Jennifer White's Blog
Posted by Jennifer White
I finally accepted the fact that I needed to expose my daughters to safety scissors. I had been putting that off for quite some time. My reason was not to protect them from potential knicks and cuts of the fingers, but for much more vain reasons. I am terrified they will cut their hair.
Shameful, I know. I can only say that I am holding on to my own inadequacies of my own childhood. Having come from a low-income family, I suffered at the hand of my father who picked up the shears in an attempt to play barber. It was not pretty.
But I am not resigned to the fact that they are old enough. I can only hope my eldest daughter grasps my command to only cut the paper that I give her.
So yesterday's purchase of construction paper, safety scissors, glue sticks, and a star-shaped paper punch had my girls entertained for hours. They were stewing in their own creative juices as I worked on preparing chicken noodle soup in the kitchen. They created, I cleaned. It was a very productive day.
My refrigerator, which now serves as a gallery, is evidence in of that. Not only is the fridge clean, it's well decorated!
Posted by Jennifer White
I thought it might be helpful to create a listing of the various buying guides I have written for baby and toddler products these past several months.
Top High Chair Recommendations: Best Picks for Feeding Seats for Babies Many parents look for high chairs that are easy to use and to clean. However, parents should consider safety features of the high chairs that meet their budget.
Best Kids' Sunscreens & Sunblocks: How to Choose Sun Lotion Protectant for Children Most parents do not know what to look for when choosing a sunscreen for their child. This article details what families should look for in sun lotion protection.
Infant Car Seat Buying Guide: How to Choose a Carrier Car Restraint for a Baby When purchasing a child car restraint, it is important for parents to look for certain features that fit their family's needs.
Safer Crib Bumpers: Better Options for Bumper Pads Crib bumpers have been associated with several crib deaths. Parents who wish to use crib bumpers should carefully select bumper pads with specific safety guidelines.
Picking Quality Crib Bedding: Buyer's Guide for Baby Crib Sets Parents must know what to look for when purchasing crib bedding for their nusery. They will need to choose quality blankets, bumpers, and sheets to hold up in the wash.
Shopping Cart Cover Buying Guide: Protect Baby from Germs When at the Grocery Store Disgusted with how dirty supermarket grocery carriages can be? Concerned that you are exposing your baby to germs? Consider a shopping cart cover to keep baby clean.
Posted by Jennifer White
It really is a wonder that anything I purchased or registered for when I was pregnant with my first child works at all. I was so excited about having our baby, but I really did not do much legwork at all in researching baby products. I honestly think I just went scan happy with that little gun they give you at Babies R Us.
Here are some of the major mistakes I made when I registered for my high chair. Passing it along to you all in hopes of helping you out.
- Don't base what you register for on the pattern.
- Avoid cloth covers and stick with vinyl.
- Avoid ruffles. Huge pain to clean all the food that gets stuck in the pleats.
- A reclining seat with tons of positions is not at all necessary. In fact, it is unsafe to feed children while reclined (AAP). Children should be able to sit up on their own. Seat recline does make it easier to get babies in and out, or if you are using it to bottle-feed baby on his own.
- Make sure that if it has a reclining seat, the seat recline can be fully upright.
- Make sure the distance between the tray and the seat back is 7" or less. Further will result in food in the lap.
Save yourself time, money, and a headache by heading my advice and by researching products before you register or purchase them!
Posted by Jennifer White
Ok, people. If you've read my many car seat articles, you will undoubtedly note that car seats manufactured by Britax are commonly in my top picks list for a variety of types of restraints.
This is with good reason. Britax car seats tend to be cutting edge in safety features and in ease of use and installation. They are well made and most models are a favorite of Child Passenger Safety Technicians. Further, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Adminstration have given high marks for ease of use to the Britax line.
The problem with these seats is the price tag. However, if a parent watches sale ads, she may find some great deals. This week is on such deal. Buy.com is offering 15% off on Britax car seats and strollers. Not only that, but it is very likely the seats will qualify for free shipping.
If you have been considering purchasing a Britax or a top-performing seat, now is the time to act. Sale ends June 29, 2008!
Posted by Jennifer White
My toddler is 3 1/2 and has very long, rather thick hair. My husband has particularly advocated her hair to be long and all one length with no bangs. I must admit rather pompously, that her strawberry blonde hair is very pretty. However, long hair has certainly challenged me to find ways to keep her styling simple and cute. I've told my husband that if hair styling becomes a battle, I am bringing out the hair shears. Luckily we've been able to keep battles at a minimum. She's cooperative and very happy to have long hair. Here are some products and advice on how to keep toddler hair styles simple and cute.
Style Little Girls' Hair Easily: How to Take Care for a Toddler's Hair Without Tantrums : Parents and little girls who like their hair worn long might use these suggestions to make the brushing, combing, and styling of hair a time of cooperation.
Articles by Contributing Writer: Sarah Tennant
Using A Boar Bristle Hairbrush: A Cleaning, Conditioning and Polishing Tool For Hair:
Tips for Tangled Hair: How to Avoid, Prevent and Remove Knots From Hair
Awesome Products for Toddler Hair:
- Goody's Stayput Girls' Collection: We particularly the wide no slip headbands and the Stayput Character Barettes. The barettes will stay in on young toddlers with very fine hair. Thicker hair will likely only be able to pull back temple sections of hair.
- The Little Stinker Store: an wonderful online shop by a work at home mom. She makes custom bows, barettes, and headbands. Great selection of ribbons.
- Blue House Soaps Natural Spray Detangler: One of my personal favorites that I use too.
Posted by Jennifer White
Wii Fit debuted this Tuesday and my family got one. I must admit that I was a little intimidated by the balance board at first. However, we got to know each other and got along just fine.
While I won't be sharing what it said my weight and BMI is, I am proud to relate that my "Wii Fit Age" is five years younger than my actual age. So I must be doing something right.
We had fun using Wii Fit to practice the balance games, strength training, yoga, and aerobic exercises. While I have my doubts that Wii Fit will give the same advantages of working out at the gym, I do think it will inspire activity in families.
It's not just about getting kids moving, but parents as well. Wii Fit makes fitness fun, which for many people that's half the battle.
Hopefully I'll be making by BMI goal in a few weeks.
Posted by Jennifer White
Children's safety has always been an big concern of mine. Some friends of mine think I obsess over it too much, but I like to think that I strike a good balance from making sure I am an informed parent and not being a paranoid parent.
I recently received a press release concerned about the toxic chemicals used as a fire retardent. It would seem that these chemicals are used on a myriad of baby and children's products. Cribs, mattresses, toys, the list goes on and on.
Before I publish an article on the topic, I realize I need to do more research on the issue. The press release has perked my curiousity, but I am not informed enough just yet to jump on any band wagon.
Arguments from Friends of the Earth, a grassroots environmental group, state "Due to their prevalence in common household products, these chemicals have been found in breast milk and in children. Infants and children are especially vulnerable to the health effects of these chemicals as they impact development at critical stages of growth."
California legislation is currently investigating the reports and likely may inact actions against the chemicals usage. This follows on the heals of recent concern and legislation of BPA in bottles, pacifiers, and other infant products.
I need to do some more legwork before I form an opinion, but I do think the issue merits some thought and attention.
For more information: Killer Cribs
Posted by Jennifer White
I have been excited that many other Suite writers have been offering their expertise to feature some children's game reviews for our readers.
My 3 1/2 year old is currently all about children's game. Not only is she gaining some necessary academic skills, but she's growing in character. She is learning how to be a gracious winner and loser. She's practicing taking turns, sharing, and exhibiting patience.
Finally, it also provides some great opportunites for one-on-one time. We get to focus on each other without distraction. Games are fun outlet for both kids and parents.
Here are some recent articles on children's games that are worth the read.
Updated Classic Board Game Gifts: Fun New Versions of Old-Fashioned Favorite Games Now Available
Bop It Download & Bop It Extreme 2
Posted by Jennifer White
I am somewhat surprised that my littlest munchkin in well on her way to using the potty consistently. Other than night time and nap time, she is accident free and loving being out of her diapers. I realize that other than noting her obvious interest and providing her with some support, I cannot take much credit for that. It is all her. She is ready to learn.
I think that one of the biggest ways I can support her in this process is to not hold her back with disposable pull up potty training pants. As I explained in a recent article on cloth potty training pants, disposable pull ups seem to perpetuate accidents rather than teach children (and parents) to be aware of potty learning cues.
I much prefer using cloth training underwear. My favorite padded training pants readily available at common department stores comes from JcPenney. Their Wee Essentials Padded Training Pants, mentioned in the link above, are soft, absorbent, and comfortable.
Other great training pants available at on-line specialty shops are the Imse Vimse Training Pant and Snap-EZ AIO Trainer. Both of these training pants feature a water proof covering. Accidents are a bit easier to clean up, but better for toddlers as there is no doubt they are wet or soiled.
Another potty learning product that might better motivate children is the potty chair. For some kids, the style of the potty is quite irrelevant. For others, a special potty chair might be just what they need to be inspired. A detailed selection of interesting potty chairs is detailed in the article Unique Potty Chairs: Recommendations for Motivating Toilet Training Seats.
Posted by Jennifer White
Recently, Barb Hacker, Suite's Parenting Methods Feature Writer, graced us with an article in Kids' Products entitled Six Uses for a Maya Wrap: Slings as Shopping Cart Seat Belts, Blankets, Changing Pads & More. It is the source of inspiration for this week's blog. I didn't need the muse to sing to me too loudly, as next to my cloth diapers, my Maya Wrap has been my favorite baby item.
Babywearing has exploded on to the parenting scene with tons of claims of how it reduces crying, influences "quiet alert time" which has been related to higher intelligence, promotes emotional and physical development, and aides mothers in the recovery of post partum depression. All of those things are wonderful, but I will be flat at honest. The thing I love the most about my Maya Wrap is that it makes parenting so much easier for me
My second born child had bowels problems and was often in a great deal of pain. It seemed that the only thing that would provide any sort of comfort for her was my Maya Wrap. Meanwhile, I had a 20 month old toddler who still very much needed mommy. My Maya Wrap kept my hands free while I could address the needs of my eldest child. The Maya was nothing short of a miracle for me.
21 months later, my Maya still is used on a regular basis. My now toddler has gone through independent streaks and occassionally has preferred to be out and about, but she still has days where her cherubic face comes to me dragging the sling with her. "Hold me," she says.
I daresay that the Maya was not just my favorite baby item, but hers as well.
Posted by Jennifer White
I thought it would be helpful to my readers to create an index of my car seat related articles and blogs.
Articles
Types of Children's Car Seats: Choose the Restraint System that Suits Your Child and Vehicle Learn about the different types of car seat restraints and what to look for before buying a car seat for your baby or child.
Infant Car Seat Buying Guide: How to Choose a Carrier Car Restraint for a Baby When purchasing a child car restraint, it is important for parents to look for certain features that fit their family's needs.
Best, Safest Children's Car Seat: Increase Your Child's Safety in Vehicles Find out which child's restraint is safest and how to further improve the safety of children's car seats.
Best Infant Car Seats: Recommendations for Car Carrier Restraints for Babies Here are the top picks for infant carriers.
Best Convertible Car Seats: Recommendations for Rear and Forward Facing Restraints for Babies These top rated convertible child passenger car seats were selected based upon safety features and ease of use.
Backless Belt Positioning Boosters: Best Backless Car Booster Seats Backless boosters car seats are only suitable for certain vehicles.
Top Belt Positioning Booster Seats: Best High Back Booster Recommendations for 40 + Pound Children These selections are top picks for safety and installation.
Britax Car Seat Comparison: The Differences of Britax Convertible Child Restraints An indepth comparison of the 5 different models of Britax convertibles
SafeGuard Child Seat: Possibly the Best and Most Expensive Car Seat Parents who want nothing but the best should take a look at the SafeGuard Child Seat.
Blogs
Posted by Jennifer White
I recently stumbled upon another fabulous car seat resource. CarSeatData.org is a great place for parents to learn others' opinions on whether a particular car seat is good in a particular vehicle.
Obviously, parents need to keep in mind that the information provided reflects various individuals opinions on the topic. It does not convey standardized information, but it does give parents more direction in choosing the best car seat for their vehicle.
I sat down and plunked in the make, model, and year of my car and learned what others are saying about which car seats are compatible with that vehicle. It included information on how easily the seat was installed and how well it fit in the vehicle. I could also search by a particular car seat model and discover how it installs in various vehicles too.
After I finished playing around with the database, I contributed my own feedback on the vehicle and car seats that I used. It is nice to know that another parent might benefit from taking a minute out of my day to express my opinion.
The site is not without its limitations, of course. Parents should realize the information is all a reflection of parents and technicians opinions and that official testing of the seats did not occur. But it certainly can give parents a better idea of what seats to choose and to avoid.
For further reading:
Posted by Jennifer White
My 27 pound 20 month old rides rear-facing in her car seat despite the questions we get from people who think we are crazy. I find it ironic the number of people who think that we are being irresponsible by keeping my children rear-facing despite the documented reality of the safety of remaining rear-facing.
Here are some of my responses:
"But doesn't it bother you that you can't see her?"
"Nope. My eyes should be on the road and not the back seat. There has never been a problem, but if there is I'll stop the car."
"But aren't you afraid if you are in an accident that she will break her legs?"
There is absolutely no data to support that. There is data that children are far more likely to be injured or killed when riding forward-facing though."
"But isn't she too big to ride rear-facing?"
"Nope. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that children should remain rear facing until reaching the maximum weight for the car safety seat, as long as the top of the head is below the top of the seat back.' She has several pounds and several inches to grow yet. Children in Sweden and other countries stay rear-facing up to age 5 or 55 pounds."
"She'll be happier forward-facing."
"I don't know that. She doesn't know that. She might be happier playing out in the street than in the yard, but I don't let her do that either. She's safer rear-facing. She'll stay rear-facing."
Related articles:
Best, Safest Children's Car Seat
Videos of Forward vs. Rear Facing (Scroll down)
Posted by Jennifer White
The research I have been doing recently for both my crib bedding articles and for car seat safety certainly has solidified my view points on each. However, it isn't so much the statistics that drove the point home, but the videos and photographs that reinact children's fatalities. I think it's important to circulate these videos among parents, grandparents, and caregivers. I think if disbelieving parents are to be convinced of the importance of following newer car seat guidelines, it will be done not my recounting statistics, but by showing them how car seats function best.
I shudder to think that any adult would ever allow a child to ride without a car seat, but sadly I've seen it happen on more than one occassion.
Importance of Staying-Rear Facing
This video is a great presentation of the facts of rear-facing and also contains comparison footage of rear-facing vs. forward-facing. On the second crash test footage, look and you will see a rear-facing child in the same car. The difference is remarkable.
Importance of a 5-Point Harness
Have your tissue box handy for this one folks. Little Kyle David Miller's parents put together this tribute and the story of his death that will rip any parents heart from their chest. My deepest condolences go to the Miller family in their loss, yet I am so thankful that they are using his death to educate other families.
Related articles:
Posted by Jennifer White
I will just get straight to the point and say that all the research on crib bedding has cranked my mommy-desires up another level. Which isn't necessarily a good thing, since my womb has already been screaming at me to hold another baby, while my dear husband maintains that I have become certifibly insane.
Now that I have got that out, let me get to the focus of this week's blog. Crib bedding.
The bottom line is that if parents want to have quality bedding that follows voluntary safety guidelines, they really are going to have to scrutinize the products available. Go to the store and do not be shy about opening up the familiar zippered bedding bags. Take a ruler and measure the crib ties, look closely at the stitching, note the softness of the fabrics. Be picky! This is for a new baby and safety and quality should be of top concern. The bedding will be laundered A LOT. It needs to hold up in the wash and safety issues related to infant bedding are a real concern.
As I mentioned last week, with more and more organizations stating that much of crib bedding is not necessary and is potentially dangerous, parents may be wise to invest in several top quality sheets and nursery accessories rather than mass-produced infant bedding. It's certainly an idea worth considering.
A comprehensive listing of my recent crib bedding articles:
Posted by Jennifer White
Once seen as a must-have item to complete any nursery, crib bumpers have come under scrutinty by health professionals. Bumpers have cost many families the life of their baby. To stir the pot even more, research is finding that bumpers don't necessarily prevent minor injuiries. The reality is that minor injuries, like contusions and stuck limbs, are happening even when crib bumpers are being used.
After spending the past week investigating the literature and looking at crib bumpers currently on the market, I am further assured that my decision to not use bumpers was the safest option for my children. In nosing around, what really got my goat was the number of popular crib bumper products (to mention a few names - Circo, Amy Coe, Koala Baby, Nava's Designs, Lambs' and Ivy) don't even meet basic industry standards.
I knew a lot of this information before I started writing the series. However, the statistics weren't the part that hit the point home for me. It was the demonstration photographs of how infants were found dead in their cribs that tore my heart from my chest. Even though dolls were used, the pictures of babies with crib bumper ties wrapped tightly around their thin necks or pinned under the crib bumper unable to free themselves gave chilling testimony to the reality of the danger of crib bumpers. Independent researchers are chiming in with the likes of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Health Canada, and the SIDS alliance to say that crib bumpers pose a clear danger to babies and should not be used in cribs. Parents who ignore the warning should, at the least, be choosy about the bumpers they put in their child's crib.
Posted by Jennifer White
My husband is likely one of the biggest They Might Be Giants fans that there is. He owns every album. He has their posters. He has their clothing. He has their posters. He follows the bands news like an over-excited puppy chases his own tail. What can I say, my husband is a bit of a geek.
His passion for the Indie-rock band is being passed on to our children through the children's albums and companion videos of Here Come the ABCs and Here come the 123s. The music is absolutely infectious and thought-provoking. I must admit it has been a very liberating choice over the silly and annoying lyrics that stick in my head of other popular children's bands. Not to mention the lack of ridiculous costumes.
My girls.... Well, they adore the music. Currently the favorites are "The Number Two" and "Triops Has Three Eyes." Evidently those songs are sung best a capella while jumping on my mom's bed while she is trying to make it. I suppose perhaps those factors somehow improve the acoustics or something like that.
So despite my geeky husbands passion, I must admit he's made a great call. John & John certainly make educational children's music appealing to adults as well. These two DVDS/CDS should be in every family collection.
Posted by Jennifer White
Valentine's Day is over and now I am contemplating the next upcoming big holiday, St. Patrick's Day. Sorry, just kidding there. Easter is what I have been thinking about lately.
Easter is one of my favorite holidays. As a Christian, it has a far deeper meaning that just colored Easter eggs, magical bunnies, and chocolate. I do understand why some Christian families choose not to celebrate Easter, the pagan roots of the holiday are well-documented. However, for our family, Easter is a reminder of the hope, faith, and love that comes from Jesus's resurrection.
Our focus is on Christ during Easter, but we do also incorporate modern traditions. Coloring Easter Eggs provides our family with time together. We celebrate each other and share joyous memories.
As far as Easter baskets, we do deviate from the traditional Easter basket. Our children do not receive baskets loaded with candy and sweets. We opt for a themed gift basket. Easter Basket Gift Ideas for Kids has many ideas for Easter baskets, including a basket that focuses specifically on gifts for Christian children.
Another way I encourage my children to learn about the Resurrection of Christ is by capitalizing on their love for cartoons. There are many Christian cartoons which focus on the last days of Jesus Christ. Christian Easter Cartoons shares the plot line, ages the movie is appropriate for, and other important information.
Each family must decide how best to celebrate Easter with their children. For my family, we choose to emphasize what the Resurrection means for us, but sprinkle in modern Easter traditions. May you all find the balance you need to have an enjoyable Easter holiday!
Posted by Jennifer White
When I was single and child-free, if anyone had asked me if I would cloth diaper the answer would have been, "Pins, rubber pants, cumbersome cloth diapers? No thank you." However, I now have two toddlers, and I consider cloth diapering to be one of the best parenting choices that I have made. What brought about this change of heart?
I met a woman on an on-line message board who championed the benefits of cloth diapering with passion. "justplainbecky" was open to answering my many questions. Patiently, she helped me sift through the information and educated me on how the world of cloth has changed.
Being totally honest, what got me to try it was the dollar signs. Trimming down our spending as much as possible was a necessity. I cannot boast that initially I cared much about the environmental or health advantages.
However, I found that as I learned about cloth, discovered how easy it is, and realized that cloth diapering was having a positive effect on more than just my wallet, it changed me. I became more diligent about other environmentally-friendly products. I tuned in more to the needs of my families health and well-being. I started seeing how the choices I make can have a global effect. I felt good about my decision to use cloth.
I think justplainbecky would be proud to know that I have become another champion of cloth diapering. To date, I believe I helped educate at least eight other families about cloth diapering. They are now glad to be using cloth as well. It goes to show how one person with a passion can affect others.
For more reading see: How to Sell Used Cloth Diapers
Posted by Jennifer White
Different mothers will swear by different must-have breastfeeding products. Resist the temptation to buy an abundance of nursing supplies until you see what your breastfeeding needs are. Keeping breastfeeding as simple as possible will make things easier in the long run.
That being said, here are a few popular items for nursing moms. They may not be absolutely necessary, but certainly have appeal.
- Lanolin: A nipple ointment that can promote healing. However, it is often misued. Read Lanolin Treatment for Nipple Pain for more information.
- Breast pump: A definite must-have if the mom will return to work. Read Tips on Buying a Breast Pump to learn about how to select a breast pump that meets the mothers needs.
- Bottles. Some moms may wish to skip bottles. For those that do, read Breastfeeding and Starting Bottles.
- Nursing bras. However, bras should be purchased after the mother's milk supply comes in so that the proper size can be purchased.
- Breast pads. Breast pads prevent embarassing leaks. They come in a variety of styles and materials. However, not all women (like myself) will need them.
My advice for breastfeeding products - keep it simple and keep it personal. Pay attention to your unique needs, and buy what you need to sustain your nursing relationship. It's all about what you need, and what will make it easier for you.
Posted by Jennifer White
I went to Target the other day on a mission to purchase a gift for a three year old girl. Since I have a three year old daughter, I didn't expect the quest to prove difficult. Off I went with my toddlers, ambling through the toy section. The girls were mezmerized with the selection, and I did my best to not be distracted from the whole point of purchasing a gift for someone else's child and not my own.
I hadn't been in the toy aisle for quite some time, and I was amazed by some of the new products I saw. One of the most interesting product lines was a series of toys based upon the PBS WordWorld cartoon. My three year old loves the show. I have been impressed with the fact that it has her reading words along with the WordFriends. I wasn't sure though if the other girl was a fan of the show, so we proceeded by the endcap of toys.
Instead we wandered down through the educational toy section. I was pleased to see so many educational toys for toddlers on the shelves and took some time selecting an age appropriate, well priced toy. We found some old-fashioned lacing cards with a bit of a modern twist. Bingo! We found our gift.
All in all, I was pleased that we found an appropriate gift at the right price. Though we didn't leave with any of the WordWorld toys, I must confess that a large blue rubber ball found its way into our cart.
Posted by Jennifer White
I am in trouble.
Big trouble.
When I applied for the position of feature writer, I had no idea that I would be setting myself up for temptation. Researching children's toys seems to have my mouse hovering about the "Order" button. It has certainly been an exercise in self-control.
When I was investigating girls' valentine gift ideas, the gotta-have-it bug started biting me. Hard. My own Drama Queen would love to flaunt the dress up items. My budding artist could use the Guilcraft art desk to produce works that could easily rival Michaelangelo's finest masterpiece.
To make it even more challenging, the Kathe Kruse Sweetheart doll, detailed in the Natural Valentine's Gifts for Kids, cried out to be held in my own little cherubs' arms. And let me tell you, Mama would equally enjoy reaping the benefits of the chocolate kit.
Then came the desire to sit my girlies in my lap and reminisce with a classic Valentine cartoon. How could I not want to share with them the heartache of poor Charlie Brown and his lack of Valentine's Day cards?
Through it all, I managed to remain strong. My fingers did not fly to enter in my 16 digit credit card number. I have already ordered their Valentine gift. That’s that.
The perfect gift for us – They Might Be Giants, Here Come the 123s CD/DVD. My daughters have danced, sang, and, most importantly, learned from their previous album, Here Come the ABCs. My Indie rock lovin’ hubby will enjoy it more than they do. And me, believe it or not, I find the present incredibly romantic. Why? Because my husband and I shared our first pseudo-date at a TMBG concert years ago. It’s simply the perfect gift.
May you find the perfect gift too. Happy hunting!
Posted by Jennifer White
My name is Jennifer, and I am thrilled to be the new Feature Writer for Kids' Products. If I have managed to captivate you already (I do realize I am quite the charmer), you can check out my profile.
Some people would find my kids' products purchases to be somewhat puzzling. You see, I have a tendency to be frugal. I have no qualms about accepting hand-me-downs. My husband and I get a rush out of finding deals at yard sales. I frequently peruse the listings on Craigslist. I shop at discount stores without shame. Heck, even my husband is known to his friends as "Coupon Boy." Yep, I can be pretty darn cheap.
How has my frugal nature expressed itself in kids' product purchases? I bought our nursery furniture at a yard sale. I cannot recall paying full price for any of my daughters' clothing. I began cloth diapering primarily because of the savings. I made my own baby food. The list goes on and on.
Despite all that, there are times when I will not bat an eye at paying more for an item for my children. Two examples of that are their car seats and stroller. We could have gotten by with a less expensive model, but we went with something a bit pricier to meet our family's needs.
The thing is - when purchasing products, parents need to have a firm grasp of their budget, their needs, and understand what areas are (and are not) up for compromise. When they use those concepts as their lens to view and discern products, they can make smart purchases. Whatever parents buy at whatever the cost, it is my goal that the articles in Kids' Products will help them be confident in their decision.