Young America Blog

Young America news, tips and ideas

[youngamericanews]

American Baby Bests 2014 - Vote for THE Crib

Ooh baby! Young America is happily in the running for the American Baby Bests 2014 for THE Crib, an annual poll by Parents.com, the online version of Parenting Magazine. Cast your vote today for a chance to win $300.

Why are Young America cribs among the best? Here are the top 5 reasons:

Made in America quality and safety

100% Intertek certified

100% Greenguard certified

Built to Grow, from crib to college

Choice of styles, colors and wood tone finishes

Browse Young America cribs online and visit a Young America retailer near you.

[youngamericanews]

Greenguard: Indoor Air Quality Matters for your Child's Health and Safety

100% of Young America products are Greenguard certified. That's right, every crib, bed, dresser, bookcase, desk, hutch and mirror has been independently tested to meet the most stringent chemical emissions standards in the world. Why? Because indoor air quality matters for your child's health and safety, and we love your kids too!

Parents are vigilant, so careful about what their babies and children touch or put into their mouths. When parents and caregivers see kids reaching for or getting into bad things, they can intervene and keep a child safe. A choking hazard, known toxin or other potentially dangerous health threat can be safely removed or kept from a curious young child.

A child's health cannot easily be protected from the "things" that cannot be seen. For example, it's not possible to see airborne pollutants, such as certain chemicals, particles and allergens, that may be present in your home. This can be worrisome because children are more susceptible to pollutants than adults. This means indoor pollutants can cause more severe health effects in children. Facts You Should Know SOURCE: UL Environment's GREENGUARD Certification

Children breathe in a greater volume of air than adults relative to their body size.

Children's organs and respiratory, immune and neurological systems are still developing.

Children are much closer to the ground, and as a result, breathe in more of the heavier airborne chemicals than do adults.

Infants and young children breathe through their mouths, more so than do adults, which increases their risk of pulmonary exposure to particulates and fibers, that would otherwise be filtered out in the nose.

Children have a higher heart rate than adults, which allows substances that are absorbed into the blood to permeate tissues faster.

By using Young America products bearing GREENGUARD Certification mark, parents can rest easy knowing their baby or child's furniture has been independently tested and verified to meet strict emission levels of pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde and phthalates.

For more information, visit the UL | Greenguard website.

[youngamericanews]

Where the Wild Things Rest

We know where the wild things want to be! Rustic and sophisticated, a bedroom in earthy browns and neutrals is enticing for boys, of all ages.

top: Boardwalk Batten Bed and Night Stand in Slate, bottom: Quinn Bed in Dune Linen with a Crosspointe Night Stand and Chest in Espresso

[youngamericanews]

We know where the wild things will be! Rustic and sophisticated, a bedroom in earthy browns and neutrals is enticing for boys, of all ages.

[youngamericanews]

Abigail is pretty, if not glamorous in pinks!

Abigail Belcourt Bed in Bliss with an Abigail Chest, Night Stand and Cheval Dressing Mirror.

[youngamericanews]

Bring Home some Good, Old-Fashioned Childhood Fun

Say hello to childhood fun. Not all that glitters is a tablet or laptop screen... the glow of a bicycle can be alluring too. Chrome handlebars, racing stripes, and fast fat wheels take kids places... with friends and siblings. That wonderful sense of freedom of flying down a neighborhood sidewalk, trail and through PUDDLES. Fresh air, pushing pedals hard and fast. Zipping along with a big smile to a destination - or just to EXPLORE. Grab the handlebars and and go! Childhood bike riding is more than a novelty; it's good old-fashioned fun.

The new Young America Crosspointe collection appeals to this same nostalgic sensibility of a good, old-fashioned childhood, for boys and girls. The style is simple, warm and familiar. Nothing fancy, no frills. Crisp and uncluttered like the mind of an exuberant young child.

Crosspointe helps create a nurturing space for a child that will always feel like home, from crib to college and well beyond. Timeless linear moldings, fine joinery and classic finish details are crafted from kiln-dried North American hardwoods and maple veneers. Brushed nickel knobs are a fitting complement. Made with good, old-fashioned quality here in Robbinsville, USA.

Crosspointe Double Dresser, Hutch, Beacon Bed and 2 Drawer Night Stand in Merlot, just one of 6 wood tones and 13 paint finish choices. Available now online and from your local Young America retailer.

Puddles are the best!

[youngamericanews]

Quinn Creates a Dreamy Bedroom for a Young Buckaroo

So Dreamy. Meet Quinn a crisply tailored, easygoing upholstered bed style offered in simple, sophisticated fabrics to complement our painted and wood tone products handsomely. The understated elegance is stunning, for a boy or girl's room. Quinn is at ease in neutrals, rustic and more polished surroundings alike with versatility that blends with every Young America furniture collection, including the new Crosspointe Collection, through every age and stage, toddler to teen.

[youngamericanews]

creating a Simple, Warm and Familiar Nursery

Simple, warm and familiar, the new Built to Grow Lyric Crib in our brand new Crosspointe collection creates a nurturing nursery space that will always feel like home. Crisp, linear moldings, fine joinery and classic finish details are crafted from kiln-dried North American hardwoods and maple veneers. Standard brushed nickel knobs are the perfect complement. Made in the USA.

[youngamericanews]

Think Quick! Young America furniture that ships fast

A new baby, new bedroom, new house... Sometimes you need some new furniture FAST. Quick Ship is a list of styles in finishes typically in stock and available to ship - quickly.

Boardwalk Collection shown above: Fanfare Crib, Single Dresser and Bookcase in Starlight.

Browse full Quick Ship selection online, contact your local Young America retailer, or call for details.

[youngamericanews]

Trick-or-Treating Safety Tips for Children

Halloween is one of the most exciting holidays of the year for young children. Dressing up, walking in the dusk or dark with friends and family to collect candy and treats is fun, but not without a few risks. Taking basic precautions can help you and your children have a safe Halloween evening.

Trick-or-Treating Safety for children * Go out between 5:30 and 7pm in most neighborhoods or find out if there's a town-sponsored Halloween event. * Go only to well-lit, inviting houses and remain on porches rather than entering houses. * Safety in numbers; always travel in small groups accompanied by an adult.

Safety Tips for walking in Neighborhoods * Use flashlights, stay on sidewalks, and avoid crossing yards. * Cross streets at the corner, use crosswalks (where they exist), and do not cross between parked cars. * Stop at all corners and stay together in a group before crossing. * Wear clothing that is bright, reflective, and flame retardant. * Consider using face paint instead of masks. (Masks can obstruct a child’s vision.) * Avoid wearing hats that will slide over their eyes. * Avoid wearing long, baggy or loose costumes or over sized shoes (to prevent tripping).

Be Safe and have fun!

[youngamericanews]

DIY Craft: Bohemian-inspired Trays for a Teen Girl's Room

Bohemian influences are everywhere right now, in interior design and fashion. Boho is all about looking individual and natural with splashes of colors like orange, green, and magenta. So in keeping with the trend, we created a boho-inspired bedroom, perfect for a tween or teen girl.

We mixed patterns and textures with some global, Moroccan influences...

Shown above: Crosspointe Beacon Bed, 2 Drawer Night Stand, Single Dresser and Mirror.

We then created some beautiful DIY boho chic trays as decorative accessories for our bohemian-themed bedroom.

To craft our trays, we first went thrift shopping around town. We found a great mix of metal and wooden trays, perfect for re-inventing...

Then, we searched for art papers with bold color and rich, globally-inspired patterns. We struck gold at World Market with their beautiful gift wrap paper ...

Finally, with a little Mod Podge, time and creativity, we made some one-of-a-kind trays.

Here are a few images of our final works of art...

Here's a quick step-by-step to our DIY Mod Podge bohemian trays:

1. Collect trays from flea markets, thrift stores or your grandmother's attic... or re-purpose one you already have.

2. Wipe tray clean and give it a fresh coat of spray or brush-on paint if you want to show edges. We chose a champagne-colored spray paint for ours.

3. Select your art paper and cut it to size; we used a combination of an x-acto knife and scissors to get clean lines. If you use fabric, allow an extra inch for shrinkage.

4. Apply a thick, even coat of matte finish (glossy is available too) Mod Podge onto surface where you intend to place the paper. Visit modpodgerocks for great pointers for your project.

5. Place paper on top of Mod Podge and smooth out by hand or use a tool like a brayer (hand roller) to avoid any bubbles. Good quality paper makes this job easier. When the paper is positioned and smooth, allow to dry.

6. Once paper is affixed and amply dry, apply an even coat of Mod Podge on top of the paper to seal and give it a polished finish. We brushed on several layers for a finished sealed result. For our second tray we layered the papers in a collage format to cover the tray completely.

7. Tweens and teens will enjoy these bohemian trays for organizing all kinds of items, from perfumes and jewelry for a dresser...

...to pencils, trinkets and paperclips for a desk workspace...

Boho is colors galore. Notice how we layered-in bright colors, ethnic decor, collections of colored glass and candlesticks to give the room an eclectic vibe.

Share this DIY craft with your tween or teen daughter(s) and their friends... they may want to make the trays themselves. And there are limitless other objects (boxes, notebooks, binders, mirrors, lampshades) to decorate with this unique style. Great as gifts too... please share your ideas.

[youngamericanews]

Design Idea: a Bohemian-inspired Girl's Bedroom

Bohemian style is a trend that's here to stay. We love this eclectic, earthy, globally-savvy design for a girl's room, especially for a tween or teen.

So for a recent photo shoot of our new Crosspointe Collection (coming soon on youngamerica.com, order a catalog here) we created an inspiring Bohemian room, layered with pattern, texture and color.

Take a look...

Layers, layers, layers...that's what this style is all about. Mixing organic elements, natural textures, bright colors and Moroccan-inspired influences. You can read more about it at BeSoStyle, our photo stylist and interior designer, Patti Borrelli's personal style + design blog...read more.

We started with a rich, deep blue paint color and this amazing Schumacher wallcovering. Then, we layered rugs, including this vibrant ethnic-dyed rug from NuLoom and a natural sisal from PostandGray. We added boho-chic accessories like the pouf from pier1, the yarn spools from anthropologie, painted candlesticks from homewithheart ... and a collection of colored glass from World Market.

This room features our new Crosspointe collection, including a Beacon Bed in Heron, Night Stand in Bliss, Single Dresser in Heron, and Mirror in Bliss (Crosspointe is coming soon on youngamerica.com, order a catalog here.)

Take a closer look at our collection of colored glass and great global finds (elephant + chimes are also from pier1)...

A collection always makes a strong statement. Colored glass groupings sparkle with vivid colors, defined shapes and rich textures; they all work together to create an inspiring Bohemian feel.

We recently added a few Do-It-Yourself decorating ideas to our Bohemian-themed showroom space too. Here's one to inspire you, the new upholstered Blake Bed with a Boho canopy.

Keep us posted on your latest design ventures. Don't forget to keep in touch via facebook and twitter.

More design ideas from Patti Borrelli soon to come.

[youngamericanews]

DIY Craft Project: Shape Streamers

Kid Style is all about FUN! ...and nothing says fun like a party.  So why not decorate with some festive party-like décor?

For this year's Fall Market we added layers of FUN + COLOR to our High Point showroom with SHAPE STREAMERS! 

We also added strands of shape garlands to deck-out this young girl's room for a recent catalog photo shoot, featuring our brand new upholstered Blake Headboard (coming soon on youngamerica.com, order a mini-catalog here). Take a peek at the results...

These colorful shape streamers can be found via Etsy artist, Zinzee Parade, but you can also easily create your own by threading together shapes cut from card stock.

Here are some great links with helpful how-to hints: PaperBlog, MommyNeedsaBreak and TheElliBlog each have templates and step-by-step instructions for crafting your own shape streamers.

Aren't they fun? They really pop against the chalkboard-black wall and white-framed windows. Windowsill props add some color too... a slinky, jars of bubblegum balls and red-and-white striped straws are nostalgic and playful.

The following image we found via pinterest, was our original inspiration. We love the paper lanterns layered in too.

Why not add a little PARTY to your child's room decor? We hope this inspires you too.

[youngamericanews]

Best Books for Kids 9-14 and their Grown-ups

Finding or creating time to read aloud with children can be a wonderful sharing experience. Once kids reach elementary school age, they are ready to step up to the next level from picture books to novels (aka chapter books). And there are countless good books to choose from. Many of the best books have endured the tests of time; they've been passed down generation to generation. Some are more contemporary, but equally rich and captivating. All good stories have strong characters, both human and animal, who experience the challenges and magic of life in real and imaginary places. Having an adult to read these tales with encourages a child's reading and opens the door to conversation and learning.

We found a great article highlighting the Top 100 Must-Reads for Kids 9-14 and picked a few to give you a sampling. The list is long and the variety is great, so there's something for everyone.

Most good books can be found at your local library in print or digitally. Borrow from a friend or visit an independent book store. You can also get them new or used online via Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other websites.

[youngamericanews]

Books to Read Aloud: Froggy

FRRRROOGGGYYY!   Wha-a-a-a-a-t?

Some characters in children's books are loved, revered - even cheered for. Bright green, wide-eyed, flat-footed Froggy is one of those; he's a kid just like his readers - except that he has an appetite for flies! He's a kid who has everyday childhood and family experiences. What's so special about that? Froggy makes them FUN!

Brightly-colored illustrations with lively aliteration and word sounds are completely engaging for preschool through 2nd grade readers. Froggy's enthusiasm and zest for life are irresistible, even contagious. Fortunately, there are scads of these popular Froggy stories, so the fun doesn't have to end with one or two. Froggy books can be read and reread over and over.

Here are some of our Froggy favorites:

You can find these wonderful books by Jonathan London online or in your local library.

[youngamericanews]

Baby Safe Wall Paint and Window Decorating Solutions

Baby safe wall paints? Yes, you learn something new every day. When we searched for safe, healthy ideas for decorating baby nurseries and kids' rooms we discovered valuable information about how to choose safe wall paints. What's a safe wall paint? One with minimal VOC's, the chemical fumes that may increase the likelihood of your child developing asthma, allergies and other health issues. Reduced VOCs is, of course, "greener" and better for the environment too.

Today there are many wall paints in your local paint shop that are healthier alternatives to basic commercial paints. There are Low VOC paints and Zero VOC paints. The price will be greater, but the health benefits may be too. Here's a sampling:

Low VOC Paints Benjamin Moore Waterborne Paint Benjamin Moore Aura Paints

Zero VOC paints Benjamin Moore Natura Paints Sherwin-Williams Zero VOC Olympic Premium Valspar

Selecting a safe wall paint is better for your child's health, better for your family's well-being, and better for the environment.

In addition to what goes on the walls, another important consideration in nursery and bedroom safety is choosing window treatments. All natural materials are the current hot trend (see this HGTV trend report), but be sure to read carefully to ensure the purity and safety of your selection. The Daily Green and Green Home have comprehensive checklists of what to consider when choosing window treatments.

We love the simplicity of natural, organic window treatments for a child's room, like this fabulous baby nursery via decor pad... Notice the bamboo shades mixed with natural linen draperies...a great option for keeping the room healthy. Sustainable materials, like bamboo are a perfect choice for covering windows. Natural woven shades are more readily available than ever, from custom choices at The Shade Store, Smith + Noble to big-box stores like Home Depot or Lowe's (see thefind.com for pages of ideas).

Natural honeycomb shades are a great option for windows too...

This room features the Young America Abigail Collection with a Built to Grow Gala Crib. All our cribs and beds are Greenguard certified.

As we've looked for more ways to keep your family safe and environmentally-friendly, we've come across a few good reads on the subject, like these two by Dr. Alan Greene, M.D. available via Amazon...

...and several helpful blogs that focus on the subject, like Happy Green Baby and the Go Green blog.

Let us know what choices you are making to keep your baby and whole family safe and healthy.

[youngamericanews]

Why Do Parents Love our Dresser Drawers? Safety

What's more tempting to a toddler than opening and closing drawers? The satisfying slamming and bamming puts a big smile on an innocent face, until his or her hands or fingers are caught and pinched. Ouch!

We found a simple, toddler-proof solution to protect those curious little fingers. It's a Soft Close drawer system with a fancy name: the Quadro self-closing slide from Hettich. It's purpose? It prevents drawers of casegoods (aka: dressers, armoires, storage drawers, bookcases) from a slamming close. The drawer hardware puts the brakes on, slows the drawer and closes itself. Even the mightiest toddler will be hard-pressed to get a good slam. Better yet, our drawers are QUIET.

Grace Crib shown with an Abigail dresser and hutch.

Details, Details:

What's so great about the Young America Drawer System? Our cases feature a 4-piece solid wood drawer box made of sustainably harvested North American hardwood with English dovetails in all 4 corners; our drawer system reflects a standard of American craftsmanship that is hard to find today, especially when paired with Soft Close Hettich Quadro self-closing drawer glide hardware; an under-mount, ball bearing design that facilitates the smoothest, most even open/close possible. This unique combination of superior materials, construction and advanced engineering means safe, high-quality furniture parents can trust, for many years.

One More Drawer Safety Feature to be Excited about. The Soft Close Quadro self-closing drawer slide includes a dynamic load capacity of up to 55 pounds and a maximum safety extension, which limits how far drawers can be pulled out to reduce the possibility of tip-over accidents. We also include an anti-tip kit with each casegood (dressers, armoires, storage drawers, bookcases) to further protect against your adventurous toddler’s attempt to climb the furniture. Rest assured we always have your child's safety in mind.

Drawers, drawers, everywhere drawers: Fanfare Crib shown with a Boardwalk dresser and bookcase

Here's a little drawer glide demo: