Our Biggest Storewide Sale!

Riley roos shoes, Kingsley clothing, Zutano, Puma, Pluie Pluie, Monster Republic, Baby Sara, Mish Mish, Trumpette socks and many more brands you love are on sale now at Little Hipster! These brands rarely go on sale!

Enjoy spending only $29.95 on a Hooter Hider by Bebe Au Lait or $55 on the infamous reversible peanut shell!

Enjoy spending the LOWEST price on Nest bags! What a perfect gift for that someone you love!

If you are in the Chicago area stop by and see our trunk show!

The Little Hipster Trunk Show

Please join us! It will be a 2-Day event- December 4th & 5th.
For those who cannot attend, there will be a 15% discount site-wide all day Thursday and Friday. Happy shopping!

Looking forward to seeing you!

Little Hipster on Facebook!

Now you can keep up to date with all of our sales and activities while on Facebook!


Be sure to check us out and become a fan!

Music... Music

Some of you may not realize, but your little one might really not only enjoy but learn from listening to music. Pick a CD and replay it on a daily basis and soon your little one will look forward to music time... Teach them rhythm and the beat.... Get them to clap and dance around the room!

Let it snow... let it snow

Ok, so we are all dreading winter... trying to bundle up the little one is a challenge! But, once you get outside, do take some time to allow the snow flakes to fall onto your angel's face.... It is such an amazing sight to watch someone see snow for the first time!!!
My son reached his little hand up to the sky today and said- "More, More" and looked at the tiny flakes in such wonder and amazement.

Coolest Boys Jacket

Kingsley makes the trendiest boys jackets we have EVER seen. This jacket will turn heads wherever your trendsetter travels!

From the "Sergeant Rock" patch, to the metal studs, to the zipper on the cuffs, and the the stylish design- your little one will be the BOSS in this jacket!

Check it out at the Little Hipster.

Eating out has NEVER been so much fun!

As my toddler ages I realize it becomes harder and harder to meet up with friend to grab lunch. The other day I met with a good friend to catch up. It was probably as of an stressful experience for her and her 3 month old as it was for me. It was stressful for her probably to watch me and realize that her little baby would not always be able to stay in the baby carrier. She climbed on the table, threw food, grabbed the banner behind us and nearly pulled it down. It probably took me an hour to eat after I fed my daughter most of my food. 19 months is a tough age, because you can start to discipline, but they don't have the "logic" yet. She was good in a sense as she didn't throw a tantrum right there in the middle of Panera Bread, but she was a typical active toddler.

I am posting this blog to all you mommies out there with babies that are under 6months old. GO OUT! Go to lunch with friends, go shopping, go-go-go! As much as it seems a hassle to pack up the diaper bag, get the milk ready and lug the carrier to the car- it only gets HARDER to enjoy those moments out in public! Please do it for all of us moms who have the crazy toddlers! Enjoy the infant phase as much as you can!

Top baby names for 2007!

Every year the Social Security Site posts the top 10 boy and girl names for the previous year. We used that list when picking out our daughter's name- we used it to eliminated and reduce our baby names list :) Although the 2008 list is not out yet I thought I would post the 2007 top names.


Girls:

1. Emily
2. Isabella
3. Emma
4. Ava
5. Madison
6. Sophia
7. Olivia
8. Abigail
9. Hannah
10. Elizabeth

Boys:

1. Jacob
2. Michael
3. Ethan
4. Joshua
5. Daniel
6. Christopher
7. Anthony
8. William
9. Matthew
10. Andrew

Little Hipster of the Month September! Congratulations Brooke!

And the winner is: Brooke! Congratulations! You win a $25 paypal certificate to Little Hipster!

Make sure to submit a picture for the December/ January contest to compete for your $25 gift certificate!
contests@thelittlehipster.com

Remember- if your child didn't win this time you can submit a new picture for next month!

Crib Recall - Playkids USA

Following the death of a 5 month old child on August 31st the manufacturers of

Convertible Cribs, Playkids USA is recalling 2,000 cribs. The child became entrapped between the mattress and the stationary side rail of the convertible crib and suffocated.

For additional information, consumers should contact Playkids USA collect at (718) 797-0302 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.


http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09015.html

Counting Fun

As your toddler starts talking more and understanding language skills, don't forget about adding numbers to their vocabulary. Of course, not to say they are going to understand the order, but don't underestimate their ability to memorize the order of numbers!
Play games with words they already know, but count too... Such as the word Dog. Look at a book with 2 dogs and say, how many dogs are there?
Also you can try to show them 1,2,3 on your fingers. My son points to numbers now and tries to form the numbers- it is so fun to watch them learn!

Children's table & chair set

Recently I went to IKEA and found that they have some great children's table and chair sets.
They are perfect for your little one to draw and color on, to have a tea party or just to have a snack.
There are several different styles and colors. I bought the Kritter set and it also has a matching bench.
Check them out at IKEA

Election day

Regardless who you vote for, Please vote today!
Happy election day ;)

Mold and the bath toys...

Water, dark area and warmth are breading grounds for mold. It also perfectly describes the inside of bath toys!

There is no sure way to prevent this nor can you prevent your little ones from having fun bath toys. You can however take steps to prevent this from happening to your toys!

• After each bath, rinse the toys off with clean water
  
• Completely squirt out each toy
• Set out each toy in a dry area and let completely dry before putting in the bath again
• Take turns with toys- while using one set of toys the other set can dry
• Each week place the toys into the dishwasher - high temps will kill the bacteria
  
• Avoid using porous toys or sponges
  

When you squirt the toy and you see black stuff come out- yup that is MOLD. Well I have read that you can use bleach to wash them, but I don't think using bleach to wash a toy inside when there is a likely chance your child will be squirting water inside in his or her mouth- YUCK!

I found a cool safe alternative to clean the bath toys

1. Mix 1 cup of (Vinegar, Tea Tea Oil or Grapefruit Seed Extract) per 1 gallon of water
2. Squirt all the water out of toy and then suck some of the mixture into the toy
3. Shake the toy well and get the mixture in all the crevices
4. Squeeze mixture out and rinse with fresh water
5. Dry in direct sunlight in a cool DRY area

Happy Bathing :)

Happy Halloween!

We hope you all have a safe and fun Halloween!

Sell your stuff on eBay!

Have any barely worn name-brand clothing or shoes that your child has outgrown? Make some extra cash in time for the holidays by selling them on eBay! You can make up to half of what you paid!
That is the beauty of buying name-brand items! They are worth it since the quality is typically better and you can also recoup some of the costs, which is a definite plus!

You can also check out your local resale shop and sell there if you don't have time to set up an eBay account or worry about shipping.

Happy selling!

Grab your camera..for movies!

I always have my camera around - you NEVER know what may happen and you must be prepared! I have found that I really enjoy the video clips I take with my camera. I like it because I can capture short and funny clips of whatever crazy activity my daughter is doing at any given moment!
One time she was running around with a lunch box on her head. I grabbed a snapshot of it, but it doesn't compare to the 20 second clip I have of her running around with this thing on her head! If I would have ran downstairs to grab the video camera I would have missed it! So make sure you have a convenient point and shoot (P&S) camera with video capabilities to capture those funny times!

Teens on Today

Vanessa Van Petten, author, entrepreneur and life trainer for teens has created something very exciting and unique! "Teens Today with Vanessa Van Petten" is a blog that offers parenting advice from the kid’s perspective! What an idea! Vanessa, along with 8 teen writers (age 13-17) can be honest about real issues that teens and pre-teens are dealing with, so parents can actually understand them (well at least a small part of our world)…and we can finally develop better relationships.

Please check out her blog and pass along to those you know with tweens and teens!

We were voted as "Best Mom Blog"!

Vanessa Van Petten, author, entrepreneur and life trainer for teens and creator of "Teens Today with Vanessa Van Petten" recently named our blog one of the Best mommy blogs!

Thanks to Vanessa!! Please see the following post to read more about Vanessa and her great outlet for teens.

Vanessa says: I don’t often feature mommy bloggers who only have little ones, but some of them are so great and so timeless, I had to post them! Also many of my readers have teens, tweens and toddlers.

The Little Hipster Mom Blog Cute babies in cute clothes! It does not get much better than this. This blog makes me want a baby just so I can dress her up = ).

Scrub-a-dub-dub...

Bath time is always a fun time for our kids. If you find a tot that is anti-bath here are a few ways to make bath time more fun!

1. Bubbles! Bubble bath adds flair to an ordinary bath time.
2. Waterproof Books! A fun way to get the bedtime story.
3. Fun water toys. Having toys specifcally for bath time will make the child look forward to playing with those toys- hence look forward to ... baths!
4. Colored soap. Suds up with fun soaps! Avon offers fun body paints for the tub at a low price of $1.99 each! Check them out here!
5. Waterbased Crayons. Crayola has great crayons that work well in the tub. They can draw on the tub and then the color wipes off! Just be careful if your child colors in the grout- that maybe harder to wipe off.
   

Hand Washing!

Cold and flu season is right around the corner! Make sure your little is kept germ free by making sure you frequently wash his or her hands with soap and warm water. Teach your little on to sing a song such as "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" while making suds - that will have you washing hands long enough to kill most of the germies!

Going to a play date? Bring some antibacterial gel to keep on hand and make sure when you leave to wipe any toys your brought and your tot's hands! If your little one is a baby make sure you are washing your hands and have friends and family wanting to hold your little one wash their hands too- make it a requirement! I kept a antibacterial gel in every room so there were no excuses not to have germ free holding hands!

Let the October Voting Begin!

We have had submissions of the coolest little hipsters! So, now it's your turn to vote for the picture you like best! The winner will win a $25 gift certificate to Little Hipster's Online Boutique!

Voting ends on November 4th!

On the right hand side you will see the voting buttons. Make sure to send this page to your friends and family and have them vote! Please only vote only once a day!

Chicco Infant Carseat Base Recall

Saw in Parents Magazine today that the bases for the Chicco KeyFit and KeyFit 30 and Cortina Travel Systems car seats manufactured between February 26, 2008 and March 17, 2008 were recalled. Here is more info:

Consumer Reports

Another snack idea

I am always searching for new and nutritious snacks for my little one... Once toddlers start feeding themselves, it becomes such an issue if you try to even help! "No, I do"! So, I decided to try giving him a plum. He loved it and felt like such a big boy eating it.
Another great one is apples. Although depending on their age, you may want to peel the skin off first. If you haven't let your little one try a plum or apple, give it a chance today. Maybe your little one will be just as excited about eating fruit as mine is!

Making Music Around the House

As a fun and creative outlet for you and your little ones, making music around the house can be a fun game! Getting kids involved with music & rhythm introduces them to a whole new world!
The obvious "instruments" are pots and pans... but some other great ones are:

• Altoids or safety capped vitamins make great moroccas! (I duct taped around the entire thing to prevent choking) "shake it, shake it, skate it!"
  
• Empty paper towel rolls make good microphones, or just fun sounds to them well singing into it
  
• Using your hand against your lips teaches them echo sounds

If you want to actually get some instruments, I have found children Pianos and guitars are big hits!

Parenting with Love and Logic

For those of you in search of a great book on parenting, this one is GREAT!
Parenting with Love & Logic by Foster Cline, MD & Jim Fay.
"According to DR. Foster & Jim Fay, parents who try to ensure their children's success often raise unsuccessful kids. Responsibility is like anything else- it has to be learned through practice.
If you want to raise kids who are self confident, motivated, and ready for the real world, take advantage of the win win approach to parenting. Your kids will win because they learn responsibility and logic of life by solving their own problems. And you'll win because you'll establish healthy control- without resorting to anger, threats, nagging or exhausting power struggles".

Wow- check out the book today!

Magical, "no mess" markers for toddlers

I recently learned about these great markers... They are called Color Wonder by Crayola. The markers will only write on their special paper. That is genius, since many of the little ones who want to color, really are actually just making a HUGE mess everywhere. Well, Crayola to the rescue! You can find them at Target and other stores.
I am all about creativity, but am happy about containing the mess ;)

Baby Registry 101: Lesson #16- Shopping cart Cover

The shopping cart cover is such a great invention! It is multi-functional because it can be used with grocery carts, highchairs, and also on safety playground swings, all while keeping your little one germ free. Just about the time they are ready to sit up in a shopping cart, they are also at their peak phase of chewing everything!
There are many different brands available and at first thought you may think they are all the same... well, actually they aren't. I had 4 of my girlfriends tell me that the one they got at Babies R Us was a piece of junk!

After testing a few and talking with a handful of moms, here are the key things to think about:

• Will it actually fit over the entire cart?
• How thick is the material? Is there any padding?
• Also, since you will be carrying this item around for awhile, it doesn't hurt for the one you choose to be stylish!
  

Our favorites ones are by Itzy Ritzy. Not only do they fit over the entire cart, they work on the big carts at Costco! They come in a variety of colors and are also reversible. Check them out here.

Halloween has arrived at Little Hipster

Halloween has arrived at Little Hipster!

As Halloween approaches, please check out all the adorable costumes now available at Little Hipster
Not only are these costumes super cute and fun, they are made of the SOFTEST material. The manufacturer, Wyla is known for luxurious fabrics and textiles that are used by top fashion industry designers!
An added bonus of these costumes are they can double as a winter bunting suit or a fun play date outfit throughout the upcoming winter.

Shipping promotion at Little Hipster

In honor of Halloween, we are reducing our flat rate shipping cost to $3 per order.
Happy shopping!

Signing with baby

Since my son was about 3 months old, I started doing a few signs and repeating both the sign and the word associated with it. It was so cool when one day around 10 months, he reached his little hand up and did the sign for Milk! Recently he started signing the word "more"- so fun
I would recommend not trying to teach them a bunch of new signs all at once. Pick a few that you want to start with and change it up which one you do. So, every time you hand baby a bottle, do both the sign for Milk & say what it is.
Don't underestimate the power of daily repetition of actions and repeating of words!!
Also, even if the sign isn't exactly the correct way, as long as you and baby both know what it means that is ok. My son does "all done"- by raising his arms up and tapping his head-- it is so cute! In the beginning, he just did the sign, but now he does the sign and if I don't see him, he says- AHH Done.
A video that a friend gave me was called Signing Times. It is great. I just learned that this CD is actually a tv show on PBS- check you're local listings for it.
Happy signing!

Another "In the Motherhood" episode

I hope you are not getting sick of these video clips!? They just make me laugh!

Monkey see, Monkey Do

For those of you with toddlers, you really can relate to that statement! My son is almost 17 months old and it is so amusing watching him try to imitate me and those around him.
This is the perfect opportunity to continue to teach your little one new things.
One idea is to get a big, colorful book with animals throughout the pages (or you can get flashcards). Everyday go through the book, even if you aren't reading line for line, and just point out a different animal. Initially, I found that introducing 2 animals a month is successful to them learning. I started with "dog" and what does a dog say? Now my son not only says dog, but barks too.
It is amazing how daily repetition of actions and repeating of words really starts to hit home with toddlers-- their brains are like sponges at this age so just a reminder to continually challenge them ;)

Baby Registry 101: Lesson #15- Strollers

There are so many different type of strollers on the market today, so how do you choose??
Initially, you may think- it doesn't matter, they are all the same.... well, actually they are not!
After talking with several of my friends, we all decided that a stroller is the one item you should NOT skimp on.

After much research and comparison shopping, I found that there are some key questions you should ask:

• How easy does it turn and maneuver through a crowd (especially if you live in the city)? Most likely it will be you holding the door for yourself and trying to push stroller through. A feature some strollers have are swivel wheels, which allows you to turn it with one hand!
• Does it have some type of "snap and go" feature?
  That means, can your carseat snap onto your stroller base? This is such a great feature because when your little one is in those first few months, they need their sleep but still at that age where they can sleep on the go (usually)... So if you are running errands and baby is asleep in car, instead of waking them up and putting them into a sling or stroller, you can just snap carseat onto stroller
  
• My friend got one of those "Snap & Go" Frames, but she said it was so flimsy she ended up buying 3 of them. If you add up the price of those 3, plus the other stroller she figured it would have been better to have just invested in a nicer one in the beginning
• Does it fold up easily? Check to see if it can stand once folded up.
  
• Is it heavy or lightweight? Can you lift it into your trunk with ease? Remember if you have a c-section you can't left heavy items!
  
• Ask yourself- how will I use my stroller? Is the answer: Daily? Walking outside, through a crowd? Do you live in a city, where you will have to weather the elements and street traffic? Or will you mostly be indoors at a mall?

The following are the ones that have been top rated for the above reasons...

• Bugaboo Frog
  
• Uppa Baby (new to the scene, but have gotten great reviews)
  
• Phil & Ted's
  
• Bob Revolution (can function as a jogger and an "urban" stroller. The only downside is it is bigger)

If you live in an area, where you aren't walking along city streets often and don't think you want all the bells and whistles, the following are ones that work well (and look cute too)

• Quinny Zap (new to the scene in the US)
• Maclaren (the Quest is a nice one)- great umbrella stroller

Finally, there are the typical Travel systems. I am not too familiar with these, so stay tuned and Noel will speak on these ones further... but, the following have been rated well:

• Chicco Cortina Travel System
• Graco
• Peg Perego
• Inglesina (According to the Baby Bargains Book Inglesina was better rated than the Peg Perego)
  

Most importantly, go look and play with the different strollers in the stores- turn them around corners and see how they move with one hand. Try folding & picking it up. Imagine how it would roll over curbs and bumps.

Good luck and happy strolling!

Halloween is coming to Little Hipster

Stay tuned. We will be uploading some really cute and fun Halloween costumes for babies- 4T.

Monster Space Tees!

Launching our Monster Space tees! These tees are the perfect gift for any little boy! Check them out at Little Hipster!



Just check out all our cute unique boy tees!

Puma is here!

So, as the weather starts to turn cooler, you are now in search of the right outfit for your little one... well, look no further! Puma track sets are super comfy, practical but more importantly- stylish!
Check them out at Little Hipster.

In the Mommyhood Epside #5

Another funny episode! This one made me crack up! The things we do to entertain our kids!

Love the Ben and Jennifer kids :)

Too Funny!

Okay- I love Chelsea Handler - she is just super funny. I fell in love with Jenny McCarthy when I read her first book Belly Laughs. I also watch Leah Remini in King of Queens. Well, turns out that these three gals paired up for a web TV show called "In the Motherhood." I don't know how I completely missed this as they came out in 2007?! Have any of you seen this before? Here is a clip I found :)

I love the Zoo

I can never post too many stories about the zoo! It seems that every time I go there my little one learns something new! It is truly a wonderful experience-- you just have to take your little one!

Today we brought my husband for the first time and he too got to watch her make connections to the animals! I just knew that going was a good idea! Again- we brought lots of snacks, water and of course our picture book with animals. We would look at each animal, tell her the name and show her in the book.

One new thing she learned was to walk along the edge of the curb! We wondered when you actually learn to do that! Well, for her it was 17 months :) Here are a few pics from the day!

Tokyo Robot Tees!

This fun tee has got to be my favorite 2-fers of all! Have you ever heard of a 2fer? It is a one piece shirt that has a layered look so it looks like 2 shirts! Check them out at Little Hipster!

Monster Republic Cargos

Say "Good-bye" to boring boys pants! We have the greatest cargo's for boys sizes 6 month- 4T! When you see these you will want a pair for your little one. When your child sports them on the playground - moms will be sure to ask you where you found such a cool pair of pants! Be sure to tell them at the Little Hipster :) We will always strive to make you and your child look good :)

Monster Republic is Here!

Wow- I have never seen a hoodie as cute as this one! This hoodie makes all the other children's clothes run and hide in the closet! Get one for your little punk!

Our latest item is a ROCKING punk hoodie with amazing attention to detail! All the dads will surely want one in their size :)

Baby Mish Mish is Here!

We are now carrying Baby Mish Mish! I absolutely love it and depending on how all of you feel we will carry more items soon!

Take a look at one of our little hipsters sporting some way too cute Mish Mish!

Display your child's artwork!

Some older children can make even nicer pieces of artwork at fairs, home, preschool or daycare.

This weekend we went to the fair and saw a booth that children got to use a spinner to create very pretty designs using paint splatter. This type of design would look gorgeous framed and displayed on your wall at home! ANother thing you ccan do is take a snapshot of it and frame the photograph :)

Baby Registry 101: Lesson #14- The play mat

A play mat is one of the first fun items you can have for your baby. You can lay baby on it from day 1 and they can just take in all the sights and colors. As baby gets older, she can start trying to play with the hanging toys. Also, is great for getting that must needed tummy time!
Look for one that has a mirror- it is fun for baby to look at "that baby" in the mirror!

Our favorite: Tiny Love Gymini Siper Deluxe Light & Music
Why we love it:

Runner up: Baby Einstein Seek & Discover Deluxe Activity Gym

Second Languages for Toddlers

I had never really put much thought into second language programs for toddlers until recently when a friend said that she enrolled her child into a Spanish program. This trend is spreading out to more and more cities and even more classes are being offered than ever before- aimed at toddlers! From Spanish to Japanese. I have always wanted to learn a second language so I think I will be signing my daughter up!

This next generation will be amazingly intelligent!

My daughter is Elmira from Tiny Toons!

I don't know how long this video will last on You Tube, but Elmira from Tiny Toons reminds me of my daughter. This video pretty much explains the relationship that my daughter has with dogs or any animal! Enjoy!



If you can find a better clip of how Elmira hugs and loves her animals please let me know!

The fool-proof baby shower gift under $75

So, you're invited to a baby shower. This can be very confusing! What to get the mom-to-be that also reflects the chic woman giving the gift can be a challenge. The worst is when the only thing left on a baby registry is pacifiers, a bottle and a diaper pail! No fear- we have a perfect gift for any budget that will make the mom-to-be wonder what she would have done without it!

For the under $75 budget we have the following perfect picks:

1. The reversible stylish cart cover. This runs about $65. Pair this with the on-tray for a fab gift set!
2. The take home outfit and blanket runs $64
3. This sling is perfect alternative to a traditional carrier and comes in some very great designs. It will run about $49- $64 for this posh pod.
   
4. A unique gift for mom or dad is the diaper dude that will only set you back $60.
5. Another luxurious gift is the baby blanket. We have the perfect blanket that will make any mom melt and it will definitely get people asking "where did you get that?" It runs $58 for this amazing blanket.
   

Add a little something extra (maybe Trumpette Socks?) to any of these gifts to bump up your final cost to $75 and receive free shipping!

Baby Registry 101: Lesson #13- The exersaucer/ stationary entertainer

There are so many exersaucers on the market... how do you choose?
I remember when I went to register, I had no idea! But, when I started to compare some the different ones I saw a few things to help me choose. Here is a short list:

• Choose one that has many interactive toys for baby to play with
• Look for one that has a mirror
• Ones that have sounds or music (but look for ones that the music can turn OFF!

Our favorite: Baby Einstein Stationary Entertainer
Why we love it: There are so many fun things for baby to play with. A mirror, a mini-book, sounds and colors, things to chew on-- Hours of fun!

• It introduces Baby to 9 developmental, interactive toys to help develop important sensory and motor skills

• Captivates child by introducing bi-lingual language into child's early learning vocabulary

Breakfast Foods

So a friend asked me the other day for ideas for a good toddler breakfast. Here are a few samples of what we eat each morning:

• Morning Star Veggie sausage, yogurt and fresh fruit
• Cereal, fruit and milk (My little one LOVES cheerios with milk- it just takes more time on my end!)
• Special K waffles (strawberry) and milk
  
• Fruit Smoothie (perfect for on-the-go)- milk, vanilla yogurt, fruit such as blueberries and banana. I also put in some wheat germ.

If you have any other ideas for breakfast food- please e-mail them to us!

Healthy Fun Snack for Toddlers

I am always trying to figure out how to have a fast healthy snack on the go. My friend introduced me to these great snack by Brother-al-Natural. They are apple and pear freeze dried fruit crisps! They are awesome! Since they are freeze dried they are not chewy, but crispy and light. They also dissolve fast in mouths, so they are great for toddlers!

You can buy them online and get free shipping! I love free shipping!


Buy your freeze dried apple crisps at their website!

Just when you think you have a rountine...

Just when you think your little one is on a nice "schedule" something comes up! Isn't that the truth?! Me & a few friends of mine were saying that just when you get used to your little one sleeping through the night or taking great naps-- poof! They began to wake up crying or they start fighting that second nap. Why? Why you ask does this happen??? The only answer we can come up with is... they are babies/ toddlers and that is what they do!
Whether it is teeth, a tummy ache or a scary dream it is a reminder that we as parents have two choices: 1) we can drive ourselves crazy trying to figure it out or 2) we can go with the flow and accept that it is just one of the many phases associated with having a child.
(Of course, if there is an illness or symptoms of something wrong, that should be taken seriously)

The older my child gets, the more relaxed I seem to become about all those "milestones" and what they "should" or "shouldn't" be doing. Each child is unique and we should celebrate that!
Trust me, it is a lot less stress just going with the flow then trying to fight it ;)

For those of you who agree, disagree or have a funny story, please post a comment. We love hearing from you!

Taking your toddler out

One of the hardest things to do with a toddler is take him or her to a place that is not childproof. One place that comes to mind for me is church. Not all places of worship come with a trained staff of childcare professionals so what are we to do?

With the input of some of my other mom friends, this is my compilation of a "Toddler - Mommy Sanity Kit"

• Cute Bag for toys - Such as this adorable backpack
• Sippy or straw cup with water (safe for spills!) - The Munckin straw cups work for us
• No spill cup for snacks- or ziplock bag fill with cereal. Use Cheerios or try Captain crunch to mix it up :)
• Soft books
• Soft toys to play with that won't BANG when they fall or are thrown - Check out these cute ones
• If your child is old enough- here is a GREAT toy that uses water to color- no mess! I think I will buy a few of those...soon!

If you have any other ideas please share!

Chicago Photographer- Franco Lanzi

We want to feature one of the best photographers in the city, Franco Lanzi.
Those of us who have a little one know how hard it is to capture the perfect picture! They are crying or squirming or trying to run away... so, how do you get your little one in print?
That is why we LOVE Franco. He manages to capture great pictures of your angel, even when it seems the whole photo session was a meltdown!
Definitely check out Frano Lanzi! Also, he has done most of Little Hipster's lifestyle photos, so you can also check out his work there as well.

Baby Registry 101: Lesson #12 - The Diaper Bag

Ahhh... the diaper bag. You know you need one, but how do you decide which one will be THE ONE?! There are SOOO many on the market today, it is hard to choose.
I know some of you look for one that is basic, some of you go for the extravagant but not practical one. I had a friend tell me that she didn't put much thought into the diaper bag and ended up regretting her choice. Why? First, she said the busy pattern got really old to look at. Second, she spent $100 on it but it within the first 3 months it riped. Then she had to buy another one. She calculated if she combined the two cost, she should have invested in a quality bag up front! This is not to say, you MUST spend a lot. But, you have to choose wisely.

Here are a few things to keep in mind and also some of our favs.

1. Practical- Things to consider: Pockets for creams, cell phone, change, binkys and bottles. Can you wipe it down or wash it easily?
   
2. Stylish- This is HUGE! Yes, it needs to be functional but it also can look good too! First, of all think of this as your new handbag. You will be carrying it for at least two years, it is worth a little splurging.
   
3. Quality- As stated earlier, this is a bag you will have for the next 2, maybe 3 years. And if you have another baby, even longer. So choose one that will hold up and last over time.

Our favorite is... the Nest whipstitch diaper bag
As seen on Heidi Klum and other celebs, these bag are great!
Why? The inside lining completely can be removed and can be machined washed. Comes in two colors.

Also, for those men who are bag-phobic, these man bags are perfect for a daddy outing!

Summer Sale at Little Hipster

Little Hipster has reduced pricing on summer items from Kingsley, Puma, Zutano and more! Also receive free ground shipping on orders over $75!
Get them while supplies last!

Ohhh baby!

This is a special post for one of our loyal readers/ supporters, Sandy. Sandy and husband, Scott welcomed their first born son... 8 weeks early! Landon was 3 lbs, 9 oz but is absolutely PERFECT! Baby and parents are doing well. Congrats to the new proud parents!

Also, anyone else out there was have gone through a scary ordeal, please post comments or advice for other parents who have or may experience the same thing.

Kingsley Sale!

Little Hipster is having a sale on all Kingsley items! Get them while they last!
The Pirate & Def Leopard Hoodies are Must-Have items for the fall!
Check out all the celebrity babies sporting Kingsley!

Baby Registry 101: Lesson #11 The crib mirror

Some people LOVE the mobile as a visually stimulating "toy" for baby in the crib (and it definitely can be!) Another item I found was the crib mirror. It can be hours of fun for baby! My son seriously was staring at himself the first week we brought him home from the hospital. There are some great mirrors out there. Look for one that has some attached toys on it.

Our favorite: Sassy Crib Mirrors.
They have several colors and shades (yes, you can coordinate this with your bedding as well) and it will be a fun toy for baby to play and learn with.

Introducing utensils

Once your baby starts eating solid and finger foods, I think they get a kick out of using their little hands to eat... and then it gets old! Recently my 14 month old has decided he does not like to sit in his highchair for long periods of time (i.e: the time it would take to eat a full meal). So, what is a mom to do?!
Well, it dawned on me that since the little one LOVES to eat whatever we are eating we could make a fun new game out of it. He now enjoys eating off my fork... hmm. So, I started giving him one to try himself. Guess what? He now sits in his highchair longer now and eats with his little fork. I help him at times of course. I show him how to "stab" the food and put it into his mouth. He seems so impressed with himself when he makes contact and gets the food into his mouth!
Give it a try and see how your little ones does!

Toddler Essential - The Hoodie!

Okay, I live in an area that has variable weather and sometimes very cold weather... So, it seems that 9 months out of the year I need an extra layer of clothing at some point during the day. Until recently, I didn't realize how key a functional extra layer was for my toddler! It was this past spring and summer that I found out how important a cute hoodie or and zip up was for my daughter. I LOVE them! They are easy to put on and just add the extra warmth when heading outside. You must think I am crazy to be posting this in mid-July, but realize that the nights get chilly! When planning any vacation, you cannot always count on the weather. I love the zip sweatshirt, because kids can wear it for months! My daughter is almost 16 months old and still fits in the 12 month sweatshirt she started wearing when she was 9 months! She wore this for a span of 7 months! At Little Hipster there are some great sweaters and hoodies. You should check them out. I think of them as a top, but also as a spring/summer/ fall jacket. It is definitely a must have piece all toddlers should have in their wardrobes.

Gestational Diabetes

I was about 28 weeks pregnant when I had the glucose test. I was horrified to find out that I had Gestational Diabetes! When they told me that I would have to prick my finger 4 times a day to see if my diabetes could be controlled by diet alone I thought I would pass out. I hated needles, I hated getting blood drawn and I couldn't even fathom putting a needle in my finger! I asked what the alternative was and there really was none. After feeling as if I was given a death sentence I pouted and mopped and felt sorry for myself. Later on in the evening I researched Gestational Diabetes and the terrible effects on the children if it was uncontrolled. I felt a cold chill run down my spine as I realized how selfish I had been. I realized that this was not the worst thing in the world for me and I had control. Luckily I was able to control my sugar with diet alone and was lucky not to have insulin shots.

There is so much information on controlling Gestational Diabetes online and typically your doctor refers you to a dietitian to place you on a special diet. It was a great way for me to not go crazy with the ice cream (I wasn't allowed ANY) and it help me gain only 28lbs with my pregnancy. After being placed on that diet, it dawned on me how unhealthy I really was eating. I realized that having a HUGE glass of milk and Carnation Good Start for breakfast was not ideal and 4 bowls of fruit loops is not a balanced dinner ;)

Breast-Feeding Support at Hospitals

I read a recent study about hospitals lack of breast feeding support. I found this surprising because when I had my daughter I was given a lot of encouragement from the hospital to breastfeed. They offered classes and lactation consultants. Although, on the same token it seemed that after the delivery the staff were quick to give the bottle. The both of us had fevers and they had to take my daughter to the NICU to give her medicine to break her fever. She was back within the hour, but I was informed that they had decided to give her formula. Who was I to question this? After more research I felt that they really did not need to do this.

For more about breastfeeding please visit the U.S. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

Baby Registry 101: Lesson #10- The Mobile

Mobiles are tricky. Many people register for the mobile that matches their bedding. I agree that it does make the room look elegant and perfect, however let's not loose site of what the mobile is intended to do. The mobile is not just decoration, it is one of the first visual stimulating toys a baby will have. Both the brightly colored ones and ones with black and white contrast are proven to been seen more easily by baby. As much as bright primary colors may clash with your decor, remember the mobile is also a learning tool. It will only be in the crib until your baby can sit up and grab it. For us it was in the crib until she was 4 months old.

The Winner: Tiny Love Symphony-in-Motion Mobile.
Why We love it: Bright colors, designs and fun animals. 15 minutes of classical music. Circular motion, but is on an angle so that the animals move towards and away from baby and around.
The Cost: Between $40 and $50 depending on which model

Double Strollers

The need for a double stroller occurs when you decide to have a second baby close in age.

Here is a quick list of our favorites:

The perfect stroller that will transition from 1 baby to 2, back to 1! We think this is great- especially if you want 2 children close in age, but it can be used for 1 child!
Phil and Teds

The great umbrella stroller - Perfect for traveling and twins. The con is that this stroller does not accept infant carseats. As much as that is a downfall it is also a pro- can you imagine all the germs on the bottom of those seats and having it so close to your toddler may not be a great idea!
Maclaren Double Stroller

For those women who run, BOB has a great double jogger. The children sit side by side.
The Bob Double jogging stroller

There are also other double strollers out there. We chose these three, based on size, weight and functionality. We feel that if you have a less cumbersome stroller you are more likely to get out and actually use it! The best idea is to get a stroller that fits your needs and try it out at the store. If it's hard to maneuver there then it will be even harder to maneuver in the grass or in stores!

8 surprsing reasons your baby 's crying

I came across the following article and thought it might be helpful for some of you new parents.
Check out the article here.

Children Museums

This past weekend we went to the hands on science museum. We were a little leary as our daughter is only 15 months and didn't know if it would be worth the trip. Luckily children under 2 are free! We took her through the exhibits and what I found really great about this place is that all the exhibits are childproof! It was really nice not having to chase her shouting "No-no-no." We let her roam around and looked at the exhibits she wanted to see. Most of the exhibits had buttons, knobs, wheels and all types of switches that she could turn, twist and pull. While my husband and I had fun with the science of each exhibit she had fun with learning how to bounce on a spring floor! There was a tornado machine and a laser harp that were a ton of fun for her. The museum also had a toddler room with a water table, blocks and all sorts of toys! It was something different to do and fun for the whole family! You should check out a museum near you!

Ann Arbor Hands-on Museum
Chicago Children's Museum
Manhatten Children's Museum
Children's Museum of Los Angeles

Click here to find a Children's Museum near you!

The Petting Zoo

Okay, I am a huge fan of the Zoo. We actually went again yesterday. I would like to note that as much as I like the zoo, I really enjoy the patting farm. If you do not live near a zoo I am sure you can find a petting farm near you. It is great because the kids can see animals really close and even pet them! The zoo is fun, but sometimes all the animals are hiding or they are too far away to see. My daughter LOVED the farm! It's also great because you don't have to make it an all day event. We actually went before her doctors visit and now I have decided that when she gets older, the sell will be: get your shots and then off to the farm! How great is that?!

Please check out your local petting farm!

Update on BPS free bottle exchange

I figured instead of posting a comment, I'd create a new entry to be sure you all would see this...
I went to babies R Us this weekend and did the bottles exchange. Here are a few tips and further information on the program:

1. They will take Doc Browns or Advent bottles, but they MUST be in increments of 3.
   
2. They give you the current price of the bottles and than you have to do the exchange that day-- you cannot get store credit. So, you can pick any type of BPA-free product- bottles and/ or sippy cups.

A 3-pack of Doc Browns bottles are $12.99 and a 3-pack of Born Free are $27.
I like the filters for Born Free better, because they are easier to clean. Although, their 3-pack only comes with 1 filter! The Doc Brown bottles are just fine too, although they do not currently come in wide mouth.

Baby Registry 101: Lesson #9- The Highchair

Highchairs are something every baby needs. They range in prices from $30 to $300. Brand names from Graco to Inglesina Zuma. Whatever your budget you must have one! If you have a low budget you can get away with a cute space efficient booster seat.

Our picks:

Booster Seat- Recline and Grow 5 Stage Feeding Seat-Why we love it? It is easily strapped to a chair. It is space efficient. The best thing though is that it can seat an infant at 3 months to an older child. The tray fits in the dishwasher and the entire unit can be wiped down with a disinfecting cloth. the only bad thing about this is that is is bulky and not easy to travel with!

High Chair Winner- Peg Perego's Prima Pappa Diner - Why we love it? The colors of the wipable fabric are so nice and the nooks and crannies are a little easier to clean than the Chicco. The chair is also easy to fold up and store.

High Chair Runner-Up- Chicco Polly Highchair- Why we love it. It is a great comparison to the Peg and is about 30% cheaper. The only fault is that it is a little tougher to clean than the Peg.

City mom must-have!

There are cute tops for your child, but how cute is a top that gives props to your town? These adorable "I Stroll" tees come in cities:
L.A
Chicago
New York
Brooklyn

They are available in onesies or tees! They also make a great gift from a Big-City Auntie!

You can get all the cities at The Little Hipster! Be sure to check them out!

Your Child's Height Predictor

I came across this fun tool to predict your child's height based on the parents height. It claims to be 68% accurate within 2 inches and 95% within 4 inches, but if you think about it it's kinda silly. You can check it out for yourself and even see how close it comes to your predicted height!

Go to the Height predictor

Personalized Pacifiers Reacalled

Jut recalled "It’s MY Binky" Recalls Personalized Pacifiers Due to Choking Hazard. Just yesterday they announced this recall. Apparently there were two cases where the nipple detached from the base and ring causeing a coking hazard. These pacifiers were not sold at our store, but at Nordstrom's and many other boutiques. If you have one of these pacifiers make sure to return it to the store you purchased it from or contact It's MY Binky directly! PLEASE if you know anyone who may have this pacifier please let them know!

Read the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's full report

Kid Friendly Resturants

Restaurants are meant to be a nice time out. No cooking, no cleanup and great food. If you have kids and plan on taking them with you, dining out is another story and usually a stressful one! Here is a quick list of fun places to take your kids and a reason why we love them!

1. PF Changs. We loved this place before kids and now with their easy to use chopsticks, kids toys and lengthy kids menu it will be in our hearts forever!
2. Logans. We love Logans! Weekdays give you two meals for $12.99 and $1.99 kids meals. Also with sides like sweet potatoes, steamed veggies and rice it can be healthy if you choose wisely!
3. Red Robin. What a fantastic place for kids! With all the activities on the wall - your child will be occupied for awhile looking at it all!
4. Chic-Fil-A. A favorite fast food. Fun chicken bites that are healthy and they give you a placemat that sticks to the table- goodbye germs!
5. Chili's. From having yummy sides like mandarin oranges and pineapple to charitable giving to St. Jude's- there is no question as to why we love this place!
   

If you have a favorite kid friendly place please let us know!

Baby Registry 101: Lesson #8- BPA-free Bottles

There has been a lot of recent controversy over plastic bottles. There has been a chemical BPA (Bisphenol-A) that has been found most prevalent in water bottles, baby bottles, beverage can linings and dental sealants. It has been controversial, because the tests are not conclusive enough and the FDA is not updating their requirement for BPA in food. You can read more about BPA here.

The best idea , in our opinion is to keep away from BPA bottles. Here is a list of some of the bands of BPA-free bottles.:

1. Born-Free. They have wide mouth and regular bottles. Also they come in glass or BPA-free plastic. They run about $10 a bottle or you can buy a set of 8 bottles for $78. You can purchase them on their website.
2. Platex Nurser. These bottles have a drop in disposable lining. The disposable lining make cleaning easy and fast. The bottles are cheap, about $4, but remember you have to keep purchasing liners!
3. Dr. Browns Glass or Dr. Browns BPA free plastic bottles. If they don't think BPA is bad enough to recall their BPA bottles why make BPA free ones?
4. Adiri Natural Nurser. This bottle looks like a boob, but if you can get over the exposed look than it's a great option!
5. Evenflow Glass Bottles or Evenflow Classic Tinted Polypropylene bottles.
   
6. Medela
   
7. Nuby Standard Neck Non-Drip Bottle, Wide-Neck Non-Drip Bottle, Wide-Neck Bottle with Handles and Non-Drip Nipple, Standard Neck Bottle with Handles and Non-Drip Nipple, 3-Stage Wide Neck Easy Grip Feeding System with Non-Drip Nipple

Whatever bottle you choose just research them and make sure they are BPA free! Also there are alot more bottles that are deemed safe. You can check out a detailed list of bottles and sippy cups here!

How to find fun Events

So, some weekends I look at my hubby and we say "What should we do?" or we end up doing nothing and waste a weekend that could have been more fun! One of my friends told me of this great website that lists all the activities and events in your area! It's Called Go City Kids and no matter where you live they will list activities that are "kid friendly" that are happening around you!

Check out kid friendly events near you!!

Free Potty Training DVD

Free potty training video, while supplies last. Pull-ups has a free potty training DVD that they will send you when you sign up at their website. Even if potty training is months away for you I would order one!

Click here for the free DVD.

Baby Poll- a GREAT office game!

When I was preggers with my daughter I worked full time at a corporate office. My co-workers were great and they all loved telling me what they thought I was going to have. I found this really cool website where you can register and set up a baby guessing game. You send the link to all your friends, family and co-workers and they enter their guess: Sex, Birthdate, Weight and length. You can set it up so that each guesses must pay to guess or you can have them guess for free. It's a lot of fun and when you have the baby you enter the information and it calculates the winner. My sister-in-law came the closest, but I came in 3rd... and I even got the gender WRONG (which is a 400pt deduction!) I was really close to the date/time and weight though.

Here is the link to sign up for the baby guessing game!

Babies-R-Us Bottle Exchange!

Take in your bottles made with BPA plastic and Babies R Us will exchange them with non BPA bottles!!!! The bottles must be complete and they will refund you the selling price in a for of store credit! You may want to call the Babies-R-Us by you before you leave-the one by us is only doing it until August 9th!

August 10th they have a new policy- receipts required with every RETURN!

Healthy Popsicles

Popsicles are fun in the summertime even for a teething toddler! Sometimes you can find small Popsicles at the store, but watch that sugar intake! Here are a few fun popsicles ideas to make your own:

• grapejuice or applejuice
  
• smashed strawberries and strawberry yogurt (this becomes more of a creamsicle)
• freeze chocolate milk

For us moms- take the popsicle and dip in chocolate and re-freeze :)

Here is a good popsicle mold at Amazon.

Books

So, I have always tried to read to my son before bed but he just wasn't that excited about sitting still! But, I must tell those of you who have experienced the same indifference to keep trying because now he loves it! He walks around all day carrying his favorite books over to me to read to him. He even has favorite pages in each book! I have found he is becoming more verbal by us reading together too.
I received a great book, called Goodnight Chicago. It goes through landmarks around town. They have several versions of it in different cities. Check them out: http://www.amazon.com/Good-Night-Chicago-Our-World/dp/0977797929

Honey we're killing the kids

There is a new show on the Discovery channel that definitely grabbed my attention. I have not seen an episode yet and the previews look like it's a tad exaggeration, but it is a eye opener to having you kids eat right.

Check out the discover channel's website

Deceptively Delicious

So, I am sure most of you have heard about Jerry Seinfeld's wife's new cook book right? Well Jessica Seinfeld was on Oprah and I got the scoop. What an amazing book! Here's a quick lowdown of what her "secret" is: she purees veggies and fruits and mixes them within her recipes. For example she makes chicken nuggets with a batter made with spinach and sweet potatoes., Mac-n-cheese with butternut squash, Cauliflower in scrabbled eggs, carrots in brownies!

We are all about veggies!

http://www.deceptivelydelicious.com/site/

Read more about getting your toddler to eat his veggies!

Gift Giving Idea #1

The other day one of my friends called and asked me what he should get for one of his coworkers who just had a baby. This particular friend happens to be a single guy, with no kids... but it got me thinking. Regardless if you are male or female, maybe this area of gift giving is a bit of a mystery to you. I have to say, before I had my baby, I thought the stuff was cute, but had no idea what was "THE GIFT" to give was or what was the most practical yet fun gift to give that would always result in a "WOW"!
So, we decided to offer our ideas and maybe this will help you become the BEST gift giver ever!
Please do share your comments or suggestions to, we love hearing from you.

Gift idea #1:
Trumpette socks
These much such a great gift for several reasons:

• They are totally adorable AND
  
• PRACTICAL too. In the first few months, babies don't really need shoes all the time, but people want to complete the outfit! Trumpette socks look like shoes, but they are socks!
• They actually STAY on the baby's foot and they will fit for almost 12 months! Babies grow so fast, but these socks grow with them
• Stylish and unique

There are different styles and colors. Check them out!

Popsicles!

So, I have discovered a fun treat for your little one... Popsicles!
I should definitely warn you though, it is best to give it to them while outside, preferably at a pool or by a sprinkler. If that is not possible for you, I have also set my son in his highchair without a shirt and a bib!
Some grocery stores sell these Mini-Popsicles and they are the PERFECT size for little hands! It is so cute to see them eat one. Cool your little one off with this tasty treat and watch their amazement at the wonder of a cold treat on a stick!

Baby Registry 101: Lesson #7- Convertble Carseats

Toddler carseats, front facing or convertible carseats are often overlooked in a baby registry. New moms are so excited for that new infant carrier that they don't realize baby only sits in there until they reach a certain height or weight, which is most likely less than 1 year. For me, I was able to lug around the infant carrier until my little one was about 8 months old. Than I switched to the convertible carseat. The convertible seat is able to face rear or forward.

Here is the deal:
Infant carriers are nice- they are convenient and make life easy when the baby is small. Once the baby starts to get heavy- lugging around a 18lb child in a 13lb carrier is not so fun. Also- these are INFANT carriers. These are meant for babies who cannot support their neck. This is why baby is at a 45 degree angle in the seat when properly installed.

Once you are ready for the carseat you can use the convertible carseat and have the baby rear facing. After they are at least 1 year and 20lbs you can face them forward.

So, now that you realize your child will be in the convertible carseat for a longer percentage of time versus the infant carrier, you can see why it is important to register for a really nice one. When baby is about 1 year you may not feel like spending $200 on a carseat, but if you already have one from your shower, no worries!

Our favorite Convertible seat:

The Britax Roundabout Carseat

Why we love it:

• It holds a child from 5lbs to 40lbs (you can in get by with getting only this one seat - until they are ready for a booster!)
  
• Plush fabrics make it cozy
• Easy to install. We love easy!
• Seatbelt does not rub baby's neck like other seats
• High safety ratings
  

Happy 4th of July!

I cannot believe it has been 1 year since this pic has been taken! Make sure this 4th of July you take pictures of your little one! They sure grow fast!

Traveling With Baby Tips

Phew! After a fun trip to Chicago I have learned a few things about traveling alone with baby.
Let's look at them:

• You NEVER can pack too many diapers
• You will forget something- most likely it will be something you need :)
• Do not count on children sleeping the whole way- partial, maybe
  
• Be prepared to break routines
• Realize that there is a high chance of NO sleep for you :)
• Fun music in the car is a lifesaver! (check out Barenaked Ladies- Snacktime!)
• Food is your friend!!!! Check out this travel container for your child
  
• Pack just one more outfit than you think you need
• Bring a new toy for your child to play with in the car. This little doggy set is PERFECT for travel

Remember that even though the journey may be tough it will be worth it!

Safety Recalls

Baby toys and items are being recalled daily. Make sure you are up to date with current recalls. The following page helps you by listing all the company recalls:

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

Little Hipster of the Month- June Winner!

And the winner is: Francesco! Congratulations! You win a $25 gift certificate to Little Hipster!


Make sure to submit a picture for the July contest to compete for your $25 gift certificate!
contests@thelittlehipster.com

Remember- if your child didn't win this time you can submit a new picture for next month!

Christmas in July Sale!

We love a reason to celebrate! This is Little Hipster's 1st July and we decided to celebrate!

For the month of July we are running a special of a FREE hook on-tray with any purchase over $50! This is a fabulous product and we want to help get it out there! We think you will love it! Make sure to get your free gift today!

Remember- Free shipping on orders over $75!

Baby Registry 101: Lesson #6 Infant car seats

Something I didn't realize before I had my baby was the fact that those infant car seats really only hold them for approximately 6-8 months. Once your baby either reaches a certain weight or height they have to switch to a convertible car seat. Although some do hold baby that weighs up to 22lbs, most likely you will NOT use the seat that long. Why? For one, once your baby can sit up completely on her own, she will want to see more while riding in the car. Two, the infant car seat is around 12 lbs, plus add the 15-17lbs of your 5 or 6 month old and you will not be able to carry that thing, at least not very far!
Many of my friends switched their baby around the age of 6 months. Some people love the convenience of the snap and go on the stroller systems and waited until 8 months but not many people I spoke with went much longer than that.
I do think you should get a top rated infant car seat- safety being the most important criteria, but that doesn't necessarily mean the most expensive one. You definitely should get a nice convertible car seat since your baby will be in that one for a longer period of time.

Don't worry about spending too much on the infant seat. Although the Peg is rated well for safety, but so is the Graco SnugRide and is almost half the price, not to mention the base is 50% less than the Peg base!

Another thing to take into account is how much each seat weighs on its own. I know the Britax one is also top rated, but it weighs about 3 lbs more than some of the other ones... ok, so 3lbs doesn't seem like a lot, but once you put your baby in it and try walking around town- you will notice the weight!

Our favorite infant car seat is: Graco SnugRide.
Top rated for safety and ease of use by leading consumer magazines, it's no wonder that the SnugRide® is America's favorite infant car seat. Equipped with a 5-point harness, an ergonomic carrying handle, a stay-in-car base, a canopy, and an infant head rest for added comfort and support, this SnugRide® infant car seat will serve you and your baby well.

The little swimmer

So, now that summer is here the pool is the perfect place to get your baby comfortable with water. I recommend starting early. One way to get them more comfortable with water is include them in your daily shower routine. I probably started this when my son was about 5 months old (once he could sit up completely on his own and was stable). I put the baby tub into the shower with me and filled it up half way with warm water. I dumped in loads of water toys and while he played, I took a shower. It now is so apart of our day that I think he looks forward to it. At 13 months old, he doesn't mind if the water sprays directly over his head, onto his face! It is so funny. I taught him how to blow bubbles in the tub water and getting comfortable with getting his face wet. I also have those stackable bath cups and started pouring it at first over his hands and body, like a waterfall and than later over his head. He loves it! Teach your baby how to splash the water with their hands.
Now that we have been going to a pool, he is like a little fish. He gets so excited and runs around the kiddie pool, so much he always manages to trip and fall face first into the water. Does this bother him?! Not at all- he thinks it is hilarious!
Things you can try at the pool:

• Twirl him around and around- either on his back with his head and shoulders supported or in your arms facing you
• Hold him closely, facing you with his legs extended. This should result in the natural tendency to start kicking their little legs.
• Someone once told me that if you blow really hard directly into your baby's face, they will hold their breath and you can than dunk them completely under the water! (Please note: I am not saying you should do this right away, or at all for that matter. I am not a swim instructor, so do this at your own risk- but I did try it and it worked for me and now I can submerged my son's head underwater briefly)
• Many stores sell fun water rafts for babies. They have ones with shades, like the one in the photo (that is my little hipster at 10 weeks!)
  

Give it a try and let us know if you little hipster loves the water as much as mine does!

Little Hipster of the Month- July Contest!

July's contest is right around the corner! Please submit a photo of your baby along with his/her name to the "Little Hipster of the Month" photo contest. This is a great way for you to show off your little hipster! Whoever gets the most votes will be declared the "Little Hipster of the Month" and be featured on our site!

Please submit your photos by July 14th.
Voting for July's "Little Hipster of the Month" will begin shortly afterwards and will end on July 31st.

Make sure to tell your friends and family to vote for your baby!
Mail us your Photo!
contests@thelittlehipster.com

Hardcore Little Brother Video

This video is so funny! I think he may have a future in rock? What do you think?

Baby Registry 101- Lesson #5: The Pack-n-Play (or travel crib)

I don't think I have seen a registry without one on it! I know when I was registering for one I was clueless as to what features to look for, what price range to stay in and what brand to stick with. After much research and real life experience I have created this checklist to assist you while you pick out yours.

1. Lightweight. The point of a pack-n-play is that it is meant for travel. The lighter it is the more likely you will say "Let's bring the pack-n-play"
2. Easy to clean. When you see pack-n-plays at your local baby stores you will find some fun mattress designs. Remember though you will be covering that up with a mattress cover (or another pad) or a sheet. Also remember babies sometime leak through their diapers so having a wipe able mattress pad is essential!
3. Size. This is really a choice you need to think about. If you will only be using one for some travel or a few nights at grandma's than a compact one might be good. If you expect you will be traveling for long periods of time or using the pack-n-play at homes that are not baby proof, then it may make sense to get a larger one.
4. Sturdy. Make sure that the pack-n-play is sturdy and your 13 month cannot climb out! I know it's hard to imagine that far in the future, but it will be here FAST!
5. Fun Features. The only feature I have seen on a pack-n-play that seems worthwhile is a vibrating motor. This is only because my child loved her bouncy seat and we ending up using this feature on our Pack-n-play. A feature we didn't use? The AUX jack.

Graco and Baby trend make some great pack-n-plays. When you find one you like read reviews about them. You can find great reviews online or ask friends who have a baby to help you pick one out. After a few years of baby experience a mom can steer you in the right direction!

Free Class From Kindermusik!

Kindermusik is offering a free class for you and your baby! Just click on the link and find the one near you. Let us know how you like it.

http://www.kindermusik.com/

Little Hipster's shipping rate special

Take advantage of the Little Hipster's shipping rates! Flat rate of $6 for standard ground orders and for purchases over $100, shipping is FREE!

For a limited time- Orders over $75, will receive FREE ground shipping!

Shop away!
www.thelittlehipster.com

Father's Day Weather

Ahhh- warm weather, clear skies and... hail?!?! This past Father's Day weekend we went for a walk. It was a beautiful day. All of a sudden we saw dark clouds coming into view. The wind picked up. We were still about 2 miles from home. A nice man pulling into his driveway offered us a ride home. (how nice was that?!) We graciously turned him down- as it had not started to rain. The clouds came closer and thunder roared. My little one started to cry so I snatched her up and started to book it down the sidewalk- leaving stroller, dog and hubby in the dust.
"Hurry Up!" I shouted
My hubby struggled to keep the pace and called out "The dog cannot run this fast her legs are short!"
"Put her in the stroller!" I retorted. Chloe was popped into the stroller and we raced home. I turned to look at my pooch as she basked in the comfort of her new ride.
We made it! I was so happy to be in the house. Just as the rain started to pour down we hear a hard patter. We go outside and it was hailing! We had missed the hail by less than 1 minute! We believe that was a little help from God.
Maybe we should have took the outreached hand of our neighbor when it was offered!

Let the Voting Begin!

We have had submissions of the cutest little hipsters! So, now it's your turn to vote for the picture you like best! The winner will win a $25 gift certificate to Little Hipster's Online Boutique!



On the right hand side you will see the voting buttons. Make sure to send this page to your friends and family and have them vote! You can only vote for one child, and please only vote 1 time a day!

Baby Registry 101: Lesson #4 - Gender Specific Items

This has to be one of my biggest bet peeves....PINK strollers! Don't get me wrong. I love pink! However, on big ticket items it is best to pick a gender neutral color!
Items to keep neutral include the following:

• Strollers
• Highchairs
• Carseats (although it is recommended to get a new carseat every 2 years)
• Excersaucers
• Bouncy Seats

Let me state the obvious reason that is often overlooked...what if you have another child that is not the same gender?! People forget- you usually only get 1 baby shower! I just feel bad for all the little brothers out there that are strolling around town in their sister's PINK stroller! Another thing is that the pastel colors are not seen very well by babies. They see red and black first... If you know you are only going to have 1 baby then go all out and get PINK everything.

For those of you who REALLY want gender specific colors- pick a few key smaller items- a fab pink blanket, pink shoes, pink clothing- you get my point? Accesorize with pink or blue!

Happy Father's Day

To those fathers that are loyal readers, we would like to thank you for being a dad!

Being a daddy is not always easy! And to those of you who are like my daughter's dad I cannot thank you enough! I could not be the mom I am without my husband. He works hard so I can stay at home with our daughter, supports my business endeavors, listens to my problems, loves me and is just my best friend! My husband is amazing with our daughter! I often think that she is the luckiest girl in the world to have the father she has... and just as I am the luckiest wife for having the most amazing hubby! He adores her and the two of them have a strong bond. I love that she is a daddy's girl and I think he does too ;)

To those deadbeat dads who lack what it takes to make the commitment to really be there for your children, WAKE UP and remember how lucky you are to have them in your life!
For those super moms who have to be both the mom and the "dad" at the same time - you are amazing and your children will love you twice as much for all your strength and support!

Daddy and daughter!
We love you!