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.
