Have you ever wanted to go for a hike but the stroller won't manoeuvre the wood chip trail? Have you ever wanted to take the subway but the stroller won't magically levitate down the stairs? Have you ever wanted to take an older sibling to the orthodontist but you realized that the office is on the 2nd floor of a no-elevator building?
I am actually three for three in the above not-so-stroller-friendly situations. Don't let your baby gear hold you back from where you want to go!
Infant/Toddler child carriers were invented for places strollers can't go. Whether you want it for rural adventure or need it for urban convenience, a carrier is a smart thing. I had the opportunity to try out an Osprey Poco child carrier and it has some stand-out features I need to share.
That's the maximum capacity (child, gear and pack combined). I thought at 22 lbs my dear son was already too big for a carrier. Not true!
With one unzip, one pull, and two clicks the sunshade is ready to go. I LOVE this feature. Just look how compact yet comprehensive this sunshade is:
Padded grab handles, cell phone pocket (very reachable), and zippered pockets for keys and other small things (also very reachable). The hipbelt length adjustment and torso length adjustment allows for me to fit the Osprey to my size or to my husband's size (carriers shouldn't be one size fits all anyway).
Removable drool pad (because drool happens), stirrups for child's feet (so they aren't kicking you), adjustable shoulder straps and bum seat (as your baby grows). One feature that is not included in the key feature notes on the brochure is the red animal designs facing the child on the inside of the carrier. Smart to give the child something close up to look and touch.
They also have accompanying products like a detachable day pack (see picture of me carrying daypack while Dad carries baby) and a Poco Carrying Case (nice if you are going on a plane, train, or road trip with carrier and baby). Plus a Poco Raincover (when would an urban girl like me use a raincover for a carrier?! How 'bout a parade where space for strollers is limited. This carrier would provide a great parade point of view come rain or shine).
In this modern world of accessibility, some places are just still not wheel-friendly (remind me to tell you the time I tried to push, shove, and drag my stroller across hot sand because I had the great idea of taking the kids to the beach #FAIL). A child carrier gets you to those inaccessible places with ease.
And some off-the-beaten-path-places make the best family adventures don't they?
Wanna win one of these child carriers?
Click here to enter our Osprey Poco contest and you could win a $370 Prize Pack.
This is proudly sponsored by our friends at Osprey.
www.ospreypacks.com
Twitter is a great tool for parents. It's a virtual playground to connect and engage at any time day or night. It's awesome for socialization, support, information, and communication be it in your personal, professional or passion-aspect of your life. I have been know to tweet during nap time, field trips, the dreaded 3 am feeding...tweeting got me through the baby blues.
If you are new to Twitter you might find it a bit chaotic. Here are a few tips on How To Use Twitter...
Start by following people who interest you. For example, all the YMC bloggers are on twitter and you can find a Yummy Mummy Club Twitter List here. Yes, Erica and Sharon do all of their own tweeting.
Engage; don't sell. I don't want to see any "Hey @ParentClub you should visit my site http://..." Twitter is like dating—you need to have a great couple of dates before trying to get to any bases. Start with an introduction if you are a new follower "@ParentClub just started following you, looking forward to tweeting with you". Then go on to engage through tweets. "Hi Twitter, what are your plans for today?" You wouldn't randomly pass out your business card at a playground, so don't do it on twitter.
Jump into converstions (nicely) if you have something relevant to interject. I always appreciate a *forgive my butting in* mention when someone inserts themself into a twitter conversation (it's good form). But by all means jump in, join the conversation, share your experience. Just don't railroad the conversation to your agenda.
Menage a trois isn't always sexy. Remember how twitter is like dating? Well if you are tweeting with me and then try to pull @yummymummyclub into it without dating her (er...I mean tweeting her...you get what I mean right?!) well, it's awkward. For example, if you and I are tweeting about activities and then—out of the blue—you pull @TheEllenShow into a tweet about playdough...Ellen is going to be in California wondering what does playdough have to do with her?! Does this make sense? Don't pull other people into your tweets. Let them jump in. Unless of course you are recommending someone "I think @PenguinBooks should really publish a kids' book by @ParentClub it would be a best seller!"
HASHTAGS
Hashtags are a great way to follow people who are interested in your interested. Here are some of my favourites:
#DadChat (Thursdays 6-7PST) Dads supporting each other (Moms welcome too)
#zombiemoms is 4 ANY parent whose child is ANY age, who loses sleep 4 ANY reason!
#PPDChat (Mondays 1pm & 8:30pm EST) Post Partum Depression Chat
There are hashtags for #Food #kidlit #crafts and more.
Seriouly, Twitter has been my day-changer many a time. From just needing to rant about the waiting time at a doctor's office with a sick kid to networking for career stuff to finding new friends at 3am (when you feel like you and your baby are the only ones in the world awake)...Twitter is an awesome tool for parents.
Don't sell. Don't judge. Don't belittle. Just start with one person. And engage. Like you would on any playground.
Here are five easy candy-free Easter treat ideas to give to your kids this year:
An Outfit. They have to wear clothes anyway (every day, I'm told), so an outfit is practicial, yet something fun to your little fashionista. Stores are having loads of spring sales, so you can sure find a good buy, for less than $15.
An Activity. Craft, book, or even play dough—give them something to entertain themselves, while you create these Easter Brunch recipes.
An experience. From a homemade coupon to go to the zoo, to a pass to bake cookies with Dad—an experience with a parent (or any other beloved adult) is a great treat!
A Game. Board or video - games can entertain and build skills (and keep them out of the kitchen, while you are making aforementioned brunch).
An outside toy. Soccer ball, skipping rope, chalk, or bug catcher—spring is a perfect time to get outside and play.
We keep our candy-free Easter treats surprising, by setting up an in-house scavenger hunt. The kids get a map from the Easter bunny, leading them to their first clue (hidden inside a dollar store Easter egg). The kids hunt for eggs and clues throughout the house, which eventually lead them to their treat. It's a great tradition, which the kids LOVE.
Get hopping with even more ways to help you with your Easter entertaining, get crafty with your kids, and celebrate chocolate.
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