Cruise Control: Buying the right stroller

Buggy's Mamas Papas Sola Stroller

I will begin with the features I like and then to the things that don't quite work for me. So, what I appreciate most about Buggy's stroller is it's overall durability, sturdy tires and smooth steering. This makes it great for NYC winters or even the nicest spring day as it easily rolls over uneven pavement. I appreciate the forward facing seat option. I like that the seat is high off the ground and I love the adjustable height handle. The storage basket is a nice size and the rain cover is included. This may seem like a small deal but many strollers do not include that basic accessory.

GlamMa: The evolution of Grandma

Having a baby is life changing. Regardless of how much you prepare you're in for more than a few surprises. I was warned of fatigue and all the work required to be a good mom. I had no worries because I had a secret weapon, Grandma. This all knowing elder would make baby food from scratch, cure ailments with home remedies, soothe any crying screaming infant and never tire of watching her grandbaby. But this wasn't the case, if 40 is the new twenty then the late fifty something is certainly the new 30. My mother insisted on the title "GlamMa" and just weeks after Buggy's birth she traveled  to Las Vegas.  I wanted a guide to this thing called motherhood but instead I was given a crash course.

Less is More: Baby Items I can do without

So I’ve taken an informal poll, asking parents what baby items they found unnecessary. So here are the results, majority wins, well usually but not in this case. Just decided to go with my opinion. Here is a list of items I can do without. Tell me what you think. 

Get your ducks in Row: Useful items for baby

My Little Buggy

As a first time mom I looked for traps and they were everywhere, from little trinkets to big purchases.  I was determined to not crowd my "cozy" NYC apartment. My realtor took creative liberty with that description. I'm almost certain that somewhere in suburbia my apartment is actually someone's walk in closet.  So with limited space and a refusal to become a hoarder of all things baby I was deliberate with my purchases. Here are a few things I’ve found to be especially helpful.

Let her eat cake

Photo Credit: Mark Brooke

As of his first birthday he said four words, clearly audible mama, dada, and eat. The fourth not so much a word, as it was a side-to-side head motion prompted by the word no, so I did what any good parent would do, and interpreted that as him saying no. Still two words less than the ten-month-old girl who along with her parents sat beside me.