We are loving our Green Toys!  Each toy is made from recycled plastic so they are not only super fun for your little one but good for the earth as well. 

Our three favorites include the Recycling Truck, The Dump Truck and the Tea Set.  

The Green Toys Recycling Truck has a movable recycling bed and open/shut rear door. It has no metal axles. Dimensions: 12″Lx6.25″Wx7″H. For ages 3 and up.

The Green Toys Dump Truck is made from recycled plastic which is not only good for the earth but super fun. The Dump Truck has a workable dumper and no metal axles. Dimensions: 10″Lx7.5″Wx7.125″H. For ages 3 and up.

The Green Toys Tea Set is perfect for a little hostess in the making. She love to have you over for tea and help the earth all at the same time! Meets FDA specs for food contact. Dishwasher safe. For ages 3 and up.

How Green Toys are Made:

Start Simple: Recycled Plastic Milk Jugs

Green Toys uses recycled milk containers as the main ingredient in creating the toys.  The milk containers are reprocessed into super clean fresh plastic, High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE).  This material is considered one of the safest, cleanest plastics around.

Made in California, USA

All Green Toys products are 100% made in the USA.  All the ingredients to make the toys are also collected, reprocessed and made in California.

Environmental Packaging

All Green Toys products are packaged in recycled corrugated boxes with no plastics, cellophane or twist-ties, and are 100% recyclable. 

Toy Safety and Testing

Green Toys products are tested by nationally recognized, independent, third-party labs located in the USA.  They contain no traceable amounts of Phthalates or BPA.  They are also designed without any external coatings, eliminating the fear of lead paint. 

Green Toys have passed many tests, including:

• Consumer Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA)
• Consumer Products Safety Standard Specification, ASTM F963
• California Prop. 65 restrictions on lead & cadmium
• FDA regulations for food contact
• Voluntary testing for no BPA (Bisphenol-A)
• International standards EN71 and ISO 8124

We have been carrying Green Toys for almost a year now and have been impressed with the company’s commitment to its customers and quality of the products. The customer reviews have been fabulous and we are looking forward to the new items they have coming out as well!!!

A friend of mine, Jessica Storm, owns and runs Storm Fitness – a personal training company.  She is a mom of one, runs her business and is one fit mom!  I asked her to write up something for us on how to incorporate children into a fitness routine.  Below are her thoughts on the issue and some fabulous tips on how to stay in shape with your children in tow.  I hope you enjoy the article and please check out Jessica’s website at Storm Fitness!

So, one of my fabulous customers started a new resource website dedicated and focused on working moms!  It is called The Uncommon Moms.  She called me up for an interview(and, of course, I agreed) to talk about being a working mom.  It was fun and enlightening and really got me thinking about work, relationships, kids and life. 

I thank Kat for the opportunity to be heard and to force my hand on a bit of self reflection.  Good luck on your venture and much success to you and your family!!

Bugaboo’s latest version of the Bee, the Bugaboo Bee +, has incorporated many of the needed and wanted changes from the previous version.  I love the way the Bugaboo Bee + is a one-piece foldable stroller.  Meaning, once you click the button, it actually folds into itself making life with your baby just wee bit easier. 

For those who already know or have the original Bugaboo Bee, here is a list of features that have been “improved” or changed in the new 2010 Bugaboo Bee + version:

•  Seat reversing system – in the previous version, the reversing system was cumbersome and, to be honest, we dreaded the days when we were asked to demo this for a customer.  It never really went smoothly. Now, it is much simpler.  With just a few movements, you can have your child facing you or vice versus. 
• Adjustable fit – in the previous version, some had issues if they had taller children.  The newer version now features a height –adjustable backrest (4 height positions) ranging from 20 inches to 23.2 inches. 
• Backrest shape – new ergonomically shaped backrest with a natural sitting position for better comfort.
• Sun canopy – new shape that allows for extra space for the growing toddler.  One side note here, the canopy is a bit smaller than the previous version and big canopies are nice on sunny walks.  I, personally, favor bigger canopy to lessen the worry about sun exposure. 
• Seat width – a wider seat for a child to sit more comfortably (1.5 inches wider at the bottom of the backrest and 2.3 inches wider at the front of the seat).  The side padding, or wings as they were sometimes called, has been removed altogether from the newer version.
• Chassis width – the width has increased by .6 inches.  This is to improve stability and provide more room for the child.
• Wheels – are now made of a new rubber material and have a broader ridge for better performance.
• Height adjustable handlebar – 10 fixed height settings to keep the handlebar secure and prevent sliding.  The sliding was occurring when the user would try to open the stroller from the folded position.  As they pushed to open the stroller, the handlebar would sometimes slide and make it more difficult to open. 

There have been a few minor modifications as well.  First, there are only 3 reclines versus 4 in the older version.  The stroller weight is now 18.5 lbs.  And, the carry handle has been removed.  With these modifications, the only one I have an issue with is the less reclines.  I love having many reclines, but at least there are 3 and one is completely flat. 

All in all, the Bugaboo Bee + is a great compact stroller.  The changes they incorporated greatly improve the stroller overall – even taking into consideration the cons (my beloved recline, smaller canopy) with the newer version!

Interested in purchasing the 2010 Bugaboo Bee click here or if you have any questions, please give us a call at 866-934-BABY.

There has been a lot of stir lately about sling safety.  Since we are a huge proponent of slings, we felt we needed to write a bit about what we have learned from some of our sling manufacturers and share some information we have gathered.

With all things baby, safety is paramount.  The concern that has been a buzz on the Internet and which prompted The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to issue a warning, was for “bag- style” slings.  (See warning here:  http://cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10165.html) The excessive material where the baby sits creates a deep pouch putting the baby in a dangerous curve-like position.  This position is believed to have lead to some suffocation of young babies.  It is important to note that of the reported suffocation cases, most of the babies were either premature, low birth weight, or had breathing issues.  However, caution of all babies of all ages is critical.

Pouch Slings or Wraps tend to be viewed as safer when used properly and as per the manufacturer’s instructions.  I came across a co-sponsored press release from various sling manufacturers to make people aware of the different types of slings and what makes a sling safer that I wanted to share.  (See report here: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/03/prweb3718984.htm).

As of today, there are no industry standards relating to sling manufacture.  As the government and concerned moms and dads look into this more, we will continue to post new information as we get it.  Even though the alert and buzz on the Internet is troubling, it is important to educate yourself, properly use all slings as per instructions and always keep a diligent eye out (like you already do!).

We have carried Tea Collection for the past 5 years.  It has become one of our strongest lines and have now become a Destination Tea store.  What does that mean to you?  Well, that means that in our Capitol Hill location, we will have everything tea offers for the season.  The entire selection! 

The dirty little secret is this…store owners may not buy everything a manufacturer offers for that season.  It may be because it didn’t feel right, it didn’t appeal to the owner, it may not go with the other selections, etc.  Whatever the reason, some items you may not be able to see in person even though the store carries that line. 

So, come down to the Capitol Hill location to see it for yourself.  Two important things to remember:  first, if we don’t have the size you are looking for we can always order it for you.  Second, even though we aren’t a Destination Tea store in the Georgetown, we still carry over 75% of the line, so chances are still good you can see it there if you can’t come to the Capitol Hill location.

If you come down before March 31, 2010, mention this post and receive 15% off full-priced Tea Merchandise, not good with other offers, limit one per customer. 

See you soon!

New G2 Stroller

Orbit Baby launched its new updated Orbit Infant System, called G2, at the ABC Show in September of 2009.  We currently have the demos on the floor and expect our first shipment of G2s any day!  Presales are available. 

The sleek, innovative changes makes the G2 one of the hottest, most innovative and functional strollers on the market.  An important note to all existing Orbit Baby Infant System owners, all G2 products are compatible with the older version.  A quick overview of some of our favorite changes include:

 G2 Stroller Travel System (which includes the stroller, infant car seat and base):

• No air tires and 4 shock absorbers per tire.
• New cup holder that holds one drink or bottled water versus two.  May not be an upgrade to some, but it now provides for a dish for your keys or snacks or anything else you can put in the space available.
• Vented back panel that you can zip open for hot days.
• A new hard foot rest that is extendable as your baby grows
• New buttons on the stroller handle that make it much easier to extend the stroller handles
• New color – Ruby Red!

 Bassinet

•  The G2 has slightly higher walls, and includes a microfiber-lined foot cover (instead of a carry tote)
•  New color – Ruby Red!

Toddler Stroller Seat

• Can now tilt backward and forward.  Although not revolutionary, it was a feature missing from the original version.
• A new hard foot rest that is extendable as your baby grows
• New color – Ruby Red!

Toddler Car Seat

• I felt it was important to note that the Toddler Car Seat remains unchanged.  There is a lot of confusion out there on this one since no one has been able to get it for awhile.  Orbit Baby was out of stock on this item and retailers are just not getting them back in stock.  Also, as of my last conversation with Orbit, there will NOT be a Ruby color in the Toddler Car Seat immediately available.

See our very own Nekea from the Georgetown store give a demo of the new G2 and highlight the features we like most!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FqytRr-K5I

 Enjoy the G2!

To capture your baby, child or family for the seasonal picture, for an event, or for memory making always brings up the same questions:  What should we wear? where should we go? should we pose? 

Well, one of our favorite local photographers, Elizabeth Dranitzke from PHOTOPIA, agreed to answer some of these basic questions.  Her answers are listed below…enjoy!

What should kids wear?

Bright colors are the best. I always say to just be yourselves and to dress your kids in clothes you and they love.

Do wardrobe changes work or do they throw off a session that is going well?

It depends on the type of session and the child. In general, if a baby doesn’t mind being changed it’s easier with younger ones to change outfits without interrupting the flow of the session. I don’t recommend it much with older kids.

My goal is to keep everything as natural and fun as possible, not have the session look like a fashion shoot.

Do you recommend posed or not posed photos?

Not posed! But with groups and families sometimes more posed portraits can be a starting point – then when the giggles set in the fun starts.

With a range of ages (1 – 6), how do I get the whole group to cooperate?

Did someone say giggles?

What should I do ahead of time to prepare?

Discuss the details with your photographer and trust their expertise. Know your kids and their best time of day and plan your portrait session accordingly. Then plan outfits ahead of time and bring back up outfits that day. Get haircuts a week or so in advance and for mamas, take some time for yourself to look your best too.

Should I plan on using bribes? What is the best way to get them to cooperate?

This was one I never would have suggested when my first child was a baby but now I know better. “Positive Incentives” are your friend and the smallest suggestion of a wee mint, trip to the ice cream or toy shop afterwards etc. can do wonders for some kids, though not for others. The best way to get kids to cooperate is to make it fun, listen to their suggestions and keep it low-key.

Should I get involved or leave it to the photographer?

Speaking of keeping it mellow….while you know your kids best, trust your photographer to know how to work with your kids. When I need a parent’s familiar face right next to me to elicit a smile I ask…and I do really rely on parents for this. Sometimes I will ask parents to walk away, maybe go enjoy a quiet moment alone and have a smooch so I can connect more effectively with their child.

Best age to photograph?

It’s always the best time to have professional portraits of your child! I love photographing newborns and teens and best of all, documenting the many different phases of one child, siblings or family over time. Don’t feel guilty if you’ve “missed” hiring a photographer for newborn portraits, one year portraits or other milestones. Start now and you’ll be glad you did.

As parents, we all know how quickly time passes and you just can’t get that back.

Welcome!

Welcome to the Dawn Price Baby blog!  Yes, after six years in business, I’m finally starting a blog.  Why now?  Well, there are actually a few reasons… the kids are getting older, I’ve got some terrific managers manning the floors at the stores, and most importantly, thanks to all the moms, babies and kids I’ve met over the years, I’ve collected an incredible amount of information and knowledge that is definitely worth sharing.   

It’s amazing – when I went from being  Dawn Price to “Dawn Price Baby,” friends, family and strangers couldn’t wait to share all things baby and child with me – from advice on what works with kids clothes to teething tips, baby shower planning, and reviews on everything from kids’ furniture to pediatricians.  I’ve learned a lot, laughed at some of the crazy stories new moms (and old moms!) have shared, and began to appreciate the wisdom of parents more than I ever did before.

Of course, even as “Dawn Price Baby,” I can’t claim to know everything, so I’ve put together a “Moms Panel” to help me with the blog.  Compromised of some of the coolest moms I’ve met through the store, my neighborhood, the kids’ schools and even some of the coolest Vendor moms I know, my “Moms Panel” is ready to blog about the things they care about; the things that make them laugh; and the everyday trials and tribulations that make being a Mom wonderful and challenging.  I’ve also asked some industry experts to weigh in with advice on their specialties – whether it be family photography, child proofing, shower planning, furniture manufacturing, stroller design or crafts.

Check in with us every day for a good read, and feel free to send in your own advice, funny stories, opinions, questions you would like answered or topics you would like cover.  We would love to hear from you!

XO,

Dawn