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Parent tested

Quick, and quick dried

 

 

“I gave Ethan one of the dried pouches in his applesauce for dinner and it was a hit!” What is our parent tester talking out? A new powdered baby food brand, NurturMe, that is all natural, organic, gluten-free, and made of quick-dried fruits and veggies. Giving parents the flexibility to make it anyway baby likes it, you can add breast milk, whole milk, formula, or water in any amount and combination. As your baby’s tastes’ mature, try adding it to foods like grains, home-made purees, yogurt, pvvand even macaroni and cheese to boost nutritional value. All packaging is recyclable and is manufactured using wind energy. Best, the company has partnered with feedthechildren.org. For each 18-serving variety pack sold (about $20), one will be donated to Feed the Children, with a goal of donating over 100,000 meals in six months. While our tester noted that the dried food “smelled a little funny” she also noted her child didn’t seem to notice and ate readily. Available locally at The Wedge, Target and Whole Foods, and also at nurturme.com.  

 

Have a 2012 graduate?

According to Pear Tree Greetings, an online personalized greeting card company (peartreegreetings.com), announcing a graduation is much more than a “one-size-fits-all” senior portrait. The 2012 graduation announcement has an emphasis on uniquely individual photos that exude character. Says Angela Ferrara, director of product development, “Graduates are looking for announcement designs that showcase their personalities, while parents seek that elusive combination of style and affordability.” 

When making final decisions on announcements, consider folded, die-cut or layered designs; a companion thank you note; bold stripes, as well as traditional patterns. And for those parents who will be scheduling a senior portrait session this coming summer? Consider that the location of the shoot and props, will add vibrancy and personalization to your soon-to-be-senior’s photo. 

Changes to note: Acetaminophen

Every maker of infants’ acetaminophen products is changing the amount (concentration) of acetaminophen in their medicines. These changes, according to the makers of Tylenol, are intended to standardize dosing across product lines and help reduce medication errors.

What is important to note:

• There may be a time when infants’ acetaminophen products with the old and new concentrations are in stores and in your medicine cabinet concurrently.

• The old infants’ acetaminophen products are three times more concentrated than the new.

• Using directions from the new product with the old product (concentrated drops) could result in serious overdose and cause liver damage. Always read and follow the label directions on the product you are using. 

• The dosing device will change as well. It is important that you always use the device that comes with the bottle you have. Old concentrations came with a medicine dropper; the new concentrations will have a dosing syringe.

All bottles and boxes clearly label the concentration. 

This information came from the Tylenol.com website but you can find similar informational warnings on sites such as webmd.com and babycenter.com.

More area 

theaters announce 2012–2013 shows

The 2012-13 season at Stages Theatre Company features eight productions for children and young adults, with the selected titles evoking imagination and inspiration. The 29th season includes six original commissions, two plays based on books with Caldecott recognition, as well as four world premiere productions. 

Shows include Duck for President, Sept. 21–Oct. 21; Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Oct. 12–Nov. 4; and Madeline’s Christmas, Nov. 16–Dec. 27. In 2013: Diary of a Worm, a Spider and a Fly, Jan. 18–Feb. 17; Owl Moon, March 8–March 24; Zen Shorts, April 12–May 5; Cinder Edna, April 25–May 25; and Stages Theatre Company’s production of Disney’s Aladdin Jr., June 28–Aug. 4, 2013. For more information, go to stagestheatre.org. Over at the Children’s Theatre Company, there will be two world premieres, an American premiere, and a regional premiere. The season opens with the world premiere of Buccaneers!, Sept. 11–Oct. 21; Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat, Sept. 25–Dec. 2; and Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Nov. 6–Dec. 20. 

In 2013: Pinocchio, Jan. 15–Feb. 24; The Biggest Little House in the Forest, Jan. 24–March 17; Jackie and Me, March 12–April 14; and Alice in Wonderland, 

April 30–June 15.

In brief

The Choo-Choo Bob Show, a live-action    television show based in the Twin Cities, will debut regionally on broadcast television this spring. While the TV Choo Choo Bob and his friends are played by local actors, there is a real Bob behind it all, Bob Medcraft, the show’s producer and owner of St. Paul retail store Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store.

“Our show is about friendship and social learning. But it’s also educational and fun. Trains are so much a part of our country’s history—it’s great to introduce this generation to them,” says Medcraft. “What people like about ‘The Choo Choo Bob Show’ is that it’s simple, and demonstrates good values. It’s the live action fun many of us enjoyed when we were small. Everyone on our show’s nice, not cynical or rude.” Go to choochoobobs.com for more airdate information; Minnesota mom Lyndsay Szymanski won Working Mother magazine’s “Moms of Invention” contest for her Pump-a-Pair Hands-Free Pumping Accessory, an affordable hands-free accessory that works with any breast pump and top-hook nursing bra or tank. Go to yourpumpingstation.com for additional information; People for Parks announced that it received a $5,000 Quality of Life grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. The grant will be used for a Universal Access playground where children and adults, whether with or without disabilities, can challenge themselves to explore, interact, and play on universally accessible playground facilities with independence and dignity. The playground is planned for Wabun Picnic area, east of Minnehaha Regional Park. A universal playground is a playground that incorporates special features to make it accessible to people with disabilities, while also supporting the activities of people without disabilities.

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Sweets for your sweetie

Be our friend on Facebook by February 10 for a chance to win a six-pint pack of Graeter’s Ice Cream, just in time to delight your favorite valentine. Hand packed and made with 100% cane sugar, no trans fats, and no rBST, it’s a treat you can find locally at Kowalskis, Lunds/Byerlys, Whole Foods, and more as well. Go to Facebook/MNParentMag and hit your “Like” button today!

 

Top baby names of 2011

According to babynames.com, the top names for 2011 are (for boys): Liam, Noah, Aiden, Jackson, Caleb, Oliver, Grayson, Ethan, Alexander, and Owen; and for girls: Charlotte, Sophia, Amelia, Olivia, Ava, Lily, Emma, Scarlett, Audrey, and Harper. Noted names new to the charts are for boys: Silas (#67), Everett (#84), Ezra (#86), Theodore (#87) and Leo (#91) and for girls: Avery (#26), Adele (#50), Brielle (#61), Elise (#83), and Cora (#87), among others. But don’t look just to babynames.com: babycenter.com says Mason for boys is bounding up the charts and Emily for girls is jumping as well. Parenting.com cites Sookie and Isabella, Jacob and Max as the names that rose to the top for 2011. So who has the definitive list? No one—and who cares anyway? Choose the name that means the most to you, and own it.

 

Ready to repaint?

This year’s tone, as announced by Pantone, Inc., the big cheese of the color world, is “Tangerine Tango,” a “sophisticated, dramatic, and seductive” color that Minnesota Parent suggests is best used sparingly, as in accent walls, pillows, and other splashes. Thankfully, this color can be painted over if you consider your choice a big mistake (not half as harrowing an endeavor as choosing a baby name!).

 

In brief

Minnesota Lice Lady, Gonne Asser, has opened a salon in Edina, at 3940 Sunnyside Road. Visit mnlicelady.com for more information; Nan Peterson, service learning director at The Blake School, was recognized with the National Youth Leadership Council Service-Learning Practitioner Leadership Award in December, in recognition of her 30 years of work at Blake, where she develops opportunities for students to learn through community projects both locally and abroad; Destination Maternity has opened on Level 2 at the Mall of America, coinciding with the soon-to-be closed A Pea in the Pod at the Galleria in Edina (Destination Maternity is the parent company for A Pea in the Pod and will carry the product there).  Visit destinationmaternity.com for more information. Sports Resource Group donated a kid-sized hockey rink to the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board for installation on Lake of the Isles. “So many times, you see 10 to 12 adults skating on the big rink, with kids off on the side just shooting pucks,” SRG president Chris Guertin said, adding that he hopes the rink provides kids with an opportunity to hone their ice-hockey chops. The rink was originally slated for installation in mid-December, but unseasonably warm weather has pushed it to 2012; Tutor Doctor, an at-home tutoring franchise serving Chanhassen, Eden Prairie, Plymouth, Wayzata and 27 zip codes in four counties opened in December. The company focuses on each child’s unique learning style, be it visual, auditory, kinesthetic, or other to tailor and maximize study sessions for the best result. Visit tutorsouthwestmn.com for more information; Minnesota Parent loves Safe Paw, a true environmentally sound pet- and child-safe ice melter with non-harmful ingredients that received the Parent Tested Parent Approved Seal of Approval. Visit safepaw.com for more info. Candy company Peeps & Company, a purported “fun and energy-filled retail experience that appeals to all five senses” has opened at the Mall of America; Great for organizing tax time receipts, Neat Receipts for Mac or PC (neat.com) will help you tame that paper monster. Minnesota Parent appreciated how easy it was to set up and use. Finally, original Galleria tenant Schmidt Music, home to aspiring musicians of all ages for over three decades, will be moving to Richfield, location unannounced as of the printing of this magazine.

 

Butterflies for remembrance

Youth Performance Company (YPC) worked out an agreement to participate in The Butterfly Project as part of its latest production, A Child Shall Lead. Holocaust Museum Houston is collecting 1.5 million decorated paper butterflies to memorialize the 1.5 million Jewish children killed in the Holocaust. As part of A Child Shall Lead, YPC is spearheading an effort for groups to make the butterflies, which will be first used to decorate their performance space; YPC will coordinate shipment of the butterflies to the museum where they will be featured in a Spring 2014 exhibition. So far, the museum has collected 900,000 butterflies. Visit hmh.org/ed_butterfly1.shtml for more information on the project and youthperformanceco.com for information on its latest production.

 

Chew on it

Some fashion concessions need to be made when baby is teething. When babies are grabbing anything within reach—and chewing on it, too—expensive jewelry must be put away so baby can play. Teething Bling, a parent-approved product, is safe from Phthalate, BPA, PVC, and lead—a great looking piece that will also provide hours of entertainment for baby. Mimicking the colors of jade and turquoise, and made from the same materials as most teething toys (think “coated” infant spoons, for example) the pendants hang on a black silky cord with breakaway clasp. Smartmomjewelry.com; about $20

 

After camp comments

The American Camp Association, in conjunction with a grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc. conducted a survey of over 5,000 families regarding the camp experience. Here’s what parents and their children had to say after the summer stint was completed:

Kids:

Camp helped me make new friends (96%)

Camp helped me to get to know other campers who were different from me (94%)

Camp helped me feel good about myself (92%)

At camp, I did things I was afraid to do at first (74%)

Parents:

My child gained self-confidence at camp (70%)

My child continues to participate in activities learned at camp (63%)

My child remains in contact with friends made at camp (69%)

— Survey results courtesy of the American Camp Association, acacamps.org

One vest, two people

Peekaru is a super-comfy fleece vest that comfortably and fully zips over any baby carrier, including Baby Bjorns, Hotslings, Ergos, Mai Tais and Wraps, keeping baby and parent snug and warm. No more trying to tie and scrunch blankets in place or fit baby on over or under a jacket. Just put on the Peekaru over the baby in the baby carrier, slide baby’s head through the head opening and go. With sizes and colors for both women and men, the Peekaru is certified to be 100% non-toxic. Togetherbe.com; $79.95

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Birthstones

Thinking about giving a gift that celebrates a birthday? Here’s a handy guide to birthstones.

January
Garnet

February
Amethyst

March
Aquamarine

April
Diamond

May
Emerald

June
Pearl

July
Ruby

August
Peridot

September
Sapphire

October
Opal

November
Citrine, Topaz

December
Turquoise, Tanzanite

Celebrate a December birthday in style

Win a pair of Silpada earrings

One lucky Minnesota Parent Facebook fan will win this pair of .925 sterling silver and turquoise earrings. Be our “fan” on Facebook by December 15th for a chance to win. A $69 value. Go to facebook.com/Mnparentmag today!

Earrings courtesy of Silpada.com.

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You can take the boy out of Minnesota…

Nashwauk-raised and Bemidji State University-educated author Jon T. Bergstrom decamped to Florida to escape the cold, but his first book, Denali’s Dream, is all about lots of snow, sled dogs, and dreaming big. This sun-loving guy took a vacation to snowy Alaska, where he was inspired to write the book after a joyous encounter with a sled dog puppy. Denali’s Dream is for young kids who need to learn about believing in themselves, and comes with a bonus audio download. You can find it online at Amazon or through Tate Publishing.

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Give a goat?

Most people think holiday gifts are meant to be wrapped with a bow but the charity, World Vision, takes gift giving quite a few steps further: offering the ability for you to order a goat or dairy cow, or medicine or water, for a family in need either here in the U.S. or in faraway places such as Zimbabwe. Last year, more than 20,000 goats were purchased, a popular item as its milk provides protein for the family, its surplus milk can be sold, and even better —the gift is self-sustainable. For example, goats given to communities in Africa are purchased in Africa, thus helping with community development. For more information, visit worldvisiongifts.org.

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Want Wassail?

Slow cookers (that is, Crock Pots) are making a huge comeback. Did you know you can use it to make traditional Wassail? For your next holiday gathering, rock the pot in a new way and make beverage serving a snap. Here’s a recipe guaranteed to make your house smell wonderful and your guests coo:

Wassail
5 cups apple juice
5 cups cranberry juice
5 cups orange juice
5 cups lemonade
1 cup brown sugar
2 cups water
4 sticks cinnamon
1 orange, sliced
1 teaspoon whole cloves
1 teaspoon Angostura bitters
2 cups rum, optional

Directions: Combine apple juice, cranberry juice, orange juice, lemonade, sugar, water, cinnamon sticks, orange slices, cloves and Angostura bitters in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours. Add rum just before serving. Remove cinnamon sticks, cloves and orange slices before serving.

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Build a Beezer

Robbinsdale husband and wife team Ben and Julie Lindaman recently created a portable and collapsible playhouse made of recycled cardboard, called Beezer Playhouses.

Recognizing that while cardboard playhouses are fun, there are some inherent challenges, such as their lack of durability, and the fact that eventually they have to be taken down, inevitably leading to their destruction. The Lindamans also created the BeezerBits Construction System—quarter turn fasteners that hold the walls and roof panels together—as well as plastic doors and windows, capable of withstanding the wear and tear of creative, active play. Every playhouse comes with a storage carry-case.

The playhouses are now available for pre-sale through November 2011 at Kickstarter.com, a crowd-funding website dedicated to funding and following creativity. For more information visit Beezerplayhouses.com.

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From a child’s perspective

Every year, approximately three million children and adolescents are hospitalized, but when it comes to evaluating their care, their parents are usually the ones who complete the patient satisfaction surveys. A new study, conducted by an interdisciplinary team of researchers to be published in the January 2012 issue of the Journal of Nursing Care Quality and available now online, reveals that soliciting children’s perspectives on the nursing care they received can be helpful in evaluating and identifying ways to improve that care.

The study is the first-ever to systematically elicit the views of hospitalized children and adolescents on the quality of their nursing care, and also the first to evaluate children’s perceptions of nurses’ behavior for evidence of any disparities across demographic groups.

The study included 496 children and youth, ages six to 21, who were treated in a free-standing children’s hospital. They were asked: 1) “What do you like most about your nurses and what they do for you, and how does that make you feel?” and 2) “What don’t you like about your nurses and what they do for you, and how does that make you feel?” Their responses were sorted into 18 categories of nurse behaviors, 12 that were regarded as positive (such as “gives me what I need when I need it,” “checks on me often,” “talks and listens to me” and “is nice and friendly to me”). These positive behaviors made the children feel cared about, safe, and happy. Six categories were regarded as negative (such as “wakes me up” or “doesn’t give me what I need when I need it”). Researchers found that, overall, children felt like their nurses cared about them, regardless of how many behaviors they did or did not like. For more information, visit http://www.inqri.org/CurrProf-1749.html.

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New book: Your Family Matters

Dr. Keith Kanner’s new book, Your Family Matters: Solutions to Common Parental Dilemmas, offers enlightening advice and tips on how to triumph over parental hurdles such as how to avoid babysitting nightmares, how to prepare siblings for a new baby, and simply understanding why moms sometimes get dumped by their children. Teaching children the right behavioral patterns (while remaining sane!) can be a daunting task if you’re not ready. Dr. Kanner hopes to pad the landing.

Drawing from his professional knowledge as a family therapist and also from personal experience, Kanner created an informative reference guide for parents. $21.95, 2011 Love Your Life Publishing or kanner.tv.

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Need a Cooqi?

Last fall Judy Malmon, owner of the popular Cooqi Gluten-Free Delights bakery in St. Paul, closed her bakery to focus on developing a collection of four gluten-free baking mixes, made of organic whole grains. She found that many of her bakery customers came from well beyond the Twin Cities, inspiring her to create a line of baking mixes that would allow people to bake their favorite Cooqi products at home.

The mixes are now available locally at select co-ops and also available online through the new website, cooqiglutenfree.com.

Minnesota Parent got its hands on a few of the gluten-free goodies and gives it an enthusiastic thumbs up. Two pound bags of gluten-free flour are about $10.

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Ladybugs and Lullabies hair clips

These hip hair toys for cool kids actually stay put—even on hair as fine as peach fuzz. The special shape of the clip provides an optimal amount of hold that has been proven to stay in just a few strands of hair. Check out these no-slip bows and clips at ladybugsandlullabies.ca.


Special needs apps

Apps for Children with Special Needs (a4cwsn) is a website committed to helping the families and caregivers of children with special needs and the wider community of educators and therapists who support them, by producing videos that demonstrate how products designed to educate children and build their life skills really work from a user perspective. The aim is that these videos, along with relevant information and advice from an independent and trusted source, provides valuable insight into whether a product is suitable for its intended purpose or not, enabling sensible buying decisions to be made. Go to a4cwsn.com to learn more.

It may not be a sugar rush

Halloween candy and kids usually go hand in hand, but it’s hard to contend with the hyperactive behavior—or what you may think is a sugar high—after your kid has consumed a few too many. Be tempted to place all the blame on the sugar, but it could also be a reaction to the synthetic-based food dyes and other additives in the treats. A recent Food and Drug Administration panel recently concluded that synthetic food dyes can have a detrimental effect on some children’s behavior and narrowly rejected requiring warning labels on foods containing these additives. So, how do you I.D. the culprits? They’re pretty easy to see: they will be the yellow, red, green, blue candies—pretty much anything brightly colored. If you would like to read more about this, see the New York Times’ March 29, 2011 article, F.D.A. Panel to Consider Warnings for Artificial Food Colorings; email [email protected] for a pdf copy of the FDA background document; or visit feingold.org for further information.


Mine for Nine

With an ever-growing body, it can be challenging to stay fashionable and not break the bank. Minefornine.com is an online boutique that allows women to borrow maternity clothes at 75 percent off the retail price instead of investing in a new wardrobe that becomes obsolete after the baby is born. For example, instead of spending $85 for a new work blouse, you can borrow four for the same amount. Browse the site, find something that fits your style and then choose whether you want to borrow or buy it. Evening gowns are also available. A Patsy Drape Silk Dress retailing for $254 is available to borrow for $64. Each “like new” item is professionally dry cleaned and inspected before being lent. Visit minefornine.com for more info.

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Parent tested

Keeping cribs safe

New Minnesota Parent office baby, Will, is currently testing Minneapolis-based Breathable Baby, a mesh crib bumper that promotes airflow, keeps arms and legs from getting stuck in slats, and collapses to help prevent climbing. With the increased awareness of crib safety, the Breathable Bumper is an exclusive fabric with A.C.T. Air Channel Technology that promotes airflow and helps maintain air access. This product has been Pediatrician evaluated and recommended. Soft and padded, it’s hypoallergenic, machine washable, and fast drying. Will’s mom says, “I would definitely recommend this bumper to other new parents.” Available on Amazon, about $30.

New baby shops in Woodbury

Butters&beans kids opened a store toward the end of July on Hudson Road in Woodbury. Specializing in eco-friendly infant clothing as well as accessories and toys, Butters&beans is a local line developed by Ann Evans, who was featured as our Real Parent in the July 2011 issue. Says Evans, who will also be offering monthly design workshops, “I’m excited to open this storefront because I can’t wait to meet my clients, be a part of their lives, and watch their children grow.” Go to Buttersandbeans.com for more info.

buybuy Baby will open its first store in Minnesota at the Woodbury Lakes shopping center this fall. The store will occupy 28,000 square feet, one of the smaller-sized locations for the chain.

buybuy BABY’s selection includes an assortment of premier infant and toddler merchandise in a variety of categories. You can also visit the website, buybuybaby.com.


Support breast cancer awareness—and babies’ bottoms, too

From September 1, 2011 to October 30, 2011, any purchase of a GroVia Cosmos All-in-One, Newborn, or Hybrid cloth diaper system will help us take one step closer to generating awareness for the pink ribbon month. With a purchase of a Cosmos diaper, each customer will receive 10% off their purchase, and GroVia will donate 10% back to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Yes, national breast cancer awareness month is October, but why not support the cause now? With one in eight women diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, we all know someone directly affected by this heartbreaking disease. In celebration of the strong, amazing women who face this disease each day, visit grovia.com.



New American Girl characters launching

On August 30, American Girl launched two new historical characters, Cécile Rey and Marie-Grace Gardner, in one six-book series set in 1850s New Orleans. Of course, we couldn’t be more excited, as the lovely city of New Orleans holds a piece of Minnesota Parent’s heart.

The new characters show the power of friendship and community as they reach across the boundaries of race and class to help their families, friends, and city during a time of great need.

To celebrate Cécile and Marie-Grace’s debut and the rich musical tradition of New Orleans, American Girl has partnered with 13-year-old Kate Connick and her father, world-renowned musician and actor Harry Connick, Jr., to create an original song “A Lot Like Me” with all proceeds benefiting the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music in New Orleans.


Baby clothes for rent

If the Netflix model works for kids’ video games, toys, adult clothes, and cell phones—then why not baby clothes as well? That, indeed, is essentially the premise behind Plum, a San Francisco startup that offers baby clothes for rent by the month.

Reports springwise.com, customers of Plum begin by specifying whether they’d like to receive two, four or seven outfits at a time. Plum will then send out an initial bundle of organically laundered, good-as-new items in seasonally appropriate styles and the correct size, all packed in a returnable envelope with a little organic muslin laundry bag. After that point, clothes can be sent back at any time within three months. So, when baby outgrows an outfit, parents can return it to Plum and receive replacements in the next size. Stains are no problem for Plum customers, either, because the company simply donates such items to children in foster care—there’s no extra charge for parents. Pricing ranges from $16 per month for two outfits to $49 per month for seven outfits. Visit plumgear.com for more info.

Vending machine diaper bag

Forgot a diaper, run out of wipes, lost the pacifier? Look no further than a Diaper Bag Basic vending machine to cover your needs.

Diaper Bag Basics is a locally owned and operated vending business started by two local St. Paul moms. “We’ve both been out on the go with our kids and inevitably forgot to pack something,” notes co-owner, Stephanie Hughes. “I’ve been stranded at the airport and run out of formula. I’ve been at the Mall and had to run back out to my car with two kids and find the ‘emergency diaper’ stashed in the glove box.”

Currently the machines can be found at Maplewood Mall, Como Zoo, and Terminal 1, concourse C at the MSP Airport’s children’s play area but there is hope for a lot of expansion over the next year.

With just a swipe of your credit card, or cash, you can purchase products such as a Diaper Changing Kit by Pampers, a Gerber Baby Bottle, a NUK or Soothie Pacifier, Kleenex, Band-Aids and more. “We strive to provide many name brand products that parents know and trust,” says Jen Boog, co-owner.

For more information about Diaper Bag Basics, visit diaperbagbasics.com.

Parent tested


Local, all natural soda

The offices of Minnesota Parent were asked to try Joia, an all-natural soda made here in the Twin Cities. Free of any preservatives, caffeine, and sodium and featuring unique flavor combinations like Blackberry-Pomegranate-Ginger, we were impressed with the fruity, complex flavor that had just the perfect level of sweetness. Available at a boatload of our favorite local proprietors, including Lunds/Byerly’s, Kowalski’s, and a growing number of restaurants, we’re delighted to find a refreshing alternative to “diet brown.” About $6 per 4-pack, joialife.com

Prenatal and new parent classes at Amma

Becoming a parent can be one of the most joyous times in your life—and the most confusing. Amma Maternity offers free and paid classes this month on a variety of topics, including a class on expectant families with dogs; vaccines and the new family; and navigating the world of cloth diapers. Go to ammamaternity.com or visit its location in Edina in the Yorktown Mall (near Southdale) for more information. Amma Maternity offers a full menu of childbirth, breastfeeding, and baby classes for expectant parents and hope to provide parents with all the essentials for birth and life with their newborn.

Parent tested

Clean those cans

Certain people get awfully testy about the scent their garbage cans emit, especially when certain waste products (diapers!) are tossed into it week in and week out, then left to swelter in the hot sun. Your garbage purveyor will thank you for using BioWish’s Garbage Bin Wash—100% natural and non-toxic and safe to pour on grass, even. Just allow 10 minutes for the product to activate, splash it around the offensive container and odor is removed. Six single-use packets per box; $8 on amazon.com.

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teens & alzheimer’s challenge

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is issuing a challenge to teens this summer to become involved with community service projects that help those with Alzheimer’s disease. The foundation is hoping to encourage awareness and involvement, while working to bridge intergenerational divides. Teens are asked to put in at least 50 hours of community service between May 31 and August 31, and then write a reflective essay on their experience.

Teens can help out at nursing homes or other assisted living residences and regularly engage with people or families affected by Alzeihmer’s, suggesting activities like making scrapbooks, doing puzzles, or helping organize car washes, book drives, or other events to raise funds for local facilities. The winner and runner-up will receive an Apple iPad, not to mention the satisfaction of helping their communities. The deadline for the challenge is September 12, and more information can be found at afateens.org.

— David Kelly

fan-tastic! (and safe!)

Conventional fans can be dangerous to curious fingers, that’s why Minnesota Parent loves the sleek and safe Dyson Air Multiplier, available in several different models, but all with bladeless design that is easy to clean and best — is safe to the touch.

The fan draws air into the base and amplifies it up to 18 times depending upon the model, with an uninterrupted flow of air. At the MNP offices where this fan was tested, we picked it up and moved it around, as it operated. It’s lightweight but balanced and very quiet. Though the price still is a bit hefty (between $300 and $450), we do feel that this is a superior fan — the best we’ve ever used. Visit dyson.com/fans for more information.

dad’s eye view of the twin cities

Michael Hartford has the Twin Cities all figured out and is ready to share the knowledge in his new book, Dad’s Eye View: 52 Family Adventures in the Twin Cities. In Dad’s Eye View, Hartford guides readers to 52 different locations (one for each week of the year) that are both fun and educational. He, along with his wife and twin boys, explored the well known (the Minnesota Zoo, the Minnesota Children’s Museum, and the Holidazzle Parade) as well as the hidden secrets (the Minnesota Center for Book Arts, the Dowling Community Garden, and the Bakken Museum) in and around the Twin Cities.

The book is divided into seasons and each locale comes with a quick overview that consists of a quick tip, the price, where to locate the restrooms, as well as a suggested question to open up a conversation between you and your family. If this isn’t enough, the book comes with a free iPhone app, which can be used to rate your adventure and much more. You can also follow Dad’s Eye View on Twitter or “Like” it on Facebook to share your opinions.

— Katharina Gadow


concussion help in the palm of your hands

Parents of young athletes know the fear of a concussion is very real. A new app is designed to help parents and coaches recognize the chance and symptoms of a concussion almost immediately. Developed by Psychological Assessment Resources, Inc., and available for iPhones, iPad, and Android devices, the “Concussion Recognition & Response” app takes parents and coaches through a series of yes or no questions about the injury and the child’s symptoms to determine if there’s a chance of concussion, helping adults make choices about what to do next. The app can then email the information to a physician, suggest immediate advice, and offer tips for recovery. Available now for $3.99 in iTunes and Android stores.

— David Kelly

staples encourages school supply donations

DoSomething.org, an organization that helps foster volunteering in young people, is teaming up with Staples and the popular TV show Pretty Little Liars for the Staples for Students School Supply Drive. Beginning July 3 and ending September 17, teens can either drop off school supplies at a Staples store, or they can donate $1 at the store which will go toward helping the 13 million students who return to school each year without basic school supplies.

For those who wish to make a contribution, head on over to DoSomething.org where you can help your kids find fun and creative ideas on how to collect school supplies.

— Katharina Gadow

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gtcys auditions

Don’t miss the GTCYS auditions beginning Friday, June 3 and extending through the 11th. What’s GTCYS? The Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies program serves over 500 elementary through high school students in six school year and three summer orchestras. Beginning to advanced students develop musically and personally in a fun, supportive, and challenging environment. Learn more online at gtcys.org. Auditions are held at Mayflower Church, 106 East Diamond Lake Road, Minneapolis. Need-based financial aid is available.

easy lending

Your kids can get a head start on their summer reading list with booksfree.com. An affordable way for parents to save big on the many books required to read over the summer, booksfree.com helps the whole family enjoy reading in a “Netflix” style subscription-based service. Just point, click and order — and there are never any late fees. Your kids can take their time reading the required summer books for school without getting on a wait list at the library, and once you are done, simply send it back.  

Booksfree.com offers hundreds of titles to its members and has subscription plans starting as low as $40 for three months of service.


boba baby carrier

Our parent product tester says about Boba Carrier, “I love it! It is much better than a Baby Bjorn. I like the waist belt because it offers a lot more support on my back and feels more secure. I think it will work even better as my daughter gets older because it has little foot stirrups for her feet. It is also easy to put on and tighten while it is on — rather than having to take it off to tighten straps.” The Boba Classic comes in six color combos and features spine/pelvis/leg/foot support with foot straps and protective sleeping hood for kids weighing between 15 and 45 pounds. Supports baby’s legs, spine and pelvis. Visit bobababycarrier.com for more information.


kids bowl free!

More than 850 bowling centers across the U.S. are partnering up for a free summer program that allows kids to bowl for free. The Kids Bowl Free Program, a proud supporter of the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award Challenge (PALA), is not only a recognized, qualified recreational activity to use to qualify for PALA, but bowling participation in the program will be reported regularly to the White House. For official PALA guidelines visit presidentschallenge.org, but in general, kids and teens between the ages of 6 and 17 years need to be active 60 minutes a day, at least five days a week for six out of eight weeks. As an alternative, kids can count daily activity steps using a pedometer, with a goal between 11,000 steps and 13,000 steps.


for sunny days

Most kids don’t understand the importance of protecting themselves from the sun, let alone want to put a hat on. But, with a cute and comfortable hat from Wallaroo Hat Company, you will never have to ask them to put one on again — they’ll just do it. With various hats for girls and boys, many of them with the standard UPF 50+, meaning they block out 97.5% of the sun’s UV rays. With instances of melanoma on the rise, it’s best to instill children with good, life saving, sun protection habits. Visit wallaroohats.com to view other patterns and styles.


an app for act

Tech-savvy teens have a new way to prepare for the ACT. The information they need is now right at their fingertips — and it’s FREE. The ACT student application allows students to practice ACT questions, view ACT registration status. admission ticket and scores and more. Find out more at act.org.

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CHEAP DATE NIGHT art-a-whirl
It’s the largest open studio and gallery tour in the U.S. showcasing more than 500 artists including potters, painters, sculptors, musicians, photographers, printmakers, and more. Whew. Trolleys move through the central area, should you need a lift between galleries. Grab your honey’s hand and head over to the Waterbury Building, where Surly is setting up its beer truck again both Friday night and Saturday, and the stage is filled with musical acts on Saturday afternoon. Or, stroll through the Northrup King Building on Friday night and sip wine while enjoying four floors full of talent. Visit nemaa.org for the full roster of buildings and events, all happening Friday night the 20th through Sunday the 22nd at 5 p.m.

green diaper service expands
Do Good Diaper Service is now offering a compostable diaper service. After several months of research and testing with commercial composting partners and state regulators, it will provide, deliver to, and collect from clients 100% compostable diapers and wipes. Because the composting process requires higher heat than backyard composting piles, Do Good teamed up with a state regulated industrial composting facility to compost the products, ensuring proper handling and composting. The result is a high-quality clean soil, and less impact on the landfills. For more information, visit dogooddiapers.com.

PARENT TESTED mixed reviews for lil rinser
We thought it was a great idea; a cap that would stay on firmly and channel water away from the face, but its one-size fits all flexibility wasn’t great for the two heads Lil Rinser was tested on. Our parent tester said that it was hard to hold it in place, keep her child’s hands down, and pour the water all at once, but on a positive note, her daughter thought it made a fun bath cap (see photo, right). See for yourself at lilrinser.com. About $10.

PARENT TESTED super hero in the bathroom!
Company Kids’ exclusive 100% cotton hooded towels are fun for little ones at the pool, beach, or after bath time. One generous size fits all and are available in a number of different styles for the inner pirate, fairy, bunny — even a lobster, though the logic on that one escapes us, you never know where a child’s imagination will land next. Visit companykids.com, about $30.

BOOK OF THE MONTH equally shared parenting
A family where both parents share not only breadwinning responsibilities, but also cooking, cleaning, and child-rearing tasks isn’t an impossible utopia with the Equally Shared Parenting concept. Marc and Amy Vachon write about their commitment to splitting tasks equally and gender-neutrally while raising two children. The model assigns duties to each parent and allows a budget of time for each parent to pursue other interests and hobbies, while showing how to split tasks accordingly. The book also accounts for the inevitable chaos and hiccups a family will experience (shared parenting or not) and how to bounce back in the most sanity-preserving way. 263 pages, $15.

lemonade mouth on the disney channel
Kids and tweens will be rockin’ out with Lemonade Mouth, the newest band hitting the Disney Channel. Five misfit students meet in detention and soon discover that fitting in with the jocks and cheerleaders doesn’t have to be the ultimate goal. The new band mates, played by Disney Channel alums Bridgit Mendler, Adam Hicks, and Hayley Kiyoko, among others, stand up against their rival band Mudslide Crush and earn the adoration of their classmates. The group sticks together through disagreements; pizza fights; and, of course, first crushes. Lemonade Mouth confronts issues like divorce and living in the shadow of older siblings in ways real kids can relate to, and no character is without flaw. Based on the novel of the same name by Mark Peter Hughes. Check Disney Channel for airdates/times.

great growing
Growing kits abound in the spring and Minnesota Parent began experimenting at home with three different kits: Growums, Miracle-Gro Kids, and Topsy Turvy, the upside down planter. Because teaching children to garden and learn about where their food comes from is an important tool in engaging them in a healthy lifestyle — we think these simple kits are a great way to get started. The Growums and Miracle-Gro kits set up quickly and are currently sitting near a window soaking up sun; the Topsy Turvy must wait for outdoor hanging … but the concept is certainly intriguing. Go to growums.com; scotts.com; or topsy-turvy.com for more information.

world war II re-enactment
Dakota City’s second annual World War II Historical Re-enactment event will take place Saturday, May 21, and Sunday, May 22 at Dakota City Heritage Village in Farmington. More than 20 living history organizations will portray American, British, Canadian, Russian and German soldiers. Throughout the weekend, the village will come to life with memories of the war years, both military and on the home front. Anyone who is a veteran, family of a veteran, history enthusiast, or who would like to learn more about the 1940s era is encouraged to attend. Visit dakotacity.org for more info.

bike safety
The brightly colored BikeGlow Safety Light will dramatically increase a bike’s side visibility when it’s wrapped around the frame. A 10-foot flexible light tube uses electroluminescent technology and features bright colors for increased visibility from the side. You can choose between steady, slow flashing, and fast flashing modes. A 3.5" x 1.25" power unit attaches to bike with included strap; unit weighs less than 2 oz. Wrap it around the frame tubing and secure it tightly with included attachment ties or tape. Runs on batteries. bikeglow.com, about $25.

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Decadent date night

A three-course dinner for two, plus a bottle of wine — for $50? Yes! And the cheers grow louder as we hear that the restaurants involved are D’Amico properties, owned by some of the nicest people in the business. Every Sunday, D’Amico Date Night is in full force at Masa, Parma 8200, Café Lurcat, and more. Make your reservations online to ensure you get your fill of gnocchi, braised chicken, roasted oyster mushrooms, gorgonzola … or sauteed Florida gulf shrimp with toasted garlic, chipotle in adobo and lime and cilantro rice … or will it be Berkshire pork tenderloin with fig compote, roasted onions and St. Pete’s Select blue cheese? Luckily, there’s no stopping you from going every Sunday night. Visit www.damico.com/datenight for more information.

 

 

Batter up! 

For the baseball or softball fanatic in the family, MNP found a unique necklace made from the genuine leather and thread used to make official baseballs and softballs. According to legend (where this legend arose, MNP does not know), wearing the Cool Baseball Necklace may even make your athlete play better! Visit coolbaseballnecklace.com for more info or to order; about $15.

 

 

Will to win scholarship opportunity

The Will to Win Scholarship Program, available to high school seniors with asthma, will award two $5,000 scholarships in each of the following categories: performing arts, visual arts, community service, athletics, and science. The Will to Win Scholarship encourages young people with asthma to lead active, healthy lives and pursue their dreams. Students can learn more about the scholarship and apply at willtowinscholarship.com. Application deadline is April 30. 

 

 

New book! hot sweaty mamas

Give it up for Laurie Kocanda and her writing partner Kara Thom, on the publication of their new book, Hot Sweaty Mamas: Five Secrets to Life as a Fit Mom, published March 29. Like a girlfriend’s guide to balancing fitness and motherhood, the authors speak to moms ranging from those who realize they need to stay active to lose weight to those trying to achieve personal bests — to everyone in between. In lively, conversation-style prose, the two answer questions such as, “I know this is good for me, but do I look as silly as I feel?” as well as eradicate excuses as to why so many women don’t take the time for themselves and their health. We won’t divulge all of the “secrets” but rest assured, we are glad they are out. hotsweatymamas.com.

 

 

Supporting our military

Militaryhandbag.com is a new company that specializes in creating custom handbags and accessories from recycled and loved one’s military fatigues. The company was built upon the belief that their handbags would serve as a personal, constant reminder of loved ones that have just returned from active duty, are presently serving overseas, or have sacrificed their lives serving our country. You can also select a handbag or accessory made from a donated uniform, if you don’t know anyone serving in the military. In addition, between 10 and 15 percent of each sale is donated to charities specifically benefiting troops and their families. “To get started simply select your desired handbag or accessory design on our website, mail us your fatigues with name tags and patches, and we’ll reimburse your postage fee up to seven dollars,” said Eve Baum, founder. For more information, or to order visit 

militaryhandbags.com.

 

 

Prenatal yoga dvd

From our friends at Blooma Yoga Studio in southwest Minneapolis comes Be Blooma Well Prenatal Yoga, new on DVD. Taking you from the yoga mat to the birthing room, Blooma founder Sarah Longacre guides you through a powerful, uplifting yoga practice designed to open your hips, strengthen your body, and set your mind at ease for birth. Discover how your yoga poses and breathing practices become comfort measures for labor and recovery. Then, celebrate the first, intimate moments of new motherhood as Blooma mamas share their personal birthing day videos. The DVD is $24.99 and can be ordered online at blooma.com.

 

 

Simply saline

Our testers gave Simply Saline Nasal Mist a thumbs up! One parent said, “It’s awesome!” Made from just purified water and salt (all natural ingredients), the products are touted to be 100% safe for your family (even infants) and help alleviate runny noses. The comforting mist is derived from only natural ingredients, posing no known side effects. The container holds no CFCs and will not damage delicate nasal tissue. simplysaline.com, about $4.

 

 

Pregnant with multiples?

With April being Multiple Birth Awareness month, we thought we would give a shout out to For Multiples Maternity, a new line of maternity clothing for expectant mothers of twins and multiples. Launched by two Atlanta parents following their own struggle to find maternity clothing during two sets of twin pregnancies, the line includes designer dresses, tunics, and pants that are produced using American-made materials. The line comprises fashionable casual clothes, as well as professional office attire, that can accommodate an expanding belly without upsizing the entire garment. Though specialty made, the clothing is competitively priced. Pants retail around $64 and tunics around $89. For more info, visit formultiples.com.

Allergen free jelly beans

According to the Centers for Disease Control, upwards of 8% of American children and 2% of adults are afflicted with food allergies. For reasons not fully understood, the prevalence of food allergies seems to be increasing.  Approximately 90% are caused by the so-called “Big 8 Allergens”: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, and gluten. What sets Gimbal’s Jelly Beans apart is that it does not allow any of the Big 8 in any of its confections or its facilities, eliminating the risk of cross-contamination on production or packaging equipment. Oh, and yes — the beans are delicious. To order, go to gimbalscandy.com.

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indoor fun for cold weather months

When children are trapped indoors by cold temperatures, the walls of your home rapidly begin to close in. Youthful exuberance and energy simply cannot be expelled by playing quiet indoor games, but the typical horseplay that would take place out of doors usually is not conducive to the survival of your furniture, walls, fragile knick knacks, or anything else breakable in your home. 

Parent loves the Pocket Disc. A crocheted flying disc, the Pocket Disc can be used to play hundreds of games like Ceiling Fan 500, Pocket Disc Bowling, Duck Hunting, and many others, all of which won’t result in bumped and bruised crying children or a trashed home. The disc’s soft cotton construction eliminates the possibility for most injury and home damage while still retaining its ability to fly and entertain for hours. Our only issue? Keeping it away from the dog. pocketdisc.com

 

 

snooz’n sleep aid

We were intrigued with Snooz’n, a purported “natural sleep aid” to combat stress, energy drinks, and general sleeplessness. Directions told us to drink the 2.5 oz. bottle (certainly not daunting) and then in about 30 minutes, it would take effect. With natural ingredients like Valerian root (a non-toxic herb that is known to reduce headaches and support natural sleep patterns) and L-Tryptophan (which in substantial quantities is a natural sedative), we were hopeful.

The “Berry-Berry Tired” flavor had a lively but faux fruit flavor according to one tester (another said it was “berry, berry bad”) but the end result was one tester was already tired when she drank the elixir and thinks she would have conked out anyway; the other said it made no difference in his sleep pattern; he laid awake for hours after drinking it. So, the jury is out. Snoozn.com

mourning the demise of cribsheet

We had to mention the departure of the Star Tribune’s Cribsheet on January 30th, shut down when the duo of May Chen and Kay Krhin announced: “The simple fact is, we are no longer new parents. Changing diapers is a distant memory. The pediatrician is no longer on speed dial. We no longer type one-handed. And (sometimes) we sleep through the night.” But Chen and her family moved and the duo decided to go out when they were on top.

We will miss their insightful words and will leave you with the final thought, spoken by Kay’s son, Ben.

The other night, Kay’s Ben whispered from his pillow:

Ben: In Charlotte’s Web the spider said: ‘With the right words you can change the world.’”

Kay: Oh? What do you think those words are? 

Ben: I think they are please and thank you. 

So, thank you Cribsheet. You will be missed.

 

 

QR codes — what are they?

QR codes, or Quick Response codes, are similar to barcodes found on products in supermarkets and drugstores. Instead of providing the price of an item, however, QR codes take the scanning device to a website, YouTube video, or other online location. These two-dimensional codes are scanned using the camera on an iPhone or Android-equipped phone with a downloaded QR code reader app, such as NeoReader. Once scanned, the code automatically sends the phone’s Internet browser to the website connected to the individual code. QR codes are new, but have already shown up in magazines and advertisements as the number of smartphone users increase. And if you are wondering about that confusing Chino Latino billboard near Hennepin & Lake (the eyeball with the white and black square in the center) — yep — that’s a QR code, which will transmit ads, deals (such as a recent freebie for an order of Habanero Hell Poppers), and allow you to watch “cheeky” video.— Alyson Cummings

 

 

cowles conservatory in the minneapolis sculpture garden

Well, cheap date day, actually, but this one is hard to pass up. You have to check out crystalline Cowles Conservatory, open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Entering the Conservatory, the rich scent of dirt and warm green smell of spring will envelop you. Permanent and seasonal displays of native, tropical and exotic plants, orchids, palms, and other fragrant and beautiful plant species occupy this all glass building. And the crowning glory is Frank Gehry’s Standing Glass Fish, a beloved icon set amongst a fantastic lily pond among the Mexican fan palms and calamondin orange trees. Ah, spring is here, at least inside this small but lovely glass enclosure. Admission is always FREE; you will find the Conservatory north of the Walker Art Center, almost directly across from the public parking ramp. 726 Vineland Place, Minneapolis.

steps to stop cyberbullying

There are some easy steps you can follow if your child is being cyberbullied. Let them know to come to you first, and then assess the level of severity and type of bully. If the cyberbullying is at a high level of severity — threatening physical harm to your child, their family and friends, etc. — it may be appropriate to contact the local police department, especially if the cyberbully is anonymous. If you or your child knows the cyberbully, it would appropriate to contact school administration and have them handle approaching the bully’s parents. Engaging with the cyberbully directly can escalate the situation, so make sure your child does not respond to or delete messages from a cyberbully. This evidence can be kept as a record of the malicious behavior, while disengaging helps prevent additional negative material from surfacing. Cyberbullying is easier to prevent than to fix, so change any account information and have your child turn off the computer. By walking away, they become less accessible to bullying and harassment, and are affected less by the situation. Assure them that life goes on without a Facebook profile! — Ryan Moreau, Internet safety expert and panelist with Kiwi Commons (kiwicommons.com)

carle books for health & education

Through the end of April, Kohl’s has made the beloved books of Eric Carle, plus an accompanying plush toy, available for $5.00 per set with 100% of the net profits donated to support kids’ health and education initiatives nationwide. The plush toys are very well constructed and completely loveable and we all know how much children throughout the years have loved the Very Hungry Caterpillar, Foolish Tortoise and other characters. Visit kohls.com/cares for more information or to order. This isn’t just a great deal on a hardcover book plus toy; these are also quality products that fund a good cause. 

instant cookie gratification nearing end

If you haven’t used your Cookie Booth Locator app on your mobile device to find the nearest Girl Scout cookies yet, time is running out. The Cookie Program, which launched February 5 with Cookie Go Day, ends March 20. You can also find your cookies online at girlscoutsrv.org. 

On a diet? You can still buy cookies for others to enjoy through the Cookie Care & Share program, which has delivered 200,000 boxes of cookies to 501c3 charitable organizations by accepting donations from cookie customers. 

With over 40,000 girls throughout the program, hitting the streets and armed with Thin Mints, Samoas, Trefoils, Tagalongs, Do-si-dos, Dulce de Leche, Lemon Chalet Cremes, 

and Thank U Berry Munches — what are you waiting for?

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