03.12.08 / Health & Safety / Author: Dimitri & Dimitra / Comments: (0)
‘Tis the season to be sneezing, fa la la la la, la la la laaaa. Ah yes, winter shoppers, breathe in the viral infested air of the mall, gas station, office environment, doctor’s office, school concert auditorium and anywhere else you find yourself this season. For many of us, the tissue box becomes our best friend for a while during these wonderful festive months. As adults, we trudge our way through the trials and tribulations of the common cold knowing full well, though difficult to believe at times, there will be an end. Unfortunately, the journey through the sniffles and cough attacks by our little ones at home isn’t as pleasant. How do you explain to your two month old that her cold will go away. Worse, when she’s nursing and needs to feed, but can’t because she can’t breathe from her nose, the situation can reach trecherous peeks of difficulty. But fear not, there is a solution to help those nasally challenged under the age of nose-blowing ability - the BabyVac.
The BabyVac is a nasal aspirator that began in Europe and is used by many hospitals in said continent. Unlike the useless bulb nasal aspirator (I have no intention of hiding my true feelings towards this useless invention), the BabyVac does not rely on trying to suction out bit by bit mucous from your child’s nose, all the while praying that your sick child patiently sits through this ordeal. Instead, believe it or not, the BabyVac uses the power of … (are you ready for this?), your vacuum. Yes, you read correctly, your vacuum. Incredulous and ridiculous as it may sound, it has been tried and tested on my own two children. My daughter, now reaching the five month mark, had a horrific cold a few weeks ago as given to her by her older brother. I never realized how painful it was to watch your child struggle to breathe as I did with my daughter for two weeks. In particular, one morning, we woke up to find her literaly choking on her mucous. Within minutes we had saline down her nose and the BabyVac plugged into the central vac system sucking up that which was impending her breathing. Though we had used the BabyVac several times before, I had never been so thankful for this incredible invention.
The BabyVac has been approved by Health Canada and is completely sanitary. You can rinse out the parts afterwards so that it washes away the mucuous that has been collected. The most common question we get is, “Won’t it suck my baby’s brains out?” Don’t worry, it’s safe to use. It diffuses the power of the vacuum so that it does not harm the child. In fact it barely has enough power to lift a tissue. Why add the saline you might ask. It helps breakdown the mucous so that the BabyVac can draw out the mucuous with ease.
This is why we have chosen to sell the BabyVac at Baby in Gear. It’s an excellent, albeit, a controversial product. We hope you consider the BabyVac as a viable option if and when your little ones are in need during their not-so-cute colds. For more information visit the BabyVac website at www.babyvac.ca/.
21.11.08 / Health & Safety / Author: Dimitri & Dimitra / Comments: (0)
So the latest topic in parent circles these days is about Sophie the Giraffe. You know, the cute little teether toy that squeaks and pacifies our little ones as they proceede to knaw on her head or legs. Apparently, that knawing is what’s getting Sophie into some hot trouble. Moms have complained to Toys ‘R Us that Sophie has made their child choke, and as such, Toys ‘R Us has voluntarily recalled this adorable culprit.
My daughter is just shy of five months, and we suspect that she has begun the teething process. Naturally, we have given her almost every possible teether we own in the store, however, she absolutely loves Sophie! Having said that, I have noticed that when she puts one of Sophie’s legs in her mouth she sometimes has the tendency to take too much. This is where I step in as a concerned parent: I PULL IT AWAY FROM HER! I flip it around and offer her Sophie’s head once again to be drooled on, sucked on, spat on, and malled in every way at leisure. As a parent and the proprietor of Baby in Gear, I have no problems with Sophie the Giraffe. I would also like to state that there’s a difference between choking and gagging. To choke requireds an object to be lodged in one’s throat. I have yet to see the body of Sophie implanted in the throat of an infant. I can see an infant gagging on her, but honestly folks, infants gag on their own fingers. Does that mean their hands need to be recalled?
Now as for those parents who do not feel confident in acquiring Sophie for their little ones, I completely understand. Every parent has the right (and I believe obligation) to protect their young for any forseeable and unforseeable risks. Neither my commentary nor those of others should dissuade you from making a conscious choice of what you hand to your child! I will say that until Health Canada officially produces as recall statement, this is one store that will continue selling the almost fifty year old giraffe (and doesn’t she look great!). Vive la Sophie!
21.11.08 / Diaper Bags with Attitude / Author: Dimitri & Dimitra / Comments: (0)
Finally, the Butler Bags have arrived! The response has been great. Women can’t believe that something so fashionable can also be used for moms. You immediately notice the excellent top grade leather. There’s a zipper on the inside of the purse as well as two exterior pockets, just wide enough to hold bottles. The compartments on the inside for which the Butler Bag is noteable, are of various sizes to accomodate different items (i.e. wallet, makeup, PDA, etc …). There’s even space between the compartments and the exterior wall of the purse. Butlerbag.com suggests that it can hold a 13″ laptop. Yes, there is life for this bag even after the baby days are over.
Undeniably, I think it’s going to be a very popular Christmas gift for the fashionable moms this Christmas. I suspect I may have to place a second order soon.
21.10.08 / Diaper Bags with Attitude / Author: Dimitri & Dimitra / Comments: (0)
O.k. mommies, we all know who’s responsible for packing everything before we step foot outside our door. That’s right, us. Of course, this naturally leads to what I like to call, T.E.B.D.B.S.: the-ever-bulging-diaper-bag-syndrome. Try finding your keys under layers of extra clothing, diapers, soothers, toys, teethers, wipes, bottles, creams, snacks and your favourite lipstick. Fear not, a solution is at hand. The Butler Bag is coming to Baby in Gear! This is a diaper bag that literally puts everything in its place. Separate compartments allow for an orderly organization of a mom’s needs. Check out www.butlerbag.com and view their interactive demo. Our first shipment will arrive at the end of October. In addition to the Classic 2008 and the Hybrid 2008, we will also be posting on our website the new Totes that are not yet shown on butlerbag.com within the next couple of weeks.
20.10.08 / Uncategorized / Author: Dimitri & Dimitra / Comments: (0)
Hi Everybody!
We’re really excited to announce Baby in Gear’s official blog! It’s been a long time coming and it’s finally here. Our store is now approaching the four month mark and things have been busy since day one of opening. Since we’ve opened, we feel as if we’ve been received as local pop stars moving into the neighbourhood. We can’t begin to tell you how often we have heard from exasperated parents that they are so relieved they don’t have to drive further than our community for their baby’s needs. Not to mention that we are thrilled to be here! The best part of our job is meeting all our customers and sharing stories about our kids. We hope this becomes a forum for people to share ideas about products, what works with their children, and the everyday parenting concerns we all share (i.e. how do you get your 2 year old to eat! AHHH!). We look forward to reading all your comments.
Sincerely,
Dimitri & Dimitra