2010 |
2009 |
|
Baby Club News 12/09
|
_______________________________________________________________________
We all know that times are tough and let’s face it…babies are expensive! Below are just a few ways to save your dough and not deprive you or your little one. If you have a tip you’d like to share, drop us an email. We’ll be posting fresh tips every month.
Do it Double Duty Style
Looks for baby furniture and accessories that grow with your child. Many furniture models double as both changing tables and dressers. You can also find high chairs that become booster seats and later turn into a regular chair. Many cribs can be transformed into toddler beds as well.
Seals are Steals
Package toddler snacks in individual baggies or other airtight containers as soon as you buy them. Those little munchies will go stale faster than a Hollywood marriage!
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Do It Yourself: Homemade Baby Food
Sweet Potato Risotto (for babies 8 months-old and older)
Ingredients
2 medium sweet potatoes
¼ cup olive oil, divided
4 cups chicken stock, divided
½ cup finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1½ cups arborio rice (12-ounce package)
¾ cup white grape juice
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
1½ teaspoons thyme leaves
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt
¾ teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 F. Peel and halve sweet potatoes. Cut half the sweet potatoes into a small dice and set aside for later. Cut remaining potatoes into 1 inch chunks. Toss with about a tablespoon of olive oil and roast for about 30 minutes or until soft. Puree in a food processor with ¼ cup stock. Set aside.
In a large saucepan, heat remaining oil and sauté onion and the uncooked sweet potatoes from earlier. Cook until softened but not browned. Add garlic and rice and cook 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in grape juice, cooking until completely absorbed. Add hot stock ½ cup at a time, stirring each time until each addition is completely absorbed. Once all stock has been used and absorbed into the rice, add sweet potato puree, spices, butter and Parmesan. Simmer on low for about 10 minutes until your risotto is soft and has absorbed all liquid. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Note: Substitute wine for the grape juice, and this becomes a delicious dish for adults too!
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Are you expecting a little bundle of joy? Tune in each month as we review our favorite baby names, their origination and meaning. You just might find the perfect one!
For Her: Amelia
What does it mean? Amelia means industrious, striving, and hard-working
Where does it originate? Amelia is a blend of the Latin Emilia and the German Amalia
Variant Forms/Spellings of Amelia: Aimiliona, Amalea, Amalee, Amaleta, Emelie, Emma, Meelia, Millie
Popularity and Trivia: 18th Century Princess Amelia brought this name to Britain, from there it became more and more popular. Aviatrix Amelia Earhart and fictional character Amelia Bedelia are among the most infamous who have this name. Amelia is a very common first name (#331 out of 4276 according to the 1990 U.S. Census).
For Him: Isaiah (eye-ZAY-ah)
What does it mean? Isaiah means “salvation of God” and “the Lord helps me”
Where does it originate? Isaiah is from Hebrew origin and is a Biblical name.
Variant Forms/Spellings of Isaiah: Isa, Isia, Isiah, Asaya, Joziah, Uziah, and Uzziah
Popularity and Trivia: Isaiah was one of the major prophets in the Old Testament Bible, and was writer of the Book of Isaiah. Isaiah is a somewhat common first name for men (#635 out of 1220 according to the 1990 U.S. Census) Isiah Thomas is a well known basketball player.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Scary as it is, children’s products are always being recalled. Check here for the latest in what to watch out for.
One Million Maclaren Strollers Recalled
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Maclaren recently announced a voluntary recall of about 1 million strollers after 12 reports of fingertips being cut off by the stroller’s hinge mechanism. When the stroller is being opened or unfolded, a child's finger could become caught, cut, or even amputated by the stroller’s hinge mechanism. Maclaren has received 15 reports of children placing their finger in the hinge mechanism, resulting in 12 reports of fingertip amputations in the United States. The strollers sold at Babies “R” Us, Target, and other juvenile product and mass merchandise retailers from 1999 through November 2009 for between $100 and $360. They were made in China.
What should you do if this affects you?
- Immediately stop using the stroller and contact Maclaren for a free repair kit.
- For more information contact Maclaren toll-free at: (877)688-2326 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, Eastern Time.
- View photos of the recalled strollers by visiting CPSC’s website: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10033.html
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Join us each month as we tackle the weird and wacky questions you have about all things baby. To submit a question, simply send us an email.
My baby is seven months old and is starting to crawl…backwards! Is that normal, or should I be concerned?
~ Kelly in South Bend
Backwards crawling is most definitely normal. When your baby begins to crawl (usually happening between 6-10 months), she’ll choose the most energy-efficient way to get where she needs to go. If your baby’s arms are stronger than her legs at this point in life, she’ll scoot backwards. This is very common, and will keep your baby quite busy! As her legs get stronger, she’ll probably learn to crawl forward on her own. If you’d like to encourage your little girl to start moving forward, try putting a favorite toy in front of her just out of reach. She might be frustrated, but give her time to reach the toy without your help. This simple exercise will help strengthen the muscles she needs to crawl forward. Remember, it’s okay if your baby never crawls forward or skips crawling completely. What’s important is that your baby is mobile. If you have more questions or concerns, ask the doctor at your next appointment.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Morgan Gillian Delevitt
Submitted by: Liz Delevitt (Mother)
Birthday: September 1, 2008
In a Nutshell: Morgan is a happy 14 month-old toddler who is always on the move. She went from crawling to running in just a few weeks. Her favorite things are watching Elmo on Sesame Street, swimming with daddy and playing in her ball pit at home. Her favorite word is "d-gee" (doggie) and she loves to point them out at the park. Morgan loves her extended family including her parents, grandparents and 7 first cousins! She is very excited to spend the upcoming holidays with all of them.
If you have an adorable baby (0-24 months-old), send us a photo! Simply email us your photo and we’ll feature a different baby each month right here in the “Cute Baby” section of the E-Newsletter.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Money Saving Coupons Exclusively for You!
Click on the links below to print your coupons.
Save $1 on any Top Care Baby Product purchase
Save $1 on any size package of Huggies Diapers
