The Baby Trend Blog @babytrend - Tumblr Blog

Celebrate Fathers with Baby Trend’s Daddy Diaries Giveaway

What are your favorite fun, loving or downright silly moments as a Dad? Show us in your Daddy Diary for a chance to win!

https://a.pgtb.me/f6PjgJ

Official Rules below:

Official Baby Trend Daddy Diaries Giveaway Rules

Term: Baby Trend Daddy Diaries Giveaway begins June 6, 2016 and ends June 19, 2016, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time (PT). By submitting an entry, each entrant agrees to the rules of the promotion and states that they are 18 years old or older and reside in the United States.

Who may enter: Photographers who are 18 years old or older-except for individuals affiliated with Baby Trend, including employees, emeriti, Regents, trustees, interns, volunteers, fellows, research associates and their immediate families (children, siblings and spouses) and others living in their households-are eligible. Baby Trend will determine winners’ eligibility in its sole discretion.

What to enter: A photo and/or video (15-60 seconds length) that showcases Dad’s fun, silly or loving side. The photo and/or video submitted must include a caption summarizing the candid moment, short interview or monologue.

Photos that violate or infringe upon another person's rights, including but not limited to copyright, are not eligible.

How to enter:

Please submit photographs and/or videos requested information through the form fields on the application. We do not accept photographs submitted through the mail. Submit no more than one (1) photograph and (1) video per email address.

High-quality scans of non-digital photographs are acceptable. Digital photographs should be taken at the highest resolution possible. Use the on-line entry form on the promotion tab of the Baby Trend Facebook page. Photographs must be in a .jpeg, .jpg or .png format. Files submitted may not be larger than 5Mb. Videos must be uploaded to YouTube. Copy and paste the YouTube URL in the video URL form field.

Baby Trend may collect a photograph’s metadata upon entry.

You retain your rights to your photograph and/or video; however, by entering the contest, you grant Baby Trend (and those authorized by Baby Trend) a royalty-free, world-wide, perpetual, non-exclusive license to publicly display, distribute, reproduce, and create derivative works of the entries, in whole or in part, in any media now existing or later developed, for any Baby Trend purpose, including, but not limited to, advertising and promotion of the brand and its website, exhibition, and commercial products, including but not limited to Baby Trend publications. Any photograph reproduced will include a photographer credit as feasible. Baby Trend will not be required to pay any additional consideration or seek any additional approval in connection with such uses.

Entry deadline: All entries must be received through the promotion tab on the Baby Trend Facebook page 11:59 pm Pacific Time on June 19, 2016.

Winner Selection: Selection of the Baby Trend Daddy Diaries Giveaway Winners will be done at random via the promotional tool used by the company. The winners selected must meet the rules and requirements to be eligible. Alternate winners will be randomly selected if a randomly selected winner does not meet rules and requirements. Winning selection will be announced on Baby Trend’s Facebook page and other social networks by July 5, 2016.

Baby Trend will request the winner reply via email to claim their prize. Baby Trend may disqualify anyone who fails to respond to the notification within ten business days.

The contest is void where prohibited or restricted by law. Baby Trend reserves the right to cancel the contest or modify these rules at its discretion. In the event of a dispute regarding the winners, Baby Trend reserves the right to award or not award the prizes in its sole discretion. Baby Trend reserves the right to disqualify any entrant whose entry or conduct appears in any way to: inhibit the enjoyment of others; tamper with the challenge; violate these rules; infringe on the rights of third parties; or act in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Decisions of Baby Trend are final.

Please do not contact us about the status of entries or winner selection.

Prizes: Baby Trend will award a $200 Babies”R”Us Gift Card to the Grand Prize Winner, a Baby Trend Manta Snap Gear Jogger to the 1st Runner Up Winner and a Baby Trend Sport Convertible Car Seat (Polaris Fashion) to the 2nd Runner Up Winner.

Winner will have 10 days upon announcement to claim their prize. After 10 days, a runner-up will be selected.

Greens for Baby

Recipe and image sourced from www.babyfoode.com

Ingredients:

2 apples

1/4 cup spinach, packed

1/4 cup frozen peas

Directions:

Core and chop apples.

Place all ingredients into steamer basket, cover, and heat for 10 minutes over boiling water.

Let cool slightly. Transfer all ingredients into blender and puree for 30 seconds or until smooth, adding water from steamer in 1/4 cup increments if needed.

***Will last 4 days in fridge or 4 months in freezer.

Stroller Safety Tips

Check out this infographic with stroller safety tips from our friends at www.BabySafetyzone.org.

No More Guessing with Baby Sign Language

When your baby cries, it’s instinctive to think about all of the potential causes and how to alleviate them. Is her diaper wet? Is he hungry? Does she need to be burped? Is he too hot or too cold? Sometimes, you’ll get lucky on the first or second try. Other times, you'll be stuck only guessing. Teaching your baby sign language can be a great way to open the lines of communication so you can quickly meet your child's needs.

Here are five signs to get you and baby started:

Sleepy: Start with your hand open in front of your face with the palm facing in, and move your fingers down to your chin while closing your hand so that the fingertips are touching.

Hungry: Turn your hand into a c-shape with your palm facing inward. Move the hand straight down from your neck to your stomach.

More: Bring your fingertips together to create an O shape on each hand and tap your fingers together like a crab.

All Done: Start with your palms facing in and turn your hands so that they face out. Repeat a few times.

Poop: With one hand, close your fist for a “thumbs up”. With the other, wrap your hand around the extended thumb then pull the thumb down.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Baby Trend Family!

Capturing Your Family's Holiday Photo

Photo Source: www.gettyimages.ae

Say No to Stiff Poses: If you ask the kids to “Say Cheese” about 10 times, your holiday card will probably end up with awkward half-smiles on your kids’ faces. Instead of forcing a pose, try capturing the kids in an activity that they enjoy, like playing in the snow or enjoying their favorite foods. You’ll capture a candid photo with genuine and pure smiles that everyone will love.

What to Wear: Clothing choices will vary depending on what your background is, so don't spend too much time worrying about attire. Ditch the matching holiday sweaters this year and embrace a more casual look, so long as each family members’ colors don’t clash.

Take Lots of Photos. LOTS!: Group photos are hard enough to take with adults, much less with multiple children. Either your newborn is completely ignoring the camera, your daughter has her eyes closed, or your son is mid-sneeze. Take as many photos as possible so you have multiple options.

Make Life a Snap with Snap Gear

The Secure Snap Gear™ Infant Car Seat is specially designed for the newest member of your family. The car seat itself exceeds U.S. crash test standards with a 5-point safety harness, an EPS energy-absorbing foam, and superior head impact protection. The seat also features plush fabric and a removable body insert to keep your baby comfortable and safe.

You will have no problems snapping the car seat onto the base or removing it with the one-hand easy-access seat release. In addition, your baby will enjoy a smooth ride in one of four reclining positions. The Secure Snap Gear 32 Infant Car Seat is compatible with the rest of the Snap Gear line, including the Manta Snap Gear Jogger and the A La Mode Snap Gear 3-in-1 High Chair.

Photo Source: www.babytrend.com

Child Passenger Safety

Photo Source: http://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/

At Baby Trend we understand that child safety is the number one priority and that is why we believe it is never too late to celebrate Child Passenger Safety. Here are some tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about which types of seats and positions your children should ride in depending on their age.

Birth-12 Months

Your child under age 1 should always ride in a rear-facing car seat. There are different types of rear-facing car seats.

Infant-only seats can only be used rear-facing.

Convertible and All-in-one car seats typically have higher height and weight limits for the rear-facing position, allowing you to keep your child rear-facing for a longer period of time.

1-3 Years

Keep your child rear-facing as long as possible. It’s the best way to keep him or her safe. Your child should remain in a rear-facing seat until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by the car seat’s manufacturer.

Once your child outgrows the rear-facing car seat, your child is ready to travel in a forward-facing car seat with a harness and tether.

4-7 Years

Keep your child in a forward-facing car seat with a harness and tether until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by the car seat’s manufacturer.

Once your child outgrows the forward-facing car seat with a harness, it’s time to travel in a booster seat but still in the back seat.

8-12 Years

Keep your child in a booster seat until he or she is big enough to fit in a seat belt properly. For a seat belt to fit properly the lap belt must lie snugly across the upper thighs, not the stomach. The shoulder belt should lie snugly across the shoulder and chest and not cross the neck or face.

Remember – Keep your child in the back seat at least through age 12. For more information, visit www.safercar.gov/therightseat; and don’t forget to register your car seats and booster seats.

Halloween Fun with Babies & Kids

You probably aren't the only one in your group of friends who has babies or young children. So why not throw a great Halloween party where both kids and adults can create lasting memories?

For Babies:

Have a contest for the most unique baby costume.

Paint pumpkins using baby’s feet and hand prints.

As the host, give each baby at the party a new and unique pacifier, like vampire teeth, a mustache, red lips, or other fun things.

For Older Kids:

Bobbing for apples is a must!

Make green Jell-O and call it monster slime.

Hand out glow sticks or glow bracelets and necklaces so they can wear while out trick or treating.

As the night progresses, watch family-fun Halloween movies like Hocus Pocus, Halloweentown and The Nightmare Before Christmas.

For Adults:

Start the night with a fun contest: whoever says, "I can't believe it’s almost Christmas" first, has to host the next group gathering or even the Christmas party.

When someone is in the restroom, gather the others outside the door to spook the person when they come out.

Have a Happy Halloween!

Photo Source: www.kristencraft.wordpress.com

Decorating Baby’s Room

You’re expecting a new baby and it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty of setting up their room. Whether you received items at your baby shower or you still need to purchase items for baby’s room, here are some key factors to consider when preparing baby’s space.

Crib Placement: The crib should be located AWAY from windows, curtains, furniture, or decorations that may break or fall.

Crib Mattress: Make sure it is firm and does not allow for gaps between it and the crib frame. Consider purchasing a waterproof cover to keep it protected from baby accidents. For more information about safety certification for cribs and mattresses, visit JPMA.org.

Storage: Babies are small but they still require a lot of items. You’ll want to look for a large enough dresser or closet system to house all of baby’s clothes, blankets, and more. When choosing furniture, make sure it is sturdy and always anchor it down.

Accessibility: When caring for baby, you’ll want to be sure items are easily accessible. Have a diaper changing station that holds diapers, wipes, rash cream, etc. Consider a changing table with shelves so that burp cloths and blankets are at arms-reach.

Date Night with the Kiddos

Photo Source: www.huffingtonpost.com

Can’t find a babysitter, but don’t want to miss date night? Don’t worry – having date night with kids in-tow can still be an exciting experience for everyone. Here are some ideas to make date night fun for the whole family, even if you have an infant, toddler, or multiples.

Go out for ice cream and a walk on, or near, the beach or at a local park.

Try a progressive dinner where you have an appetizer at one place, dinner at another, and dessert somewhere else. This is nice because little ones won’t be stuck in a high chair for too long in one place; and older kids and you will give your taste buds a tour.

Visit a local museum which is a place where both kids and parents can learn and have fun.

Pack a picnic dinner and head to the park so kids can play while you relax on a nearby bench or a blanket on the grass.

Have a movie marathon or game night with snacks and sweet treats.

If the sun is still out, go to a local hiking trail for a nearby adventure.

Attend a local sporting event either for a high school or college team.

Take a trip to the local coffee shop.

Listen to music and have a dance party at home.

DIY All-Natural Baby Wipes

Sometimes I wonder – are there any moms who use baby wipes for the sole purpose of changing diapers? I highly doubt it, especially when they can be used for nearly anything and everything under the sun. But for that same reason, buying them so often can become costly. It may also make you think - is there a more eco-friendly item I can use?

Check out this awesome tutorial for homemade baby wipes that are safe, effective, cheap and eco-friendly from Hallmark’s Home & Family.

Photo Source: www.hallmarkchannel.com/home-and-family

Materials

1 1/2 cups distilled water (or tap, boiled and cooled)

1 teaspoon castile soap (or other natural, mild soap)

1 tablespoon aloe vera gel (an antibacterial gel that contains vitamins and minerals, soothing for rashes)

1 tablespoon witch hazel extract (can ease pain, itching, swelling associated with rashes, also promotes healing)

10 drops grapefruit seed extract (optional) (natural antiseptic and an antiviral/antifungal agent)

1 tablespoon sweet almond oil (or olive oil) (both types of oil help keep baby’s skin moisturized)

10-15 drops essential oils of choice (optional) (chamomile essential oil is one of the few safe for infants)

1 roll strong paper towels (use recycled paper towels or ones made from 100% post-consumer content)

Storage container (old wipes container, plastic food container with lid, reused ice cream bucket)

Instructions

Cut the roll of paper towels in half with a sharp knife.

Place one half of the roll in a tall container (or accordion-fold the towels and place in an old wipes container).

In a small bowl, add the water, castile soap, aloe vera gel, witch hazel, almond oil and grapefruit seed extract, and stir to mix well.

Add the essential oils and stir to combine.

Slowly pour mixture over the towels to saturate them. If you're using a wipes container, just pull the towels through the little slot in the cover and you're done!

If using a tall container, flip it over to make sure the towels are completely wet with the solution. Then flip it back over, pull out the cardboard roll from the middle and the first towel should come right out.

Use as you would regular baby wipes.

Notes: This recipe is for one half of the paper towel roll. Depending on the brand and size of your towels, you may need to adjust the amounts of water and soap in the recipe.

Make Camping with Baby a Breeze

Photo Source: www.thefamilywithoutborders.com

Camping is a great experience – a time when children can reconnect with nature and families can bond. As your children grow they will experience camping in new and different ways, especially depending on their stage of life. Rather than thinking camping is intimidating, especially if you have multiple children, you can follow these simple steps to ensure a positive trip.

Prep Before You Go: Make a list for each day that includes dry items as well as food. Write down what you will need for each part of the day, beginning with breakfast and ending with dessert. Things to include will be clothing, cooking utensils, food items, cleaning supplies, etc.

Keep Food Simple: If formula feeding, prep bottles with the formula and take a couple of cases of water so you can quickly make the bottle for baby. For older kids, hot dogs are extremely easy to pack in a cooler and cook over a fire (and it doesn’t hurt that you can often get a large package at a reasonable price). You can also prep breakfast burritos the night before you leave then roll in foil to store, and when hungry heat over a fire while still in the foil. Juice boxes and string cheese are also convenient snacks that kids can just grab and go.

Make Cleaning Easy: A large amount of baby wipes and paper towels will come in handy for all types of messy situations. Depending on the size of your family and how many days you’ll be camping you may want to bring two coolers, one for the kids’ snacks and waters and the other for the remainder of the food. This way kids can get their own snacks and drinks even if their hands are dirty. Take an ample supply of plastic grocery bags to use for trash instead of a large trash bag that lingers around your site until the bag is full and heavy.

Stay Warm: Bring extra blankets and socks, as well as one heavy sweatshirt, for everyone in the family. For cold weather camping, if your tent is large enough, try to squeeze the entire family in as it will keep everyone warmer. For infants and babies, take a small bassinet so they can sleep next to you in the tent.

Stay Safe: Small flashlights or mini battery-powered lanterns are fun and keeps everyone safe when exploring the campsite, walking to the restroom at night, or sitting around the fire. For baby, a carrying backpack will be helpful and ensure they are close to you at all times. Dress older kids in matching or bright colored clothing so you can quickly spot them across the campsite or keep track of them when hiking. Bring bug spray and a first aid kit in case anyone is getting attacked by bugs or happens to get hurt.

Have Fun: Take bubbles and water guns for the older kids and enough exciting toys to keep baby entertained. Going for a hike or a walk during the day is fun for older children who want to explore nature. AND do not forget supplies for s’mores.

Trending Blogs

Recently Viewed Blogs

The Baby Trend Blog