Mama Friends…Can’t Live Without Them!

I don’t’ know what I would do without my “mama friends.” These are the women I have gotten to know since my daughter was born, and they have become the people I rely on so much to listen to my problems, brainstorm ideas and tips on certain stages our kids are going through, and to just have fun with as we all brave motherhood together. It’s a good thing I have these mama friends, too, because according to the University of California, women who engage in “tending children or befriending others” with children release more oxytocin.

Oxytocin is a hormone that when released can counteract stress and helps mothers to relax. So it’s healthy to hang out with your mama friends! If you are having a bad day, call up a fellow mother and meet at the park or have her come over for a playdate. You’ll feel your stress level lessen and your children, not to mention the moms, will all have fun together!

Thank you to all my mama friends for making my life less stressful and more fun!

Pool Safety This Summer…Follow These Tips!

Here is a sad but true statistic…more than 300 children die each year in pools and spas each year. An additional 3,000 kids, five and under, suffer serious injuries at pools and spas (both statistics are reported in the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s new 14-page report.)

What are ways to prevent these horrible statistics? Follow these pool safety tips, provided by CNN and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

- Make sure all pools (public and private) have fencing around them. You don’t want children to be able to get into a pool once a pool is closed or without adult supervision.
- There should always be constant adult supervision of children in and around water.
- Lobby for public and semi-private pools to install new, safer drain covers that prevent entrapment incidents. If you own the pool yourself, it is your responsibility to see that all drains are properly covered with these safe drain covers.
- Remove all toys from pools so children will not be tempted to reach for pool toys and fall in.
- Practice touch supervision for children five years old and younger. You should be within one arms length of your children while they are swimming at all times.

Pools are a lot of fun, but remember to play it safe in and around pools to prevent accidents and injuries.

Go Green with Baby Body Wash!

Did you know that infant immune systems are less-developed than adult immune systems, making them more vulnerable to chemicals and pesticides? It’s true! If “going green” appeals to you, then your baby’s body wash is one of the first products you should consider looking at natural and organic alternatives.

Body washes and body care products for babies should be free of artificial fragrances, food-grade preservatives and harsh detergent ingredients. Check out more information on how green ways to keep your baby clean here at the Just the Facts Baby Web site. What a wonderful way to keep your baby clean and safe!

Pure and Honest Kids carries one of the wonderful lines of baby body wash that Just the Facts Baby Web site highlights. It is from a organic line called Erbaorganics. Check it out below.

Erbaorganics Baby Body Wash
$13.00
Super mild and gentle, Erbaorganics baby body wash is the perfect nourishment for baby's delicate skin. A rich organic aloe base forms the foundation for this super mild wash with natural cleansing agents that gently washes away the dirt of the day without over drying or causing irritation. Paraben and SLS free, organic oat extract and organic olive oil combine to create a green and eco-friendly surfactant which gently and effectively cleanses baby's delicate skin. Organic lavender helps soothe irritated skin while organic chamomile calms and relaxes. Erbaorganics donates 15% from your purchase of baby body wash to support the WWO (Worldwide Orphans Foundation). Great to give or receive as a gift! 78% organic. 6 oz bottle.
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We also carry the Erbaorganics Baby Body Lotion- a perfect compliment to the body wash!

Erbaorganics Baby Body Lotion
$13.00
Erbaorganics rich, all natural and organic baby lotion keeps baby's skin soft, healthy, and moisturized. Smooth, non-greasy, and easy to apply, this baby lotion can be used anytime on face or body. Organic coconut oil helps skin absorb the lotion, locking in the beneficial nutrients while protecting skin against the harsh elements. Generous portions of organic shea butter and organic coconut oil nourish the skin with vitamins A, E, and F, soothing organic chamomile combines with healing organic lavender to ease the discomfort of dry or irritated skin, while freshness organic mandarin and natural anti-oxidant properties of organic rosemary extract complete this creamy blended lotion. Apply often for a fresh smelling, happy baby, with skin replenished with nutrients and ready to face an active day ahead. 85% organic. 4 oz tube.

What organic products do you like? Leave us a message in the comments section below.

Moms-To-Be: Packing List for the Hospital!

Is it getting closer to time to your due date? If so, you may be thinking about packing your overnight hospital bag. Here is a checklist to help make sure you are equipped with all you may need during your hospital stay!

During Labor: During the labor process, there are a few things you may need to make this special time a little easier on you and your partner. Be sure to include in your hospital bag:

- A copy of your birth plan
- Insurance card for hospital paperwork
- Magazines, books and movies (Believe it or not, having something to take your mind off the early stages of labor can come in very handy!)
- Your Dear Johnnies nightgown (Available at Pure and Honest Kids, Dear Johnnies nightgowns are stylish, comfortable and a fashionable alternative to the hospital night gowns offered to you at the hospital during labor and delivery. Check them out here.)
- Slippers or thick socks for walking around during the early stages of labor
- Relaxation tools, such as music, extra pillow, tennis balls for squeezing through contractions, and a picture of something or someone you love to use as your focal point during contractions
- Camera and/or video camera to document the arrival of your baby (Don’t forget extra film, memory sticks and batteries.)

Postpartum: Once your little one makes his or her grand arrival, there are several things you will need to make your hospital stay more enjoyable. Be sure to include in your hospital bag:

- Toiletries
- Fresh nightgown or pajamas and extra clothes (Make sure the clothes you pack are loose fitting)
- Snacks you will enjoy after labor
- A nursing bra, breast pads and extra pairs of underwear
- A contact list so you can spread the word once you are settled in your postpartum room
- A going home outfit for you and baby (Make sure your going home outfit is roomy and loose- it is possible you will still look 5 or 6 months pregnant)
- Baby book for getting handprints and footprints of your newborn baby

And of course, make sure your infant car seat is installed safely in your car!

We at Pure and Honest Kids wish you a happy and healthy delivery of your sweet baby!

Have You Heard About "The Idle Parent"?

A book from UK author Tom Hodgkinson entitled, "The Idle Parent" is making a lot of waves and receiving a lot of attention both home and abroad. Hodgkinson says that parents spend too much time coming up with things to do and complain about. They should just relax, and life will get better.



The premise of the book is this: "Kids and adults alike need to play more and work less. We put far too much effort into parenting. If we leave our kids alone, they will become more self-reliant and we’ll be able to lie in bed for longer."

Some parents are saying hallelujah to this new, unique parenting style and feel it is refreshing. Other parents feel like this book if off-base and lazy and not at all the way you should raise children. It is certain to garner even more attention once the book is released in the U.S. What do you think about “The Idle Parent”? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below. Do you plan to read it?


Check out this Wall Street Journal blog entry here for more information on "The Idle Parent."

Headband Craze!

Celebrities, such as Jessica Alba, Katie Holmes, and Nicole Ritchie (as seen on Celebrity Baby Blog), have all gone headband crazy when it comes to their little girls! Whether to pull long bangs out of their child’s face or to simply add to the cuteness factor of their sweet girl’s outfits, headbands have become a staple of many celebrity children’s wardrobes!

Pure and Honest Kids has some adorable headbands for you to check out so you can join the headband craze, too! Here are some of our favorites below.

Art Printed Headband by Marese
$7.99
Oh so girly, this great Art printed headband from Marese is so easy to wear. Full round, with an elastic bottom, this boldly printed headband with over-embroidery, is just what she needs to finish off her Marese Art collection outfits! 100% cotton. Machine wash.

Flower Child Headband
$22.00
From Lola et moi, this stylish, designer headband looks fabulous with so many of her outfits. Pretty in pink and orange, this headband is the perfect accessory for the entire Lola et moi collection and her entire wardrobe.


Rachel Weissman Green Stripe Daisy Headband
$20.00
This great little designer headband is made out of green ribbon fabric and accented with three fabric flowers. The flowers are made out of green and champagne striped fabric and accented with green rhinestone centers. Because even little girls need the perfect accessory!

Birthday Cake Bonanza!

Is it time to plan your child’s birthday party? One of the things that is sure to make your child’s birthday party a hit is a very fun, very unique birthday cake! Your guests will be talking about it for years to come!

Whether you are using your local bakery or making it yourself, check out these tips on how to select the perfect birthday cake for your little one’s party!

Match the cake to the theme of your birthday party.
When selecting a birthday cake, consider the theme of the party. For example, if it is a backyard barbecue, you could do a cake in the shape of a pig, or if your party is Thomas the Train or Princess themed, your cake could be in the shape of one of the characters from these popular genres. If it is a first birthday, the sky is the limit with your theme cakes… cakes in the shapes of cupcakes, presents, balloons and anything else that portrays birthday fun would be just perfect!

Choose your little one’s favorite flavor of cake.
This is one way to show your child you really put some thought into their birthday party. Don’t worry if it is particularly messy. Remember you are making memories and the photographs will be priceless.

Select the correct size of cake based on the number of guests that are invited.
It would be a sad, sad day in the life of one of your party guests if the cake ran out before everyone got a piece! Make sure to order or make a cake that is big enough to serve everyone you invited.

Your child and his or her guests will be delighted to enjoy your themed birthday cake! Check out some of our favorite cakes below we’ve found for children’s birthday parties.

Be sure to vote on the poll to the right on which cake is your favorite! Also leave your comments below on birthday cakes you’ve done in the past. We’d love to hear about it!

Pirate's Booty Cake, by D'Arcy Norman

Your little buccaneer will love this treasure chest. Perfect for your pirate themed party!

Birthday Present Cake, by Hyeyoung Kim

What a perfect gift this birthday present cake would be for any little one!

Birthday Cake Sprinkles, by Jessica N. Diamond

How much fun is this cake? Sprinkles, sprinkles everywhere!

Big Cupcake Birthday Cake, by Elaine Ashton

Nothing says birthday fun like a giant cupcake! Sure to delight all birthday boys and girls.

Bathing Beauties...It's Time for Swimsuit Season!

With summer approaching us, and people flocking to the beach and to the pool, it’s time to start thinking about what bathing suits your little ones will be wearing this summer!

Pure and Honest Kids has some fantastic swimsuit options for you to choose from…check out some of our favorites below!

Happy swimming from Pure and Honest Kids!

Kiwi Kisses Baby Swim Suit
$34.00
Sweet Kiwi Kisses! From Sweet Potatoes Big Fish line, this adorably cute little swimsuit is perfect for days in the sun. Overlay styled in fun vibrant greens and blues. Bottom snaps for easy on and off.92% Polyester 8% Spandex. Machine wash.


Strawberry Fields Bubble Swimsuit and Matching Infant Hat
Swimsuit- $44.00; Infant Hat- $24.00
This vintage looking strawberry pattern is the bee's knees! Pretty polka dot ruffles and bows accentuate this super-feminine silhouette. Stuffed fabric strawberries dangle and delight. 80% nylon, 20% spandex. Hand wash.

You must also check out the matching infant hat! A vintage strawberry pattern makes this sun hat extra special. Feminine details like dainty little ruffles decorate the brim of this hat that is perfect for shading little cheeks from the sun. A pretty polka dot bow and two stuffed fabric strawberries complete this lovely topper. 100% cotton. Machine wash.

Be My Bumble Bee Double Ruffle Swimsuit
$34.00
What an adorable swimsuit for the little ones! Cutesy dots and stripes fabrics are accented with a daisy flower and a sweet bee design. 100% nylon. Hand wash.

Petshop Pirates Glam Swimsuit $38.00
Chic! This sweet swimsuit will have you making waves! Nautical striped fabric is trimmed and belted in pink. The ruffly flounce skirt adds a feminine touch. 100% nylon. Hand wash.



Fisherman’s Wharf Circle Print Boardshorts and Matching Hat
$32.00
He'll be easy to spot on a crowded beach in these bold graphic swim trunks from Bobby Mack. Drain holes on the pockets ensure you don't get overloaded with water or sand. An elastic waistband means these trunks stay in place. Lined. 100% cotton. Machine wash.

Also check out the matching reversible hat, also available at Pure and Honest Kids, for $24.00.





Fishy Fishy Print Swim Trunks
$28.00
Fishy Fishy! Covered in a school of green fish and dotted with a few blue fish, these shorts are so much fun. Ready for the water, these swim trunks feature attached inside briefs. Big Fish by Sweet Potatoes. 100% cotton. Machine wash.

Paradise Printed Cargo Swim Trunks
$24.99
He'll be ready to hit the waves with these great Hawaiian flower print board shorts from Sweet Potatoes Big Fish line! With a side cargo pocket for his collected treasures, these shorts get him ready for fun in the sun! Back elastic waist. Velcro and zipper fly. 100% polyester. Machine wash.

Also check out the matching Paradise Tye Dye Palm T-shirt, available at Pure and Honest Kids for $19.99!

Sun Safety Tips!

This past weekend, our pool opened for the summer. It seems like it gets earlier and earlier each year. Our daughter was ecstatic, and had a wonderful time splashing around the pool. Afterwards, she smelled like summer…sunscreen and chlorine from the pool!

It made me think about sun safety and how it is so important to protect our little ones from the sun’s harmful rays. We spend a lot of time outdoors in the summer, and so I researched some ways to keep our daughter safe in the summertime sunshine!

---If at all possible, avoid the strongest sun rays of the day, which usually falls between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

---Remember that babies six months and under should not use sunscreen, and therefore, should be kept out of the sun as much as possible.

---For all-day outdoor activities, make sure to bring an umbrella for shade or a pop-up tent to play in so your children can take a break from the sun.

---Use sunscreen consistently. Don’t forget to reapply throughout the day. Remember to apply the first round of sunscreen about 30 minutes before going outside so it has time to soak in…this way a good layer of protection will form. Apply it generously all day long.

---If you are going to take your kids swimming, be sure to use waterproof sunscreen. Most waterproof sunscreen lasts up to 80 minutes in the water, so don’t forget to reapply during adult swim at the pool and take breaks at the beach for a sunscreen rubdown!

---Put on sunscreen yourself in front of your kids. Showing your children that you, too, protect yourself from the sun is a great way to stress the importance of sun safety.

---Have your little ones wear hats in the sun.

---Choose a sunscreen that has an SPF of 15 or higher.

---Drink lots of fluids, especially water, when spending a lot of time outdoors. The sun can easily dehydrate you, so remember to drink, drink, and drink!

Happy sunny weather to you all from Pure and Honest Kids and stay safe from the summertime sunshine!

Also, check out the Babysafe Sunscreen Towelettes that are SPF 30+, available at Pure and Honest Kids! This is an easy way to make sure your little ones are playing it safe in the sunshine!
Babysafe Sunscreen Towelettes
$26.00
Developed by Pediatrician Moms, Babysafe Sunscreen Towelettes make an outing with baby a walk in the park. These soft wipes are saturated with a gentle, sweat-proof, broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen that are enriched with Vitamins E and B5, marine silk, aloe and oat to protect, soothe and moisturize baby’s skin, made with a pediatrician’s knowledge and a mom’s loving care.

Each wipe contains enough sunscreen to cover baby from head to toe, with no fuss and no mess.

They are a dermatologist-approved way to keep baby protected from UV rays at any age, anywhere, anytime.The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends the use of sunscreen on infants younger than 6 months of age, if adequate clothing and shade are not available. Baby Silk Babysafe Sunscreen Towelettes are safe to use on babies (and adults) of all ages! Made in the USA. No animal testing. Hypoallergenic. Clinically tested. Pack of 15 wipes.

Mother’s Day Gifts!

Mother’s Day is just a week away! Are you looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift for the special mom or grandmother in your life? Pure and Honest Kids has an excellent selection of gift ideas that any mother would love! Check out some of our favorites below.

Blessed Circle Necklace
$46.00
Blessed...So simple, yet so meaningful and deep. The original circle necklace, handmade by Lisa Leonard Designs, is simply a classic. A great gift for yourself or a friend, this lovely necklace features a sterling silver circle stamped with the word 'BLESSED' with a small heart charm on an 18" sterling silver ball chain. Pendant measures 1.25".

Her Children Rise Up & Call Her Blessed Bangle
$53.00
Show her how much you love and appreciate her! Perfect for mothers or grandmothers, this lovely sterling silver bangle bracelet is inscribed with the scripture, "Her Children Rise Up and Call Her Blessed". Inside of bracelet is also inscribed with the passage reference, Proverbs 31:28. Measures 2–5/16 inches diameter.

Family Picture Frame
$40.00
Family. One of the best words in English on a multi-beige frame is perfect for your most precious memories. Comes with a wooden dowel for sitting or hangs on the wall. Handmade and handpainted in the USA. Measures 11" x 11". Holds a 4x6 photo.

Pink Luxe Brag Book
$17.00
A perfectly pink present! You'll love this adorable pink brag book by Aimee J. It will hold 36 photos of your little darling! The brag book features 18 photo sleeves (holding 36 photos), handmade paper covers with a suede spine, is spiral bound, is acid and lingin free and has coordinating items for gift sets! Also comes in kiwi green and blue!

Here are some great gifts for Moms-To-Be, too!

Mimi Maternity Gown
$65.00
Child birth never looked so stylish! Every mom-to-be needs a Dear Johnnies night gown. The Mimi pattern has vibrant colors and funky shapes any mom-to-be will just love. A Dear Johnnies nightgown is stylish, comfortable and a fashionable alternative to the hospital night gowns offered to you at the hospital during labor and delivery.You'll appreciate the soft fabric, charming prints and loose fitting design of a Dear Johnnies night gown. Each gown has snap-down sleeves for breastfeeding and ease of access for medical attention. Also each gown has snaps that close down the back to keep you covered from behind!Moms deserve to wear something better than an ordinary hospital gown. This special delivery night gown embodies the idea that giving birth is an extraordinary experience. And the gown is perfect for the days and weeks following giving birth.

Love at First Sight Picture Frame
$24.00
What a great way to display the ultra sound of your little baby boy! The frame comes with a light blue toile background. So sweet! Follow the simple directions to place your 4X6 photo in the frame and hang with the attached ribbon. Makes a great gift!

Buy a Serena and Lily Market Sling and Help Fulfill Rebecca Romijn’s Mother's Day Wish!

New mother of twins, Rebecca Romijn, recently said, “As a new mother, I feel like it’s my responsibility to help other children who may need extra comforts during difficult times.” So to fulfill this new responsibility, Romijn has teamed up with Serena and Lily for a Mother’s Day initiative to help nonprofit organization Project Night Night give “night night” goody bags to homeless children.

From now until the end of May, Serena and Lily will donate a care package for every "market sling" purchased. The "night night" care packages include a security blanket, an age-appropriate book, and a stuffed animal for children 0-10. Romijn also said, “I hope other companies take Serena & Lily’s lead to help care for those less fortunate.”

So this year, give a new mother a gift that also helps a child!

Pure and Honest Kids carries three beautiful market slings by Serena and Lily, including the Cloud/Petal market sling, the Flax Linen/Sky Blue market sling and the Grass/Marigold market sling.

Check out the Serena and Lily market sling below!

Practical and stylish, the Serena and Lily market sling is sure to top any mommy's list of best baby gear! In signature Serena and Lily style, this market sling was crafted with beautiful hand-embroidery on 100% cotton with a super-soft brushed organic cotton interior that is gentle against baby's delicate skin. With a simplified design - one seamless piece of fabric without buckles, belts or straps - this baby sling is snug, sleek and easy to wear. Arrives in a beautiful Serena & Lily keepsake box. Machine wash.

$129.00

Bed-Rest with a Toddler?!?!

When you are put on bed-rest during a pregnancy with a second or third child, how in the world do you take it “easy” with a toddler running around the house? While extremely hard, believe it or not, there are some ways to stay rested while caring for a small child at home. Here are some tips to help you do just that!

- Enlist help! Ask friends, family, and anyone else you know to come over to help you during this time that your body and your baby needs you to be resting. Your family and friends can help you with light house cleaning or entertaining your little one.

- Try not to feel guilty about “neglecting” your child. You owe it to your unborn baby to rest and get better. The time you spend on bed-rest is a small portion in the lifetime of your child and soon enough, you’ll be back on the floor, doing puzzles and playing grocery store with your little one again!

- Make your bedroom into a big playroom! Bring toys and anything else to entertain your little one so he or she can play while you are taking it easy on the bed.

- If it doesn’t work to have your child play in your bedroom, make a comfortable spot in your family room or playroom so your child can play while you rest on the couch.

- Whatever room you choose as your “home base,” stock it with juice and snacks that your child can get themselves. That will eliminate trips to the kitchen.

- Keep a roll of paper towels next to your resting area, as spills will inevitably happen.

- Send a family member to the Dollar Store to get small toys, coloring books, arts and crafts, stickers, and anything else that your child will find fun! Have a box of these items readily available in the room you will be resting in.

- Have your remote nearby. Although watching a lot of television is not something you might normally do, reserving special shows or movies for when you really need to rest will come in handy during this difficult time.

- Have a basket of books nearby that you can read with your child. This is something you can do while resting that you’ll both love.

- Set up a diaper changing station near where you will be resting. Make sure your spouse stocks the station each day with enough wipes, diapers and ointment to get you through the day.

We wish you the best of luck during this difficult time!

Potty Training Tips

It’s been a long week at our house. A 2-year-old child plus potty training plus mommy being pregnant with baby number two equals total exhaustion!!!!

I thought I would share some tips with our loyal Pure and Honest Kids blog readers that have helped me this week during potty training boot camp. If you have any tips to share, leave them under the comments section! I know they would be much appreciated. Happy potty training!

-----Pick up some potty books at the local library so your child can have special books to read during potty time. Read with your child while he or she sits on the potty and “tries” to go.

----- Schedule potty breaks. Set a timer or watch for 30 minute to one hour intervals and ask your child when the timer goes off if he or she needs to use the potty. At first, you may want to have your child actually “try” to use the bathroom when the timer goes off because they might not be aware of the signs of when they have to "go" yet. Over time, your child will recognize the signs of having to “go” and will tell you it’s time to use the potty.

----- Once they can tell you they need to go to the potty, get your child to the potty quick! Consider having a special potty that you can take from room-to-room with you for those times that you need to quickly find a toilet.

----- Praise, praise, and more praise! When your child uses the potty, offer them praise! The more excited you get about them using the potty, the more they will understand it’s a big deal and want to do it again! Sing silly songs, come up with a potty dance or offer incentives when your child successfully uses the potty.

----- Accidents are a-okay. Treat accidents lightly, as they are inevitable. When it happens, stay calm. Just simply say, “Uh-oh! You’ve had an accident. Let’s get you changed. Next time you should tell mommy (or daddy) you need to use the potty,” and quickly change them.

----- Remain patient. When you get frustrated, your child will sense it. If potty training has both you and your child in tears, maybe it’s time to take a break from it and come back to it a few days later when both of you can approach potty training with a clear head!

Good luck with this parenting and child milestone! Also, check out Pure and Honest Kids excellent selection of "big girl" and "big boy" underwear here! Special underwear makes kids excited about switching from diapers to big boy and girl undies!

Then Comes Baby in the Baby Carriage: Tips for After Baby Makes His or Her Arrival!

The months leading up to the birth of your baby are filled with planning, excitement, anxiousness and anticipation. But what happens once your little bundle of joy arrives? Many couples need to adjust to the responsibilities, change and sleeplessness that comes with a newborn.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers some tips on how couples can adjust to all the changes a brand new baby brings to your life.

----- Help your partner de-stress after a particularly bad day.
----- Remember to communicate with each other clearly and often. Make time for this every day.
----- Tell your partner what is bothering you, and resolve any issues as soon as possible.
----- Make time for the two of you, such as after baby is asleep for the night (or until the next feeding!)
----- Focus on what is important and don't stress over the small things.

There are more tips to help you during this transition time, and you can find them in this US News and World Report article.

Pure and Honest Kids wishes you the best of luck and happiness during this exciting time of bringing home baby!