Everyone has a different theory on how best to parent… Let your baby cry it out; Rock your baby to sleep; Send your child to daycare; Keep your child home; Disciple your toddler; Don’t discipline until your toddler is older.  The list goes on forever.  But, I’ve got a secret… everyone’s right!  Only you, your significant other (if you have one) and your baby know what’s best for your family.  There’s only one rule: love.

2.  Trust your instincts.

At the end of the day, no one knows your baby better than you, so trust your instincts.  Think something’s wrong even though baby has no fever?  Take him to the doctor!  Think baby is hungry even though he ate a big lunch?  Give him a snack anyway.  Think baby is crying in the middle of the night because he’s teething?  Go comfort him even though you’d usually let him cry.  Your intuition about your child will be right more often than anyone else’s opinion.

3.  Love motherhood.

Not every minute of it because, let’s face it… it’s tough work and certainly not the most glamorous of jobs.  But, there’s nothing else in the world comparable to being a mom…it’s an experience only other mothers can understand.  It makes you cry, it makes you laugh, it brings you more frustration and joy than you could possibly imagine.  Most importantly, it teaches you your capacity to love completely, unselfishly, unwaveringly, and eternally.   Despite all the trials, it is the most amazing gift you’ll ever receive.

1. What inspired you to create a perfect “alternative” to the bumper?

We were aware of the dangers of the traditional crib bumpers and the concern that parents had using them. Already in the industry, with the Snug & Tug Swaddling Blanket, we noticed parents frustrated in general with their bumper and then with safety hazards on top of that, parents were forgoing them all together. We did some product research and found no stylish alternatives truly addressed all the issues surrounding traditional crib bumpers.

2. Name 3 words that best describe the wonder bumpers?

Safe, Smart, and stylish

3. With such a busy schedule, how do you balance work, family, and me time?

Well, I am not going to lie, it is difficult to create a perfect balance with life, work and family. It’s always a work in progress. As the kids get older it gets slightly easier, but I believe as long as you are aware of your efforts to create a balance then you are in a good place!

4. Do you have any future plans you would like to share, maybe new products?

We are expanding our Wonder Bumper line to offer matching decor so parents can create a complete a beautiful and safe nursery!

Here our Sydney crib is dressed in their baby basic design in pink and cream.

Babymoon has several meanings. The original meaning is a period of time that parents spend bonding with a recently-born baby. More recently the term has come to be used to describe a vacation taken by a couple that is expecting a baby in order to allow the couple to enjoy a final trip together before the many sleepless nights that usually accompany a newborn baby.

The concept of jetting away for a relaxing getaway before your little one arrives has been on the up rise for the last several years or so.  Is it still today?  Relaxing on a beach or on a cruise sounds great and wonderful, your last “real” getaway before you are a family of three or four.  I have been wondering, are “parents to be” spending money for the nursery and other expenses that come along with a new baby or on a “babymoon?”   Is taking the “babymoon” an  important thing to be checked off your list before baby is here or is your “babymoon” something your enjoying with your new arrival?

Share your thoughts

 I decided to look around on Etsy to see if I could find some old toys still circulating in their vintage category. Well I found some my kids played with and according to all the rules in effect now, I really don’t know how my kids survived or even the many generations before them. The good news is that we should all be thankful that there are so many people watching out for all of your children now. Sure we will still see an occasional recall, but in the end we have come a long way on demanding safety first!

music box:  ManateesToyBox           Cash register: starfriendsonearth

Little snoopy: ManateesToyBox        xylaphone: midlandmom

rocking horse: upscaleyardsale

We love it for a big boys rooms with our Jessica collection in espresso, mixed with blues and whites.  So fun for a nursery, choose any of our cribs in espresso or mahogany color.

Try tangerine tango with turquoise shades , such as this bedding from Dwell studios.

We love the bohemian look, and Rikshaw does bohemian so well, this bedding set is called udaipur.

Add Tangerine Tango to your accessories and decor items, such as these new storage baskets by Serena & Lily.

Bring tangerine tango into your floors, this stripe and flat weave is from Dash & Albert.  We like how it brings in the tangerine tango but is softened with the washed out gray and cream stripes.

In an effort to put an end to this cycle of perpetual stress and mounting expectations, I propose a new resolution for all of us new moms: this year, we will all find 15 minutes a day for ourselves.  These 15 minutes can be first thing in the morning, during a child’s nap, late at night before bed,… whenever fits into our schedules.  But, for 15 minutes every day, we will take a step back and do something for ourselves, without feeling the weight of expectations or demands of others.  Yes, we are moms, we are wives, we are daughters and sisters and friends, but we also are individuals.  It is my firm belief that in finding a few extra minutes for ourselves every day, we’ll feel better able to tackle the tasks before us and maybe, just maybe, next year we’ll keep another resolution for longer than one week.

Happy New Year, Mommies.  Cheers to you!

I thought this was a great inflatable sled by Aqua Leisure, although you will need to add extra string so it’s easier to pull.

This is one of my favorite toddler sleds, the Eurosled.  Parents love it as it pushes like a stroller and the toddler feel like its on the ultimate sled ride.  It comes with a safety strap and handles for toddler to hold on, it’s perfect for the 1-3 year old.  It’s a bit pricey but will be the one sled that you can use from year to year.

This is my favorite sled for babies!  It takes your basic stroller model and adds sled tracks, it has all the extra’s and comfort as a stroller.  The sled is made from Snow Troller Cananda, the one pictured here is the deluxe version.  It has a reclining padded seat which allows your little one to take their afternoon nap while your older children to play in the snow. It makes a wintery walk effortless and will cost you about $115.

• Rent baby equipment at your destination.  Rent a pack-n-play, baby gate, crib and car seat at your end destination and avoid having to haul these items with you.   This tactic keeps checked baggage fees down, car trunks open and shoulders more relaxed.  Most baby equipment rental companies are local and offer rentals on a weekly basis.
• Be prepared.  Have extra formula, snacks, diapers and wipes easily accessible in the event of delays.  Travel with a change of clothes for you and for baby (you never know when there’s going to be an unfortunate accident).  Keep a stash of toys, books and pacifiers within easy reach to quiet a crying baby.  Dress baby in layers to accommodate temperature changes and keep your little one comfortable. 
• Feed baby during takeoff and landing.  When flying, try to time baby’s feedings for takeoff and landing, as drinking at these times helps minimize pain to baby’s ears caused by pressure changes within the cabin.  Save yourself a headache by ensuring ahead of time that all liquids comply with TSA guidelines. Another option is to offer baby a pacifier at these times, as the sucking has a similar effect to drinking.
• Ask for help.  Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your significant other, friend or fellow passenger.  You only have two hands, so ask for assistance loading a bag into the overhead compartment or fetching a book out of your diaper bag.

We offer so many different finishes in our collections but we wanted to highlight our latest finish Espresso.   It’s our most popular color and is available in our Carly, Jessica, and Domani collections.  The richness is so beautiful that it matches with any bedding color, boy or girl, nursery or big kid room.  From soft pink tones to bold blue’s anything goes, dare we say it’s the new white in furniture.

Gear Up: Having the right gear to keep your little one warm is step one to any successful winter.  While there are many adorable hats and gloves out there, keep in mind that babies like to pull hats off their heads, so buy one that ties under the chin. Also, remember that the gloves with 5 fingers are adorable, but not always the easiest to put on baby’s fingers.  check out these hats and gloves by The Baby Gap.

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Bed Time:  Sleep sacks are a great option for younger babies who cannot sleep with a blanket and need an extra layer of warmth.  Halo has some available in cotton or fleece, for maximum baby comfort.   Remember that the ideal temperature for baby is the same as it is for you so don’t overdress your little one!

Plan Indoor Activities.  As the weather gets colder, those days of easy activities (think a walk through the neighborhood or visit to the playground) are over.  Plan winter activities ahead and avoid being delegated to the role of event coordinator on a daily basis.  There are plenty of free and pay indoor activities to help keep your little one occupied on even the coldest of days.  Barnes and Noble stores nation-wide offer story times for toddlers on a weekly basis.  These story times are free, indoors, and better yet, provide easy access to Starbucks for moms!  Take your little one to a class at a children’s fitness center.  These fitness centers include Gymboree, The Little Gym and, a personal favorite - My Gym.  While programs at these facilities are not free (they generally range from $40-50 per monthly membership), most facilities offer free trial classes so that you can find the option that works best for you and your baby.

Be Prepared: Keep umbrellas and an ice scraper in your trunk, extra formula/milk in the house, your gas tank full and your medicine cabinet stocked.  Being prepared will help ensure that no unwanted outdoor trips are needed with baby on days when it is too cold to go outside.