 |
 |
On Tippy Toes is a monthly magazine dedicated to all things
kids and family. We feature a handpicked selection of baby and kid fashions, products
for the home, entertaining and educational toys and gear for the modern family.
In our special Valentine's Issue, we focus on sex and love and feature delicious
love potions for kids and adults, the 411 on getting away
one last time before baby arrives and, for new parents, some helpful tips
on having sex for the first time post delivery. We also
introduce our new medical expert who answers the most frequently asked questions
about fertility and getting pregnant. Plus, we review the
coolest accessories for kids of all ages and feature some
entertaining books and toys to stay busy at home during the coldest winter
day. And in Good, Better, Best we review our favorite
strollers.
Don't forget to sign up for our monthly newsletter, delivered straight to your
inbox, and you'll be automatically entered to win a snazzy pair of shoes from
our friends See Kai Run. To sign up, send
us an email. |
|
|
|
|
 |
{ Baby, It's Cold Outside } |
|
|
> Poncho Villa
A stylish addition to baby's wardrobe
We love two-in-one accessories. Which is why we immediately went Coo Coo for
Cocopuffs for Super Natural Baby's poncho-cum-blanket. Made of super soft fleece,
you simply untie the middle ties to create an opening and wear as a poncho. Tie
it up again and the poncho becomes a cozy blanket for snugglying at naptime, in
the stroller or in the car seat. Forget to bring a blankie to the picnic? Unroll,
spread it on the grass and voila!
{ $56, Super Natural
Baby } |
|
|
|
>
Slip Into This
Lamb Booties
There are lots of sheep in New Zealand. Lots and lots. And sometimes the little
baby sheep, uhm, die of natural causes (inclement weather and whatnot). Very sad,
we know. Anyway, the lambskin, with its tight little curls and super softness,
is quite beautiful, especially in simple and classic pieces such as these adorable
little booties.
{ $38,
Fawn&Forest } |
|
>
Who's Your Mommy?
Little Feet Necklace
Two little feet make this necklace simply adorable. This sterling charm is just
over 1/2". Customize with your kids' name or a special phrase. Hangs from
sterling chain.
{ $52, Lisa Leonard Designs
} |
|
|
| 
> Warm Your Noggin
Here's your hat, what's your hurry
Made of the softest organic materials around, these hats do what they're supposed
to: keep your kid's head warm. And in clinical studies--by which we mean when
we tested them on the heads of our kids--these three beauties proved to be so
comfy and cool that even the most finicky baby and tot was not inclined to pull
it off. Now that's not something to sneeze at. The Reversible Hat from Egg
by Susan Lazar ($44) is made of alpaca and cotton and can be worn on either
side. Made of 100% merino wool, this Bieq
canary yellow hat ($48) looks like something a super cool grandma (in this case
a Dutch granny) might have knitted back in the day. And the pretty little pink
number by
Short Inc. (it also comes in brick red, tea green, white and other vibrant
colors) is made of 100% cotton, which means you can throw it in the wash for easy
cleaning. |
|
|
|
| > Shanghai Fever
Qi-Pao Jacket
Luxuriously thick and toasty, this classic take on the Chinese jacket
will have heads turning while keeping baby seriously warm.
{ Shokay } |
|
|
|
|
| > New Classic
Baby in a Blanket
Born out of the tradition of passing on an heirloom from one generation to
the next, these beautiful blankets by Baby In A Blanket feature cotton fabric
on one side and cozy courderoy on the other--perfect for keeping baby warm in
a stroller or carseat.
{ $40, Baby in a Blanket
}
 |
|
|
|
| > Cold Play
On-the-Go Thermal Relief
Keeping baby warm from head to toe is a cinch with the B212evolution, which
features an anti-pilling micro fleece lining, an ergonomic hood, thermal filling
and a waterproof shell. An anti-slip back panel and security straps help keep
baby in place in the stroller or carseat. Unzip it and
it turns into a blanket.
{ $199, 7 a.m. Enfant }
|
|
|
| > We Love Shoes
Tip Toey Joey
What you put on your child's feet the first three years is critical.
Because baby's bones are soft and malleable, the footwear you choose should be
non-restrictive. A good pair of baby shoes should be made of a soft natural material
that breathes. Made of Brazilian leather, Tip Toey Joey shoes could quite possibly
be the softest, most comfy shoes for baby on the market. Thanks to a stretching
heel, shoes go easy on and .off, while a rubber sole allows little feet to sense
irregularities of the ground, an asset for developing foot muscle, posture and
balance. Now, if they only made adult sizes...
{ $42, Tip Toey Joey } |
|
 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
{ The Babymoon } |
|
|
|
| |
| Last Getaway
Sippy cups, bibs and sleepless nights are right around
the corner. The second trimester is probably the last time expecting parents will
have to take a trip together. A babymoon can be a great opportunity for parents-to-be
to focus on their relationship, reconnect as a couple before entering into parenthood
and simply relax. Squeeze in as much couple time as you can before junior makes
his grand entrance.
|
|
|
|
| 
WHERE le Chateau Bonne Entente, Quebec
WHY The cradle of French civilization in North America,
a world heritage city, Quebec has a unique identity. Take in the cultural abundance
and heritage sights of this city.
WHAT YOU GET Two nights accomodation including breakfast,
a special massage for pregnancy, algae body wrap, pressotherapy and pedicure for
mom and a sports massage, facial and manicure for dad.
{ chateaubonneentente.com } |
|
| Hot
& Heavy
If you think your pregnant belly will get in the way
of great sex, think again. In the second trimester especially, an increase in
hormone production and blood flow to the genitals can create serious heat--it
might just be the thing that ignites your libido. |
|
|
| 
WHERE Ritz Carlton Amelia Island, Fl
WHY On a grand stretch of the island’s 13 miles
of coastline, southern charm meets the sea and live oaks meet white sandy beaches.
One of the most popular beach destinations on the East Coast, this luxurious barrier
island hotel provides a welcome barrier between you and the world beyond.
WHAT YOU GET Overnight accommodations in an oceanfront
suite or coastal view room on the Club Level for two nights, couples massage (prenatal
massage for her and sports massage for him), Bulgari baby bath set, three-course
dinner for two served in room or your balcony from in-room dining, mother's choice
of one item from pregnancy craving menu, extra pillows for back and tummy support,
overnight valet parkin. Starting at $1299 for two nights
{ ritzcarlton.com } |
|
|
|
| Babymoon
101
When to go During the second
trimester you'll be feeling less queasy, less lethargic and less huge. Plus, chances
are your libido will also be cooperating.
WHERE TO GO Far away and exotic might not be the
best idea. Being on a plane for more than four hours can be tough on the best
of situations and particularly so on a preggo body. Plus this is not the time
to deal with vaccines.
DESTINATION It should go without saying that the
whole point of this trip it to relax. So do without an urban getaway where the
focus is on cultural offerings (read, lots of walking and getting in and out of
taxis). If your second semester happens to be during the winter months, a beach
getaway could be a great treat. In fall, a New England B&B ain't bad.
Check with your doc Before booking your ticket, tell
your doctor of your plans. Mention where you're going (i.e. if your trip is on
a Caribbean island, do you know what types of fish you should avoid?), what you'll
be doing (is snorkeling OK?), how long your flight is (what in-flight excercises
are recommended?). |
|
|
|
|
| In the Heat of the Nightie
Made from 100% natural silk satin, this gorgeous slip is cut to flatter the
tummy during and after pregnancy. With ivory lace and black accents, this luxuriously
soft garment is easy to slip off the shoulder at feeding times. Guaranteed to
bring a smile to your lips each time you wear it.
{ Cake Lingerie, cakelingerie.com.au } |
|
|
| 
WHERE The Westin Resort & Spa, Los Cabos
WHY A celebrated rendition of the Arch in Cabo San
Lucas and nestled into the cliffs overlooking the intensely blue Sea of Cortéz,
this strikingly imagined resort offers both architectural majesty and a supremely
relaxing vacation. The Westin offers couples one last romantic hurrah before the
big arrival.
WHAT YOU GET An inviting welcome amenity including
sparkling cider and chocolate covered strawberries, an energizing breakfast in
bed everyday, a prenatal massage to help the mom feel refreshed, a pedicure to
ease tired feet, and a rejuvenating in-room dessert every evening.
{ westin.com } |
|
| |
|
| |
 |
{ Get Your Creative Juices Flowing } |
|
|
| > Soft on the Outside
This Plush Pal's For You
Are you a DIY kind of mom (or dad)? Got plenty of time on your hands to sew
your kid some awesome plush little friends? Then this kit's for you. It comes
with eight pattern sheets and a 24-page step-by-step instructional booklet for
making 15 uber-cute toys, including all the "ingredients" for making
a scrumptious felt Party Cake. Yummy!
{ $24.95, Amazon
} |
|
|
> New Kids on the Block
Crayons Never Go Out of Style
Packed in Serena & Lily's signature case and made of high-quality, pesticide-free
beeswax, these 16 thick rectangular crayons won't smear, crumble or stick. Crayons
are coated with a non-toxic wipeable coating for longevity.
{ $36, Serena & Lily
} |
|
|
|
| 
> Tumbling Down
B is for Bobles
It's a seesaw! It's a rocker! Leave it to the Danes to come up with something
so simple yet so playful. These modern geometric forms shaped like animals can
be a piece of furniture in the playroom, a place to sit, climb on or balance,
a rocket, a sailboat or anything else your little rascal can think of. Toxin and
Pthalate-free, the Tumbling Animals from Bobles
are made of easy-to-clean foam.
{ $39-$119, Mini Jake } |
|
|
| > Do Slugs Fall In Love?
Valentino the Romancing Slug Does
Trained as a painter/artist at the School of Visual Arts in NYC, Kristin
Loffer Theiss launched KLTWworks in 2005 as a way to release her pent up creaive
energy and to create whatever popped into her head. Kristin's childrens collection
is inspired by her first child, Sayer, whose bits of clothing were quickly turned
into whimsical plush toys, mobiles and pillows as soon as he outgrew them. Just
in time for Valentine's Day, KLT introduces Valentino the Romancing Slug, which
as the name suggests, is the kind of slug that not only falls in love but also
wears his wool felt heart on his sleeve (or at least he would, if slugs had sleeves).
Made of cotton, organic fleece and felt, this plush cutie is sure to remain your
kid's favorite long after February 14.
{ $22, KLTWorks
on Etsy } |
|
|
|
|
| > Love Potions
Valentine Treats: Recipes and Crafts for the Whole Family
Celebrate the day: toast the one you love with three simple and festive Valentine's
Day drinks for adults and children. Each of the below recipes makes one serving.
kir royale: adult's version
Pour 1 to 2 tablespoons cassis liqueur in a champagne flute. Fill with champagne
and gently stir.
princess royale: kid's versions
Pour 1 to 2 tablespoons cassis or raspberry syrup in a champagne
flute. Fill with ginger ale and gently stir.
sugar-cube-kid: kid's version
Place one large sugar cube in a glass. Drizzle 1/4 teaspoon granadine over it.
Fill glass 1/2 full with ginger beer or ale. Stir in a splash of orange juice
and top with ice cubes. Garnish with a spiral twist of orange zest and serve.
sugar cupid: adult's version
Place one large sugar cube in a glass. Drizzle 1/4 teaspoon granadine over it.
Fill glass 1/2 full with ginger ale or another clear soda pop. Stir in a splash
of orange juice and a splash of bourbon or brandy, and top with ice cubes. Garnish
with a spiral twist of orange zest and serve.
More Valentine's treats here.
{ $16,99, Amazon
}
Recipes and images courtesy Chronicle Books. |
|
|
| 
> I Just Wrote To Say...
Eco-Friendly Card
This original illustration is inspired by the magnetic letters that kids play
with. A distinctively different way to say I love you!
{ $5, Sweetbeets
} |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
{ In the Bedroom } |
|
|
|
Touched for the Very First Time...Kind Of
In her famous song, Madonna may not have been talking about the unique challenges
of having sex for the first time after having a baby. But feeling as nervous as
a virgin is not unheard of for many women who recently gave birth. Here, some
advice for the most common concerns. |
|
| PROBLEM It's hard to feel sexy
with the extra baby weight and stretch marks.
SOLUTION Your hubby will be so thrilled to finally have
sex again that he probably won't even notice your "imperfections." But
if you're still not convinced, try something that makes you feel hot--go ahead
an buy yourself that sexy lingerie you've been coveting, pour yourself a little
bubbly and, if all else fails, turn off the lights. But remember, it is possible
to get pregnant while you're nursing. Breastfeeding, which decreases fertility
temporarily, doesn’t guarantee that you won’t ovulate. |
|
|
PROBLEM Can't seem to find the time when baby's
asleep and you're both awake.
SOLUTION Since baby was born you've been told, time
and again, to sleep when baby sleeps. It's now time to unlearn that lesson. Sure,
you could catch up on some Zzzz's. Or you could get it on with your partner, even
for a quickie. And next time your mother-in-law or best friend offers to watch
the baby, go ahead and take them up on it. But don't go out to dinner or a movie.
Instead, go to the bedroom, or better yet, book a nearby B&B for the day,
order room service. And upload our playlist (at right) to your iPod.
|
|
|
|
| PROBLEM Your breasts leak when
your partner touches them.
SOLUTION Nurse your baby or pump before heading to the
bedroom. While some men find the, uhm, leakage sexy and fun, if yours does not
just put on that sexy bra, stuff it with nursing pads and don't take it off during
sex.
|
|
|
| PROBLEM You feel like a virgin.
How much is this gonna hurt?
SOLUTION If you still feel tight four to six weeks after
a perineal tear or Episiotomy has healed, you or your partner can gently stretch
the area using fingers (lubricate well with K-Y Jelly). Also, you may want to
skip doing the deed those first few times and instead get creative... there are
lots of ways to please each other without penetration. Foreplay is key.
Note: Consult your doctor if you are still experiencing vaginal pain and tightness
after three to six months. |
|
|
|
|
| PROBLEM You’re as dry as
the Sahara.
SOLUTION After giving birth, your estrogen levels drop
and your vagina is dryer than usual, particularly if you’re breastfeeding.
“Lubrication is key,” says Dr. Catherin Marin, M.D., an assistant
medical director at Pacific Fertility Center in Los Angeles. If the problem is
severe, your doctor might prescribe a topical estrogen cream, which can plump
up vaginal tissues without affecting your ability to breastfeed. Lots of foreplay
and a glass or wine (or two) beforehand can work wonders too. |
|
|
> The Playlist
Our music critic put together a sexy playlist.
In the Waiting Line, Zero 7
You Make It Easy, Air
True Love Waits, Radiohead
It's Good To Be In Love, Frou Frou
Say Yes, Elliott Smith
Teardrop, Massive Attack
It Could Be Sweet, Portishead
Pena, Federico Aubele
All Is Full of Love, Bjork
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
{ The Fertility Question } |
|
|
Our Expert
Catherine DeUgarte, MD
Assistant Medical Director,
Pacific Fertility Center, Los
Angeles, CA
Dr. DeUgarte is board certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology. She is a Member
of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the American Society
of Reproductive Medicine. She has received several awards and has published multiple
scientific papers, articles and book chapters in several areas of infertility
and sexual dysfunction and is a Clinical Professor at UCLA. Her areas of expertise
include preimplantation genetic diagnosis, male and female infertility, Polycystic
Ovarian Syndrome and female sexual dysfunction.
|
|
Fertility Questions Answered
In this issue, we introduce our new fertility expert, Dr. Catherin DeUgarte, who
answers the most common questions about getting pregnant. |
Q What
are the risks associated to excess body fat and infertility? What about being
too thin, any risks associated with that?
A Obesity (especially a BMI>30)
can reduce fertility by several mechanisms. It can cause irregular periods and
therefore prevent ovulation, it can prevent implantation or the attachment of
the embryo to the uterus and it can increase the miscarriage rate. In men it can
also affect sperm quality. Women who are too thin (BMI<19) can have decreased
fertility secondary to problems with ovulation. For example, gymnists, ballerinas
and women with eating disorders can have hormonal imbalance at the level of the
hypothalamus (which is an important area for the reproductive system and is located
in the brain) and therefore the necessary signals for ovulations may be lacking. |
Q How does diet affect
your odds of conceiving? Are there any foods that all women trying to get pregnant
should have? What about foods and other things to avoid?
A Diets that are high in protein and
low in carbohydrates are best. Extreme diets are not recommended. In obese women
losing 10% of the weight can improve fertility by 30% if there are no other factors.
Women trying to get pregnant should take folic acid (400 mg/day) or foods that
are rich in folic acid. It is best to avoid high mercury fish such as tuna and
red snappper. |
Q
Is there any link between infertility and alcohol? What about cigarettes?
A There is a link between alcohol and
decreased sperm count. There are no good studies about alcohol and female fertility.
Cigarettes are terrible for fertility for both men and women. They can decrease
sperm count, decrease egg quality, increase miscarriage and may cause small babies.
They can also increase learning disabilities. |
Q What signs are there
that you do not have a normal menstrual cycle?
A
The normal menstrual cycle is 21-35 days but the average is 28 days. If periods
occur less than 21 days or greater than 35 days apart, a doctor should be consulted.
Spotting between periods or very heavy periods may be signs of an anatomical or
hormonal problem. |
Q At
what point after trying unsuccessfully to get pregnant should you see your ob-gyn?
A If you are under 35 years with no
medical problems in you or your partner, and have been actively trying for 12
months to achieve pregnany. If you have a history of fibroids, polycystic ovarian
disease, a sexually transmitted disease, endometriosis and are over 35 or have
a partner who may have an abnormal semen analysis you should consult a specialist
as soon as possible. If you are 35 years or older with no medical problems in
you or your partner and have been actively trying for six months to achieve pregnany.
If you are over 40 you should consult a physician as soon as possible without
any wait. |
Q Is there any link
between having a more active sex life and being able to conceive?
A Yes, increased sexual frequency can
improve chances that the sperm will find the ovulated egg and it may also rejuvenate
the sperm. During ovulation you are more likely to conceive within 24-48 hours
after the egg is released. |
MYTH Older patients
(40+) can easily achieve pregnancy.
MYTH Infertility drugs cause cancer.
MYTH Most of the time it is the women's fault that pregnancy
is not achieved.
MYTH Women who were previously on the pill have enhanced
fertility.
MYTH
Men's diet--what they eat, drink, smoke--does not affect their ability to get
their partners pregnant. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
{ The Stroller } |
|
When you want to avoid waking a sleeping baby, a travel system (car seat/stroller
combination) is the way to go because it lets you take the car seat out of the
car and attach it directly to the stroller. Here, three of our favorites.
|
| 
> Max Pro
The Max Pro is a 3-wheeled beauty that feels much lighter than its actual
weight would have you believe... kind of like that new Honda CR-V.
THE FRAME Lightweight aluminum 3 wheel frame with adjustable
handle and storage basket; accepts most competitive infant car seats.
COLORS Red, Blue/Mocha, Black/Grey
ACCESSORIES Comes with a parent tray with two cup holders, storage pocket
and a roomy storage basket under the seat.
SPECS Weight 25.5 lbs., open size 24.5W" x 44D" x 43H"
COST $400, Babyplanet |
|
|
| 
> Slider
Sleek and compact, the Mutsy Slider offers great performance and a sporty
look...like that Mini Cooper you wish you had.
THE FRAME The entire upper part is detached from the frame together
with the travel cot or the seat, so the frame folds for easy storage. It can fit
a Graco and a Maxi-Cosi car seat (with adaptor). The base folds easily with the
push of a button.
COLORS Green, red or white
ACCESSORIES Includes a foam grip handle and a detachable basket
bag. Nursery bag, footmuff and raincover sold separately.
SPECS Weight 29.1 lbs.; length seat/bassinet frame 28.3 x 25.6 x 41.3
COST $759, Mutsy |
|
|
| 
> Cameleon
This is the Land Rover of baby strollers--thanks to chunky wheels, it can transition
easily between beach and woods, snow and sand.
THE FRAME A 3-in-1 design adapts to carseat, reverible bassinet, reversible
seat so you can let your baby see-and-sbe-seen by you and the world. The telescoping
handbar is easy to adjust while the foam filled 12" rear wheels provide a
smooth ride.
COLORS Six different base colors and nine types of tailored (fleece or
canvas) fabric.
ACCESSORIES Mosquito net, rain cover, underseat bag are included. Other
cool things you'll want (such as a cup holder) sold separately.
SPECS Weight19.8 lbs.; length seat/bassinet frame 35.4"
COST $899, Bugaboo |
|
 |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
Editor
Celeste Moure
Contributors
Lola Augustine Brown
Catherine DeUgarte, MD
Julia Martin
Chris P. Pryor
Katharin Robinson
Subscribe to our e-newsletter
and you will be automatically entered to win a pair of shoes from See
Kai Run. |
|
Media Partnerships
Every month, On Tippy Toes presents one exclusive media partner. Click
for more information about advertising opportunities.
Press
Send press releases to press.
Feedback
Got something to say? Criticism or praise, we can take it, we're big kids. Let
us know what you think about On Tippy Toes.
About Us
On Tippy Toes is a monthly email magazine, featuring health, travel, and reviews
of the best toys, gadgets and all things for babies, kids and their parents.
|
|
|
|
|
© 2009 On Tippy Toes. All Rights Reserved.
