Baby Grins – Blog

Infant Car Seat Cover Lined With SPF + UV Protection 40-50+

Posted on 03. May, 2012 by Marcie Paige.

The Airy Cotton infant car seat cover offers natural protection for your baby from the sun + bugs. It’s like putting on a light cotton shirt with super powers! This infant car seat cover has a layer of SPF and UV protection 40-50+ fabric.

Now you can enjoy the sun knowing your baby is naturally protected from the sun + bugs.

The Airy Cotton infant car seat cover fits ALL standard infant car seats!

• Bug protection – mosquito netting sides for complete air circulation and clear view of your baby.
• Elastic around the whole infant car seat cover to keep the bugs out and create a sure fit.
• Easy access to your baby, simply roll or lift up the front half and hang over the handle. Or open the peek-a-boo flap.
• The hole on top of the infant car seat cover ensures you have a good grip on the handle when carrying your car seat.
• Machine washable, gentle cycle. Hang dry.

The Airy Cotton infant car seat cover is a great way to encourage natural sun and bug protection for babies.

This month we are going to be giving away an Airy Cotton Infant Car Seat Cover.

 

How to enter:

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Why I Choose a Strider Sports PREbike Over a Tricycle

Posted on 14. Apr, 2012 by Marcie Paige.

In April 2010, when my youngest daughter was 3 years old, she asked me for a bike. I told her “I’m sorry but they just don’t make bikes small enough for your size. They are heavy, bulky and won’t be able to reach the ground, so you’ll have to wait until next year.”

A month later I came across a baby store carrying the Strider bikes. I thought, thats odd that a baby store is stocking bikes! So I starting doing some research to find out more information.

I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. These were toddler bikes with no-pedals. I started watching YouTube videos of toddlers zooming around on these amazing little bikes like expert riders!

I knew right away that this bike would be perfect for my daughter!

My oldest daughter, who was 5 years at the time, was still riding her pedal-bike with training wheels and after 2 months of failed attempts to ride with the training wheels off she was getting a little frustrated.

We decided to give each of our girls a Strider. After just 2 weeks of riding the Strider, both our girls were zipping around with confidence and ease. Our oldest daughter (again, after only 2 weeks!) decided to give her pedal-bike another try… and to our surprise… she took off with no trouble at all!

Our youngest continued to ride her Strider throughout the summer and fall. We were no longer waiting for her to catch up on her tricycle, we were asking her to slow down so we could catch up to her.

By the end of the next summer, (our youngest, who was now 4 years old), was begging to ride her sisters pedal-bike. So my husband decided to let her give it a try, and with only a little push to get started, she was riding up and down the road without any trouble at all, and never once with the use of training wheels.

It only took 3 days and our youngest was able to figure out how to start and stop with the pedal-bike all on her own.

We owe both of our daughters bike riding success to the Strider Sports balance bike and we recommend it to everyone with kids. We no longer believe that a child has the need for a tricycle. The Strider Sports balance bike is a funner, safer and more practical option.

We were so impressed with the Strider Sports PREbike that we decided to stock them at Baby Grins!

This is our 3rd year stocking the Strider PREbike at Baby Grins and Strider Sports decided to add some exciting features this year. Building on the worldwide success of the original Strider, the new 2012 (ST-3) balance bike takes toddler bike fit + performance to a whole new level.

1. The ultralight one-piece molded wheel will now accommodate up to 60lbs (previously 50lbs).
2. Custom mini-handgrips and 43% smaller in diameter to better fit a toddlers small hands.
3. Added handlebar pad to extra protection + cool motocross styling.
4. Mini-saddle is now narrower + lighter to better fit a toddler’s tiny hip spacing.
5. Custom quick-clamps added to seat and handlebar (no longer need to purchase separately).

You can purchase a Strider PREbike directly off our website: http://bit.ly/Strider2012

If you live local to Leduc, AB and would prefer to pick one up, contact us to set up an appointment.

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The Secret To Travelling By Airplane With A Toddler + Car Seat

Posted on 20. Feb, 2012 by Marcie Paige.

As many of you know, traveling by airplane with a toddler can be a bit of a challenge. As I previously mentioned, I travel to Nova Scotia once a year which is a 4.5 to 5.5 hour flight, and that’s if I’m lucky enough to get a direct flight.

2 years ago, when we went home for a visit, my youngest was transitioning from FREE passenger to paying customer. On the trip to NS she was under 2 years, on the way back she was 2 years old and was required to sit in her own seat.

So, I figured the only way I was going to keep my busy 2 year old in her seat would be to buckle her into her car seat. For those of you who fly, know that the airplane lap belts will NOT hold a busy toddler for long

It was a pain in the butt, dragging that car seat + carry on’s + two kids, on and off the plane. But I’m so glad I did, because it made that flight the easiest flight I’d ever been on! My toddler was comfortably strapped into her favorite seat, and was fast asleep before we even left the ground!

So when I came across the Gogo Kidz Travelmate I knew if was something you would love too!

It is a genius invention! A simple but very effective piece of technology that attaches to your car seat, converting it into a stroller type device.

It’s like having a car seat and stroller all-rolled-into-one!

• Gate check your stroller (use your car seat instead).
• Wheel your baby/toddler around the airport in the GoGo Kidz Travelmate.
• You DO NOT remove the Travelmate from your carseat once you board the plane. The handle conveniently tucks behind the car seat when not in use.
• Narrow enough to wheel down the airplane asile (as long as your car seat is not too wide!)
• Quick-release strap allows the Travelmate to be attached and removed from car seats in seconds.
• Lightweight and compact: only 5 lbs.

You’ll wonder how you ever managed at the airport without it!

Click here to learn more about the GoGo Kidz Travelmate.

QUESTIONS? COMMENTS?
GET INVOLVED BY COMMENTING BELOW!

<– Baby Sign Studio coming soon! Get on the wait list. 

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Travel by Airplane Checklist

Posted on 19. Feb, 2012 by Marcie Paige.

Travelling by airplane can be a bit of a challenge. I travel from Alberta to Nova Scotia once a year and it is a 4.5 to 5.5 hour flight, and that’s if I’m lucky enough to get a direct flight.

I usually book the red-eye, hoping that my kids will sleep for most of the flight. And it usually works!

You will want to allow plenty of time at the airport for check-in. I recommended that you arrive 2 hours before your scheduled flight. Having kids along can easily add extra time to your trip. You never know when you will need to make an unexpected pee break or need to change a diaper. You may also have extra items gate check, including a stroller, car seat or play pen.

When you travel with kids you will be allowed to pre-board. You will be one of the first passengers to get on the airplane and assistance will be available to you if you need it. When it is time to get off the airplane, wait in your seat until everyone else and gets off, you will avoid a traffic jam. And there will be someone available to give you a hand once the aisles are clear.

What to pack in your carry-on:

• Rock shaped crayons (so they won’t roll off the tray) + a colouring book or sketch pad.
• iPod with stand + headset.
• Snacks (sliced apples, carrot stick or cheerios).
• Wet wipes
• Digital Camera
• Car seat – for a 2-4 year old.
• Copies of birth certificates – It’s become quite common for families to have more then one surname. Whatever the reason, you’ll want to be able to prove that, yes, these kids are yours.
• Favourite toy or blanket.
• Image you are going away for a long weekend and pack your diaper bag accordingly.

Favourite Toy or Blanket: Make sure to pack your child’s favourite toy or blanket in your carry-on luggage. They will want it on the airplane and if your checked luggage gets lost, then your kids will still be able to go to sleep with their snugly toy. They should pack a toy that is small and washable, and keep in mind that it could get lost or left behind during your trip, so, it may not be best to bring along their absolute favourite toy.

Dress comfortably: It’s a long trip so you want them (and you) to be comfortable. Airplane’s can be chilly, you may want to dress in layers so you can add or remove a layer when needed.

Bring a change of clothes for your child + a plastic bag + wipes: If your child is sick on the airplane you will want clean clothes for them to change into + a plastic bag to put soiled clothes into. It’s not uncommon for kids to get motion sickness.

Medicines: Put together a small pack of non-prescription medicines, band-aids, Gravol, Tylenol, things that your family typically uses.

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Want to WIN a Strider PREbike? read on…

Posted on 25. Oct, 2011 by Marcie Paige.

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!

Christmas is without a doubt my favorite holiday!

My tree goes up the first week of December (and it’s ALWAYS a real one!), I listen to Christmas music quite frequently (well… when my husband isn’t around, he just doesn’t get it!).

We watch lots of Christmas movies and I always dig out my yarn and knit up some mittens and funky hats for my girls.

Last year I had so much fun giving away a Strider PREbike that I decided to to it again!

This year our contest will be a little bit different then what we did last year but it will be waaaay more fun. There are only a few easy steps to follow.

This year, I want to know what your FAVORITE Strider PREbike color is!

How to enter…

1. Go to the Strider Balance Bikes category at BabyGrins.ca, next look through the 7 different colors of balance bikes and decide which one is your favorite color.

2. When you’ve decided on your favorite color, click on that color and go to the product page. Next, click on the ‘like’ button located just above the Strider PREbike price. (this is how we will measure which color is the most popular!)

3. Very important step: Enter your name and email in the sign up form below. (If you don’t enter your name and email we will be unable to contact you if you win!).

On December 1st, 2011 we will randomly select a winner from our contestants that have followed all of the steps above!

Good luck!

PS. This contest is open to Canadian residents only. So sorry (nothing personal) we are not allowed to ship Strider's outside of Canada.

PPS. Leave a comment below with your favorite Strider PREbike balance bike color!

Marcie

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Do You Know What’s In Your Skin Care Products?

Posted on 29. Aug, 2011 by Marcie Paige.

Are you sure about your body lotion?
What’s in your makeup?
Is your nail polish safe?
What’s in your child’s toothpaste?

Environmental Working Group uses the power of information to protect human health and the environment. EWG’s Skin Deep database gives you practical solutions to protect yourself and your family from everyday exposures to chemicals.

Skin Deep was launched in 2004 to create online safety profiles for cosmetics and personal care products. Their aim is to fill in where industry and government leave off. Companies are allowed to use almost any ingredient they wish. The U.S. government doesn’t review the safety of products before they’re sold.

Skin Deep’s staff scientists compare the ingredients on personal care product labels and websites to information in nearly 60 toxicity and regulatory databases.

Now in its eighth year, EWG’s Skin Deep database provides you with easy-to-navigate safety ratings for a wide range of products and ingredients on the market. At about one million page views per month, EWG’s Skin Deep is the world’s largest personal care product safety guide.

EWG’s Skin Deep database can be used to look up your current skin care products to see if they are safe and can also be used to look up chemical-free alternatives!

At Baby Grins we carry a complete line of chemical-free skin care products!

Share this post! If you found this post helpful, hit the ‘like’ button below, and please leave a comment. We love hearing from you!

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How To Make Your Own Cleaning Products

Posted on 20. Aug, 2011 by Marcie Paige.

Last week we talked about Soap Nuts (the natural laundry fruit) and benefits of using Soap Nuts to wash your clothes.

This week I’d like to share with you a few simple recipes for homemade cleaning products you can use for everyday cleaning around your home. You’ll save money from buying brand name products and for most of you, you already have the supplies around your home!

Baking Soda

Baking soda is an abrasive. It is used to polish and whiten. It does a great job scrubbing.

Baking soda has a high pH, and is a natural and effective deodorizer, that does not mask, but actually eliminates odors at the source, by changing the pH and neutralizing the odor in it’s tracks. Because baking soda is abrasive, it can be used straight out of the box as a scouring powder.

Vinegar

White vinegar is an acid. It’s unique properties make it an effective grease cutter, and it will stop mold and mildew in it’s tracks.

Vinegar is non-toxic and does not leave any residue. or smell. It can be used each week for washing hardwood, vinyl or linoleum floors. Be careful to use only plain white vinegar, and not any flavored or apple cider variety. Since it is an acid, do not use it on any stone or marble surface as it will actually etch the surface.

Soft Scrub Cleanser

For homemade soft scrub cleanser, mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with enough liquid detergent to make a cleansing liquid. You can apply the cleanser and scrub with a sponge to clean. This works very well in sinks or the bathtubs. Simply rinse it off when you are done cleaning and it washes off easily and will not leave any grit behind.

Window and Glass Cleaner

1/2 teaspoon liquid detergent
3 tablespoons vinegar
2 cups water

Mix all ingredients in to a spray bottle. Use this product just as you would with a commercial glass cleaner.

Copper and Brass Cleaner

You can easily clean and scour both copper and brass by mixing 1/2 cup of vinegar with two tablespoons of salt. Apply with a sponge and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Any grime will come right off.

Carpet Freshener

Use baking soda as a carpet freshener. Just sprinkle some baking soda on your dry carpet and let it sit about 15 minutes before vacuuming to freshen it nicely.

All Purpose Cleaner

1/2 tsp. baking soda
a dab of liquid soap
2 cups hot tap water

Combine these ingredients in to a spray bottle and mix thoroughly.

Furniture Polish

1/2 teaspoon mineral oil
1/4 cup vinegar or lemon juice

Mix these ingredients into a spray bottle. Spray and use a soft cotton rag to shine and clean your wood surfaces. Use a dry portion of the cloth to shine, polish and dry.

Homemade cleaning product recipes supplied by Mrs. Clean:

We know that there is an art and a science to keeping your house clean, AND to cleaning your home completely and thoroughly, and efficiently too! The cleaning professionals at Mrs. Clean have seen the worst of the worst dirt, grime and stains and we know all the tips and tricks to clean it all up.

Please leave a comment below and share your thoughts on homemade cleaning products! What are your magic cleaning remedies?

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How Simple Soap Nuts Help To Reduce Skin Sensitivities

Posted on 14. Aug, 2011 by Marcie Paige.

Many of us experience skin sensitivities, but most of us don’t take the time to research the topic to find a solution until we have kids of our own. As an adult we tend to accept things as they are.

Once we have kids of our own, that all changes, we just can’t stand to see them suffer!

When my first daughter started potty training at 2 1/2 all was good but then she started getting a rash. So my first thought is that she is not wiping properly. The doctor gave me a special cream, it worked like a charm, but the rash kept coming back.

Then when my second daughter potty trained 3 years later and the same thing happened to her so I thought it must be something I’m doing (or not doing!).

Finally, I saw a different doctor and she explained to me that this was a very common problem she saw with women (because they are very sensitive in this area).

She said that the fragrance and chemicals in laundry soap and on bounce sheets leaves residue on your clothes and that I should switch to a baby soap for washing my clothes and hang underwear to dry.

So I did. And it did help some.

I figured there had to be a better option…

Then the obsessive research began… since laundry detergent for sensitive skin still contains a lot of chemicals I wanted to find a more natural option. I had suffered from dry itchy skin for years so I was determined to find something that would work for all of us.

That’s when I learned about Soap Nuts. Soap Nuts are hypoallergenic, biodegradable, completely natural and have been used for centuries in many parts of the world to wash clothes.

During my research into Soap Nuts I found that moms reported several skin sensitivities including eczema and psoriasis either improved or cleared up completely.

I was hooked and I hadn’t even tried them yet! I found an online store and purchased a bag to give them a go. I’ve been testing them for 3 weeks now and I LOVE them! They are easy to use, my clothes come out looking and smelling clean (really no scent at all) and an added bonus… they are more economical then traditional laundry detergents! One 500g bag will wash approx. 150 loads of laundry (for only $20!)

You can purchase your own bag of Soap Nuts here: http://bit.ly/oAmUOi

What are Soap Nuts?

Soap Nuts are a fruit grown on the Rittha Tree (Sapindus Mukorossi), also known as the Chinese Soapberry Tree, which grows in India and Nepal. When the fruit ripens and falls from the tree, local families harvest them and remove the inner fruit from the outer shell. The shell is then dried in the sun, using no chemical or manufacturing processes.

The shell of the fruit has a protective waxy coating which contains saponin. When the soap nut is used to wash clothes, the saponin acts as a water surfactant reducing the surface tension of the water and freeing the dirt, grime and oils from the clothing, leaving your clothes clean and fresh without the use of any harmful synthetic products.

The locals of India have been using the soap nuts for centuries as a safe and effective way to clean their clothes.

How to use soap nuts…

Place 2-3 whole soap nuts (or equivalents if using halves) in the re-usable cotton bag and place it in your wash. If using cold water or have very dirty clothes, use 4-5 soap nuts (or equivalents if using halves). Soap Nuts used in warm water can be re-used 2-3 times, cold water 4-5 times. Take the soap nuts out of the cotton bag and let them air-dry between each use. Once the soap nuts have been used to their potential they can either be boiled with water to make a cleaning solution or thrown into your compost.

Please leave a comment below and tell us your thoughts on Soap Nuts… have you heard of soap nuts before?

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What Would You Life Look Like Without Temper Tantrums?

Posted on 30. Jun, 2011 by Marcie Paige.

Every child has temper tantrums (sorry, no exceptions!) and they start waaaaay before you’re ready for them. But not to worry, with the right techniques you can stop the tantrums just as fast as they started!

Before you can decide how to handle your child’s temper tantrum first you must understand what causes a temper tantrum in the first place.

What causes a temper tantrum? FRUSTRATION!

Here are a few reasons your child gets frustrated:

• A square block doesn’t fit in a round hole.
• Their shoes are not comfortable, don’t fit right.
• Their socks won’t come off no matter how hard they pull
• You won’t let them climb on the kitchen table.
• They wanted Kraft Dinner for lunch, but they got a peanut butter sandwich insted.
• They are having trouble communicating what they want (lack of pre-verbal communication skills)
• Their toy breaks and they don’t realize it can be fixed. (lack of problem solving skills)
• Another child is playing with their favorite toy. (They are concerned they might not get it back!)
• They want you to play with them but you are busy making supper.

Once you understand WHY your child is frustrated you have the opportunity to teach them a better way to handle their frustration. Each situation will be a little different and toddlers need you to set an example and show them how to remain calm in a frustrating situation.

You could say “I understand you are frustrated because the tower you are building fell down, but don’t worry, the fun part is building the tower so we’ll just build it again!”.

Always remain calm, get down to their level and acknowledge that you understand why they feel the way they do before moving on to an explanation or alternative technique.

Frustration is more likely to occur if you child is hungry, exhausted, or over-excited. It is important to be consistwith how you handle temper tanturms. However, you should be aware of whether or not your child is over-tired. If you child has missed a nap or stayed up too late the night before, they will undoubtedly have a meltdown over every minor frustration.

Your toddler does not have the mental maturity to be able to recognize that the needless frustrations they are experiencing are a result of not getting enough sleep.

You need to recognize this as the problem and make allowances. It is unfair to your child to expect them to behave in the same manor when they are over-tired.

Your best strategy at this point is to get them caught up on their sleep!

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7 Tips To Protect Your Children From The Sun

Posted on 08. Jun, 2011 by Marcie Paige.

Summer is almost here, family vacations are being booked and you will probably be spending a lot of time outdoors. It’s important to take the right steps to protect you and your children from sun damage.

1. Limit sun exposure between 10am-4pm when UV rays are at their strongest.
2. Keep babies under six months old out of direct sunlight. The Airy Cotton Car Seat Cover and Peekaru Ozone are perfect sunscreen-free solutions for keeping UV rays away from your baby who is 6 months and under!
3. Remember to apply sunscreen to children 6 months and up. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15+ that shields against both UVA and UVB rays. A natural sunscreen is the best choice. Original Sprout Face & Body Sunscreen is a safe choice for children. Not only is it a made from natural and organic products, it is soy free, gluten free, 100% vegan, Formaldehyde & Keratin Free, fragrance free and more!
4. Outfit your baby in a pair of Kids Sunglasses that provide 100% UVA and UVB protection.
5. Remember to apply sunscreen and have your child wear sunglasses even on cloudy days if you will be outside for an extended amount of time because UV rays are still present.
6. Dress kids in sunhats that will shield their faces.
7. Consider purchasing clothing with built in UV for maximum protection.

What are some of your favorite sun safety products? Comment below…

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