Just in: Eight3One

We are always happy to see local designers with fun items to sell in our store. The t-shirts from Eight3One are just that!

Their Urban Pop features the hip side of the street. The idea of combining old school ideas with contemporary fabrics promises to raise your infant's cool factor.

And, Tot Couture, is organic and fresh. Elegant clean lines decorated with whimsical designs and colors. It's as if the creatures your baby might be daydreaming about appear right on their outfit!

Sven & Aimee proudly design and produce all of their baby/toddler apparel creations locally in Seattle, Washington. Come on in and check out the collection!

Ideas to Calm Your Crying Baby

We all know that tantrums represent real emotions and should be taken seriously. We previously posted some tips for car seat crying. Now, here are some ideas for those tantrums we all know and (try) to embrace:

• Identify the trigger and keep a diary. What set your child off? Was she hungry, tired, over-stimulated, sick, bored?
• Stay cool. It’s hard not to panic, especially when in public. So when your child is out of control it’s very important that you stay in control. Carry them away and let them blow off some steam in the car or a private area.
• Plan ahead. Well-rested and well-fed children make activities and errands easier to accomplish. The morning is the best time for outings, during the afternoon one can become tired and cranky.
• Create a list within your diary. “my child behaves best when…” “my child behaves worst when…”

Anything we've missed? We'd love to hear your ideas and suggestions!

Ideas for a Long Car Ride With Babies

The folks at Parent Map wrote a great article on road trips so we thought we’d follow their lead with our own advice for helping a baby who is crying in her car seat.

• Entertain. Keep a special box of soft, safe car toys that you’ll use only in the car. Tape or hang toys for viewing just at arm’s reach so that your baby can bat at them from her seat.
• Soothe. Try lullaby CDs, white noise, nature sounds, a teething toy,
  or sing. here are a few CDs that we like:

1. Rockabye Baby Music: http://www.rockabyebabymusic.com/ecom2/index.php/music
2. Putumayo Dreamland: https://www.urbankidsplay.com/dreamland_cd_by_putumayo_p806.html
3. Nicky’s Jazz Lullabies: http://www.nickythejazzcat.com/cdbook/index.html

• Hang a mirror. Your baby can see you (and you can see your baby) while you are driving. When in her seat, she may think that you’re not there, and just seeing your face will help her feel better.
• Install a sunshade. Sunshine in your baby’s face may be causing discomfort.
• Double-check your carseat for comfort. If your baby's legs are confined, or her belts are too tight, she might find her seat to be uncomfortable.
• Practice! Bring the car seat in the house and let your baby sit and play in it. Once it becomes more familiar in the house, she may be happier to sit there in the car. Also, practice with short, pleasant trips when your baby is in a good mood.
• Try to consolidate trips, avoiding being in the car for a long time.
  A few good experiences may help set a new pattern.

If all else fails, remember that they will eventually outgrow this phase.