Cameron, my husband, and I just got back from a trip to the Ikea in Red Hook, Brooklyn. I always forget how much great (and CHEAP!) kids stuff they have. We got some cute rainbow colored plastic food bowls, some bibs, a plush soccer ball, a mobile for grandma and grandpa’s house (they also got a crib there for him – $99!) and some baskets from the plant area for toy storage. Aside from the great items we bought, they also have tons of other toys (some wooden) cute lighting fixtures and other decor items, as well as kids storage solutions. And everything is very affordable.
Toy clean up basket for less than $15 – thanks plant department!
So next time you need some stuff for baby, think Ikea instead of babies r us or buy buy baby. You may be pleasantly surprised!
Starting Sunday, September 6, and every other Sunday in September Myrtle ave between Clinton and Emerson from 11am to 7pm will be closed to vehicles so people can walk, run, bike, or whatever. Check out the Myrtle Avenue partnership website for more on Move about Myrtle.
I’ve always dried Cameron off after his bath on the floor next to our bathroom vanity cabinets. Lately he decided it would be super fun to open and close them relentlessly as I attempt to dry him off. The other day at the pool my friend Crystal mentioned that she was using rubber bands untill her babyproofing stuff arrived in the mail…. so I got some out today pre bath time. Worked like a charm – for now!
The other day I posted about a friend who had dried out her daughter’s swim diaper in the hopes of using it again. Well, today Cameron and I were back at Clermont pool and I re-used one of his diapers. It worked great, and I will definitely do it again!
I was about to throw away my empty paper towel roll when I thought… “maybe Cameron would like this.” Like would be an understatement! It brought about half an hour solid of entertainment, which in mom and baby land is practically an eternity. Next time, don’t throw it out!
The other day I was at the pool with my friend Yael and her little girl, Noa. We were discussing the possibility of drying out swim diapers so that they could be used again. After all, they are generally only worn for a short amount of time, and not much happens (usually) in that time. Yael said she would give it a try, and report back. Here are her findings:
After our great day at the pool yesterday and realizing that the swim diaper we used was the last in our stock – and knowing that we wanted to swim again today and given that I had no patience for a quick morning trip to target – I wrung out the diaper and hung it from our drying rack near a window that gets partial sun. 24 hours later – it was completely dry and ready to go! No odor - pool or otherwise. I think drying out used swim diapers works – as long as they are not poopy!! : )
I’ll be trying this for sure for the rest of the summer, as I ordered one more pack of swim diapers and I want it to last for the rest of the season!
All summer I had many excuses as to why I wasn’t going to the pool at PS 20 / Parham Playground / Clermont pool in Fort Greene. “Someone told me it’s really cold.” ” I heard there are a lot of crazy strict rules.” “I think it might be too crowded.” Well, forget it. It’s not cold at all, and on a hot day it’s downright lovely. I even heard one kid exclaim to her mom “It’s warmer than the shower!” As far as the rules go, the only ones I ever see them enforce are in regards to running and jumping. I had heard there were restrictions about babies wearing hats, and wearing t shirts. If these rules do exist, they don’t seem to be enforced, so I wouldn’t worry about it. And while sometimes it can get a little crowded, its easy enough to roam around the pool, or sit your baby in the little side well where they can splash safely. Overall, I have to say I’m embarrassed for not having gone sooner this summer, but you can bet Cameron and I will be there every afternoon we can until it closes!
Pool Time with Cameron
Clermont pool is open until Labor Day
Hours of operation are 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m
