Bundling up Baby

As you head out the door this winter, it’s important you keep your baby warm and safe.
Whether your infant is outside or in, knowing the proper way to keep your little one warm and dry is vital to his or her health.

• Don’t forget a hat. Your baby’s head is a huge percentage of his or her body, so be sure to invest in a warm hat if you are headed outdoors.

• Do layer up. Dressing your child in warm layers will keep him or her warm while outside. Consider dressing your infant in thermal underwear, long sleeved shirts, and gloves or mittens.

• Don’t use loose blankets or pillows in the crib. Leaving your baby untended with a loose blanket, pillow or other bedding could lead to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). If you are worried about your infant being cold, dress him or her in a one-piece sleeper.

Breastfeeding During the Holidays...

Welcoming a child into the world is a joyous event, and now that your baby is here, you are busy taking care of him or her. Breastfeeding is a vital way you can connect with your infant immediately, but it can be hard to make time for this activity during the busy holiday season. While the holidays are a time to indulge, it’s important you eat properly.

If you are traveling, it may be hard to find time to breastfeed. Set aside one feeding and find a quiet place to feed, such as your room.

Family members might be tempted to give you advice or give your infant a treat. If you know your child is not ready for soft, solid foods, be sure to tell your family that and politely thank them for their advice.

While you may be tempted to skip a feeding here or there, don’t wait until your child is fussy or crying for food. Signs your infant is hungry include:

• Moving head from side to side

• Opening mouth

• Puckering lips

• Putting fingers or foot in mouth

• Nuzzling against your chest

• Stretching

If your infant exhibits any of these signs, try finding a moment to feed him or her. You and your husband know what is best for your baby.

Have a fun and safe holiday.

Happy "Healthy" Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. It’s meant to be spent enjoying time with family, as well as great food. Here are ways you can work with your family to prevent overeating and remain healthy throughout the holiday season.

Set a great example while still having a wonderful Thanksgiving feast this year:

1. Make a list and check it twice. Before heading to the supermarket, plan your Thanksgiving meal.

2. Bring the kids along. Have your children help you select fresh fruits and vegetables they’d like to try.

3. Use smaller plates. A small plate will fill up faster and help you and your children avoid grabbing more than you need.

4. Try it all. If you really want everything that’s being served, you may keep going back for more if you don’t satisfy your craving. Instead of getting full servings of each thing you’d like, have a small bite of each.

5. Veg out. Eat very small amounts of the heavy stuff and load up on a veggie tray, salad or roasted seasonal veggies, you’ll be doing great things for your health.

6. Don’t drink your calories. Choosing water, sugar free drinks, or skim milk can help to limit the excess in calories and weight gain that often occurs this time of year.

Enjoy your holiday week!!!

Reviewed by Lori Walton, R.N., B.S.N., pediatric weight management coordinator at Peyton Manning Children's Hospital at St.Vincent.

Congratulations to Tiffany (pipswueak_boutique) - She is the winner of 3 months diaper delivery paid in full!!!

Congratulations to Shala Clark she won the Pro Baby Sterilizer!!!

Week #4 - BabyPro Bottle Sterilizer

Enter to win the BabyPro Bottle Sterilizer - by The First Years kills household bacteria on bottles, pacifiers, and small toys. The unique design directs steam deep into bottles for better sterilization. BabyPro is the first complete collection of appliances that help you provide the very best for your baby while looking great in your kitchen. Each appliance makes it easier to prepare healthy meals without sacrificing space or style. The First Years - BabyPro Bottle Sterilizer: Kills household bacteria on bottles, pacifiers, small toys, and breast pump parts Directs steam deep inside bottles for better cleaning Holds 8 standard or 5 wide bottles Removable tray for nipples, breast pump parts, spouts, valves, pacifiers, teethers and small toys BPA free Three ways to enter: 1. Leave a comment on this blog about your favorite BabyShowersBymail.com item. 2. Like our fan page on facebook JetSetBabies or BabyShowersByMail and leave a comment 3. Leave a comment and tell us about your favorite children's book - ages 1 - 12 mths We will pick the winner Sunday morning - Please leave your email address or send it to me at maghan@babyshowersbymail.com so we can contact you if you win.

Congratulations to Jessica she is the winner of the Sport Baby Leopard print carrier!!!

Week #3 Giveaway - Sports Baby Leopard Print Carrier!

Enter to Win the fun Leopard print carrier. The SportsBaby™ infant carrier is GREAT! I used it on our vacation last winter and I was able to walk on the beach with my little one, swim in the water/beach, and enjoy all the tourist places. The innovative, patent-pending, dual-purpose soft carrier is designed for active moms and dads who live life “on the go.” It’s the only carrier on the market made specifically for both water and land use, for all types of weather and recreation. The special material makes it the most comfortable and flexible carrier you can buy. It’s the perfect choice for busy parents who want the economy of two great carriers in one, with comfort and style!

Three ways to enter:

1. Visit SportsBaby and leave a comment below with the weight limits for the carries.

2. Like our fan page on facebook Jetsetbabies or BabyShowersByMail and leave a comment

3. Leave a comment and tell us about your favorite children's book - ages 1 - 12 mths

please leave your email address or send it to me at maghan@babyshowersbymail.com so we can contact you if you win.

We will pick a winner at random each Friday afternoon.

Congratulations to Heather Harper she is the winner of the Handmade Baby Quilt!!!

Week #2 Giveaway - Handmade Baby Quilt

Enter to WIN a Handmade Baby Quilt for girl - This flower and butterfly baby quilt is a one of a kind creation, handmade by Teri Lundgren in Duluth, Minnesota. This unique design will not be duplicated.

The center of this beautiful quilt has 3- dimensional flowers, and hand-tied grass to give it texture. The inner border is designed with a stained glass look using pink and green triangles. The outer border is machine quilted with many flying butterflies and the loopy paths they make.

This quilt is made to be enjoyed and used, and therefore it is machine washable, instructions included. Made from 100% cotton and all material is pre-washed. Measures approximately 28 x 44. $130 value

Three ways to enter:

1. Select your favorite JetSetBabies item at Jetsetbabies.com and leave a comment on this blog

2. Like our fan page on facebook Jetsetbabies or BabyShowersByMail and leave a comment

3. Leave a comment below and tell us about your favorite children's book - ages 1 - 12 mths

please leave your email address or send it to me at maghan@babyshowersbymail.com so we can contact you if you win.

We will pick a winner at random each Friday afternoon.

Congratulations to Colleen Smith Newman she is the winner of the year's subscription to the Wild Animal Baby!

Givaway - Wild Animal Baby

Win a year's subscription to Wild Animal Baby. It is the National Wildlife Federation's (NWF’s) nature magazine for toddlers ages 2 to 4 years. I have two little ones that receive this magazine every month and we love it. The Animal Baby magazine introduces very young children to wildlife in ways that lay the foundation for a lifelong love of the natural world.

This magazine offers activities, crafts, recipes, and reading recommendations that build upon the content in each issue and further encourage a young child’s intellectual and emotional growth.

This would be a perfect gift for your kids or someone who has toddlers ages 2-4!

Three ways to enter:

1. Select your favorite babyshowersByMail item at BabyShowersByMail.com and leave a comment

2. Like our fan page on facebook JetSetBabies or BabyShowersByMail and leave a comment

3. Leave a comment on this blog and tell us your favorite Children's book - ages 1 - 12 mths

We will pick a winner at random each Friday afternoon.

September Giveaways

Get Ready for Fall!!! JetSetBabies & BabyShowersByMail are doing a weekly giveaway the whole month of September! Check back Monday, September 6th for the 1st giveaway!!!

Playin' It Safe at the Playground

Parents of toddlers know that playgrounds can be a great place for their little ones to enjoy much-needed physical activity, but many may be unaware of common playground hazards and safety concerns. Whether your child is a playground newcomer or a frequent visitor, you can help your toddler play it safe by learning safety guidelines and teaching them to your child.

Be Safe

Before you give your toddler access to a playground, assess the area and equipment to be sure it follows proper safety guidelines.

• The surface under all playground equipment should be soft and consist of materials such as wood chips, mulch or sand. Falling to the surface is the most common contributing factor in playground injuries.

• Evaluate the design of the playground—proper playgrounds should be built for two separate age groups: children under 5 years old and children ages 5 through 12.

• Inspect the playground equipment to ensure it is well maintained. Check that it is kept clean with no broken or rusted areas.

Any hazards you find should be reported immediately to the school or municipality associated with the playground.

Have fun with your kids. With your guidance, your toddler will quickly become a playground pro.

Snack Time

It’s 2:30 p.m. and your toddler is hungry. Instead of turning to his or her regular favorite snack, mix it up with a new variety of food that not only gives him or her added nutrients, but tastes good, too.

Snacking is an important part of meeting a growing toddler’s nutritional needs—these “mini-meals” provide active toddlers with energy throughout the day that they may have missed at mealtime.

Control your child’s portion sizes, use small bags to pack snacks for quick, easy access.

Dairy options for snacking include:
*Low-fat chocolate milk
*Nonfat cottage cheese or yogurt with fruit
*String cheese with canned or fresh fruit
*Whole-wheat crackers with peanut butter or cheese
*Yogurt with granola or fresh fruit

Some fruit and veggie snacking combinations to try include:
*Apple slices and cheeses
*Baby carrots
*Dried fruit, including raisins and plums, with nuts
*Frozen fruit bars
*Raw veggie sticks with low-fat yogurt dip, hummus or cottage cheese
*Unsweetened applesauce cups

Grains that make for healthy snacks include:
*Bagel “pizzas” with tomato sauce and melted cheese
*Baked potato chips or tortilla chips with salsa
*Flavored rice cakes, such as apple cinnamon or caramel, with peanut butter
*Graham crackers, animal crackers, gingersnaps, fig bars or vanilla wafers with a glass of milk
*Popcorn, either air popped or low-fat microwave
*Pretzels, lightly salted or unsalted, and a glass of milk

Reviewed by Katherine Pederson, M.D., pediatrician at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St.Vincent.

Visit a local grocer when traveling abroad

Here is a fun idea for traveling to other countries or even different ethnic communities within the states. Bring your children to a local grocery store. This can be really fun and also provide you with some insite to the people and the area you are visiting.

Every time we go to Chinatown in New York City, we have to take a tour through a local grocer. Seeing the fresh fish, unique vegetables, and other foods provides a real treat for kids. My children especially love looking at the different candies and sweets and of course we always leave with some tasty treats!

Toddler Safety Near Water...

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for young children ages 1 to 4. Protect your toddlers this summer if your vacation or fun is anywhere near water.

Everyone looks forward to the lazy days of summer, and water recreation offers a great reprieve from the summer heat. It also poses certain safety risks when it comes to children—particularly toddlers.

Water, Water Everywhere

While most toddlers love the water, drowning can happen in less than two minutes. Therefore, it is important to practice splash smarts.

Protect your toddler from the water this summer by:

* Avoiding chewing gum and eating food when swimming
* Being attentive to the weather, making sure to evacuate swimming and boating areas at the first sign of a storm
* Ensuring he or she is wearing water-resistant sunscreen and reapplying often
* Having your toddler drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
* Having your toddler wear a life jacket when in the water or on a boat
* Knowing how deep the water is before your toddler jumps in a pool
* Maintaining constant visual supervision and keeping kids within arm’s reach. Also, guardians should be trained in lifesaving techniques such as CPR and have rescue equipment such as a life preserver on hand at all times in case an accident should occur
* Obeying all posted signs and rules

It is also important for guardians of toddlers to remember that at this age water can be dangerous in other places besides a pool, such as water located in buckets, bathtubs and even puddles caused by a summer rain. Also, toddlers should not be allowed in hot tubs until they can sit with their heads completely out of the water with their feet touching the bottom due to the risk of overheating.

Reviewed by Beth Rice, EMT-B CPR and Safe Sitter coordinator at St.Vincent.

SUMMER SALE

For a limited time get FREE SHIPPING on orders over $75.00. Just type in the code July10 in the discount code field during checkout. Make this summer's vacation the easiest vacation ever by using JetSetBabies to have all your travel supplies shipped ahead directly to your travel destination.

Safe Swimming Rules!

Warm temperatures, blue skies and sunny days make summer time the best time to enjoy outdoor activities. Swimming is by far the most popular summer activity and can provide fun for people of all ages. However, for young children, swimming can be dangerous, so proper safety precautions need to be taken.

Toddlers between the ages of 1 and 3 require constant supervision around water, and even shallow water can present a safety hazard for these youngsters.

* Use “touch supervision.” The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that adults be within an arm’s length of their toddler at all times while the child is in the water. Inflatable flotation devices should not be used as a substitution for supervision, as the devices could deflate at any time, leaving your child in danger.

*Fence in backyard pools. If you have a pool at home, a fence needs to surround the perimeter of the pool. This fence should be at least 4 feet high and contain a self-closing and locking mechanism. Ensure the fence works properly to prevent your child from being able to open the gate to get to the pool. Also, the fence should be constructed out of wood instead of chain links, so the child cannot climb over the fence.

*Don’t think your child is safe in the water just because he or she has had swimming lessons. Until the age of 4, many pediatricians discourage formal swimming lessons because children younger than 4 are generally not developmentally ready to swim on their own. If your child has had swimming lessons, do not rely solely on the instruction provided to keep them safe. Even children who know how to swim can find themselves in dangerous situations.

*Remove toys from the swimming pool and empty wading pools after every use. By leaving water in a wading pool or toys in a swimming pool, you are increasing the temptation for little ones to jump in the water while mom and dad are not looking. By removing toys, curious toddlers will not be tempted to get back in the water to retrieve them.

By properly supervising your toddler during all water activities, you will ensure that your day at the pool will be filled with nothing but fun.

Credit goes to St. Vincent Children Hospital in Indianapolis. Reviewed by Ralph Reiff, director of Sports Medicine and Sports Performance at St.Vincent Sports Performance–Northwest.

Shedding Light on Sun Protection

School is over, the flowers are in bloom, the pools are cool, and the ice cream man can be heard in the distance. This can only mean one thing—summer is here. Many children love the warm sun and enjoy feeling the sun’s rays on their skin, especially after experiencing cooler climates. All children need some sun exposure; it’s their primary source of vitamin D, which helps absorb calcium to build strong and healthy bones. However, it doesn’t take much time in the sun for children to get the vitamin D they need, and too much unprotected sun exposure can cause freckles, easy bruising, premature skin aging, skin discoloration and even skin cancer.

Parents can play a pivotal role in the prevention and early detection of the effects of too much sun exposure by following these five easy steps.

Limit outdoor playing time between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. During this time, the sun’s rays are at their strongest. If a child is in the sun between these hours, apply proper protective sunscreen. Also, don’t be fooled by cloud coverage. Even on cloudy days, the sun’s rays remain strong.

Apply sunscreen properly. Parents should generously apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to children playing outside. Choose a sunscreen that has an SPF of 45 or higher. When applying, don’t forget to cover ears, nose, hands, shoulders, feet and behind the neck. It’s also important to remember the lips and scalp, as they can also easily burn. Apply a lip balm that contains SPF protection.

Cover up. To ward off ultraviolet damage, wear protective clothing. Keep children covered with dark colors, long sleeves and pants. Accessories are just as important. Sunglasses with ultraviolet protection can help prevent the cornea from burning, and hats will help protect the face and scalp.

Keep watch on medications. Some medications increase the skin’s sensitivity to sun. Prescription antibiotics and acne medications are the biggest culprits. Parents should consult with a doctor if they are unsure about the medications their child is taking.

Set a good example for children. A child will likely follow suit if he or she sees a parent following sun-safety rules. Skin protection is important for all family members, so set a good example for children and cover up when heading out into the sun.

Reviewed by Terrence Brogan, M.D., pediatric dermatologist at Peyton Manning Children's Hospital at St.Vincent.

About 35-40 children die each year from hypothermia.

With the hot summer season now upon is, remember to never leave your child in the car for any length of time unattended. About 35-40 children die each year from hypothermia. Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature rises, your car's internal temperature can raise over 35 degrees in just 30 minutes on a hot day. Leaving the windows open doesn't always help much depending on the temperature, humidity levels, and winds. A baby locked up in the back seat of a car can die in just 15 minutes on a 75-degree day.

Only 15 states have enacted laws prohibiting parents from leaving their children unattended in cars. But states do prosecute and sentence parents who leave their children inside a hot car.

The Golden Gate Weather Services has a lot of good factual information on this topic. This month's Parenting Magazine contains a powerful story about a family who inadvertently forgot their child in the car and the tragedy they've gone through.

Inadvertently leaving a child can happen to anyone. Experts suggest that moms and dads leave an item of importance on the floor of the car by the car seat so that they must open the back seat to get the item and remember baby is along for the ride. This could be a purse, briefcase, laptop, office keys, or other item.

Have a safe summer with your baby!!

Tours4Fun

Tours4Fun is a thriving online travel agency dedicated in providing most affordable, yet value-for-money tour packages. The Tours4Fun team strives to be the ultimate online superstore with the widest selection of tour packages at the best prices. Even though their tour packages boast some of the lowest prices on the Internet, they do not compromise on quality and comfort of our travelers. You can check out their blog and traveler-friendly services.What Makes them Unique?Tours4Fun provides purely guilt-free traveling pleasures for all those travel enthusiasts who have a desire to explore the world for less. They value the sentiment of a frugal traveler by offering cost-effective tours.

Recently they launched a bunch of offbeat Budget Vacations that cost as little as $10 and not more than $75.

Tours4Fun also recently launched a brand new travel venture - AsiaImpressions.com.

Their $10 New York Tour has received an overwhelming response, mainly because it provides an opportunity to explore the piquant side of the city's culture.

Check them out at Tours4Fun

TSA - Travel with Kids Website

If you haven't visited the Transporation Security Administration's website recently, you should take a look at it prior to traveling with your little ones. They recently updated their site. They've added new and current information as well as updated the presentation of it. They now have video information that is very well done and easy to understand.

There is still a lot of confusion about how much milk and formula are allowed on the airplane and I think the new website addresses this well. The new rule is this: Medicines, formula, baby food, milk, breast milk and juice are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding the 3.4 oz limit and do not need to be in a zip lock bag. This is quoted exactly from their website.

Valentines Day Specials!!!

14 day’s til Valentines Day: We have put 14 items on sales just for you. With spring break right around the corner what a great gift to give those little devils! So forget about the candy this year and try the Eyes Cream Shade sunglasses, the baby sparewear plus many more items.
All items below will be 25% off now thru February 14th!

baby sparewear - Infant
Eyes Cream Shades sunglasses
Pool Pack
52 Travel Activity Kit
Brainiac's Road Trip Activity Book
Baby Bath Set-Duck
Pop-A-Tot Umbrella
Pop-a-Tot
8" Sand Pail/Shovel
Munchkin Five Sea Squirts
Neat Sheet
Gund Hopscotch Beaded Rattle
gund spunky teether

little baby giggle dolls

Happy Valentines Day!!!

A Mom Blogger Conference AT Disney World that INCLUDES your family!!!

Are you and your family ready to go to Disney? Check out the mom blogging conference Saturday, February 10th -13th, it's only $350 for the your conference fee that INCLUDES hotel, sessions, select meals, AND theme park tickets for you and 3 family members! I know!!! ALL of that for $350 — it is as magical as Mickey himself. Check out 5 Minutes for Mom for all the details. We are offering FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $75.00 for this conference, use coupon code: 5minutesformom10 at Jetsetbabies. Make sure orders are in by 2/3/10 This looks like a great mom blogger conference!!

Help Children in Haiti

We are giving 10% of all orders place from now until February 14th to help the kids in Haiti. As many of you know a massive, 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti Tuesday, January 12th. The damage to buildings is extensive and the number of injured/ dead is estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands. Jetsetbabies &... BabyShowersbymail will donate 10% of all orders from now until February 14, 2010 to help the Children in Haiti. 100% of our donation will go directly to the Mercy & Sharing program in Haiti.