Let me start this post by saying, I hope I am not jinxing myself! 
Last winter I got Cameron some Stonz Mittz, and they were perfect for keeping his hands warm (and dry on sledding trips). But this year, he wants to use his hands more, so I needed to find something else. One day at the playground I saw a toddler with itty bitty gloves on, and I asked his mom about them. She said they were those “magic” stretchy gloves, made for kids and that she found them at the dollar store. Genius!
Cameron wearing his gloves at the playground
I managed to find some on Amazon for Cameron, but I am guessing your local dollar store might have some too. I did buy some for a friend’s child and she refuses to wear them, so perhaps I am just lucky. Cameron loves his and doesn’t take them off when he is outside playing (knock on wood). It takes a few seconds to get his fingers in the right spots, sometimes I settle for 4 out of 5, and they are a little big, but he doesn’t seem to mind at all. So, given that they are pretty affordable, it might be worth a try if you little one isn’t into mittens. Good luck!
Whenever it snows I love to get Cameron out there to enjoy the best that winter has to offer… but sometimes I’m not always as prepared as I’d like to be. Here’s two solutions that might help you out if you happened to get buried in snow over the past day:
No sled? No problem! One day last winter I was walking through Fort Greene Park and I came upon a mom using a laundry basket as a sled for her little one (quite successfully I might add!) The basket was gliding through the snow briskly, and she had a rope tied around her waist to move it along. So, you might not have a sled yet for the winter, but I know you have a laundry basket!
So Smart!
And more inspiration from last winter’s snowy outings – I didn’t get Cam snow pants so I just wrapped him up in a garbage bag from the waist down. Now the most fashionable solution – but hey – garbage bags make pretty good snow pants for a a baby! Plus, it’s something you have on hand.
Also pictured, Cameron’s Stonz Mittz and the sled we got from Amazon.
I am so fortunate to know a lot of moms who share with me their ideas and advice. This post is based in their experiences, as well as information gained from the Fort Greene Babies Yahoo Group and Parents Around the Hill (PATH). I haven’t checked out all these places myself – so I can’t speak to every one of them personally – but my mom friends haven’t steered me wrong yet. The reason I have decided to post about them before being able to check them all out is I am guessing that a lot of you are starting to feel a little desperate with all this snow and cold weather – I know I am! So here are some ideas of places to take your baby in the Fort Greene / Clinton Hill area:
The Booklyn Flea – The Flea has moved indoors for the winter months. It’s new home is at One Hanson Place on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 5pm. The Flea is on the main floor and lower level. According to one mom, the lower level has food options, and the upper level is where the sales go on. She said the lower level is a great place to take kids and let them roam around, and that there is space for strollers. So if you are looking for a weekend activity – check out the indoor Flea!
Story time at Greenlight Bookstore – Greenlight Bookstore is located at 686 Fulton Street and has a free story time on Saturday mornings at 10:30 AM. Check it out for more weekend fun.
Playgroup at Brooklyn Junior – Every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon there is a free playgroup at Brooklyn Junior (150 Clinton Ave – corner of Myrtle) from 3:15-6. Please email info@brooklynjunior.com if you would like to go. Children of all ages are welcome.
The Clinton Hill Library – Not only does Clinton Hill Library (380 Washington Ave) have a great and free Reading for Babies program on Tuesdays at 10:45 and 11:30, but I’ve also been told it’s a great place to take your kid to let them roam around even when no scheduled activities are going on.
Chuck E Cheese – Now this one, I never would have thought of! Last Thursday a few of us were hanging out at Der Schwarze Kölner and one of the moms said that she had just been at Chuck E Cheese with her baby (he is an early walker). She said that it was her nanny who had originally suggested it, and although she was skeptical – it turned out to be a great place for him to roam around, and it was free (since they aren’t playing any games). Chuck E. Cheese is located in the Atlantic Terminal Mall.
Der Schwarze Kölner aka the Beer Garden – As I mentioned above I’ve been going to the Beer Garden (710 Fulton Street) with Cameron and some other moms + babies. It is a great winter option – and they are so welcoming and nice! Read more about Der Schwarze Kölner at this other post I wrote a few days ago.
If you have other ideas to share, please leave a comment!
Given that it’s totally freezing outside, I am excited about the chance to get Cameron out for some fun…. and free fun is all the better! Today Dancewave (45 4th Ave, Brooklyn) is having 2 free classes:
2pm-2:45pm Sing & Swing with Baby 5 mos-9 mos
3pm-3:45pm Toddler Time 12 mos-20 mos
If you can brave the cold, go out and give them a try! We will be at the Toddler Time. They ask that you please RSVP by calling 718.522.4696 or emailing jeso@dancewave.org
See you there!
I went out for a walk this morning through Fort Greene Park and saw everyone enjoying the snow – building snowmen, playing on the playground, and of course, sledding. I came upon a mom using a laundry basket as a sled for her little one (quite successfully I might add!) The basket was gliding through the snow briskly, and she had a rope tied around her waist to move it along. I am always impressed by mom genius! So, you might not have a sled, but I know for sure you have a laundry basket! Get out there and enjoy it!
So Smart!
Never to snowy to play!
Yesterday the family hit the slopes in Fort Greene Park for a little sledding. Lucky for us there was an abandoned baby sled in the basement of our building! Cameron totally loved it. I got asked by a lot of parents where I got the sled, so I did a little research on Amazon to find a baby sled that looked similar:
Cameron's sled
Found on Amazon....
Click here to check it out so next time you’ll be ready! I think since we already have access to the baby sled, I will get these sleds so that the whole family can sled together on the next snow storm.
Brrr! It certainly feels like winter out – which makes me want to eat something nice and warm for breakfast. I posted awhile back about the Oatmeal that Cameron likes to eat that I make with Bananas. Now that he is drinking cow’s milk I make it with whole milk instead of water and we share it (he ends up eating most of it though!) I just thought I would highlight the post for my newer visitors in case you might have missed it. Stay warm out there!
Check it out : What’s Cameron Eating? – Oatmeal with Bananas and Cinnamon!
If you want to try something different, add applesauce, pureed pears, or pureed pumpkin to the oatmeal. It’s a great way to get some extra fruits or veggies in there. Also, oatmeal is an excellent source of protein – so this really makes a great breakfast!
Holy Moly it’s cold out! I have to admit this weather crept up on me and I haven’t really gotten Cameron outfitted for the winter. So today I decided to check out Etsy.com to see what I could find in the way of unique and cute winter hats for my little one. Here’s a small sample of the ones I like (including some super cute girl ones too!):
Ava
baby bear beanie
Flapper Green and Purple
Electric Blue Bird Hat
Mr Alligator
Each image links to the item page on Etsy.com These hats range in price from $9.50-$25 – not bad for hand made items! I just typed “baby hat for winter” into the search box – so if none of these are your cup of tea, check out the rest of the selection to find the perfect hat to keep your baby nice and cozy. Also, check out Chic Squirt for Celia’s Cute Winter Hat Round Up.
Loving the new hat!
Update: I bought the Baby Bear Beanie for Cameron (I think I got the last one!) and he has been rocking it at the playground to much fanfare and compliment! I changed the link on that image to go to the shop that made the Bear Beanie – they have some other cute items as well that are worth a look.
