Author Archives: admin

Top 10 Things To Consider When Choosing Toys For Your Baby

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Ah, gift giving season is upon us.  Every company wants your baby to be entertained, ahead of the curve, stimulated, educated….the number one question should be is Do I need this?  Remember, simple is best. Here are a few more questions to think about thought…

1. Is it Made of Safe Materials? Free from BPA, phthalates, and PVC? For the safest toys, check out HealthyStuff.org/Toys

2. Is the toy age appropriate?

3. Will the baby actively engage with the toy or sit passively and watch the toy do something?

4. Does the toy encourage creativity and imagination?

5. Can the toy be used in many ways?

6. Will the toy interest your baby for more than just a few weeks?

7. Some of the best toys are the simplest- wooden spoons, pots and pans, measuring cups, and the boxes special toys arrive in!

8. Search for items of different weights, materials, textures, flexibility, sizes, shapes, colors, and smells. Your baby thrives on variety!

9. Is the toy durable and is it easy to clean?

10. Is the toy simple? Avoid complicated toys that may frustrate your baby. Remember, It isn’t what a toy does, it is what your baby can do with the toy that matters!

~~This is re-posted from the Day One Center~~

Playground ball recommendation

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(This photo is taken from their website.)

THANK YOU to K. who emailed me to tell me about a greener playground ball!

The company is Crocodile Creek and this is what they state:

“Playground Balls
Our playground balls are made of natural and synthetic rubber and contain no PVC, BPA or vinyl.”

Check out the array of colors they come in!  Note that not all their balls have the same ingredients though…

New Babilates Class

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You’ve heard me recommend this class before..here is a new time!

Tuesdays 4-5:15pm
Wingspan Movement & Wellness
482 49th Street, Suite E
(at the end of Alley 49)
Oakland, CA 94609
415.418.8357

Welcome back to your body! Among the many new responsibilities that come with mama-hood, self-care can sometimes take a back seat. But nourishing yourself is good for the whole family!
Join Jessica & Lulu Bird for Babilates (now on Tuesday afternoons) and some focused mama time. This postnatal Pilates mat class provides an intimate, playful, and invigorating environment in which you will:
  • reawaken abdominal muscles weakened and stretched out from pregnancy
  • mobilize tight, sore shoulders that are weathering the rigors of nursing and baby care
  • tend to stiff, aching low backs and tight hips and legs
  • sing to, sign with, and play alongside our babies, whether they are in arms, crawling, or (gently) toddling
All body types and ability levels are welcome. This class is mama-centric, so nursing, diaper changing, and fussing babes are par for the course. Babies aged 6 weeks to gently toddling are welcome. Mamas who had c-sections should wait until 8 weeks postpartum or until cleared for exercise by their doctors. Call Jessica if you have questions or to RSVP (class size is limited to 6 so RSVPs are recommended.) 415-418-8357. We hope to see you there!

A Vote for the Best Sunscreen!

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I know you are probably gearing up for voting tomorrow, but if you have a moment could you vote again?

The past couple years I’ve recommended a sunscreen, called TruKid, made by an Oakland mom. Always want to help the local businesses and when I heard about this vote, I HAD to vote for them.  So if you’ve tried TruKid products or if you just want to help this local business, please vote with the link below.

Baby Bill Of Rights

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Going through my stack of developmental papers I’ve collected over the past 25 years.  I came across this Baby Bill of Rights put out by the March of Dimes.  These words ring true for our babies, regardless of their age.

BABY BILL OF RIGHTS

Talk to me:

Sing, hum, babble, or even read the funnies to me!  I don’t know exactly what you are saying, but I need to hear you.  And I do know exactly what you mean, even if I may not know words. Like your voice tones mean, “I love you.” OR when yo yell.  I hear.  “You’re a pest!” Unless you communicate with me, how can I learn?  I learn from you.

Hold me:

Everything is so big and new to me.  I don’t understand where I am. Or who I am. And I get scared. But when you hold me, I feel better.  Your warmth warms me. Your breath and heartbeat make me feel I belong. Belong here. Belong to you.

Answer my cry:

I don’t cry to get you upset.  Or to get you mad. I cry because I can’t tell you how I feel any other way.  Maybe I’m cold…or wet..or hungry..or scared and lonely. Answer my cries.  You’ll soon know what each one means.  You won’t spoil me. You’ll help me to be a better baby..and to make you happier too.

Love me:

Like me. Love me just as I am. Don’t expect me to do what I can’t do. Like being toilet-trained. My muscles aren’t ready yet. I know I’m messy. But I’m growing. Overlook my baby weaknesses. You’re the most important person in my world. I can’t make it without you. So get to know me. Have fun with me. And love me…just as I am.