Welcome to the Real Baby blog! This is the place to find out about the latest gear, toys, fashion and furnishings that we absolutely love. We love to share stories, thoughts and information too!
Monday, November 09, 2009
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
hushamok is the ideal sleeping environment for your baby, providing you with the safety your baby requires without sacrificing style.
Style
hushamok’s unique design is a welcome addition to any room in the home. The versatility of hushamok not only provides a sturdy anchor for the safety of your baby, but is also a fashionable design addition that complements any style decor. hushamok is durable, lightweight and portable, making it ideal for around the home or packed for travel.
Health Benefits
hushamok guards against potentially serious health concerns that can arise during baby’s sleep. The innovative design of hushamok enables baby to sleep soundly on their backs, which is a key recommendation in the prevention of SIDs. hushamok creates a restful and nurturing sleep environment. Preventative of: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), Flat Head Syndrome, and Infant Acid Refulx.
Restless Sleepers
For years, doctors have recommended baby hammocks to help soothe babies with restless sleep. Doctors recommend hammocks as traditional approach to improving sleep that has been used successfully by many cultures for centuries. Other doctors also recommend the natural swinging, rocking and bouncing motion of a baby hammock to induce sleep. Unlike adults, babies are triggered to sleep by motion; as many mothers notice during pregnancy when baby is asleep during the day and awake at night.
My Seat - The Organic MySeat is the hottest item for “awake” time while the Hushamok baby hammock continues to offer babies the best in sleep. Using both the Hushamok baby hammock and MySeat combines a sleeping and seating system that is easy to use and best of all eliminates all that extra clutter in your home.
MySeat can be used for babies as they become more alert and interactive (approximately 8-12 weeks old). Simply use the attached tether, neck support, and harness system to ensure baby is secured safely into their MySeat. The seat an hold a child up to a maximum weight of 50 pounds/22kg.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
I just came back from a 10 day beach vacation with my spouse and our two children. We spent up to 4 to 6 hours everyday on the beach or by the pool in full sun. Needless to say we went through numerous bottles of sunscreen. I find it amazing and confusing how they all can be so different in both price and effectiveness. Here is a basic breakdown of important terms used on sunscreen labels.
UVA- ultraviolet A radiation. Penetrating rays that cause sunburn, wrinkles, and age spots and contribute to skin cancer.
UVB- ultraviolet
B radiation. Can cause sunburn and other skin damage and contribute to skin cancer.
SPF- sun-protection factor, a measure of UVB sunburn protection on treated skin as compared with untreated skin. Basically, if your skin normally takes 10 minutes to turn red, SPF 30 lengthens that time to about 300 minutes.
Broad Spectrum- implies that the produt blocks UVA and UVB radiation, but doesn't indicate how effective the blocking is.
PABA Free- contains no esters of para-aminobenzoic acid, an older sun blocking ingredient that caused allergic reactions. Most sunscreens do not use this ingredient anymore.
Very Water Resistant- maintains the claimed SPF after 80 minutes in water. "Waterproof" has no FDA accepted definition, but it is used by some manufacturers to mean very water resistant.
Confused? I still am. What I found that works best for my children is not so much the brand name or claims, but how you apply and re-apply the sunscreen. It is recommended that you buy a sunscreen that is labeled very water resistant or waterproof and with an SPF of at least 30.
Apply the sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure. I found this to be the key factor in protecting my children. Easier said than done of course. Reapply every two hours is another key factor. Again, good luck! we found sprays to be affective but difficult to apply outdoors. The key to sprays is to do them early, often, and indoors. Of course the sun protective rash guards are a great addition to your sunscreen arsenal. It saved my sons shoulders this year.
Here are a few of consumer Reports recommended sunscreens from the July 2009 addition.
Coppertone Water Babies SPF 50 lotion
Aveeno continuous Protection Spray SPF 45
Walgreens continuous spray sport SPF 50
Banana Boat Sport performance SPF 50 Lotion- We liked this one
Target Sport Continuous spray SPF 30
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Muu thinks the way you do. Want products for your family that are safe, non-toxic and useful? So do we. Furniture built with a dedication to quality and craftsmanship? That, too. Designs that fit the style of a modern home and will grow with you? Got it. Concerned about the environment and how our choices impact the next generation? Absolutely.
But since no one knows your style better than you, we’ve put the final choice in your hands: Muu furniture can be personalized with one of our unique design panels, created exclusively for Muu and custom-printed with your child’s name.
Speaking of names, Muu is inspired by the Zen term Mu, which teaches that there is no difference between us and our environment. This belief guides our designs as well as our commitment to sustain
Take a look at the Muu line on line at Real Baby.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
You can with these rockin' tee's for your little one. All of our tee's are 100% cotton with your favorite album cover on the front. Real Baby has a large selection of all your favorite bands. The Stones, Nirvana, Run DMC, Radiohead, The Clash... There all here. Stop by our Boulder or Denver store to find your favorite .
Friday, March 13, 2009
Most parents eagerly anticipate toilet training as a milestone in their child's development, if for no other reason than that it means an end to changing diapers. But few moms and dads are prepared for how long toilet training can take. Sure, some children master it within a few days, but others can take several months. In fact, it's generally true that the earlier you start, the longer it takes.
You and your child have a better chance of success if you understand the elements of training and approach the process in a clear fashion. Here are the basic steps:
Assess your child's readiness — and your own
Some children are ready to start potty training by 18 months or so, but others aren't interested in the process until they're closer to 3 years old. Many parents begin potty training when their children are about 2 and a half.
Watch for signs that your toddler is ready to start (can she follow simple instructions? can she walk and sit down?) but try not to put on the pressure. Rushing her when she's not ready will be counterproductive. And remember that what worked for your older child might not work for this one — boys tend to train a bit more slowly than girls, while second (and subsequent) children may learn more quickly than firstborns.
Look beyond your toddler's developmental readiness, too. If she's experiencing any turmoil or major change in her life, like a new school, caregiver, or sibling, the potty-training process is likely to hit some snags and should probably be put off until things have settled down.
There's also no sense in beginning potty training when you — or your child's primary caregivers — won't be able to devote time, patience, and a dash of humor to the process. If you're in the middle of remodeling your house, have just taken a challenging new job, or are suffering from morning sickness with your next pregnancy, it's probably not a good time to try to potty-train your toddler. Wait a couple of weeks — or months — for other pressures to ease.
Buy the right equipment
First and foremost, invest in a child-sized potty chair or a special adapter seat that attaches to your regular toilet. This eases the anxiety some children feel about the grown-up toilet — some fear falling into it, others dislike the loud noise of the flush. Figure out what equipment is best for your toddler before you go shopping.
If you have a boy and are buying a potty chair, look for one without a urine guard or with a removable one. You may have to wipe up a little more stray pee, but the guards tend to bump into and scrape a boy's penis when he sits on the potty, which can discourage him from training.
If you're using an adapter seat, make sure it's comfy and secure, and buy a stool to go with it. Your toddler will need the stool in order to get up and down from the toilet quickly and easily, as well as to brace her feet while sitting, which helps her push when she's having a bowel movement.
Create a routine
Set your toddler on the potty seat, fully clothed, once a day — after breakfast, before her bath, or whenever else she's likely to have a bowel movement. This will help her get used to the potty and accept it as part of her routine. If there's not an easily accessible bathroom around, bring your child's portable potty outside, to the playroom, or wherever your toddler may be.
Once she's fine with this routine, have her sit on the potty bare-bottomed. Again, let her get used to how this feels. At this point, let her know that this is what Mommy and Daddy (and any older siblings) do every day. That is, taking off your pants before you use the bathroom is a grown-up thing to do.
If sitting on the potty with or without clothes is upsetting to your toddler, don't push it. Never restrain her or physically force her to sit there, especially if she seems scared. It's better to put the potty aside for a few weeks before trying again. Then, if she's willing to sit there, you know she's comfortable enough to proceed.
Demonstrate for your child
Children learn by imitation, and watching you use the bathroom is a natural way to understand what using the toilet is all about. If you have a son, it's simpler to teach him to pee sitting down at this young age. Later, when he's mastered that, he can watch his dad, older brother, or friend pee standing up — he's bound to pick it up quickly with just a little encouragement.
When you demonstrate for your toddler, it's helpful to explain what's going on as you're using the bathroom and let her see afterward what you "made." Then show her how you wipe with toilet paper, pull up your underwear, flush the toilet, and wash your hands.
Even though you'll be helping your toddler with these activities for some time, especially wiping after a bowel movement, seeing you do it and hearing you talk through it will help her get used to the whole process. (When you wipe your toddler, make sure to go from front to back, especially after a bowel movement, to minimize the risk of urinary tract infections.)
If your toddler has older siblings or friends who are potty-trained, consider having them demonstrate, too. It can be helpful for your child to see others close to her age exhibiting the skills she's trying to learn.
Explain the process
Show your toddler the connection between pooping and the toilet. The next time she poops in her diaper, take her to the potty, sit her down, and empty the diaper beneath her into the bowl. Afterward, let her flush if she wants to (but don't force her if she's scared) so she can watch her diaper contents disappear.
You also may want to pick up a few potty-training picture books or videos for your toddler, which can assist her in taking in all this new information. Everyone Poops, by Taro Gomi, is a perennial favorite, as well as Uh Oh! Gotta Go! and Once Upon a Potty, which even comes in a version with a doll and miniature potty.
Keeping a book like this in the bathroom, or a poster or flipbook that illustrates the steps in using the potty, can help your toddler get familiar with the process and relate it to what she does in the bathroom.
Foster the habit
Encourage your toddler to sit on the potty whenever she feels the urge to go. If she needs help getting there and taking off her diaper, make sure she knows it's okay to ask you for help any time.
If you can, let her run around bare-bottomed sometimes with the potty nearby. The more time she spends out of diapers, the faster she's likely to learn, although you'll have to steel yourself to clean up a few more puddles. Tell her she can use the potty whenever she wants to, and remind her occasionally that it's there if she needs it.
Sometimes toddlers won't sit on the potty long enough to relax and let anything come out. Calmly encourage your toddler to sit there for at least a minute or so. You'll have the best luck getting her to stay put if you keep her company and talk to her or read her a book.
When your toddler uses the potty successfully, shower her with praise. Chances are that she'll continue to have accidents, but she'll start to grasp that getting something in the potty is an accomplishment. Still, try not to make a big deal out of every trip to the potty, or your toddler may start to feel nervous and self-conscious under the glare of all that attention.
Grab some training pants
Once training is under way, consider adding training pants — extra-thick cloth or disposables that pull on like underwear — to your routine. They'll allow your toddler to undress for the potty on her own, which is a critical step toward becoming completely potty-trained.
While cloth training pants are less convenient than disposable pull-ups, many parents say they work better because your toddler can really feel when she pees or poops in them. Whichever option you choose, introduce them gradually — probably for a few hours at a time — and stick with diapers at night for the time being.
When your child consistently seeks out the potty whenever she has to go, it's time to move on to "big-kid" underwear. Many moms and dads have found that undies with a favorite character on them give kids a dandy incentive to stay dry.
Handle setbacks gracefully
Virtually every child will have several accidents before being able to stay dry all day long. When this happens, don't get angry or punish your child. After all, it's only recently that her muscle development has allowed her to hold her bladder and rectum closed at all, and she's still learning why it's important to use the potty. Mastering the process will take time.
What can you do? Reduce the chance of accidents by dressing your toddler in clothes that are easy to remove quickly. When she has an accident anyway, calmly clean it up and suggest (sweetly) that next time she try using her potty instead.
I. Introduce night training
Don't give away that stash of diapers just yet. Even when your child is consistently clean and dry all day, it may take several more months, or even years, for her to stay dry all night. At this age, her body is still too immature to wake her up in the middle of the night reliably just to go to the bathroom.
When you're ready to embark on night training, your toddler should continue to wear a diaper or pull-up to bed, but encourage her to use the potty if she has to pee or poop during the night. Tell her that if she wakes up in the middle of the night needing to go, she can call you for help. You can also try putting her potty near her bed so she can use it right there.
If she manages to stay dry for five nights in a row, it's a good time to start nighttime training in earnest. Put a plastic sheet under the cloth one to protect the mattress, and put your toddler to bed in underwear (or nothing) and see how it goes.
There's not much you can do to help things along, short of limiting liquids before bedtime, so if your toddler doesn't seem to get the hang of it, put her back in nighttime diapers and try again in a few months.
Jump for joy — you're done!
Believe it or not, when your child is mentally and physically ready to learn this new skill, she will. And if you wait until she's really ready to start, the process shouldn't be too painful for either of you.
When it's over, reinforce her pride in her achievement by letting her give away leftover diapers to a family with younger kids, or by packing up the cloth diapers and sending them away with the diaper delivery service one last time.
And don't forget to pat yourself on the back. Now you won't have to think about diapers ever again — at least, not until the next baby.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Now your baby can have their very own table setting! Bright and fun, The Skip Hop Mate just might make your tot excited to eat their veggies. The happy-face place mat keeps them entertained while the plate pops in and out of the microwave, dishwasher, or refrigerator
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Medical experts worldwide agree that barefoot is best, and soft, flexible-soled shoes are the next best choice, for both infants and children. The best shoe mimics bare feet, by supporting - not constricting tiny growing feet.
Robeez footwear flex and bend with every step. They promote good balance and unrestricted growth, while protecting little feet from the world. They stay on too, with elasticized ankles to ensure a perfectly snug fit.
When you're choosing shoes for their developing feet:
1. Make it soft. A softer sole that cushions, allows toes a better grip, helping balance and muscle growth.
2. Get fit. A shoe with elastic hugs the ankle with every step, staying snug and secure for a great fit.
3. Measure up. Little feet grow quickly, so measure regularly.
4. Be flexible. Shoes should not restrict proper bending of the joints. A soft flexible soled shoe allows the foot to flex with ease.
5. Go light. Help the new walker go light and stay upright by choosing a lightweight shoe without bulky padding and heavy soles.
6. Get wiggling. Promote movement and flexing of their growing feet with games like "This Little Piggy".
Thursday, January 22, 2009
The Eco-inspired organic bassinet; carrier is fully lined with a blend of organic soybean & cotton so every inch of material that touches your baby’s skin is a wholesome, hygienic alternative to synthetic fabrics. So many great features and colors!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Our already great registry has loads of new features and is now easier than ever to use. You can set up multiple lists: have one for your shower and one for little Suzie's 2nd birthday.
It's easy to use and manage.
New features include:
- Add the date of your shower or party
- let people know if you're having a boy or girl
- ability to name your wish lists
- set up multiple registries or wish lists
- ability to add more then one of a product
- ability to see if a product is out of stock when looking at a registry
- easily edit or even delete a wish list
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
The Best Gifts are in the Highlands!
Avoid the Malls and shop close to home for fabulous, inventive, gorgeous gifts you won't find anywhere else.
Don't Miss our Annual 11th Hour Shop Nite on Monday December 22!
Shops along 32nd Avenue
will be open until 11 PM
with specials and treats to help speed along your last minute shopping.
Map it!
Holiday in the Highlands
Sunday December 14 from 1-3
Visit Santa Claus
Horse and Wagon Rides
Strolling Holiday Music
Hot Chocolate
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Friday, November 07, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
You can teach your children how to save the planet by introducing them to this cool Eco friendly doll house. A realistic Real Life House on 2 Floors,aiming an enviromental concerns. By living in an environmentally-concerned way of life we can preserve our world. Riding bicycles, using clean energy, and recycling are activities that are friendly to our environment. Parents can play together with their children to create a fun house with loads of accessories, plus teach children about each ECO activity that they can try at home and in daily activities to save the environment.
Wonderworld is a strong advocate of protecting the environment, insists on using only rubber-wood that is of replenishable source and is widely accepted throughout the world as environmental-friendly material. This House even comes with a family of hippies!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Monday, October 06, 2008
Great news! Now I don't have to get my kids the Hamster they wanted
By Lindsey Tanner
The Associated Press
Article Last Updated: 10/06/2008 07:05:16 AM MDT
CHICAGO — Warning: Young children should not keep hedgehogs as pets — or hamsters, baby chicks, lizards or turtles, for that matter — because of risks for disease.
That's according to the nation's leading pediatricians group in a new report about dangers from "exotic" animals.
Besides evidence that they can carry dangerous and sometimes potentially deadly germs, exotic pets may be more prone than cats and dogs to bite, scratch or claw — putting children younger than 5 particularly at risk, the report says.
Young children are vulnerable because of developing immune systems — plus they often put their hands in their mouths.
That means families with children younger than 5 should avoid owning "nontraditional" pets. Also, kids that young should avoid contact with these animals in petting zoos or other public places, according to the report from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
The report appears in the October edition of the group's medical journal, Pediatrics.
"Many parents clearly don't understand the risks from various infections" these animals often carry, said Dr. Larry Pickering, the report's lead author and an infectious-disease specialist at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For example, about 11 percent of salmonella illnesses in children are thought to stem from contact with lizards, turtles and other reptiles, Pickering said. Hamsters also can carry this germ, which can cause severe diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps.
Salmonella also has been found in baby chicks, and young children can get it by kissing or touching the animals and then putting their hands in their mouths, he said.
Hedgehogs can be dangerous because their quills can penetrate skin and have been known to spread a bacterium that can cause fever, stomach pain and a rash, the report said.
With supervision and precautions such as hand-washing, contact between children and animals "is a good thing," study co-author Dr. Joseph Bocchini said.
But families should wait until children are older before bringing home an exotic pet, he said. Those who already have these pets should contact their veterinarians about specific risks and possible new homes for the animals, he said.
But a spokesman for the International Hedgehog Association said there's no reason to single out hedgehogs or other exotic pets.
"Our recommendation is that no animal should be a pet for kids 5 and under," said Z.G. Standing Bear. He runs a rescue operation near Pikes Peak for abandoned hedgehogs.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Were are glad to say that Real Baby has never done business with any of the companies sited in this article. Please read this important article.
Sept 24 2008: California Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. has sued five baby furniture manufacturers for failing to warn consumers about the dangerous levels of formaldehyde gas emitted by their products, including cribs and changing tables.
“We’re suing these companies because parents deserve to know if there’s a dangerous chemical in products for children,” Brown said. “Over the past two years, we’ve brought other actions to ensure the safety of children’s products, such as lead in toys and phthalates in baby bibs.
"Increasingly, the wood and other materials in consumer products are produced globally, and the lack of tough safeguards and strict enforcement can lead to dangerous levels of exposure,” Brown added.
Passed by voters in 1986, Proposition 65 requires manufacturers to provide “clear and reasonable warnings” of chemicals in their products that are known to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
The state’s lawsuit alleges that Child Craft, Delta Enterprise Corp., Stork Craft, South Shore Industries and Jardine Enterprises manufactured baby furniture, such as cribs and changing tables, that emit formaldehyde — a chemical known to cause cancer — and failed to provide any warning about this risk.
In addition to being a carcinogen, formaldehyde has been shown to contribute to respiratory problems like asthma. The levels of formaldehyde gas emitted from the baby furniture, when combined with other potential sources of formaldehyde in the home, are high enough to cause respiratory irritation to children sleeping in the cribs.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Real Baby Boulder is just around the corner. Located on the corner of 15th and Pearl St. right in the heart of downtown Boulder Colorado. We our very excited to grow our business and we hope to have the new store up and running around August 1st. The building is getting closer to being finished, so we will keep you posted! Click on the image above to see more photos of our new location.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Monday, March 03, 2008
Just something to think about.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Yes it's real. Every loving and caring parent needs to offer this toy to their little future Homeland Security Expert. Cause delays getting into your elementary school, spread fear, and interrogate your friends! Drug sniffing dog and travel size water boarding kit not included. I wish I would have thought of this. $29.95 will get you this cardboard box that beeps.
Below is the actual wording from the manufacturer of why this toy was created. Be afraid.
"In an effort to help children understand and be comfortable and confident in the need and process of higher security protocols we've developed a new play and learning toy and resource web site to promote and educate security procedures.
OperationCheckpoint.com and the makers of the Scan-It toy are attempting to bring security technology companies, governments and security providers together to help educate children on the need and importance of airport and public spaces security."
Thursday, February 21, 2008
PLAYSPOT is a beautiful and innovative soft floor surface that keeps your child comfortable and happy, while complementing your home's decor. With a variety of neutral and designer tile colors, it's the perfect addition to the modern or contemporary nursery.
Large in size and large on style, these floor tiles have been designed, tested and manufactured for children of all ages. It's easy to put together with its unique connector system so you can configure it to fit your style.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Modern is in at Real Baby
Monday, January 21, 2008
Automoblox are Here!
These beautifully designed vehicles will set your childs imagination racing. With interchangable parts, the sky is the limit for what your little designer can create. Automoblox are designed as an heirloom toy with safety and durability being most important. I would buy a Mini Van if they looked like this! To see Automoblox in action click here.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Real Baby is Voted Best Baby Store in Denver!
For the third year in a row City Search members have voted Real Baby the best baby store in Denver. We are very humbled and proud, and we want to thank everyone who voted for us. We promise to keep bringing you the best products we can find for you and your little ones.
Here is a little insider tip for you our favorite readers of the blogosphere.... look for Real Baby to open it's second store in Boulder!! That's right, We have signed on the dotted lines and we will be moving into our second home on the North East corner of 15th and Pearl in downtown Boulder Colorado. We should open doors sometime in the summer and we will keep you posted about the grand opening festivities. We can't wait!