The New Parents Guide Blog

Are you worried that your baby might have colic?  I’ve been there!  Boy, have I been there. 

When my (now-teenage) daughter was just a few weeks old, we suffered from colic right along with her.  It’s not just the baby that’s affected by colic.  It’s the parents, the older siblings–the whole family.  I remember my older son, who was just turning four at the time, crying, “Make her stop screaming, Mommy!”

If I could have done anything to make her stop screaming, believe me, I’d have done it.

Every night, I’d get my older son ready for bed by 8:00, have our good-night storytime, and then tuck him in.  After that, I’d head to my bedroom to get a few hours of sleep.  My daughter, though, would be just winding up.  My husband found a strategy that worked for him.  He’d put on his Walkman headphones (we were a long way from iPods in 1996), turn up the volume, and walk up and down the hall, carrying our yelling daughter.  A couple of hours later, he’d wake me up:  “Your turn.”  I’d take care of the midnight feeding and usually she’d be exhausted enough at that point to conk out until at least 4 AM.  We were a mess.  Those two or three months seemed to drag on forever.  But then she suddenly improved–not that we’d done anything different–and has been a happy, generally healthy kid ever since.

Those months of colic haven’t had any lasting effects on my teenager today.  If you’ve got an infant with colic, know that this will get better!  We have some encouraging advice on Infant Colic that might help you get through these difficult times.

I’ll be back on Monday with a big Basket of Bargains!  Have a great weekend!

For a ski vacation that a child as young as 3 can enjoy, head for Cochran’s Ski Area in Richmond, Vermont.   Located just southeast of Burlington, Cochran’s Ski Area offers skiing lessons for your preschooler and snowboarding for children 6 and up.

Cochran’s has been serving families since 1961 and has a variety of programs including races, lessons and even an after-school lesson program.  There’s even a Ski Tots program so parents can learn to teach their own children to ski.

And this weekend, there’s a ski and snowboard sale hosted by the Cochran’s Ski Club!

Cochran’s now has snowmaking, and the ski area is scheduled to open December 19!  For a fun family ski adventure, try Cochran’s.  NOTE:  Cochran’s accepts cash or check only; no credit cards.

BASKET OF BARGAINS

Free shipping on orders of $100 or more at Nordstrom.com
Use promotion code HOLIDAY09 during checkout.
Valid through: December 20, 2009, 3:00 pm ET
Offer based on merchandise total and does not include taxes or any additional charges. Not valid in Nordstrom or Nordstrom Rack stores, on international orders or for COACH items. Additional fees apply for expedited shipping, multiple shipping destinations and handling as indicated on item product page. This offer is not limited to one-time use, but only one promotion code may be used per order.
See other Nordstrom coupons!

25% off Accessories
15% off Sweaters & Outerwear
10% off Pants at FrenchToast.com
Use promo code QE9K2A during checkout.
Valid through: November 9, 2009
Promotional code cannot be combined with any other offers. Discount applies to merchandise only, and does not include embroidery services. Online only.
See other French Toast coupon codes!

I’m a reader, and I’ve always hoped that my kids would be readers as well.

My older son, as a toddler, was happy to spend hours sitting on the couch with me.  We’d read, re-read, and re-re-read all his favorite books.  They never stayed on the bookshelf for long; he’d bring a whole pile over to me, then climb up on to the couch for some comfy reading time.

He’s a high-school senior now, and he still likes reading, though his time for pleasure reading is at a premium.  And my younger son, now a second-grader, also loves books.  My daughter is a more occasional reader, so I’m always happy when I see her pick up a book.

There are so many children’s books out there; if you’re looking for a great book for your child or to give as a gift, how do you know what to choose?  Here at The New Parents Guide we have a wonderful Children’s Book Guide with plenty of interesting titles.  Here are some of my family’s favorites that are listed in this guide:

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Where the Wild Things Are

Your Favorite Seuss:  A Baker’s Dozen by the One and Only Dr. Seuss

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

Love You Forever

The Complete Adventures of Curious George

Dr. Seuss’s Beginner Book Collection

Enjoy these books and all the others in our guide.  And remember:  time spent reading with your child is never wasted.  It pays off in so many ways.  Get lost…in a book!

BASKET OF BARGAINS

10% off orders over $59 at AllAboardToys.com
Use offer code FavoriteToys10 in your shopping cart.
Valid through: November 8, 2009
Cannot be combined with any other coupons or promotions.
See other All Aboard Toys coupon codes!

Extra 10% off all clearance DVDs and Toys at the Discovery Channel Store
Click “Enter a Coupon” in your shopping cart and use coupon code EXTRA10.
Valid through: November 15, 2009 11:59pm EST
See other Discovery Channel Store coupons!

I’ve always been one of those women who could never carry around a small handbag.  The other day I was playing this game on an online forum, and I was asked to list 5 things that were in my purse. 

(What? Only 5? My purse weighs 8 pounds. I could go on Let’s Make a Deal with this thing. Actually, if they had asked me last week–before I cleaned it out, it would have been MUCH funnier!)
1. Swiss Army knife
2. 2 kinds of Excedrin (migraine and sinus)
3. My asthma inhaler (don’t leave home without it!)
4. pack of post-it notes
5. pack of several “store loyalty cards” including cards that will ultimately earn me a free cup of coffee (Panera Bread) or chicken sandwich (Chick-Fil-A), as well as gift cards to Panera and Borders from my birthday–for my Coffee Breaks.

So when my kids were in their infant and toddler years and I had to carry around a diaper bag, I followed the same rule of thumb that I do when I pack up my handbag:  more is better.  It got especially interesting when I decided to combine the handbag and diaper bag, so I only had one bag to carry (as well as a hefty baby).  Before I knew it, the bag weighed twice as much as the baby!

But I’ve never perfected the art of streamlining what I pack.  It’s a good thing I can make a lot of stuff fit into a small space.  If I were going out for a few hours with the baby, I would pack two diapers for every hour I planned to be gone, a travel pack of wipes, diaper-rash cream, a bottle (and a spare!), a sippy cup (and a spare) and a container of Cheerios once my little one was on finger food.  Then I’d add two onesies, two outfits, four bibs, and two pairs of socks.  Toss in a few “chew toys” and we were good to go.  We won’t even get into what I’d take along when we were going to be gone overnight.

Whether you’re vying with me for the title of Queen of Overpacking, or you’ve managed to get your pile of Necessary Stuff down to the bare minimum, we have great bags that will fit your diaper-toting needs.  Just visit our Diaper Bag buying guide to see the whole selection!

BASKET OF BARGAINS

Free shipping on Bananafish purchases of $100 or more at BabyUniverse.com
Discount will appear in your shopping cart.
Valid through: November 14, 2009
Applies to standard shipping.
See other Baby Universe coupons!

$10 off orders of $30 or more at Bath and Body Works
Enter promotional code tenoff in your shopping bag.
Valid through: November 29, 2009, 11:59pm ET
Limit one per customer. No substitutions. Offer may not be combined with any other offers, coupons or discounts. Offer not redeemable for cash, gift certificates, gift cards, Egift cards or sale merchandise, nor is it valid toward previous purchases. Gift cards, gift certificates, gift wrap services and taxes are not applicable toward minimum purchase requirement. Exclusions and/or purchase limitations may apply. Bath & Body Works reserves the right to cancel any order due to unauthorized, altered or ineligible use of discounts and to modify or cancel this promotion due to system error or unforeseen problems. Subject to change without notice.
See other Bath & Body Works coupon codes!

As soon as your child can walk, you’ll be wanting to teach him a very important skill: how to hang up his jacket.

Believe me, if you don’t get them early, you can kiss this skill goodbye. I know this from experience.  None of my children (including the 17-year-old) are capable of hanging up anything.  In fact, my older son will “put away” the clothes that require hangers by, instead, shoving them onto the top shelf of his closet.  I think he figures that since I can’t see them up there (that shelf is above my eye level), it’s OK for him to store them there.

I’m well aware that little kids are short.  Frankly, I kind of like that, because I’m short, and only one of my kids hasn’t grown taller than me yet.  (He’s constantly checking to see if he’s taller than me, but I’m relieved to note that he has more than a foot to go.)  Little kids can’t reach the clothes bar in a closet, even if they could manage to put a jacket on a hanger.  But if you hang up a coat rack in a place where they can reach, your kids can practice hanging up their own jackets when they come in from outside.  It helps them learn responsibility, and it keeps those coats off the floor.

In our Gift Guide, we have a few selections of cute, personalized coat racks like the one pictured here!

BASKET OF BARGAINS

10% off orders of $25 or more at Shop.Mattel.com
Use this link to activate the discount.
Valid through: December 31, 2009
See other Mattel Shop coupons!

TODAY ONLY!
$5 off orders of $50 or more at TysToyBox.com
Enter special offer code Early15 during checkout.
Valid through: November 4, 2009
Only one coupon per purchase.
See other Ty’s Toy Box coupons!

There’s something about rocking horses.  They’re just irresistible to toddlers and preschoolers.  It’s like having your very own amusement-park ride, right in your family room. 

My kids had a very cute wooden rocking horse.  They’re all too big for it now, but that rocking horse still has plenty of years of riding in it.  We’re saving it until they have kids of their own, along with their rocking chairs.

Our neighbors have a plastic rocking horse that they keep in their backyard.  All the younger kids enjoy taking their turn riding that horse.  They bring their toy swords and even their light sabers.  That horse has a name, but it’s not based on an old cowboy movie; instead, our neighbor named it after the locally-bred racehorse, Smarty Jones.

Whatever your child names his rocking horse, he’ll have hours of fun riding it.  We’ve got a Rocking Horse Buying Guide with a variety of horses and other animals (the giraffe is just way too cute!)  And all of them will last through another generation.

BASKET OF BARGAINS

Free shipping on orders of $75 or more at Constructive Playthings
Use coupon/promo code 2729 during checkout.
Valid through: November 13, 2009
See other Constructive Playthings coupons!

15% off Skin Care products when you buy 2 or more at Diapers.com
Enter promotion code SBSKIN in your shopping cart.
Valid through: November 12, 2009
You may need to log in to use this coupon. Diapers.com reserves the right to limit quantities.
See other Diapers.com coupon codes!

Babies might not be old enough to have any candy on Halloween, but no one can deny the cuteness of a baby in a costume.

If the weather’s nice, why not dress up your baby, pop her in the stroller, and take her for a walk around the neighborhood while everyone else is out trick-or-treating with their older children?  After all, what baby doesn’t love a walk around the neighborhood?  The baby gets some fresh air, the parents get a little exercise, and all the neighbors get to enjoy your little sweetie in her very first Halloween costume.

My husband insists on taking our kids trick-or-treating “until they can’t walk anymore.”  This is not because he’s greedy for candy.  He doesn’t even like chocolate!  (I know, there’s something very wrong about that, but I don’t complain much, because that means there’s more for me!)  Rather, it’s because he loves walking around the neighborhood and seeing the smiles on the faces of people opening the door to see the cute little kids in their costumes.

No costume?  Get creative and decorate your stroller or wagon!  And how about making it a turnabout Halloween:  carry treats along with you and hand them out as you walk around.

Happy Halloween!  I’ll see you Monday with a fresh new Basket of Bargains!

If you’re planning any family vacations, reunions or visits during the next few months, the time to make your travel plans is now.  And if you want to save money on your trip, you’ll want to do a little research before you book those plans.

Trend-spotters advise smart consumers to book their flights early to secure the best deal, according to the Cheap Holiday Flights article at Ultimate Coupons.com.  The reason:  many airlines have cut the numbers of flights to certain cities, making seats harder to come by.  In this case, the early bird definitely gets the worm–buying early is the way to go.  Additionally, there are some days that will carry an automatic $10 (each way) surcharge because they’re the busiest travel days of the year.  Cheap Holiday Flights has all the information you’ll need to schedule around that.

If you’re looking for more information on possible airline-ticket price cuts or how to capitalize on competition among online travel websites, we’ve got articles on those subjects as well.  Or maybe you’re looking to avoid the airlines altogether and travel by road and rail; check out our advice on that topic.  And for travel resources of all kinds, there’s a roundup of helpful travel links!

For all the best in holiday travel deals, check the Holiday Travel Coupons page at Ultimate Coupons.com!  And don’t forget our very own Family Travel Guide, with information on resorts, vacation spots, equipment rentals and even packing checklists!

BASKET OF BARGAINS

$15 off orders of $100 or more at TysToyBox.com
Enter special offer code Early15 during checkout.
Valid through: November 4, 2009
Only one coupon per purchase.
See other Ty’s Toy Box coupon codes!

15% off sale and regularly-priced items
20% off coats at Lord & Taylor
Use promo code NOW in your shopping bag.
Valid through: November 4, 2009
Some exclusions apply. See site for details.
See other Lord & Taylor coupon codes!

I am such a fan of multipurpose items that I knew immediately I’d love this clever bassinet. 

The Kolcraft Contours 3-in-1 Bassinet features a Moses basket, bassinet and changing table–all in one!  If saving space is a concern for you, then this product will be right up your alley.  There’s even a shelf at the base with 2 wicker baskets for storage and a diaper stacker on the front!  With locking casters on the feet, this bassinet is easy to roll from room to room and then lock in place.  Mesh “windows” on the side allow for good ventilation and the included vinyl-covered mattress is thick and comfortable.

This bassinet is great for babies up to three months of age or 15 pounds.  The changing table will hold babies up to 25 pounds!

To see other beautiful bassinets, check our Basssinet Buying Guide.

BASKET OF BARGAINS

10% off Children’s Books when you buy 2 or more at Diapers.com
Enter promotion code SBBOOKS in your shopping cart.
Valid through: November 12, 2009
You may need to log in to use this coupon. Diapers.com reserves the right to limit quantities.
See other Diapers.com coupons!

10% off orders over $59 or more at AllAboardToys.com
Use offer code Toys10 in your shopping cart.
Valid through: November 1, 2009
Cannot be combined with any other coupons or promotions.
See other All Aboard Toys coupon codes!

Young children have this special way of disarming us just when they are at their most exasperating and we are at our most impatient. 

One day as soon as I turned off the water from my shower, my younger son (who was about 3 at the time) asked,

“Mom, are you done?”

Yes.

“Are you done?”

Yes. I’ll be out as soon as I get dressed.

“Are you done in the shower?”

Yes. I’m getting dressed.

This went on until I was dressed and opened the bathroom door.

“Mom, YOU’RE MY BUDDY.” This was accompanied by the World’s Biggest Hug.

Who said cuteness isn’t a survival skill?

Wondering what you can expect from your three-year-old?  Check out our Child Development Guide for information on kids from birth to age 6!

BASKET OF BARGAINS

15% off $20 or more in Bottles and/or Cups at Diapers.com
Enter promotion code SBFEED2 in your shopping cart.
Valid through: November 12, 2009
You may need to log in to use this coupon. Diapers.com reserves the right to limit quantities.
See other Diapers.com coupons!

Buy 2 select Kitchen items, get 1 free at Solutions.com
Mix and match!
Discount will appear in your shopping bag. Valid for lowest-priced item.
Valid through: October 29, 2009
See other Solutions coupon codes!