Friday, December 27, 2013

People Discuss Their Favorite Family Traditions on the Juju Band Channel

 
You can also see it on out You Tube channel.
 
 
Juju Band will be posting and blogging about family traditions throughout the 2014 year.
 
 To send in your family tradition email jujubandbaby@gmail.com
 

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Kookaburra Play Café in Chicago




Kookaburra Play Café

Is reopening after a fire and we need your help!

Two weeks ago we suffered an electrical fire in the basement of our beautiful play space forcing us to close our doors.  Dealing with insurance companies and cleaning up the mess has been a heartbreaking and painful process.  Because we wanted so badly to reopen in time for the holidays we decided to fix it at our own expense instead of waiting for months for them to figure out which company is responsible for what.  So now we are ready to reopen our doors this Saturday, December 21st.  We are asking for your support to come and play with all of our new toys.

If you don't know about us, we are a play café in Lincoln Park.
Kookaburra is a special place for families to relax. This is a place where we can do the everyday things with our children and enjoy every minute without the added stress. Sit back with a cup of Uncommon Ground's coffee and bite into the delicious and ever so lovely, Lovely Bake Shop goodies!

See you there,
Joe and Anya

Please check out our website:
www.kookaburraplaycafe.com

Friday, December 20, 2013

Juju Band's Favorite Holiday Products For The Whole Family

 
 
 

Hanukkah in a Box Family Fun Kit

The Hanukkah in a Box Family Fun Kit is a big hit with newbies to Hanukkah, as well as with intermarried families looking for a unique mix of innovative Hanukkah games and educational resources. $35.15, now reduced to $18.95, at http://www.amazon.com/Hanukkah-Box-Family-Fun-Kit/dp/B00FKY8B9I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387308390&sr=8-1&keywords=Hanukkah+in+a+Box+Family+Fun+Kit

You get:

  • Blessings and Candle-lighting Tips  
  • Hanukkah Bingo Game (4 players + 1 caller) – popular with all generations!
  • 4 Dreidels
  • Hanukkah Recipes & Hanukkah Songs
  • Blessings Tutorial on CD
  • Core Concepts, Background, Glossary
  • Hanukkah Thank You Notes
  • Coloring Activities & Hanukkah Decorating Materials


 
 



Baby Jack Blankets
Babies develop cognitively, emotionally and socially through sensory play. Baby Jack Blankets are 14" x 18" satin & minky security blankets accented with ribbons sewn into Tabs. We provide a variety of textures and colors for entertainment and comfort. Baby Jack Blankets are handmade in Milwaukee, employing a team of skilled Moms for a creative outlet and added income. Available at www.babyJackblankets.com


 
 
The Diaper Clutch

“The Diaper Clutch is a mom-invented diapers and wipes carrying case that is the first and only to feature a unique easy-access window to your wipes! The Diaper Clutch is the perfect solution to stay organized without leaving fashion at the door! Who needs bulky diapers bags when you want to take a quick stroll in the neighborhood or go grocery shopping with your little one? Reduce the bulk and lighten your load with The Diaper Clutch – a convenient, compact and fashion-forward solution to carry baby diapers and wipes where you go!” Avaialble at www.thediaperclutch.com

 
 
 

The Juju Band


Authentic family tradition used over 100 years to help to relieve colicky babies and protect the newborn navel.  Price: $14.99 Available at http://jujuband.com




 

 


Tuesday, December 3, 2013

KidSwitch For Toddlers Review

 
When I first got the KidSwitch, I let it sit on my bedroom dresser and noticed the glow in the dark feature. I gave it to my sister because my nephew is a toddler.  I am impressed with this feature because my nephew said that he “loves the glow in the dark “handle.” It has created a new and fun nighttime adventure that helps him sleep because the light is in the room with him and now he is not afraid of the dark.  
To him it looks like a nifty new toy but to my sister, it is a great teaching tool. He seems to enjoy the independence of being able to turn on and off the light by himself. My sister said the installation was really easy and she just screwed it on the light switch.
The little moon shape at the end of the switch is really cute and we read the Good Night Moon book for fun after we put up the switch. However you introduce the KidSwitch, it’s a fun tool for parents and kids.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

25 Ways To Handle The Stress Of A New Baby




 
 Written By Gossip Moms
 
"It's not just the actual time and effort involved in caring for this tiny creature that makes it so tough to find time for yourself," says psychologist and mom Pamela Freundl Kirst. "There's also an instinctually based psychological drive called primary maternal occupation that focuses your life on the relationship with your infant. Appreciating this can help you find ways to nurture and care for yourself directly."

Making the Transition


One minute, you’re child-free, and the next your life is 12 diapers a day, cuddles, cries, coos, and a fuzzy memory of what life was like BB -- Before Baby. It might be a shock to the system, but having a few basic guidelines can help ease your mind.

1. Establish a Parental Plan

Gold recommends parents discuss how they will address a wide range of issues. How are you going to handle visiting in-laws? Who's going to get up in the middle of the night? And how does each of you feel about letting a baby cry?
"Once you get on the same page physically, emotionally, and philosophically," Gold says, "things will be smoother." But, she says, "you must do it before chronic sleep deprivation and physical and emotional exhaustion set in."

2. Postpone Energy-Draining Projects

"I would warn that extreme demands like marathon training should be put on hold by both parents until after the baby's first year," one mom, who requested anonymity, says.

"The combination of new baby and his training schedule did not mix well. I did a lot of single parenting, felt lost as a new mom, and had no time for taking care of my own exercise needs post-pregnancy. It takes time to adjust. And if that adjustment is not a team effort, it can cause tension that will impact the whole family for years to come."

3. Plan for Baby's Arrival -- Now

Before the baby is born, create a schedule of day care drop-offs and pick-ups, planned down time, and date nights. "It sets the pattern for the next 18 years of schedule juggling," one mom says.

 
Making the Transition continued...

4. Stay Flexible

The first year of a new baby's life requires a huge level of adaptation on the part of parents, Kirst says. "Let your baby teach you about structure, flexibility, and creative problem-solving," she says. "Babies are life-altering in the challenges they present. Learning to respond and adapt to the issues babies bring to your life can be life-enhancing. You learn to think on your feet."

5. Keep a Log

Gold suggests writing down baby's feeding, sleeping, and crying habits. It will help you identify patterns and give you a record you can use for instructing caregivers.

6. Rethink Priorities

Jennifer Shu, pediatrician and co-author of Heading Home With Your Newborn, says to "only put on your (regular) to-do list tasks that absolutely have to get done." How do you know what kind of task to put on that list? Shu says, "If it doesn't get done, your family's health, safety, and well-being would be at risk. Outsource things that you dread doing -- yard work, grocery shopping, laundry -- or that can be done just as well by someone else."Singer  seconds that notion, saying, "They'll appreciate helping and you'll appreciate the break."

7. Farm Out Meals

Sign up for a meal delivery service for the first year or even the first month if financially feasible. Prepared meals are nutritionally balanced, healthy, and tasty, and they provide variety. They also eliminate the need for grocery shopping, menu planning, and cooking. Likewise, stock up on takeout menus.

8. Try a Little TLC

"Get hugs from your partner when you can," Karen Deerester, owner of Family Time Coaching & Consulting, says. "Fall into grown-up arms when you're exhausted and overwhelmed. You're entitled to a whole year to rebalance your family around the baby."

9. Leverage the Internet

Online forums provide a sanity check for new parents, but beware of information overload.  Parents need to keep in mind that not everything they read is reliable or a good fit for their family.

10. Stay Connected to Your Partner

Shoshana Bennett is a clinical psychologist and author of Postpartum Depression for Dummies. She says dates every other week "like clockwork" can keep a relationship ticking. Mom can slip out of sweats and into silk to aid in the transition. "One ground rule," she says, is "you are only allowed to talk about the baby for the first 10 minutes."

11. Beware the Risks of Comparing

Resist the urge to "compare and despair" when it comes to your baby and anyone else's.

12. Find the Humor

Making sure to laugh is mom Karen Deerester's strategy. "Laugh a lot," she says. "Imagine you are in a sitcom."

Managing Sleep Deprivation


It's not that you want to stay awake. It's just that in a large part of that first year, sleep is a rare commodity.

Managing Sleep Deprivation continued...


13. Sleep When Baby Sleeps

Sleeping when the baby sleeps is time-tested advice, and it works. Bennett says, "Sleep is a medical necessity even for new moms." Sleep is also an important way to guard against postpartum depression.

"When one parent is up, the other one should be sleeping," Bennett says. The one on duty can sleep with the baby; the other one in a separate part of the home with a white noise machine and earplugs. Even nursing mothers can protect their brain chemistry from crashing as long as they get a few uninterrupted hours of sleep each night."

14. Don't Be a Super Hero

"It's tempting to try to take on the Super Mom role, insisting on doing everything for the baby from diapering to handling pediatrician's appointments," Singer says. "But you wind up exhausted, which won't help the baby -- or you."

Neal Patrick, father of two and a vice president of marketing, says he and his wife survived the first year with the use of a "night nurse" a few times a week. "Our first baby did not sleep well through the night, causing us to be completely sleep deprived. When the second child was almost due, we were able to find a pair of RNs who needed some extra money." The nurses each took one night a week where they stayed overnight with the Patricks. "They 'owned' the monitor and we were able to sleep with it turned off in our room. This one thing allowed us to feel refreshed in the morning -- at least for two days -- and able to keep up with two little ones!"
15. Let It Go -- Without Guilt

Babies don't notice dirty dishes in the sink or laundry piled high. Let things slide in exchange for taking a break or catching some ZZZs. "Teach the baby to draw in the dust on the shelves,"  Paula Polman, a mom and business owner in Edmonton, Canada, says.

16. Try a 'Baby Burrito'

A baby burrito is a special way to wrap a baby in a blanket so he or she feels more secure and may sleep better. You can find instructions for how to do it online.

17. Address Baby's Sleep Issues Sooner Rather Than Later

Singer says to work with your pediatrician to get baby to sleep through the night. "Get a good book on sleep techniques and get started on getting your nights back."

18. Rotate Night Duty

"I waited until I was 38 to get married and then had two boys back to back," Lisa McDonald, director of marketing for George Washington University Hospital, says. "I work full time and my husband is home with the boys and also a consultant. The first time around, we took shifts throughout the night, one of us getting up for the 2 a.m. feeding and the other for the 4:30 a.m. feeding. We were both sleep deprived and cranky all the time."

The second time around, she says, they got smarter. "We rotated the nights of the week. One took Monday night and the other took Tuesday night. In this way, one of us always got a good night's sleep. Then, if the opportunity presented itself to take the boys out of the house the next day, the parent who did the 'night shift' might even work in a nap."

Working In a Workout


Everyone knows exercise is good for stress. But just exactly how do you manage to get a good workout, when you've got so much to do taking care of a baby?

19. Rethink Your Routine

Fitness expert Kathy Smith, creator of the exercise DVD Tummy Trimmers, is the mother of two daughters. "The first year is very disruptive to your schedule," Smith says. "It's physically and emotionally demanding. It's really a time to nurture the baby and yourself, not to add the extra burden of getting back into shape."

Smith says new moms can "think outside the box." You can do pelvic or isometric exercises while you cook or abdominal contractions while you nurse. "A pre-dinner walk with spouse and baby," she says, "sets the tone as a family for a lifetime of exercise."

20. Exercise With Baby

It seems counterintuitive, but when you're dead tired, exercise can boost your energy. Try Mommy and Me swim or yoga classes. Get outside into the sunshine -- a guaranteed mood enhancer. Take your baby for a walk or a run in the jog stroller or on a hike with a front pack. Just always protect your baby from the sun’s harmful rays.
21. Work Out In Short Bursts

Daniel Iverson, a dad and personal trainer, says you can stretch or do squats when you are diapering your baby -- up to 10 times daily -- for a fitness boost. "When the child is old enough to see you, you can do squats with an overhead 'baby' press. As the baby gets heavier, your muscles adapt to lifting the progressively heavier child. It's like dumbbells that grow."

22. Spread Your Workouts Throughout the Day

Smith points out, "Exercise is cumulative. So 10 minutes in the morning, 10 minutes in the afternoon, and 10 minutes at night add up and boost metabolism." She recommends strapping baby into a front pack and jumping on the stationary bike or treadmill. "The motion often puts baby to sleep -- an added bonus."

23. Exercise in the Evening

Jennifer Walker, RN, co-author of The Moms on Call Guide to Basic Baby Care, likes evening exercise. "Babies have a certain amount of energy that they have to expend before settling down for that long stretch of nighttime sleep. In the inevitable evening fussy time, take them on a stroll or exercise with them."

24. Find a Gym With Child Care

Many places accept babies as young as 12 weeks; the sooner you go, the more comfortable you and baby will be in that environment.

25. Maintain Perspective

Remember, this phase will pass -- all too quickly as most parents attest. Donald Martelli, a father and vice president of a public relations firm, says, "Have patience; the joys of having children far outweigh the stresses."
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Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Juju Band Announces The New Year Newborn Baby Contest


 
 
No purchase necessary to enter or win.

 Eligiblity: 

 The contest is open to pregnant women and their families in the USA. Entrants must have internet access to enter competition.  Any member of the family may enter including grandparents, parents, siblings, children and other relatives may enter the competition. Winners must appear in Juju Band Media.

 Employees of Juju Band and their families may not enter the contest.

 How To Enter:

You may enter by sending a video from your phone or by other means to jujubandbaby@gmail.com explaining what is  your  favorite family tradition.  No word count necessary.



 
The Juju Band Baby Shower Pack is the perfect gift for expectant parents at holiday time or for baby showers. Gift Set B contains: blanket, comforter, bib and baby band. The band is used for 2 different purposes. First, it is used on the newborn as a shield to protect the navel from constant contact of diapers and clothing. This helps reduce the likelihood of irritation and infection. Secondly, the Infant band helps to relieve colic and soothe fussy babies. The snug fit calms and comforts even the most finicky infants. Its design is simple and made to accommodate even the busiest of parents! Families from all cultures have discovered the benefits of Juju Band. Juju Band Baby products are made from the highest quality cotton materials in the U.S.A . Give the gift of tradition to your family or friends and try the Juju Band. Gift Set B retails at $53.00
 

Deadline for Entry will be on December 15, 2013 at 11:00 PM Pacific Standard Time.  Winner will be announced on January 1st, 2014.

Visit http://jujuband.com for details on Juju Band.

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Juju Band Just Released Their New Baby Wellness Band Styles For Fall


 Juju Band just released their new styles for fall.

 Care for your baby this fall with style while you eat, drink and be merry. No need to stay home. The Juju Band lets you easily manage your baby’s gas in style which is good news for breastfeeding moms.  The new designs are made for the up-coming season. Get yours at http://jujuband.com
 Fall Orange

Thanksgiving Gobble
 

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Christmas Deal Discounts From The Krazy Coupon Lady

 
Christmas is quickly approaching, making it important to find incredible discounts and promotions right in the comfort of your home. By looking online, there are several deals already available to save hundreds of dollars on purchases, between stocking stuffers to this year's most popular toys.

The Krazy Coupon Lady

Not only does TheKrazyCouponLady.com offer a number of daily deals, but during the holiday season there are a consistent stream of discounts on board games, DVDs, toys, electronics, clothing, and holiday decor. The crazy coupon ladies even post videos on the best products to look out for for the coming season and list what stores currently price match.

Passion For Savings

PassionForSavings.com will show you how to score free gift wrap, candy, and gifts at stores like Rite Aid, Toys R Us, and Target for several ways to save with both in-store and online purchases.

Fat Wallet

FatWallet.com has dozens of deals listed on its website that are posted daily for a great way to save on gift giving at the nation's leading stores. It posts all of the Christmas deals that are currently on sale, making it easy to not have to dig through newspapers to find dropped prices on popular products.


Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Juju Band releases their Boo pattern for Halloween

 Scare yourself silly but keep your baby safe from having colic while you indulge wth this stylish Halloween Juju Band.  Visit http://jujuband.com  $14.99 each

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Showing Off Your Baby's Name


 Author: Roz Stuzin
 
A name is baby's most important possession and his monogram is an elegant way of showing off his name without shouting it to the world. Deciding what letters to use for baby's monogram is so easy but people make mistakes because they don't understand that there are THREE types of monograms. Once you know the three monogram choices, you will never get confused again.

1. Three Letter monogram with the initials of the same size

2 .Three Letter monogram with the middle initial larger.

3. Two Letter monogram.
 
  • The three letter monogram with all of the initials the same size is the easiest. You include the first letter of each of baby's three names( first name, middle name and last name). Even this simple concept can get complicated if the baby has a hyphenated last name. In this case we suggest you eliminate the baby's middle name and use the initial of the first name and the initial of each of the two last names.
  • The three letter monogram with the middle initial larger is very sophisticated and popular ,but you have to be careful and know the correct rules of monogramming. The order of this monogramming is the first letter of baby's first name, the first letter of his last name embroidered larger and the first letter of his middle name. This style of monogramming would never work with a hyphenated last name.
  • Finally, the two letter monogram is usually the baby's first and last name and this monogram requires that the letters be the same size.

Once you have selected the type of monogram; then you can choose the color and the font

1.. We recommend that the color always be contrasting. For example, if you choose a light blanket, then choose a darker embroidery color and if you choose a dark or bright colored blanket then select white or a softer shade of embroidery for the blanket.

2. The font is the type of letter in the embroidery. Script and block are the most popular. If you choose block, you can decide whether you want the letters to be lower case or all upper case.

Baby gifts become keepsakes once they are monogrammed. Almost any baby gift can be monogrammed, but we find that blankets are one of the most popular baby gifts to monogram .There are several choices when it comes to personalizing a baby blanket. One of the important decisions is where to embroider a baby's monogram. None of the choices are wrong; it is a matter of personal preference.

Sometimes the pattern or the texture of the blanket can influence your decision.Most baby blankets can be monogrammed with the baby's three letter monogram or personalized with a name and birth date. The one rule that is almost never broken is that you never add a birth date to a three letter monogram.
Unless a customer makes a special request Namely Newborns usually embroiders the name or monogram at the bottom of the blanket, but there are other places to add embroidery .It is very attractive to add a monogram to the left or right side of the blanket on an angle. Some custom blankets have the name embroidered on the border. Quilts also are usually embroidered on the bottom border unless the customer requests that they be embroidered at the top.

At Namely Newborns we love to add a monogram to stuffed animals and towels. Our favorite place to monogram a stuffed animal is on the ears. Plush bunnies and soft bears, usually have cute ears that look great when they are personalized with initials . A hooded baby towel looks sharp with monograms on the hood or on the side.

Almost any baby gift can be monogrammed. Make sure you know the rules of monogramming and you will always created a perfectly personalized baby gift.

Sunday, September 15, 2013

INDY FAMILY FEST Saturday, October 19, 2013

 
A fun filled Saturday event created especially for Indianapolis’ families.
The event will feature over one hundred exhibitor booths offering attendees valuable information on the latest and greatest products and services. A variety of family and children activities will take place.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
9am-4pm
Indiana State Fairgrounds
Marsh Blue Ribbon Pavilion
 
             http://indyfamilyfest.com
 

Thursday, July 25, 2013

SoCalMoms Beach Workout Series

SuperMom Workout with Christine Kwok of Balanced Strength
Monday, July 29, 2013 - 11:00 AM
Annenberg Community Beach House
415 Pacific Coast Highway
2 Blocks North of the California Incline, on PCH
Santa Monica, CA
 

SoCalMoms and Balanced Strength are excited to invite you for a 4 week workout series on the beach.
As a new or expectant mom, your body and your time has undergone changes. If you found yourself too busy to get a good workout in, it's even more challenging now. This workout is for you, Supermom! This 40-minute workout is efficient and focuses on helping your post-baby body strong, once again, while giving you a sweat to work off stress and, oh yeah, baby blub. (Expectant moms, this is for you, too. However, you must have consent from your OB to participate.)

Join us for the workout and then stay for a mom meetup. Healthy snacks provided by Credible Cravings.
This workout is baby friendly. Little ones are welcome at the beach. If you feel you need someone dedicated to watching your little one while you workout, you can also add on childcare service for $10 per week. We do need advance notice in order to provide childcare.
You can purchase the childcare option as well as your series ticket online at the link below. If you choose this option, please make sure you purchase childcare at least one week in advance.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

10 Reasons Why Prince William & Kate Middleton Use a Royal Juju Band


Photos Courtesy of
uk.omg.yahoo & The New York Times
 
1. The Juju Band protects the navel from diaper rubbing against the cord.

2. Less likelihood of infection.

3. No mess on the royal clothes.

4. No wetness when the royal weenie accidentally sprays during diaper changes.

5. Assurance of a better belly button.

6. Preparedness for colic, should the occasion present itself. Like insurance, only different.


7. No allergies or skin irritation from herbal colic binder inserts.

8. No binding elastic.



9.  Made of breathable material.

10. Because they are royally good parents.

Disclaimer: We only posted this because we were jealous of TMZ-only, I’m NOT a lawyer.