Little Out of Towners

Renting baby/toddler gear is a great way to reduce stress when travelling with children! How often have you been packing for a family trip and wished you didn't have to haul so much gear around? Children's gear can be cumbersome and takes up a tremendous amount of valuable space. Add to that the hassle of reassembling it all when you reach your destination and you have a stressful start to your get-away - not exactly the relaxing escape we all dream of; but gear is a way of life for the safety-conscious parent. Renting offers the perfect compromise; safety with the convenience of delivery and assembly!

One of our favorite gear-rental companies is Little Out of Towners, located in the Charlotte, NC; they serve the greater Charlotte area as well as the York, Chester, and Lancaster counties of South Carolina! They feature an expansive line of JPMA-certified rental items at reasonable prices and take great pride in providing rental items of the highest standard with respect to safety, cleanliness, and condition! Travelling outside the Carolinas? No problem - they have compiled an extensive list of independently owned and operated rental companies spanning the world over, complete with contact information and websites! The Little Out of Towners is truly dedicated not only to keeping your kids safe when you travel, but also to making travel less stressful and more enjoyable for families!

Below are a few guidelines for renting gear:

Get all pricing information up front, including rental fees, delivery charges, fuel surcharges, set-up fees, late fees, and cancellation fees and policies.

Be certain to clarify what type of equipment you will be getting. Different companies may define "toddler bed" or "portable crib" differently - don't be afraid to ask questions to ensure you will be getting the gear you need!

The renter should be able to provide you with the manufacturer's recommendations regarding age, height and weight for whatever product(s) you may require.

Be certain to verify that the company checks for equipment recalls. Even if they do, it never hurts to double-check, so always get the make and model of the equipment so that you may check for yourself at http://www.recalls.org/.

Also, verify that their products are JPMA Certified. JPMA is the leader in product safety and usage; certification information is available athttp://www.jpma.org/.

Ask about the company's cleaning and safety-assurance procedures.

Bottom line: renting can save you time, hassle, and may even be cheaper than bringing your own items from home (once you factor in excess baggage fees, etc.) - so check out rentals for your next family adventure! Happy travels!

Snazzy Baby Knee Pads

With spring here and summer right around the corner, I know ALL of you want to be outside. Make sure you get a pair of Snazzy Baby Knee Pads - perfect for baby crawling around outside! Your baby will love the new and improved snug, soft, 4 layer cushioned oval Snazzy Baby Knee Pads. Made of the very best Neoprene material available. They are secured with Velcro straps ensuring a comfortable fit and a happy baby.

On SALE for $18.00

Week at the Beach

The week at the break package is the perfect for a spring break or a long vacation in a sunny location lounging on the sandy beach with your baby. This package makes ordering so convenient by having everything you need with one click. You just need to add the formula, baby food, and snacks that are specific to your baby's diet, check out and you are ready to go. Visit week at the beach and purchase one today!

Plan for your next ski trip...

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I couldn’t agree more on the warmth and luxury of these boots. Whooga sent me a pair of Short chocolate ugg boots to review. For all those mom's out there that are looking for the most comfortable and warm boot I FOUND THEM!!!! From the moment I slipped them on I was in heaven. Whooga ugg boots warm your toes faster with lavishly thick thermofleece. Each pair of boots features luscious twin faced merino fleece, is double stitched for durability, shapes to the natural contours of your feet and is backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. Simply enter 2CW804687 into the gift card section of your shopping cart for 10% off.

When you buy them for your next ski trip don't forget to order - Week on the slopes for the kids! Perfect for a week long vacation at the slopes with baby in tow. This package makes ordering so convenient by having everything you need with one click. You just need to add the formula, baby food, and snacks that are specific to your baby's diet, check out and you are ready to go. A little something for you and baby!

Tiny Bites Food Shears

Tiny Bites Food Shears are fun and functional. They allow parents to safely, easily and efficiently cut their child’s food into small pieces to ensure safe consumption. They can easily turn any food into perfect “finger foods”, bite-sized pieces, easy-to-eat strips, fun shapes or sizes. Perfect for travel with your toddler.

Each Food Shear is 5 1/2" inches in diameter. The cutlery-grade stainless steel blades are 2 1/2" inches long. Dishwasher safe.

Comes in a package of 2.

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!!!