BabyStoreGiftShop Announcement

2007-04-18T09:49:00.000-07:00

Still Here But Pre-Occupied

I have been preoccupied. But I am still here. With a son graduating from medical school, four grandsons to visit and be visited by, and making and implementing relocation plans, I have not been able to give much thought to my writing duties. But, I will be back on track with the weekly blog soon.

My son is graduating from medical school in May. Supporting him, as he gets closer to graduation, requires more travel than I had anticipated. The good news is he is our last child in school of any kind.

I have also been preoccupied with relocating. My wife and I are moving into a new phase in life. She is retiring from the education profession. We have decided to move closer to our grandsons and spend more time with them and we found there is lots of things to give attention to once you decide to move.

The time I spent with my grandsons served to remind me of how quickly our babies grow into school age children. Parent, grandparent, guardians, godparent and other who are concerned with their children’s mental and social development must constantly study their children and stay aware of each child’s level of development and modify the child’s environment to keep them challenged and interested in properly developing in the way that is right for him/her. This may include changing the toys they play with, the book you read to them, the room decoration, television shows, the recreational activities and other things that influence their thinking. My observation is that this is most important in the child’s early years.

The relocation will not have any impact on our online business, BabyStoreGiftShop.Com, a pre-selected inventory of quality baby gift for all occasions in a baby’s life. The only change will be the address and the improvements we will be making to better serve our customers.

2007-02-08T17:32:00.000-08:00

How to select quality Baby Furniture

Setting up a nursery for their baby is a top priority for new parent. Sometimes it is done months before the new baby arrives and often it is done within the first few weeks following the birth of their new baby. Wanting to do what is best for their little bundle of joy, the though of buying baby furniture brings with it a number of question the new parent must answer. A major question has to do with quality. Often better quality means more money, but not always.

What is Quality Baby Furniture?

Quality baby furniture is furniture made to meet and exceed all safety standards. It will take any treatment your baby is expected to inflict on it. It is built to last. Quality baby furniture can be expected to survive being used by several babies over the years.

Why would you want quality baby furniture?

Every parent is concerned about his or her baby’s safety. Quality baby furniture is made to provide the maximum safety for your baby. It is constructed to be strong and durable. The greater the quality the longer the baby furniture will last and therefore it provides a greater long-term value for your money.

The baby furniture placed in a baby's room should help babies with their mental growth. The functions of the baby furniture should have visual effects, just like a toy does. Your baby furniture should combines colorful toy imagery with functional, safe and sturdy furniture to assist parents in creating a mentally stimulating environment of their new baby’s room.

How to know quality baby furniture?

Some shoppers go for the furniture in a certain price range or with a certain label as a way of choosing quality. But it is not the price or the label that make baby furniture a quality item. However, some manufacturers are more consistent in providing quality than others and the extra effort they put into making the furniture may cost you a little more. It is how well the furniture will meet your need and how long it will meet your need that will make it a quality item. It will often be constructed of choice hardwoods and/or metals. The surface will have a smooth, durable and toxic free finish.

You should know the safety standards for the item and determine that they were all met. You should test the furniture to form an opinion of its durability. Shake it. Push it. See how the joints were constructed. The best furniture will have joints that will stay fixed for as long as you will need the furniture. We have written several articles to provide tips on how to choose particular items of baby furniture. Click here to see more tips on selecting quality baby furniture.

2007-01-29T13:40:00.000-08:00

Tips on Jogging stroller Selection

With spring time approaching we will see more and more jogging strollers in use. I wrote a blog on October 3, 2006, Something To Know Before Selecting Your Baby Stroller that addressed the jogging stroller along with other types of strollers. This blog provides more detail on this stroller also call a baby jogger.

With these three or four-wheeled strollers that have heavy-duty suspensions and large, air-filled tires, you can push your child while you run or jog. The air-filled tires provide a smoother ride for your baby than the solid tires and the large wheels makes it much easier for the runner to push. The long and high handlebar allows the runner more feet and leg space and is therefore safer for the runner and baby being able to avoid bumping the frame. It is important that the runner wear a wrist strap attached to the stroller to prevent the stroller from getting away from him/her should he/she falls or trip.

There is some disagreement on the appropriate minimum age for children to ride in a jogging stroller. ComsumerReport.Org says “For most jogging strollers, manufacturers typically suggest a child should be 8 weeks or older, but our medical consultants say a baby should be at least 6 months, able to sit up, and have some head support to withstand the potentially jarring ride.”

ConsumerReports.Org also provides the following Pros and Cons regarding the jogging stroller:

Pros: Jogging strollers can also be used for off-road walks (though the fixed front wheel can make them difficult to steer in non-running situations). Many jogging strollers have a longer useful life than plain strollers, often being able to accommodate children of higher weights. Several companies offer double- or even triple-strollers with total weight limits of 100 or 150 pounds, respectively.

Cons: The fixed (non-swiveling) front wheel is good for running, but can make maneuvering difficult in other situations. Some three-wheel designs may be unstable when the rear wheels are lifted over a curb. Our medical consultants advise not having your child ride while you're running until he or she is at least 6 months old, able to sit up, and have some head support to withstand the potentially jarring ride. Jogging strollers are often large and some are heavy; you may need to remove the wheel(s) to fit it into your car trunk. Bicycle-type air filled tires can go flat and require reinflating with a bicycle pump or a gas-station hose.

Other articles to help you with your baby shopping are on the Article Page at http://www.babystoregiftshop.com/ .

2007-01-22T11:30:00.000-08:00

What To Do About Consumer Reports’ Car Infant Seat Report

If you are a new parent, an infant car seat should be high on your list of things to buy. If you already have your baby’s car seat, you are concern that it is completely safe for your baby. You will have to have one to bring your baby home from the hospital. Normally hospitals and birthing centers won't let you leave by car with your new baby unless have one. You will need one for every car trip with your baby thereafter. All states require kids up to 4 years of age ride in a car seat; some require booster seats for older children. Therefore, any report on car seat safety will attract your attention.

I want to discuss the recent baby car seat report by Consumer Reports. If you are at all sensitive to child safety and you have not been visiting outer space recently, you’ve heard of this recent car seat study performed by Consumer Reports. Listening to the news and reading the newspapers, it appeared no car seat was safe for your baby at the tested speeds. It left many wondering if there are any safe car seats out there and how to travel safely with your baby? Do you know what to think or do about a safe care seat for your baby? I hope this article will help.

The Consumer Reports study was aimed at discovering how infant seats performed in tests at speeds that match those used in the government’s New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). This program tests most new vehicles in crashes at speeds of 35 mph for frontal impact and 38 mph for side impact.

Consumer Reports withdrew the report upon discovering a substantive issue that may have affected the original test results. The issue came to light based on new information they received from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) concerning the speed at which our side-impact tests were conducted. A new report will be published with any necessary revisions as soon as possible after the new tests are complete.

It is obvious that the study did not make car seats any less safe than they were prior to the study. So, I suggest you continue doing what you were doing before. When new standards are available you will want to them applied to your baby car seat. Until then, follow the advice of Consumer Reports, “… we urge you to remember that use of any child seat is safer than no child seat, but to suspend judgment on the merits of individual products until the new testing has been completed and the report re-published.”

We at BabyStoreGiftShop.Com will continue to provide you information that “ Make shopping for babies simple.” For information on other baby gear such as carriers, high chairs, strollers, joggers, and bike trailers, visit http://www.babystoregiftshop.com/ .

2007-01-11T17:06:00.000-08:00

12 Baby Gift Basket Tips To Make Your Gifts Special

We all want our gifts to be remembered as special. A baby gift basket is one of the best gifts to accomplish this and at the same time express your love and friendship to a new mommy and her new baby. It contains items that are of immediate value to the recipient. And it can be customized to your own specifications. The task becomes easy and simple when you begin with a purchased baby gift basket and personalize it by adding items until your basket make your desired statement.

A baby gift basket may contain items such as:

Rattles, pacifiers, teething rings, feeding bottles, infant cups, bibs and spoons.
Baby bath products: baby shampoo, baby powder, baby towels, wipes, bubble bath, brush set and tub toys. The toy items should suit the baby's.
Baby clothing is considered one of the best baby gift basket items to give. It is good to give clothing that the baby will grow into.
When the baby gift basket is given as a baby shower gift, it is appropriate to include baby cookies, baby cakes, jellybeans and other baby foods.
Small picture frames and albums will also add more fun to your baby gift basket.
Handmade items add a personal touch to your basket. They could be in the form of sculpture, small painting, woven or knitted items, etc.
It the baby gift basket is for a christening or baptism celebration, a small bible, silver cups or other symbolic item that adheres to the theme may also be placed in the basket.
Gift certificates are always great additions when you don’t have the time to shop or are not sure what to get.

A deluxe baby gift basket may contain nursery room items such as:

A colorful mobiles to keep the baby busy, with lullaby music to soothe the infant,
Nursery rhymes CD's,
Bigger items like:
a. Changing mats for tables and cribs,
b. Furniture
Educational toys are good for stimulating the baby's mental development.

A little thought put in to creating your baby gift baskets will go a long ways and create memories for both baby and mommy that will last a lifetime.

2007-01-02T11:44:00.000-08:00

Why a Baby Crib Is a Great Choice For a Baby Bed
I am only an experienced father and grandfather. But, I think I am safe in saying if you don’t choose a place for your baby to sleep other than in your arms or your bed, you will soon regret your decision. I have seen babies allowed to sleep in their own bed from birth, grow up and have no problem transitioning to a twin or full size bed at two or three years old. I have also seen baby allowed to sleep with their parent refusing to sleep anywhere else at the age of two or three. In my opinion, two or three years are a long time to have a third person in your bed or to be concerned about rolling over on your baby. However, if you choose to have your baby sleep with you in their own bed, you should speak with your baby’s pediatrician about your baby’s safety and health concerns, including the best way to hold the child. For most of you, very early in your baby’s life, if not before your baby is born, you will probably begin considering a baby bed.

When people speak or baby beds, they usually mean infant beds. An infant, a child over one year of age, would be better prepared to stay in a bed than a younger child, however, he or she is not yet be ready for an adult bed or even a typical child’s bed. For the child under one year old, a bed is simply not a safe place for your baby to be left alone. A number of bad things can happen to a baby in a bed that’s too big. He/she could roll over and fall out of bed, or get caught in the space between the mattress and the bed frame.

The best baby bed, for a baby under one year of age, is a baby crib. Cribs have extremely tall sides. One side of the baby crib drops down so that a parent can gently place the infant into the bed while sleeping. Then the side is easily raised back up. Cribs offer two height settings for mattresses. The higher setting is for infants, and then the lower setting is for babies who are able to stand with assistance. This keeps a baby from being able to fall over the edge of the crib rail. Cradle, bassinet, or other baby furniture that would provide enough restraint to keep your baby from hurting him or herself may also be used.

Once a baby grows up to be an infant, parents might start thinking about getting an infant bed. However, until the child is around two years of age, a crib is most likely still the best option. Anyone who is considering an infant bed for a child this age should make sure it is made for children that age. Read the labels and documentation provided or if necessary contact the manufacturer.

Many parents will still choose to keep their two-year-old in cribs rather than buying infant beds. The child is still comfortable in his or her baby crib, and buying a bed would only cost more money, especially when a new bed will have to be bought in a couple of years when the child outgrows the infant bed. An alternative to buying a new bed every few years is a bed that converts to larger sizes. There are even cribs that will convert to an infant bed, than a children’s bed, and then finally a fully sized single bed.

Go to http://www.babystoregiftshop.com/ to see a pre-select inventory of quality cribs.

2006-12-22T09:01:00.000-08:00

Tips On Better Baby Strollers Safety

I am back. Holiday and business activities got in the way and I found it difficult to stay on schedule with my writing activities.

Because babies are so delicate and susceptible to injuries you must think “safety” constantly until our babies are able to think “safety” for himself/herself. Many babies will be taking their first ride in their new baby strollers on Christmas and during the days immediately following. Unfortunately, given the right situation most baby product can be unsafe, and baby strollers are no exception. The purpose of this article is to remind you of a few ideas that can help you keep your babies safer while enjoying their stroller.

The following ten tips were collected to help you and your baby get more enjoyment from your baby stroller:

Choose a baby stroller that has a wide base to make it more difficult to tip over.
Making baby strollers safe for your baby’s hand. Babies will put their hand on anything in reach.
Using a pillow, quilt, or blanket as a stroller mattress could cause the baby to suffocate.
Always keep the safety belt or harness on your child while they are in the stroller. This will restrain children and prevent them from tipping.
Toddlers may stand in the stroller and fall or very young babies may slip into the open leg space in a stroller. Therefore, it is never advisable to leave your baby in a stroller unattended.
Always observe the manufacturer’s weight limit as well as the number of children it was designed to carry.
Don’t let anyone play with your child’s stroller, especially while the child is in it.
Carry bags and other items using the storage basket and never hang them in the stroller handles. This could prevent tipping over.
Make sure the frame locking mechanism is engaged properly to prevent the stroller from collapsing and always use the parking brake when stopped.
Keep the child away from the stroller while you are folding and unfolding it to avoid catching their fingers.

Hopefully these tips will make your experience with your baby stroller more enjoyable. For a pre-selected inventory of quality baby strollers go to http://www.babystoregiftshop.com/

2006-12-06T16:22:00.000-08:00

Tips On Giving Gift Certificates For Special Occasions

Did you ever think that your gift might not be used or appreciated? Did you ever think of your gift remaining on the shelf or in a drawer for years unused or being rewrapped and given to some other person who may or may not have a use for it? Not only have most of us given such gift, we have received them. You never know whether your recipient will like the gift you purchased them unless they tell you or you know their situation well, so when you aren’t sure, giving gift certificates can be a great option to consider.

A gift certificate from a store with a large inventory of pre-selected quality gift items will give the recipient the best option to choose from many quality gift items the one he or she likes.

Some reasons we find gift certificates to be special gifts are as follows:

Your gift certificate may be delivered to the recipient's address within a few hours and sometimes in minutes using online stores.
Most gift certificates may be used to purchase any product in the store.
Most gift certificates are valid for use only in the store in which they were bought, allowing you some control over how your money is spent.
Purchasing a gift certificate is as simple as finding an online store with the kind of gift items that fit the occasion and placing your order as you would for any other gift. You will need to provide the contact information of the recipient if you want the store to deliver it for you.
Gift certificates come in many different denominations for easy control of the amount you spend. They are usually from $5.00 to $500.00. If you wish to give more you simply increase the number of gift certificates. There are usually no limits to the number of gift certificates you can purchase.
You can specify the gift and allow the recipient to pick the style, color or size when they redeem the gift certificate.
Your gift won’t be taken back to the store because the recipient received too many gifts like it.
The recipient of your gift will be able to use the gift certificate at a time that is most convenient for him or her.
With gift certificates you avoid shipping cost and potential damage to your gift during shipping.
Shopping online for gift certificates is convenient because you let the online store do most of the work for you. If you choose, you can have the store handle the long distant ones and you can have the gift certificates for local recipients sent to you to wrap and personally deliver.

The choices and options are endless when you give gift certificates. In the end the recipients are happy that they received what they wanted for the occasion. You don't have to worry about your friends and relatives returning their gifts, and for the few that do like to return gifts just for their after Christmas shopping pleasure can do so using their new gift certificates from you.

BabyStoreGiftShop.Com gift certificates are perfect for any baby gift occasion-- from celebrating baby showers to the birth of the baby or even those last second baby gifts. BabyStoreGiftShop.Com gift certificates are always a delight to receive.BabyStoreGiftShop.Com makes it easy to please everyone on your baby gift list.

2006-11-27T12:24:00.000-08:00

Tips on Toys You May Not Want Your Child to Have

We are fortunate to have a national agency charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. Its work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

Children toys is one category of products that are of major concern to the CPSC. They test thousands of toys and each year. Those found unsafe are recalled. It is wise to know which toys were recalled because it is possible a few of the unsafe toys are still in the market place. From the information provided by the CPSC, I have listed below the toys recalled during 2006. You may not want your child to have toys that were recalled for failure to meet all CPSC standards. If you do purchase a toy on this list you should be certain the safety issue has been corrected.

Toy Animals Stuffed/not stuffed
Baby Cookie Monster Toys Sold with DVD at Wal-Mart Recalled for Choking Hazard (October 18, 2006)
Lead Poisoning Hazard Prompts Recall of Fun Express Childrens Toys Given Away at Libraries (August 17, 2006)
The Little Tikes Co. Recalls Animal-Shaped Flashlights Containing Lead Paint Sold at Target (March 1, 2006)

Toy Blocks
Small World Toys Recalls Toy Vehicles for Choking Hazard (July 5, 2006)

Toy Cars
Toy Cars Recalled for Choking Hazard (March 30, 2006)

Toy Chests/Trunks
Cars Toy Chests Sold at Toys R Us Recalled by Delta Enterprise Due to Lead Poisoning Hazard (November 9, 2006)

Toy Helicopters
Remote-Control Helix Micro Helicopter Toys Recalled for Burn Hazard (November 9, 2006)

Toy Halloween Pumpkin
Halloween Pumpkin Decoration Kits Sold at Target Stores Recalled by Paper Magic Group Due to Choking Hazard (October 24, 2006)

Toys: Miscellaneous
RC2 Recalls Toy Keys Due to Choking Hazard (November 2, 2006)
Childrens Cooking Sets with Glass Lids Recalled for Laceration Hazard (August 10, 2006)
Rubys Diner Inc. Recalls Giveaway Yo-Yo Toy for Choking Hazard (June 8, 2006)
Childs Death Prompts Replacement Program of Magnetic Building Sets (March 31, 2006)
RadioShack Corp. Recalls Toy Pliers Due to Choking Hazard (March 28, 2006)
BRIO® Corp. Recalls Pull-Along Snail Toy Due to Choking Hazard (March 8, 2006)
Remote Control Flying Saucers Sold by QVC Recalled for Fire Hazard (February 24, 2006)
Fisher-Price Recalls Infant Musical Toy Chair Posing Strangulation Hazard (January 18, 2006)

Toy Musical Instruments
Cage Bell Musical Instruments for Babies Recalled for Choking Hazard (August 17, 2006)
Electronic Toy Guitars Recalled, Small Parts Pose Choking Hazard (June 29, 2006)

Toy Sets/Activity Sets
Serious Injuries Prompt Recall of Mattels Polly Pocket Magnetic Play Sets (November 21, 2006)
Target Recalls Various Toys Due to Lead and Laceration Hazards (November 15, 2006)
Gund Inc. Recalls Woodles™ Activity Toys for Choking Hazard (November 9, 2006)
Playskool Voluntarily Recalls Toy Tool Benches after the Death of Two Toddlers (September 22, 2006)
LeapFrog Recalls to Repair Childrens Activity Centers Due to Arm Entrapment Hazard (September 7, 2006)

Toy Telephones
Toy Phones Recalled for Choking Hazard (May 2, 2006)
Toy Mobile Phones Recalled for Choking Hazard (February 28, 2006)

Toy Trains
Small World Toys Recalls Toy Vehicles for Choking Hazard (July 5, 2006)

Toy Trucks
LEGO Recalls Toy Trucks Due to Puncture Hazard to Young Children (September 20, 2006)
Radio Control Toy Trucks Sold by QVC Recalled for Fire Hazard (March 29, 2006)

Toy Vehicles
Small World Toys Recalls Toy Vehicles for Choking Hazard (July 5, 2006)

Toy Bathtubs
Suave Kids Bath Sets Sold at Wal-Mart Recalled for Choking, Other Hazards (September 27, 2006)

A pre-selected inventory of quality gifts for children during their first years can be found at BabyStoreGiftShop.com.

2006-11-21T10:30:00.000-08:00

Five Safety Tips For Holiday Shoppers

Christmas shopping has already begun. We are all anticipating the joy of the season, especially the joy we experience when we see the excitement in our children eyes as they open and enjoy their Christmas gifts. After all, most children would say the gifts are the main reason the Christmas season is special to them. We at BabyStoreGiftShop.Com want to help you ensure your family experiences the anticipated joy of this wonderful season.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and AARP joined forces to warn all gift givers about the five toy hazards that can take all the fun out of any celebration. By passing these safety tips on to you, BabyStoreGiftShop.Com hope to make a contribution to that effort to reduce the chance of injuries and deaths that can steal your Christmas joy.

CPSC Top Safe Shopping Tips for this year:
Magnets – For children under age six, avoid building sets with small magnets. If swallowed, serious injuries and/or death can occur.
Small Parts – For children younger than age three, avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking.
Ride-on Toys – Riding toys, skateboards and in-line skates go fast and falls could be deadly. Helmets and safety gear should be sized to fit.
Projectile Toys – Projectile toys such as air rockets, darts and slingshots are for older children. Improper use of these toys can result in serious eye injuries.
Chargers and Adapters – Charging batteries should be supervised by adults. Chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to children.

CPSC also recommends using the following tips to help choose appropriate toys for children:

Be a label reader. Look for toy labels that give age and safety recommendations and use that information as a guide.
Select toys to suit the age, abilities, skills and interest level of the intended child.
Look for sturdy construction, such as tightly secured eyes, noses and other potential small parts.
For all children under 8, avoid toys that have sharp edges and points.

Once the gifts are open:

Immediately discard plastic wrappings on toys before they become dangerous play things.
Keep toys appropriate for older children away from younger siblings or neighbors.

Thanks to the CPSC and AARP for making these tips available. The more you know the more you are able to do to prevent harm to the babies and small children in your life and the more you will enjoy your holidays. Have a Merry Christmas.

An inventory of pre-selected, safe quality toys is featured at BabyStoreGiftShop.Com. They include: The stacking train, Hammer Peg, Pop Up Toy, Airplane, Fire Engine, Truck, Sorting Wheel and more

2006-11-13T09:13:00.000-08:00

Ten Tips on Making Your Baby’s Christmas Special

Christmas is a special time for children and adults alike. The memories created during the Christmas season make make it special. These memories are created as a result of events that occur, gift given and received, and relationships established with family and friends. Your baby may be too young to tell the difference between Christmas and any other day or to recall events, gifts or the people they met. However, your baby will soon grow up, and for the rest of his/her life be able to get satisfaction and pleasure from his or her first Christmas memorabilia.

I will share ten way of ensuring pleasant memories are made for your baby:

Personalized Items — Have an engraver, embroiderer or artist place your personal reminder on the item of your choice. Some possibilities are: Piggy banks, clocks, blankets, furniture, toys, cups and almost any other item.
Consider a stuffed animals – Stuffed animals make great companions, especially for a baby without playmates at home, and may be kept for years.
Make a home video – Start a film library for your baby.
Select a great book - Your baby will soon know it is his/her personal property. You will most likely be getting one later anyway to give him/her an early start at reading.
Take pictures – Start a photo album for your baby.
Have a family Portrait painted – Allow your baby to see herself as a part of the family.
Start a personal Christmas collection for your baby – These may be items your baby will identify as his/hers and when big enough use to help decorate the home for Christmas.
Choose baby clothing with words to show it is your baby’s first Christmas.
Jogging Stroller –What we do with our baby is often more memorable than what we give to them. A good baby jogger allows your baby to participate in mommy and/or daddy’s jogging or walking exercises and will be a cherished memory. This is normally for babies six-months old and older and may be used until they weigh about 40 pounds.
Bike Trailer – Same as number 9 above.

Memorabilia can become special treasures that your baby may keep to adulthood and pass on to younger siblings or even his/her own children. So, it is good to consider durability and quality when making choices for your baby’s Christmas. These are just a few ideas to get you started thinking of ways to make this Christmas an extra special Christmas for your Baby. For more ideas visit http://www.babystoregiftshop.com/.

2006-11-06T13:28:00.000-08:00

Successful Online Baby Gift Shopping

The Internet has growth tremendously since it began taking off in the early 1990’s. The growth from a few hundred thousand users skyrocketed to approximately 15 million by 1996. That was just the early days. Today there are hundreds of millions users who prefer to select their gifts from the large variety of online stores than to waste their time in long lines at the malls. Furthermore, the online shopping industry keeps growing, and more and more products are made available online. An increasing number of these users are shopping for the special baby in their lives. You can find any baby gift you are looking for, and can purchase the items you want with just a few clicks.

Online baby gift shopping can save you a lot of money and time, and the online market keeps growing so if you haven't tried shopping from an online store, try it and you'll see that it's much simpler than going to mall.

Successful gift shopping on the Internet requires you to keep a few things in mind. Remembering these few things will make your online baby gift shopping experience simple, fun and safe.

Use a secure server when you shop -- Most of the online shopping websites use encrypted information to prevent hackers from stealing personal information. Using the latest version of the Internet browser also increases security.
Use your credit card -- The Fair Credit Billing Act will protect online shopping if you pay by credit or charge card. Under this law, you have the right to dispute charges under certain circumstances and temporarily withhold payment while the creditor is investigating them. In the event of unauthorized use of your credit or charge card, you generally would be held liable only for the first $50 in charges.
Buy from a well-known company when possible -- If you're not familiar with an online store; take the same precautions you would with traditional mail and telephone merchants. Read their privacy policy and make a note of their physical address and phone number. If you have concerns, ask friends for references, contact your local consumer protection agency, or check the company's complaint record with a business monitoring organization such as the Better Business Bureau where these organizations are available.
Use an online shopping directory or search engine to find the best shopping sites and deals. -- They have links to a large variety of online stores that are grouped in categories based on the merchandise they are selling.
Shop several online stored to find the best prices and deals on the items that you want to purchase-- some websites have discounts and special offers on their products.
Read and understand the privacy and return policies of the company that you will buy from so you know what to expect from them.
Know how to communicate with the service or order department before placing the order—Just in case your need to get additional instruction on returning an item.
After placing the order, print a copy of it for your records.
Make sure that the items that you are ordering will be delivered in time for the special gift-giving occasion.
Reduce the pressure by ordering in plenty time—Anxiety can mount when at the last minute you are wondering will your special gift for that special baby will arrive on time.
Know the shipping cost--The closer the store the faster your order will arrive and the lower shipping charges. However, some stores will ship at no additional cost. This could be the determining factor when making comparisons to find the best price.
Track your Order -- Most online merchants provide you with an email confirmation of your order and will supply you with a printable receipt as well. Many merchants will provide you with a shipping tracking number after your order has been shipped so you can track your purchases to determine the exact date they'll be delivered.

Online storeowners understand that their success is limited by the quality of the products and services they provide. You will find their products equal if not superior to that of any local store. They provide descriptions of the products that you can buy from them, and pictures so you can see in detail the things you are buying. Try shopping for your next baby gift on the Internet. Following these few simple suggestion to make it a successful event. You won’t be alone. A study conducted by MORI Research, Minneapolis, MN during October 2005 show 70% of the people have access to the Internet and 60% of those research or shop for products of services online.

2006-10-30T08:18:00.000-08:00

Making Your Baby’s Christmas a Special Memory

It’s November already. There is a new baby in your life now. You may be thinking to yourself, “Christmas is just around the corner. What am I going to do to make this Christmas a special memory for the new baby in my life?” You may be a new mommy, daddy, grandparent, uncle, aunt, godparent, brother, sister, friend of the family or a caring relative. In either case choosing the right gift for a new baby may present a challenge. Today the baby in your life may be too young to know the difference between Christmas and any other day. But, your baby will soon grow up, and for the rest of his/her life get satisfaction and pleasure from his or her first well chosen Christmas memorabilia.

To address this same concern, I recently shared the following list of ten ways to ensure pleasant memories are made for your baby with another audience. I hope you will find it helpful also:

Personalized Items -- Have an engraver, embroiderer or artist place your personal reminder on the item of your choice. Some possibilities are: Piggy banks, clocks, blankets, furniture, toys, cups and almost any other item.
Consider a stuffed animals – They make great companions, especially for a baby without playmates at home, and may be kept for years.
Make a home video – Start a film library for your baby.
Select a great book - Your baby will soon know it is his/her personal property. You will most likely be getting one later anyway to give him/her an early start at reading.
Make pictures – Start a photo album for your baby.
Have a family Portrait painted – Allow your baby to see herself as a part of the family.
Start a personal Christmas collection for your baby – These may be items your baby will identify as his/hers and when big enough use to help decorate the home for Christmas.
Choose baby clothing with words to show it is your baby's first Christmas.
Get a jogging stroller –What we do with our baby is often more memorable that what we give to them. A good baby jogger allows your baby to participate in mommy and/or daddy’s jogging or walking exercises and will be a cherished memory. This is normally for babies six-months old and older and may be used until they weigh about 40 pounds.
Choose a Bike Trailer – Same as number 9 above.

Memorabilia can become special treasures that your baby may keep to adulthood and pass on to his/her own children or younger siblings. Therefore durability and quality should be considerations when making choices for your baby’s special Christmas. The cheap gift may not survive long enough to create a lasting memory.

These are just a few ideas to get you started thinking of ways to make this Christmas an extra special memory for the new baby in your life. For more ideas visit http://www.babystoregiftshop.com/.

2006-10-23T14:27:00.000-07:00

Selecting Your Baby’s High Chair

Recently I wrote about my wife and my experience buying a crib for our new grandbaby’s first visit. The other item we were soon to need was a high chair. The big question became, how to select a high chair? Our number one concern was the safety of our grandbaby. We were sure the specifications and safety standards had changed since we last were in the market for a high chair. We wanted a good product. Since the baby would only be with us a few times before he was too big for a high chair, we didn’t want to spend too much for it.

Choosing a high chair for your baby is one of the most important furniture-buying selections you will make. Since your baby could be using the high chair at least three times a day until one or two years of age, when he/she moves to the table with mommy and daddy, it makes sense to spend the time to make the right choice. Researching the subject, I learn when selecting a high chair there are a number of things to consider before making a purchase.

You will want a model that will be stable, sturdy, can take kicking and being knocked around. You will also want it to take the spills and cleaning that may go on for one of two years.

The many high chairs on the market will vary greatly in terms of durability, features, quality and style. So how are we to know which high chair will have the features we need? Some features to consider are:

Crotch post - To keep your baby from slipping under the tray and out the chair a post should be attached to the seat or tray.
Foldability - If you want this feature make sure the system automatically engages when the chair is opened. Make sure the system is designed to prevent accidental folding while in use.
Safety belt - The safety belt should hold your baby securely and comfortably.
Seat adjustments - Seats can recline or move up and down.
Toys - An option your baby may enjoy is a toy attached to the tray. This is optional. You can buy a toy separately and attach it yourself.
Tray - The tray should be lightweight and capable of being taken off with one hand or swings to the side when not in use.
Upholstry - A seat cover with a pattern is less likely to show dirt than a solid one. Be aware that the vinyl will clean up easier than the cloth.
Wheels - Wheels make it easy to move the chair around. They also allow the chair to move when you put the tray on and off. Look for lock on the wheel. Locks will make the wheel more enjoyable.

While shopping for or immediately after receiving your high chair, while the return police is still in effect:

Operate the seat’s safety harness to make sure it works properly and is easy to use.
Make sure all the parts, especially the small ones, are included.
Go through all the possible adjustments to make sure they are available if needed.
Examine the entire exterior for rough or sharp spots that could scratch your baby.
To the best of your ability, make sure the upholstery is durable and will last.
Test the padding for comfort.
If the high chair has wheels, make sure they lock properly. Wheel may make it easier to move around.
Make sure the high chair is easy to fold and put away.
Make sure it has a crotch post to prevent the baby from slipping down too far in the chair.
Check the tray to see if it is easy to handle with one hand while the baby is in the other.

Whether you purchase you high chair from the local store, mail order of from the Internet, it will make sense to make these checks.

High chairs come in three general ranges:

Basic high chairs – This group is normally priced under $70.00. They are normally simple, compact and generally work well.
Mid-price high chairs – The price range for the mid-range high chair is from $70.00 to $150.00. They are normally sturdier and have a few more features than the basic models.
High-end high chairs – The high-end high chairs are in the price range of $150 and above.

These high chairs tend to have extra features. Customers have reported more responsive customer service from the companies offering these high chairs.

The mid-priced models seems to provide the best value and are likely to have the safety and comfort features most will want for their baby. In all cases it is best to buy a chair that was recently made and certified to meet the current safety standards.

2006-10-16T14:48:00.000-07:00

Selecting Your Baby's Crib

When my wife and I became grandparent we were excited about having our new grandbaby visit. Buying a crib was one of the first activities to go on our list of things to do. The big question became, how to select a crib? Our number one concern was the safety of our grandbaby. So we wanted a good product. Since the baby would only be with us a few times before he was too big for a crib, we didn’t want to spend too much for the crib.

Choosing a crib for your baby is one of the most important furniture-buying selections you will make. Since your baby could be using the crib until two or three years of age, when he/she moves to a larger bed, it makes sense to spend the time to make the right choice. Make sure it is safe and strong. Researching the subject, I learn when selecting a crib there are a number of things to consider before making a purchase.

With the abundance supply of older cribs, in antique and use furniture stored, you may ask should I get an old or new crib? If you choose an old crib, double check the crib to make sure it is safe. Cribs made after 1985 are required by law to meet specific safety standards. Slats or bars on a crib should not be more than 2 3/8 inch apart. This is to prevent the baby’s head from getting trapped. Make sure there are no other defects or design flaws that would put your baby in danger. Be mindful of the paint that was used on the older cribs. Lead may be in the paint of older cribs posing a health threat to your baby. Should you decide to use an antique or older crib, it might make sense to have it refinished.

November 2005 issue of ConsumerReport.org recommends against buying a “pre-owned” crib at a yard sale, thrifty shop, or online. The reason for that recommendation is that they may not meet current safety standards.

It is a challenge to select a new baby crib. There are so many to choose from. But there are basically only four types:
Standard – rectangular shaped with either one of two drop-down sides.
Canopy – has a post at each of the four corners, which hold up a metal frame on which you can put a fabric canopy.
Convertible – converts from a standard crib to a toddler bed and then a day or full size bed.
Round – Round shaped. They usually have a single drop side.

Cribs are available in these price ranges:

Economy cribs – price range $100 - $150. Prices are lower because manufactures use cheaper materials. They may be perfectly adequate.

Mid-priced cribs – price range $150 - $450. These models are sturdier and more decorative than economy models.

High-end cribs – price range $450 and above. Many are imported from Europe and have hand-rubbed, glazed, or burnished finishes. You’ll see sleigh style with curved end boards and hand-painted detailed, as well as some models handcrafted from wrought iron.

Recommendations
I found the best advice is to follow ComsumerReport.Org recommends, “Buy unused, made after 1999, and Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certified or certified to meet the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) voluntary standards (ASTM F-1169 and ASTM F-996). Click here to read more of the ConsumerReport.org November 2005 report.

2006-10-10T10:50:00.000-07:00

Accelerating Baby’s Learning Rate With Toys

David Rakison, a psychologist at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh seems to agree that babies start the learning process early. “The ‘smart baby’ camp believes that babies learn quickly.” “They do math—[simple] addition and subtraction—within the first 6 months,” he says.

Having studied a number of journal and thesis written on how babies learn in addition personal experiences and observations, I have concluded it’s the environment. There is much scientist must still discovering about how the baby’s brain functions. But, regardless of how the brain function the lessons babies learn are provided by the environment they are in. It is generally agreed that learning begins in the womb and continues throughout childhood. Their environment includes all the objects they can see and touch and all the sounds they hear. They use all of their senses in the learning process. Babies are always learning.

Caretakers and parent are most valuable part of the environment. “Infants are learning how thing move around in the world by watching their caretakers do actions and then deciding which things are like those objects, based on having the same parts. Then, they model the action,” Rakison says. There are other researchers who argue babies take their time and slowly learn what they need to know. My personal experiences support the Rakison’s position.

Every parent wants to see his or her child get off to a fast start when it comes to learning and brain development. Knowing basic information about how babies learn allow parent to establish the proper learning and development environment for their baby. The parent is baby’s first playmate—the one who provides a safe environment for baby to explore, play and interact with to provide fun and interest. Babies will also go through a discovery period when they will entertain themselves with their body parts—fingers, toes, hands, legs and feet.

To further contribute to babies development and learning there are thousands of educational toys available. The challenge parent, educators, and childcare providers face is choosing the from among so many toys the ones that provide a balance of learning techniques, are age appropriate, and are entertaining. Until it is time for your child to go to school, the responsibility to stimulate and satisfy baby’s desire to learn falls on the parent. Some of the things to consider when choosing your baby’s toys follow:

Auditory and musical toys stimulate logical thinking and imagery (ex. Farm Friends Stacker)
Varied colors and patterns provide visual stimulation. (ex. Galt Valour Playmat)
Motor play toys are used to encourage hand/eye coordination and manipulative skills (ex. Galt Farm Friends Mobile).
To encourage matching skills, manual dexterity, early counting skills, stimulate memory, how baby picture things, and problem solving skills; building blocks, activity boxes or puzzles are good choices. Puzzles should be simple enough for baby to grasp and manipulate.

Parents, relatives and friends, recognizing the value of good children toys that encourages and stimulates growth and development, will search for these qualities in their future purchases. It is easy to know when you have chosen the right toy. The child will return to it time and time again getting pleasure on each occasion and you will also notice the development. It is BabyGiftShop.Com aim to supply such toys. They are carefully designed to meet each stage of the growing child's development.

Starting babies off with the right toys will not only bring them years of pleasure but encourage early growth and development that give them an early advantage in life that will benefit them for a lifetime.

2006-10-03T19:59:00.000-07:00

Something To Know Before Selecting Your Baby Stroller

Taking your new baby for a walk through the park, a jog along your favorite trail or a leisure walk through the community contribute greatly to the pleasure of having a new baby. This pleasure is possible because of the stroller. A baby stroller is one of the most important items you will ever choose for the baby in your life. As a parent you may want to have more than one, a traditional stroller for the every day use and a lighter-weight one for traveling. If you take walks or jog, you may want to have a more rugged stroller for jogging.

How do you choose the right stroller for you and your baby? First, I suggest you decide how you will use the stroller. Will you use it for everyday things around home? Will you take baby along for long walks, a jog from time to time or will you travel and need to put the stroller in and out of your vehicle often. You may want to consider the surface of the sidewalks and curbs you will be negotiating with your baby stroller. Answers to these questions will equip you with the right question to ask about your stroller.

Next you will want to know the stroller types. My own study to answer these questions included a review of a report on strollers by ConsumerReports.org. This report gives and describes the stroller types as following:

Traditional Strollers (Click here to see an example.)

These have the conventional design. Unless used with an infant car seat, they are generally not suitable for babies younger than six months.

Pros: They are often fairly lightweight and convenient to handle.

Cons: The heavier models are difficult to carry on publication transportation or use in buildings with escalators. And you will need a car seat.

Umbrella Strollers (Click here to see an example.)

These are similar to traditional strollers, but with narrow, curved handles. They offer lightweight, compact, basic transportation.

Pros: Lightweight, compact, ideal for quick trips and errands or travel.

Cons: You still need a car seat, and this type of stroller typically can’t be used for an infant (younger than six months).

Travel Systems

This type is a stroller and infant-car-seat combo for newborns through toddlers. The car seat fits in the stroller. When the baby outgrows the car seat, usually at about 22 pounds, the stroller is used alone.

Pros: Allows adults to move a sleeping baby undisturbed from the car to the stroller.

Cons: You’ll need to buy a new convertible car seat when the baby outgrows the infant seat.

Jogging Strollers (Click here to see an example.)

Jogger strollers, a subtype of the all-terrain category, are for jogging or running with mom or dad. (Few all-terrain strollers can be used for jogging; read the manual or check the box, or visit the store or manufacturer’s website for recommended uses.)

Pros: Also good for off-road use.

Cons: Not suitable for babies younger than six months. Can be unstable when the rear wheels are lifted over a curb.

All-Terrain Strollers (Click here to see one type)

All-terrain strollers are traditional or three-wheeled models with heavy-duty suspension or air-filled tires, good for jaunts on and off the sidewalk. Three or four wheeled strollers with air-filled tires and a rugged, sporty look are meant to appeal to men. This type is intended for off-road use, such as trail walking, but just as often is found on city or suburban streets.

Pros: Long, high handlebars can give extra foot and legroom for adults pushing the stroller.

Cons: Can be large and heavy; often don’t fold completely. Because of that, they are not practical for everyday use. Also not suited for jogging, unless the manufacturer specifies.

Double Strollers (Click here to see an example).

Some models seat children side-by-side; tandems seat one child behind the other or face-to-face. Some can accommodate newborns in infant car seats.

Pros: The only way to push two children is in one stroller.

Cons: This type is heavier and harder to maneuver than single strollers. Side-by-side models fold more compactly than tandems and are somewhat easier to push, but can’t be used with infant car seats.

Seat-Carrier Frames

These are lightweight, empty frames designed to roll an infant car seat around, using it as the carriage.

Pros: Inexpensive and convenient.

Cons: Both the car seat and the frame must be replaced once the child outgrow the seat.

Armed with this information you can compare your need to the description of the stroller types and make a better decision about the stroller for that special baby in your life.

John H. English is the chief operating officer of BabyStoreGiftShop.Com. His contact information is available at http://www.babystoregiftshop.com/.

2006-09-11T20:32:00.000-07:00

BabyStoreGiftShop.Com Now Online
By: John H. English

September 1, 2006 BabyStoreGiftShop.Com opened for business.

With babies in our lives we are constantly having occasions to celebrate. Each celebration whether it is a baby shower, birth of a baby, babyÂs birthday, Christmas, baptism or some other special event requires shopping for the appropriate gift item. You can spend hours, travel long distances, search the inventory of several stores, and spend much more of your money and valuable time than necessary trying to get the right gift for that special baby.

ÂBaby Gift Shopping Made SimpleÂ is our mantra. BabyStoreGiftShop.Com was founded to eliminate the traditional hassle associated with shopping for baby products. We provide a wide and growing inventory of unique, quality items for the baby in your life so you will always feel good about the gift(s) you give. Shopping at BabyStoreGiftShop.Com can be done in the comfort of your home any time on any day. Most of our products are offered at a substantial discount. You have the option to have the gift shipped directly to your door or any door in these United States. We guarantee 100% satisfaction. We allow a wide variety of payment methods. PayPal provide you the most secure system of purchasing online available anywhere.

Our large and growing inventory of items for the special occasions associated with the special baby in your life include: gift certificates; personalized baby gifts; baby shower gifts; baby gift baskets; baby blankets; baby baptism gifts; baby christening gifts; baby first years-toys; gift for Dad; gift for Mom; baby furniture (baby armoire, baby crib, baby dresser, baby dressing station ); and baby gear (bastrollerers, bajokersers, baby carriers, baby high chairs).

BabyStoreGiftShop.Com offers a special service to customers or potential customers who will take a moment to consider the holidays, birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions when they may be able to use our products and send us the approximate dates. We send them a reminder a few weeks before just so they can look through our online catalog to see if something fits the occasion.

After visiting BabyStoreGiftShop.Com feel free to refer us to someone else. We will make sure they are 100% satisfied!

John H. English is chief operating officer of BabyStoreGiftShop.Com. His contact information is at www.babystoregiftshop.com.