_______________________________________________________________________

 

Thrifty Tips for Thrifty Moms

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.

 

Say no to add-ons

Pass up a private room if there's a charge. Fees can vary wildly, from about $30 a day in Alabama all the way up to a $500 daily charge in Manhattan.  By choosing a two-person room, you can save lots of bucks.  With nurses and doctors in and out, you won’t have much privacy anyway.

 

Test-drive a stroller before you buy it

There are some super-expensive strollers out there. But just because it looks good doesn't mean you'll like it. Those mammoth models may be difficult to steer, so make sure you test them out first. You don't want buyer's remorse on an item like this one!

 

Turn to your local library for classes and games

Baby music and art classes can cost a small fortune, but activities at the library are often cheap or free! Many offer activities like mom-and-baby yoga and storytime...for free!

 

Don't buy an ear thermometer

Sure, they look fancy and high-tech, but did you know that most doctors actually recommend an oral or rectal thermometer for accuracy? Save your cash and buy something you know will work.

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Do It Yourself: Homemade Baby Food

Apple & Pear Delight

 

1 apple, peeled, cored and diced

1 pear, peeled, cored and diced

2 tbsp water

 

Put all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil.  Cover and let simmer until very soft (8-12 minutes).  Stir every so often to make sure that fruit is not stuck to bottom of pan.  Blend with mixer or press through strainer.  If needed, thin with a little boiled water.  Serve lukewarm.  Store in fridge up to 24 hours or in freezer up to one month.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________

 

So, What’s in a Name?

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 Him: Cruz (pronounced Krooz)
What does it mean? Cruz means cross. It is similar to the English name Christopher.
Where does it originate? Spain and Portugal
Variant Forms/Spellings: Cruzito (means little Cruz), Chris, Christopher, Cris, Kris
Popularity: Since 2002 the name Cruz has become more and more popular.  David and Victoria Beckham have a son named Cruz.

 

 

For Her: Tallulah
What does it mean? Leaping Water, also may have derived from a Gaelic name meaning fruitful woman.
Where does it originate? Native American culture (Choctaw)
Variant Forms/Spellings: Talley, Tallie, Tallula, Tally, Talula and Tula.
Popularity: This name is a very rare first name, and also rare as a last name. Throughout the past five years it has become more popular, but is still rare.

Celebrity couple Simon and Yasmine LeBon have a daughter named Tallulah Pine LeBon.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Total Recall

Scary as it is, children’s products are always being recalled.  Check here for the latest in what to watch out for.

 

Little Tikes Toy Workshops Sets and Trucks Recalled
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Little Tikes recently announced a voluntary recall of workshop sets and trucks.  About 1.6 million of these products were sold nationwide between March 1994 and June 2009.  The recalled workshop sets and trucks have oversized, plastic toy nails that can pose a choking hazard to young children. There has been one report of an 11-month-old boy choking on one of these nails. The child was hospitalized and made a full recovery.  The toys sold for between $25-$100 and were made in the U.S. and China.

 

What should you do if this affects you?

  • Immediately take plastic nails away from children and contact Little Tikes to receive free replacement plastic nails.

  • For more information contact Little Tikes: (888) 791-2737 between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and on Saturday between 9 a.m. and 2.p.m. (ET)
  • Visit the company’s website for more information: www.littletikes.com
View photos of the recalled toys by visiting CPSC’s website:

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09304.html

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Normal or Not?

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.

 

 

Yesterday my son Hunter tried to eat our dog’s dry food.  Why?  Is there something wrong with his eating habits?  Should I be concerned?

 ~ Delilah in Mishawaka

 

 

 

Dear Delilah,

You hear that familiar crunching in the kitchen — then discover it's not Snoopy but your toddler who's chowing down on dog kibbles. Do you need to visit the emergency room? Is something seriously wrong with your child's eating habis?

 

No to both of these. It may smell good and sometimes look good, so it's no surprise that kids might give dog food a try. Children often test new things by popping them in their mouth. It's one way they learn about the world around them. Fortunately, dog food (and pet food in general) isn't harmful to your toddler because the main ingredients are meat, grain and vegetable products. This also means that you don't need to be concerned that your child is craving dog food because they are lacking some sort of nutrients. The worst that could happen is an upset tummy, which is unpleasant for sure...but not dangerous.

 

Do watch out though, if your child has any allergies. Oftentimes the caramel color in canned pet foods contain dairy products, so be aware. Also, chunks of dry dog food could cause a choking hazard. Additionally, many dogs are protective of their food and may get agressive when their food is taken. Because of these reasons, it's smart to keep your toddler away from you pet's food. Distract him or her during your pet's feeding time.

 

If your toddler is going through a phase where she's intrigued by new foods, take full advantage! You might try giving her a special "doggy bowl" and put new and different snacks in it each time. She might just find a new favorite...one that tastes much better than dog food!

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Cute Baby of the Month

 

Name: Jayden Lee Pyle

Submitted by:Liz Pyle(Mother)
Birthday: October 17th 2008

In a Nutshell: Jayden is an amazingly happy baby who loves to hear his own voice! He's quite the screamer these days!Jayden's favorite time of day is when daddy walks in the door. His face just lights up and off he goes as fast as he can crawl to greet daddy at the door! Jayden enjoys being outdoors at the park; his favorite thing is the swings.  He gets so excited!He has two older sisters, Taylor and Emily, who just adore him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 pkg of Huggies Diapers

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copyright © , All rights reserved. · Developed by MyWebGrocer Inc