Recipe Swap

We know, we know. You've been calling, dropping by and crossing your fingers wondering when the Baby Cubes are coming. Everyone is going gaga over them, which is why they are flying off our shelves. And who can blame them? They're BPA free and make storing your very own baby food as easy as pie (if pie was mushed up so that a toothless tyke can eat it).

Counting down to the arrival of our new shipment (a little birdie told us it may come as soon as end of this week or early next week!), we want to hear from you, our amazing supporters, what recipes you love for your baby cubes.

Well?




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About Baby Cubes

Baby Cubes are the only reusable baby food container on the market that has a lid attached directly to each cube for a hassle-free and convenient way to prepare and store baby food. Made from BPA-free plastic, each cube snaps into a stackable tray to save valuable freezer space. Dishwasher, microwave and freezer safe.

Each $8 pack contains 8 cubes!

When these are back in stock (we'll be sure to tweet and facebook it), check out our website for more info and to order online. www.babyonthehip.ca

High risk of breast cancer and damaged childhood development? Ummm…no thank you.

We’re pretty certain that when you set up your baby registry with us, you never added things like bisphenol A (BPA) to your wish list.

That’s why when one of our dear customers alerted us to the recent article in the Globe and Mail about the dangerous levels of BPA in our systems, we had to alert you too.

In short: It’s in a lot of the things around us, from CDs to tin cans. Even in low concentrations it can affect our hormonal health.

It’s forced many to finally think about what we put into our bodies and of course, for you the concerned parent, about what is going into our kin’s mouths. High risk of breast cancer and damaged childhood development? Ummm…no thank you.

If you’re looking at lowering the levels of it in your growing family (and we certainly hope you are), here are some tips.

* Think about anything that is in contact with baby’s mouth. Think about how long that pacifier has lingered in your baby’s mouth. If it’s not BPA, toss it and replace it with something like the Bornfree Day and Night Pacifier.

* Think about food storage. Many of us store food in regular plastic containers, but plastics are often the carriers of BPA. Either shy away from plastics or be very discerning about the quality of plastics you are using. Read the label and ensure it is BPA free. For those of you who are breastfeeding, try the Medela Glass Breastmilk Feeding and Storage Set.

* Search for green businesses in your area that are dedicated to educating its community about green options. Now visit them, find products you like and ASK QUESTIONS. Non-toxic products are sometimes more expensive but they are worth it. Just make sure you find out which products are best for you and fit your lifestyle.

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No Fuss Over the Fussy Baby

We recently asked our facebook page fans what their favourite tasks were while putting their bundle to bed.

Here are two answers that we loved:

“Bath time, because I have 2 girls and it is double trouble but bundles of fun."

- Terry Bennie

“The minute my little guy starts to nurse, the eyes roll back. It's like he's in breastmilk heaven. That's a wonderful bedtime moment.”

- Heather Black

Now, for those of you who read this and say, “wait a minute. Whose kids actually sleep? My baby barely blinks let alone sleeps!” no worries. baby on the hip has you covered.

Or, should we say swaddled?

Sleep-challenged babies may need to get those arms and legs down to their sides. After all, those jerky movements that naturally strengthen their limbs can also scare them out of their nappies. One solution is to wrap that wee body in the embrace of a swaddling blanket. A tip: Ensure the blankets are generously sized so that no Houdini baby can escape during nap time and that the cloth is breathable and soft.

If your babe needs to have its sucking reflex satiated, consider a pacifier. It’s super important (at least to us at baby on the hip) that whatever is in baby’s mouth for long periods of time is safe both for the environment and your little one.

If your arms and back are exhausted by the constant rocking, you may want to consider an alternative to a crib. Instead of being in a stationary crib, the Kanoe Baby Hammock offers the sensation of being rocked, even though you might actually be catching a few winks yourself.

If all else fails, try and enjoy the moment. Sure you might have been pacing the hallways for hours on end, but one day, your baby will in fact (wait for it) sleep. As hard as it is to believe. It will happen.

In the meantime, sit back (or rather sit up or keep walking, or bouncing or whatever) and enjoy some lullaby tunes.

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Getting Carried Away

Many parents remember sheepishly how they thought they’d find THE ONE and ONLY baby carrier. Ever. That somehow, magically, some fantastic product would be the only carrier in our roster of baby paraphernalia.

Of course, this is as silly as thinking we’d equip ourselves with THE ONE and ONLY teething toy. Or THE ONE and ONLY body motion to get the kiddo asleep.

Not so.

The reality is this: Your choice of baby carrier depends on your lifestyle. And remember: your lifestyle changes. The baby will get older, meaning needs will change. So it's best to think of carrier shopping as tool box shopping to suit your everyday needs.

Do you take public transit? Have back problems? Expect to do a lot of housework with the wee one in tow? Want to try attachment parenting? Make a list of everything you think may affect your choice and then make a dream list of features you imagine you’ll need in a carrier.

Here are some scenarios that may help you out:

• Jill and Jack are vastly different in body size. Does that mean Jack gets to shirk responsibility in holding the bundle during shopping excursions? Nuh-uh. It just means a super adjustable Oli Golightly ring sling is the way to go.

• Jill has major back problems (chalk it up to the 9 pounder!) and Jack loves the idea of add-on accessories and storage. The solution? The Ergo Baby carrier system. Hands-free and full of add-on features.

• Jill and Jack really want to stay true to attachment parenting, especially since their newborn baby is fussy and needs a bit of extra TLC. Their choice: A cozy Mama Kangaroo Stretchy Wrap.

• Jill and Jack are heading to a wedding with the baby. Both want to rise above the “maternity chic” look while holding the baby. They nab up one of the many stylish patterns available with the Pippalilly Pouch Slings.

If you’re shopping online, feel free to call us to discuss options and features. Check out this page to see the many carriers we have in our store.

If you’re in the neighborhood, drop in and feel free to ask our staff for a demo. It’s the best way to find out what’s best for you.

Happy carrying!

Above: One of our favourites, the Beco Butterfly II.