Rules Chart

I created a handy rules chart with pictures and statements to remind my kids how to behave. (Rules were talk quietly, stay in your seat, no crying or whining, no throwing food) but you can add your own. Before heading to the restaurant I’d pull out a chart and go over the rules one by one. Then at the restaurant I’d place the chart on the table. If one of my girls started to break a rule, I’d say “hey, you’re breaking a rule” and I’d ask her to show me which rule she was breaking by pointing to that rule on the chart. That’s called a “pattern interrupt” where you redirect a child’s thoughts to something else and it interrupts and stops their bad behavior. That worked like a charm.


Entertainment

I also went armed with something that would keep my children entertained. I’d let them to sit there with no entertainment until they started getting antsy and then I’d break out the cool kids toy. I had a box of toys that I’d choose from, so that each restaurant outing was a little different. At the restaurant I kept the toys in a bag until it was entertainment time. At home I kept the restaurant toys tucked away in a closet, so my kids could only play with them when we were out to eat.

Below are a few kids toys you could get for your restaurant toy stash. These toys are great for toddlers and they’re designed to keep them entertained for long periods of time…allowing you to get through an entire dinner in peace!

The Large Farm Jumbo Wooden Knob Puzzle by Melissa & Doug has easy-to-grasp puzzle pieces in many shapes and colors. Each puzzle piece has the name of the shape on it as well. Your child can dump all the pieces out on the table then try to match the shapes of the puzzle piece to the same shape on the puzzle board. This is a great way to help a child learn about shapes, names of shapes and color recognition, plus kids love to do this puzzle over and over again, so it’s a perfect toy to add to your restaurant entertainment stash. This puzzle is great for kids 1 year and up.


Another wonderful kids toy is the KidKraft Bead Maze. This is also perfect for kids one year and up. This is an educational toy that will teach your child about shapes and colors as he pushes the different shaped beads along the maze. It also helps enhance a child’s hand/eye coordination, while keeping him mesmerized long enough for your family to get through a meal.


For the younger tot consider getting the Bug Jug Fill and Spill by Melissa and Doug. This is a fun toy set that comes with soft, silly looking bugs and a soft jug. Your child will be thrilled to take each bug out of the jug only to put them all back in over and over again. The silly bugs are also sure to inspire some pretend play with the butterfly flittering in the air, the spider creeping on the table, the grasshopper jumping around etc…This kids toy will stimulate your child’s senses and keep him occupied long enough for you to scarf down your pasta.


If you’re a high tech kind of family you can also check out some really cool apps for the ipad for babies, toddlers and bigger kids at http://gizmodo.com/5532261/the-best-ipad-apps-for-babies-toddlers-and-sanity+loving-parents.


Remember…kids have short attention spans, so getting armed with toys and rule charts can buy you enough time to make it through an entire meal in peace!

We feel that crib bumpers, when used correctly, are safe (and look awesome) but it is really up to YOU to decide what is right for your baby. Many of our baby bedding sets come with crib bumpers, but if you choose not to put the bumper in the crib you’re in luck. There happens to be many other unique ways to use the crib bumper in a baby’s nursery and I’ve listed five of those below.

1. You can tie the crib bumper to the outside, bottom of the crib for a unique look and under-the-crib coverage.

2. The crib bumper can be used as a window valance. Build a wooden valance piece that fits the top of the window. Cut the crib bumper to fit and staple it around the edges of the wooden valance. Hang it up and voila…your nursery will look more complete since you will have added the beautiful baby bedding pattern above the window as well.

3. Use the crib bumper as protective padding around your coffee table or fireplace hearth.

4. Transform the crib bumper into cute seat cushions or floor cushions for your child’s reading area. Simply cut the bumper into sections and sew them together to create a square cushion then place it where it will be enjoyed most.

5. Change the crib bumper into a play mat for your baby. Pull out a needle, thread and scissors and cut the crib bumper pad into sections. Then stitch the sections together to create a padded play mat for your baby that will look darling with the matching baby bedding set.

If you’re looking for a crib bedding set for your baby’s nursery check out our huge selection at SimplyBabyFurniture.com.

First on the list is the Storkcraft Milan 2 in 1 Fixed Side Convertible Crib available in three finishes including: Espresso, White and Cherry. You definitely get your money’s worth with this gorgeous crib. It is built of solid wood with a non-toxic finish that will keep baby safe. All the rails are stationary and the mattress base can be lowered three times as your baby grows. This baby crib can convert into a full size bed in later years to remain in your child’s bedroom for a lifetime. You get all that for under $200. Now that’s impressive!


Another low-cost beauty is the DaVinci Alpha Mini Rocking Crib available in White, Cherry, Natural and Honey Oak. I just had to mention this crib because of its special rocking ability. This baby crib has a round, movable base that lets you rock the crib like a cradle to soothe your baby off to dreamland. When your baby is finally asleep you can lock the crib in place for added safety. This mini crib is smaller in size to easily fit into any nursery and it’s on casters, so it can be moved around the room at any time. The mattress can be lowered four times to keep your growing child safe in bed till he/she reaches toddlerhood. This baby crib really “Rocks” in price and design!


The DaVinci Emily Mini 2 in 1 Convertible Crib is another cheap, yet stunning baby bed. It’s available in Honey Oak, Cherry, Ebony, Natural and White. The beautiful, traditional look, plus smaller size allows this mini crib to fit in with just about any nursery decor or any size room. The New Zealand pine frame makes it very sturdy and the non-toxic finish, along with stationary rails and adjustable mattress base makes it very baby-safe. Better yet, when your baby outgrows the crib it can be converted into a twin size bed that your child can enjoy for a lifetime. You get all that for under $200. That seems like a steal!


Next is the Graco Cribs Stanton 4 in 1 Convertible Crib offered in Cherry, Black and White. This JPMA certified crib is extra safe, plus it’s simply gorgeous with its sleigh style design. The lower front rail allows mom to get baby in or out of the crib without any back strain. The 3 level adjustable mattress platform makes the sleep space safer for your growing child. For as little as $200 you’ll get four beds in one, since this crib can be converted to a toddler bed, daybed and the headboard can eventually be used on a full size bed frame, so your child can enjoy this sleep space for decades. Now that’s a great deal!


Last on the list is the Dream on Me Classic 2 in 1 Convertible Crib available in Natural, Cherry, Espresso, Black, Pecan and White. Also earning a JPMA certification, this baby crib has been proven extremely safe for babies. It’s designed to last, with a solid pine frame along with a timeless, unique look with scalloped edges. When your baby is ready for more independence the crib’s front rail can be removed to make this an adorable daybed that your child can enjoy all throughout toddlerhood. The daybed can also be used as a sitting space in a playroom, so this is a baby crib that can be used for years past the baby stage. You pay a minimal price for major benefits! You can’t get better than that!

Get the following items for grandma’s house and it’s a win/win for everyone!

1. Portable Crib

First and most important item on the list is a portable baby crib like the Foundations HideAway Folding Fixed Side Compact Crib in Natural. After grandma is done snuggling and oogling all over your baby for hours on end, your little one is bound to be tired and need a nap. That’s when grandma can grab the portable crib, snap it into place and get baby’s bed all ready. The Foundations HideAway Folding Crib is made of wood and steel and is safety certified by the JPMA. It’s also very easy to fold and store when not in use. When it’s needed, it can be set-up in minutes and moved around the room or home on the easy glide casters. The casters lock into place once the crib is where grandma wants it. This portable crib also comes with a comfy 3” mattress. If nothing else, you need to have a crib for your baby at grandma’s house. That’s why this is in the #1 spot!

2. Portable Crib Bedding

If you have a crib at grandma’s house you also need bedding. Consider getting a portable baby bedding set like the Sleeping Partners Tadpoles Classics Blue Gingham 3 Piece Porta Crib Bedding Set. This set includes a crib bumper, fitted sheet and cover, which is all grandma needs to keep your baby comfy and warm. This set happens to be very soft and the colors and fun checkered pattern will add spunk to the sleep space to keep baby happy.

3. Baby Safety Gate

Grandmas don’t have quite the same energy as new moms, so she won’t be chasing the baby around the house. That’s where a baby safety gate like the North States Gates Superyard can come in handy. This safety gate is definitely SUPER..earning its name. This is a 6 panel play yard that encloses 18.5 square feet of play space for your baby. Since it’s all enclosed your active cutie pie won’t be able to escape when grandma’s not looking. It’s also easy to fold up and put away, thanks to the hinges and easy carry handle. This Superyard is the perfect play space and can even be a nap space if grandma includes a soft blanket inside the gated area.


4. Booster Seat

Baby has to eat! That’s why grandma definitely needs a booster seat like the Summer Infant Deluxe Folding Booster Seat that’s easy to take out when needed and store away when not needed. This booster seat is great because it’s adjustable to adapt to your child’s growth. It can also strap onto a variety of chair types. It comes with a 3-point restraint system to keep your active baby in place at mealtime and when snack is over, grandma can easily put the seat pad in the washing machine and the tray in the dishwasher to get everything clean with little effort. The unique compact, folding design of this booster seat makes storage a cinch.

5. Baby Toys

Grandma can’t make cute faces at Baby all day long, so it’s important to get your baby some toys for entertainment. Baby toys like the Fish Bowl Fill and Spill by Melissa & Doug and the Bug Jug Fill and Spill by Melissa & Doug are perfect. They’re made of baby-safe, ultra-soft materials and come with several pieces, so your baby can play with them all or just one item at a time. These toys can help a child develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Each of these baby toys includes a jug or bowl with a flip-up fabric lid, plus see-through sides along with stuffed fish or bug characters that your baby can enjoy putting in or taking out of the jug or bowl. I’m sure with baby toys like this, grandma will find many ways to keep your baby entertained throughout the day!

It’s not just gorgeous, it’s also extra safe with hidden hardware, adjustable mattress platform, stationary rails, non-toxic finish and a frame made of high quality, 100% New Zealand Pine Wood from sustainable forests. The Ashbury Crib is available in White or Espresso to match many room decors and looks wonderful paired with several nursery furniture options by DaVinci.

You can get this stylish, top quality crib on its own or choose one of our complete nursery sets that pairs the crib with a matching changer and dresser. If your goal is to design a beautiful, comfortable and extra safe nursery all within your budget, then this crib should be on your list of must-haves!

To see other top brand baby cribs visit us today at SimplyBabyFurniture.com.

This bathinette is a changing and dressing station, bathtub and storage unit all in one and it’s even on wheels, so you can use it wherever you want. The top includes a removable changing pad with safety straps, that’s sure to keep your wiggly baby comfy and safe during every change. Simply remove the pad and this cool unit instantly turns into a bathtub that can be used and then easily drained afterwards.

Below you get four cubbies and two storage trays that have plenty of room for all those diapering supplies and bath items. It’s available in many adorable colors, so you can easily match it to your baby’s nursery.

This bathinette is ideal for you or a friend and it’s also perfect for grandparents, as it can be folded flat and stored in a closet or under a bed until it’s needed. Make life easier for you or someone else by getting one of these super cool bathinettes today!

Visit us at SimplyBabyFurniture to see the entire Baby Diego Line!

Doing some stress relief activities can really help like taking deep breaths; sitting quietly for a few minutes each day; listening to your favorite tunes; taking a hot shower or long bath; enjoying a cookie with your child; taking a walk or playing with the dog.

If those things don’t seem to help or you just haven’t tried, you might want to take a few minutes now to sit, close your eyes, and listen to the Daisy Pond Meditation below that will guide you to an imaginary world where you’ll be completely happy and calm. When you’re done with this meditation you’ll be ready to really enjoy the holidays! Consider this your first gift of the season and enjoy!

1. Don’t Share a Bed with Baby

There’s lots of time throughout the day when you and your baby can bond, but bedtime isn’t the right time. For your baby’s safety you should always make sure he/she sleeps in a crib or bassinet. If you really can’t stand having your baby in another room, consider getting a co-sleeper that allows your baby to sleep by your bedside. This way there’s no way you can roll over on your baby in the middle of the night!

2. Never Give Baby a Bottle in the Crib

If your baby has a bottle in the crib at night with juice or milk, that’s a sure way to guarantee cavities in the future. Believe it or not, if a child sips milk or juice throughout the night the cavity-causing bacteria in his/her little mouth can transform sugars into tooth-decaying acid.

3. Never Buy Second Hand Baby Furniture or Toys with Multiple Parts

You never know if used baby furniture or toys have been recalled or if they’ve been so overused that there are faulty parts that could cause harm to your cutie pie. This is why it’s a smart idea to always go with new baby items that meet today’s safety standards.

4. Don’t Put your Baby in the Shopping Cart Basket

Babies aren’t very balanced and it’s a known fact that thousands of children go to the emergency room every year because of falling out of shopping carts. If you have to shop with your child then look for a shopping cart that has a low seat with safety strap or carry your baby in one of those baby carriers that’s like a back pack.

5. Never Leave Your Child Alone in the Car

Believe it or not a car can heat up to high temps in just 10 minutes and this can be dangerous and sometimes deadly to a child. This is why you should never leave a baby in the car for any reason.

6. Don’t Leave Your Baby’s Side While He/She’s in the Bath

Unfortunately a baby can drown in a very small amount of water, so it’s important to always be in arm’s reach of your baby or toddler when he/she is bathing. You should also baby proof the bathtub, so your child can’t slip and fall, helping to avoid all possibilities of injury.

Get more hot tips and advice about babies at SimplyBabyFurniture.com

These furnishings are all of that and more. They’re designed with lots of beautiful colors and images that are sure to excite any child. They’re also built of solid birch to last for years. They are reversible, so when a child gets older and wants more “grown up” looking furniture the parents can simply pull the dresser drawers out and turn them around and voila…they’ll have a neutral colored dresser with the option to choose their own dresser knobs that fit their “older” design tastes.

Hear from the designer herself and see how these furnishings can bring magic into your baby’s nursery that will last a lifetime.

If you don’t consider yourself an artist, that’s OK. Just get some woodsy stencils at your local arts & crafts store along with fun colored paints and use the stencils to help you create the nature scene that is sure to keep your baby entertained and happy in the nursery.

Below you’ll see a picture of the Storkcraft Milan Crib & Changer Combo set surrounded by some beautiful woodsy murals that are in babies’ nurseries right now. I hope these pictures inspire you to add the beauty and excitement of nature to your baby’s space.

To see all of the gorgeous baby cribs and nursery sets by Storkcraft visit us at SimplyBabyFurniture.com today.