In The News

Weird News: “Breast Milk Baby” Breastfeeding Doll Coming to U.S.A.

There are many strange toys for children, but none are as weird as this . . . The “Breast Milk Baby” doll will be hitting a store near you. This doll, created by Berjuan Toys in Spain, allows little girls to learn all about breastfeeding.

For only $89, your daughter can put on a special halter-top that has a flower “nipple” on both sides. She holds the little baby, one of the dolls is named “Savannah,” up to the flower nipple, and the doll makes a suckling motion with her mouth. And Savannah makes suckling sounds during this process.

After your little girl is done feeding her doll, she can burp Savannah, so she can sleep safe and sound.

Breast Milk Baby Breastfeeding Doll — Photo Courtesy of Berjuan Toys

The 12 Foods You Must Buy Organic – The “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean 15” of 2011

by DP Nguyen 7 Comments

An apple a day keeps the doctor away … but if that apple is laced with pesticides and chemicals?

According to a new report published by the public health advocacy group, Environmental Working Group (EWG), apples are the # 1 produce to buy organic. They’re the most pesticide-contaminated produce out of the 53 fruits and vegetables sampled. [Read more…] about The 12 Foods You Must Buy Organic – The “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean 15” of 2011

My Kids’ Best And Worst Birthday Parties: Creating Memories, Going All-Out (Or Not) And Having Fun!

by Guest Writer 6 Comments

Guest post by Author and Mom Blogger, Christina Simon.

Depending on where you live, kids birthday parties can be a really BIG deal. I live in Los Angeles where, starting as early as preschool, the competition heats up to see who can have the most “fun” party. I put “fun” in quotes because it’s also code for the most expensive or elaborate party. The most extravagant parties we’ve attended have been at the American Girl Store and private parties featuring numerous entertainers, petting zoos, food stations, fancy catered menus and over-the-top party favors.

I tend to give my kids options for their parties that fall somewhere in between extremely low-key and overly elaborate. With kids’ birthday parties, you never know what can happen. Seriously, we’re talking about little ones so expect the best, but prepare for…anything. I love planning parties for my kids (even though they were born 8 days apart!). [Read more…] about My Kids’ Best And Worst Birthday Parties: Creating Memories, Going All-Out (Or Not) And Having Fun!

What’s Your Child Worth? According to the USDA, $226,920

by DP Nguyen 1 Comment

Would you dare put a price tag on your child? The government does each and every year. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released its annual report, Expenditures on Children by Families earlier this week, and it estimated the cost of raising a child (from infancy to age 18) at $226,920. This estimate is for the middle-income family.

When you account for inflation, the price tag goes up to $286,860 – that’s nearly $300,000. That’s triple – quadruple (even more than that) what most families make in a year.
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“MyPlate” Replaces Food Guide Pyramid

by DP Nguyen 3 Comments

Say goodbye to the Food Guide Pyramid, and say hello to “MyPlate.”

MyPlate is the government’s newest food icon, and dietitians and experts argue that it’s easier to understand than the “confusing” Food Guide Pyramid – which was originally introduced in 1992 and updated to “MyPyramid Food Guidance System” in 2005.

Critics of the Food Guide Pyramid have described it as confusing and difficult to understand. The original version, which is the more widely recognized pyramid, actually showed a hierarchy of the food groups, and was easier to understand. The updated 2005 version had vertical blocks, and a person stepping up steps (which was supposed to remind Americans to exercise).

Study: 80 Percent of All Baby Products Are Potentially Toxic

by DP Nguyen 2 Comments

Children can’t live and thrive in a plastic bubble environment. Germs exist in our world, as do chemicals and carcinogens. That is the sad reality. As parents, we do our best to protect our kids, but some things are out of our control. Take a scary new finding just released this week – 80 percent of baby products on the market contain untested or potentially toxic flame retardant chemicals.

That’s an astounding number – 80 percent of widely used baby products on the market contain harmful chemicals. These baby products include nursing pillows, car seats, changing pads, portable mattresses, rocking chairs, high chairs, sleep positioners, and strollers.
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