received my pregnancy pillow and absolutely love it. I have slept so well with the pillow, it is so refreshing.”

“I am thrilled that I picked this pillow. After reading the reviews I had very high expectations and this pillow lived up to every one.”

Feb
14

Most unique ride-on toys

Is it any surprise that the average ride-on toy is just about as standard as your typical automobile? Move over Model-T and Radio Flyer, make way for a new kind of whip that will make your jaw drop and head spin. These new age ride-on toys are uniquely constructed, fun, and are available now at BabyAge.com!
QuickSmart Scramble Bug Ride-On:

The QuickSmart Scramble Bug is a truly unique foot to floor-ride-on designated to help toddlers learn important balance and pushing skills while having fun at the same time. The Scramble Bug moves 360º so there is complete freedom, with the security of fixed handle bars.
WeeRide Pro-Pilot:

 

The Wee Ride Pro-Pilot is great for the whole family. Your child can pedal to help you along, or just coast and enjoy the scenery. Either way it’s fun for both of you. The Pro-Pilot is sturdily constructed – just like a regular 20″ bicycle. It includes regular handlebars, seat, pedals, and chain guard. It is made of light weight aluminum. Attaches easily and quickly to almost any bicycle with a seat post
WeeRide Kangaroo Carrier:

 Let them go where you go! This center-mounted bike seat for your child provides front-row view with added protection from your surrounding arms.
Little Tikes Toddler Tractor & Cart: This rugged kid’s tractor includes a cart to bring along fun! The tractor comes in a deep green – just like their favorites! The foot-to-floor format makes the tractor easy to steer and move. Kids can use the trailer for construction toys and stuffed animals.

Schwinn Slalom Racer:

This Schwinn Slalom Racer is like nothing else out there, part trike, part scooter, all fun, self propelled and 360 degrees of mobility.