ML Interest Tag: parenting-world

Calling All Influencers! Tinybeans Launches The Hive: A New Platform for Savvy, Social Parents

by Jacqui Boland

Since Red Tricycle was acquired by Tinybeans in February 2020, the combined brands have been hard at work building new products and resources to support and engage our joint community of parents.

photo: @expecting_grey

Today, we are happy to announce the launch of The Hive influencer platform. The Hive taps into Red Tricycle and Tinybeans users who are bloggers or social media influencers to help amplify their voice, grow their audience and offer monetization opportunities through both Tinybeans and Red Tricycle’s relationships with national brand partners including Kraft, Amazon and LEGO.

photo: @strollerinthecity

Hive influencers are a collection of moms (and dads) who represent are crushing it in the parenting world on their own terms. Think you might want to join the Hive?

Parents who have a blog with 25K unique monthly views or social media following over 5K are encouraged to submit their application through this page: tinybeans.go-vip.net/thehive

Benefits to participating in The Hive Influencer program include being featured in Red Tricycle and in Tinybeans, links and promotion of your social channels and blog, invitations to exclusive events, free tickets to VIP parties, and paid opportunities to work with our brand partners on national campaigns.

Sound like fun? Submit your application here.

 

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New & Cool Products, Gadgets & Gear Our Editors Are Coveting this Fall

by Erin Lem

New seasons mean new and cool products in the parenting world. From the perfect gift you’ll want to snag for holiday gifting to gear you need for yourself, read on for 12 new and cool gadgets, products and apparel our editors are coveting right now. 

Hatch Rest+

Hatch Rest

If you love products that have multiple functionalities and will grow with your kids, get ready to be wowed by the new Hatch Rest+. This new product boasts features you already love about Rest (think sound machine, night light and time-to-rise) but is suped up with added elements like an LED clock, rechargeable battery when the power goes out, hands-free Alexa voice control, WiFi and wait for it...a two-way audio baby monitor. Whether you’re in the midnight feeding stage or the “please stay in your bedroom until 7 a.m.” big kid phase, Hatch Rest+ has you covered. Available at hatchbaby.com (starts shipping Oct. 15, 2019).

The Honest Company Soothing Therapy Collection

The Honest Company

For eczema-prone skin, finding the right skincare solution is like playing a game of musical chairs. Try this, then try that and hope it works. Honest’s new Soothing Therapy Collection is here to help. The body wash and eczema soothing balm—both genetle enough for eczema-prone skin—features prebiotics, naturally-derived colloidal oatmeal and is made without parabens, silicones, petrolatum and mineral oil. Available at amazon.com.

Mayde Towels, Blankets & Throws

Mayde

Compliment your perfect fall picnic with a Mayde towel. This Australia-based brand features hand-loomed beach towels, home towels and throws. Soft, machine washable and oh-so-cozy, keep these in your car to grab for on-the-go adventures. Gets yours at maydestore.com.

 

Comotomo Baby Bottle Bundle

Comotomo

With its soft, silicone nipples and squeezable body that’s easy for baby to hold, Comotomo bottle line has become a fan favorite of moms and babies. We love that they’re made from 100% safe hygienic silicone and is BPA-, PVC- and phthalate-free. Plus, they’re uber easy to clean. Now, you can buy or gift these favorite bottles with Comotomo’s new bundle set that includes two 5 oz. bottles, two 8 oz. bottles, a package of two slow flow nipples (0-3 months), a package of two medium flow nipple s(3-6 months) and a package of two fast flow nipples (6+ months). With this bundle set, you’ll have every bottle on-hand you’ll need to get through baby’s first year and beyond. Available at amazon.com.

 

Lark Adventurewear Pajama Sets

Lark Adventurewear

While we’re partial to Lark Adventurewear footies, their just-released two-piece pajama sets has us jumping for joy. Featuring their signature breathable, UPF 50 bamboo knit (this material is some of the most soft and durable we’ve found), this new style will convert you into a Lark superfan in no time. Available at larkadventurewear.com.

Copper Pearl Nursery Line

Copper Pearl

Send baby off to dreamland on Copper Pearl’s new nursery line that features fitted crib sheets and changing pad covers. The lightweight and breathable cotton sheets and pad covers boast Copper Pearl’s signature on-trend designs and styles that’ll suit any nursery. Available at copperpearl.com.

 

 

TW Luxury Insulated Tote in Cognac (Limited Edition)

TW Tote

When the weather turns chilly you want warm foods for lunch and an insulated tote will help you do that, in style. This one screams more "mom on the go" than "lunchbox" and has an insulated both a hot and cold section to allow you to bring along both. Made of vegan "leather" in a fall-centric cognac color with a bright red interior, it's chic and functional. We think it makes a great tote for carrying pumped milk in style, too. Get it at twtote.com

Zutano Fleece Hoodie

Zutano

This fall Zutano is expanding their line of baby and kids apparel with their brand-new fleece hoodies. Machine washable, these cozy hoodies range in sizes 6 months to 24 months, and in colors that include grey, baby pink, heather grey and true navy. Available at zutano.com.

 

Goat Milk Beauty Balm

Dionis Skin Care

You're busy. Like, really busy. And as we approach holiday season that's not about to change. You need Dionis' Goat Milk Beauty Balm. This simple little stick is your new bestie: use it to soothe under eye circles, polish your cheeks, banish shredded cuticles and tame flyaways. No, really! It works great, smells amazing, and is in a stick form so it won't spill/smear all over your bag. It's pretty compact, too (smaller than a travel deodorant) so keep it on hand all winter long to spot treat dry areas and just make you feel good. Get it here. 

Woodland Dreams Bedding Set from Rookie Humans

Rookie Humans

This dynamic bedding company is best known for their incredibly precious crib sheets, but this fall they debuted toddler and big-kid bedding we pretty much want for our own beds. We love the Woodland Dreams set for instant fall-like whimsy in a restful design. Your kiddo won't be able to resist getting cozy (and you might find yourself wanting to snuggle in, too). 

Shop them all at rookiehumans.com 

EZPZ x Peppa Pig Collection

EZPZ

Make mealtime even more fun with this new limited edition EZPZ x Peppa Pig Collection, which just debuted. Like other EZPZ placements, this silicone plate/placemat easily suctions to the table (no plates thrown on the floor here!), and is dishwasher safe and easy to travel with. Available at ezpzfun.com.

 

SkipHop Infant Feeding Products

SkipHop

Whether you're feeding your tot on-the-go or just starting solids, SkipHop has your back. Their brand-new line of infant feeding essentials include easy-feed spoons, easy-grab bowls, formula to food containers, easy-prep food press set (think making solid foods like avocado or steamed carrots mushy) and much more. Check out the entire line here. Bon appétit!

— Erin Lem & Amber Guetebier

 

RELATED STORIES:

10 Products That’ll Make You Look Like a Design Pro

Sweet New IKEA Products for Kids

50 Mom-Invented Products Our Editors Love

20 Kitchen Gadgets to Make Mealtime (& Prep) More Fun

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IKEA Items That’ll Change Your Life (for $15 or Less!)

by Allison Sutcliffe

While most products that make parenting easier cost a pretty penny, these IKEA originals won’t break that bank. In fact, $15 is all you need to reimagine the way you organize, play and even reduce your carbon footprint. Keep scrolling for our innovative finds.

USB Charger

Settle the chord wars once and for all with IKEA’s USB charger. You can charge up to three devices at once on this stylish little unit.

 

Mesh Bags

Rock the reusable bag thing when you replace single-use produce bags with this mesh alternative.

Ice Pop Makers

Fill these ice pop makers with the fresh fruits of summer for a healthier popsicle option.

 

Customizable Pegboard

Choose your space and get it organized using the Skadis pegboard as a base. Then add coordinating hooks, cords and containers to design exactly what you need where you need it.

 

Tabletop Paper Holder

Turn any table into a blank canvas for your kiddo with IKEA’s tabletop paper holder. Pair it with this paper roll and still come in under budget.

 

Bed Pocket

Say bye to your kid’s typical bedtime cast-offs littering the floor. With this handy bed pocket, they can tuck books, bottles, and tablets safely at their side, right before the sandman visits.

 

Hanging Wire Basket

Stop with the stacking and get with the hanging when you use this wire basket to create useable space under shelving. Efficiency looks good on you.

 

Tablet Stand

Whether you need to prop your tablet to read a recipe in the kitchen or YouTube a quick home improvement hack in the bedroom, this tablet stand can help. Take it anywhere you need your tech.

 

Chalkboard Labels

Divvy up these four sheets of blackboard labels between your pantry, cupboard and fridge for ultimate stylish organization. The easy-wipe surface means you can change the label as often as you change the container’s contents.

 

Kids Knife & Peeler

Encourage kids to cook alongside the master chef with this knife and peeler set that’s specifically designed for pint-sized hands. Pair it with this cute chef set to complete the look.

 

Play Rug

The perfect rug for any play space, kids will spend hours vroom-vroom-vrooming along the roads and railways of this one. Anytime, anyplace.

 

Drawer Organizer

Tackle your sock drawer woes with these organizers that help sort clothes into easy-to-manage compartments. Now your kiddo can find exactly what she’s looking for.

 

Changing Table Baskets

Consider this set of four baskets and hooks your best blowout management tool. They keep your changing table needs close at hand.

 

Play Tent

Instant imagination is what this pop-up tent offers your littles. Need a fort? A shop? A comfy place to read? Simply pop and play. Add a matching play tunnel for twice the fun.

 

Suction Lids

Sayonara plastic wrap. These silicone rubber lids use suction to seal your leftovers for longer storage. Less waste, times two.

 

Hoop Door Hamper

Throwing clothes in a hamper is such a chore. But throwing them into a basketball hoop is an incentive. Hang this over the door to turn clothes clean-up into a win-win for everyone.

 

Under-Bed Storage Box

Pile your favorite play-ables into this convenient storage box. Then slide it under the bed to complete that tidy room look.

 

Kid’s Chair

Your kiddo needs her own special seat, and at this price, you can buy one for her and a friend, guilt free.

 

French Press

Use this single-serve French press to fuel your parenting world one bold brew at a time. After all, sleep is overrated.

 

Tool Kit

Rumor has it, Chip and Joanna Gaines started with this exact set of 17 tools. A must-have for simple household projects, like attaching safety latches and baby gates.

 

Magnetic Board

Organize your family’s schedule, create a changeable IRL pic collage or just “cute up” a space with this mountable magnetic board.

 

Potted Succulents

Your kids are thriving, but your plants … not so much. Add a few artificial succulents to your décor with this coordinated three-pack. No watering required.

 

Clothes Rack

Whether you use it to organize dress-up clothes or park it in your laundry room to mitigate ironing needs, this clothes rack is a household helper.

 

Bag Clips

This set of 30 clips is as versatile as it is colorful. Use them in lieu of twist ties in the kitchen or clip cords together in the office. Whenever you need a cinch, these will do the trick.

 

Stackable Recycling Bins

Whatever you use these stackable bins for, they save on space when it’s at a premium.

 

Activity Book

Throw this IKEA activity book into your diaper bag or car. Then pull out this colorful distraction on road trips or long restaurant waits. It’s a simple solution to an age-old problem.

 

Hanging Rack

Whether you’ve got baseball caps or dress-up get-ups piling up, this colorful rack will help keep your kiddo’s playthings organized.

 

—Allison Sutcliffe

 

RELATED STORIES:

IKEA’S New Foldable Furniture Is Every Family’s Dream

Genius IKEA Hacks for the Kids’ Room

10 New IKEA Finds Perfect for Summer

All images courtesy ikea.com

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Red Tricycle Community Giveaways: Week of December 27, 2016

by Red Tricycle

At Red Tricycle, our mission is to help every parent feel like a rock star by inspiring them to do fun things with their kids. We share the best of the parenting world with our awesome community on Facebook, and we love to hear from you, too. As a thank you to the most awesome parents out there (Red Tricycle parents!) we surprise our community with gifts that will inspire them to get out and make memories with their families.

What is Red Tricycle giving away this week?

  • A Family four-pack of tickets to see Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players at the Lisa Smith Wengler for the Performing Arts; Two Winners, Los Angeles

 

How do I win?

To enter, we need to know where you live and how to contact you, so enter here!

We randomly pick winners each week. Full rules and details can be found here.

Ride on!
Your friends at Red Tricycle

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Now Open: Smallfry Resale Shop (Play Space Included!)

by Marianne Walters

Looking for a bargain on quality kids’ stuff? We took a peek inside Smallfry’s, the newest resale shop on the block, and found that not only do they have a mix of new boutique items and gently used, quality toys and clothes, but they also have a play area for your wiggly ones. Read on to find out what we discovered.

Photo: Smallfry

Inside the Shop

Your first sight walking into Smallfry is the clean, organized space where great attention has been paid to detail and effort has been made to create an eye-catching and relaxing shopping experience. You won’t have to shuffle through overstuffed clothing racks or mixed up sizes in this shop! The shelves are neatly arranged to feature the best of Melissa and Doug, Haba, and the other brands that parents look for when they want the best quality and top-notch learning experiences in the toys they choose for their munchkins.

Photo: Rosemary Ragusa Photography

The Brains Behind the Business

Avery Waxman was a corporate employee with a toddler at home and was newly navigating the parenting world. She walked by Zanzibar one day, saw that it was up for sale, and had the sudden vision of opening a children’s resale shop that could provide reasonably-priced boutique options mixed with practical basics that every parent needs. This cross section of quality, affordability, and functionality is exactly what she has brought to the Hollywood district with Smallfry.

Photo: Smallfry

Shopping and Consigning with Smallfry

Smallfry opened on January 3rd, so they are still building their inventory to offer a wide variety of sizes and styles. For this reason, the intake process for consignors is really flexible. No appointment is needed and there are not a lot of restrictions on seasonal items, styles, or sizes. All children’s sizes, from infant through size 10 are accepted, and they are not opposed to taking out-of-season items. The state-of-the-art software system they are using provides shoppers and consignors with their buying and selling history, as well as a speedy way to search inventory when a item is being requested. This allows Smallfry to keep inventory “in the back” when it doesn’t fit on the shelves and quickly look up your requests when you don’t immediately see what you’re looking for. That’s some fabulous customer service!

Photo: Marianne Walters

Bring the Kids

As the parent of a young tot, this owner is prepared for the little ones to join you while you shop. A corner of the store is dedicated to a playspace for the littles to hang out while their parents browse. Additionally, events are being arranged every two weeks for families to enjoy in this fun and inviting space. Check out the calendar for upcoming events and join them for Creative Storytime, Micah & Me, Yoga Tots, and Stretch, Dance, Play. Looking for something to do after you stock up on clothes, gear, and toys? Walk across the street to the public library branch or head down the road to Grant Park and make an afternoon of it.

Photo: Marianne Walters

The Scoop

Smallfry is located on NE Tillamook St. in Hollywood/Grant Park, just a hop off of Sandy Blvd. Street parking is readily available, and you can’t miss the picture windows of the storefront with the brand-new Smallfry logo. When you arrive, say “hi” to Avery and be sure to offer her your feedback on your shopping experience.

4107 NE Tillamook St.
503-284-1276
Online: smallfrypdx.com

What do you look for in a great consignment store? Let us know in the Comments below!

– Marianne Walters

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5-Second App Reviews (Because Your Time is Precious)

by Selena Kohng

Screen time is like the carbs of the parenting world: Some people avoid it, and everyone has an opinion about it. But the fact is that we’re raising digital natives and apps are here to stay — and learn from! Because your time is precious, we have the quick lowdown on the latest, greatest and most educational.

 photo: Sago Mini Doodlecast

Sago Mini Doodlecast by Sago Sago
Open-ended, minimalist prompts (a pair of eyes, a box) invite imaginative kids to draw and color to their heart’s content. The app records what they’re drawing and saying. Then it plays it all back for you to save, fawn over and send to doting relatives. $0.99 on iTunes.

Safari, So Good (Cat in the Hat) by Oceanhouse Media
Cat in the Hat fans will love this e-book with its classic Dr. Seuss-like rhyming cadence and illustrations. Tap-able vocab words pop out so you can read the meaning, and you can record yourself reading or choose to have it narrated. $5.99 on iTunes.

photo: Hello Numbers

Hello Numbers by NumbersAlive!
Alphabet apps are a dime a dozen, so when you find a good numbers one, you hang onto it. Each charming digit introduces itself with special characteristics and no pressure to trace, solve problems or answer anything. If you have the Hello Numbers book, you can unlock special features; if not, the pleasant built-in activities are plenty. Free on iTunes.

Disney Story Central by Disney
Their favorite Disney character in storybook form: There’s really very little that could go wrong here. Over 150 books, many with spinoff storylines, read to your kids or can be read silently, so you can finish your errands, fight through traffic, or sneak past the toy aisle in peace. Free with in-app purchases on iTunes.
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photo: Kiwi Corner by Kiwi Crate

Kiwi Corner by Kiwi Crate
When the crafting gurus behind Kiwi Crate make a free app, you download it. You then ooh and ahh over pretty pictures, find yourself heart-ing a ton of craft ideas, and mumble to yourself, “I can do these.” And you will, because they’re easy, clever and so cute that you’ll actually want to keep them around. Free on iTunes and Android.

Monster Moogle by Frontera US, Inc.
Leave kids to their own imagination and the end result is always charming/borderline trippy. Always. Which makes this app perfect, with its talking dog narrator, monster characters, and 200+ design tools to make fun and fantastical collages to their heart’s content. $1.99 on iTunes.

photo: Toca Town

Toca Town by Toca Boca
Because Toca Hair Salon, Toca Tea Party, Toca Car, Toca Doctor, and Toca Mini just aren’t enough. Now Toca-crazed toddlers get an entire municipality. They can grocery shop, go potty, oversleep, have a picnic, spend time in the slammer, and pretty much do whatever they want in this irresistibly adorable and responsive world. It’s like the Color Wonder of apps: Let them get all the crazy out without leaving permanent damage anywhere. $2.99 on iTunes and Android.

Storybug by Cricket Magazine Group & Ethervision
Remember how video phones sounded so futuristic when we were kids? Oh, what humble dreams we dreamed. Because now kids can video chat and read a book with a faraway loved one. Now for the awesome part: Different colored hands show where the other person is touching or pointing in the e-book. Hologram parenting in 2015 — we’re calling it now. Free on iTunes, in-app purchases and subscriptions available.

photo: Wuzzit Trouble Math Jr. 

Wuzzit Trouble Math Jr. by Brainquake Inc.
The good old days of writing a subtraction problem and borrowing from the tens are long gone. Give your kids a leg up on conceptual math; releasing wuzzits in this game takes strategy and arithmetic they’ll see on turning gears. Stars, trophies and bonus rewards hook them in. $2.99 on iTunes and Android.

Paper by Fifty Three
Let’s be honest; drawing apps for kids can leave a lot to be desired. Which is why this professional non-kids’ app is perfect for them. Your iPad transforms into a sketchbook that, with the Pencil stylus ($59.95), lets you sketch, erase, blend and create like a master. Bonus: No more doodles lying around that you’ll have to secretly trash after bedtime. Free on iTunes.

photo: LEGO Friends

LEGO Friends by Warner Bros.
If your little girl acts “all grown up,” have the LEGO Friends BFFs invite her into their world. She’ll pick out clothes, decorate rooms, roam Heartlake City, care for pets and help the Friends strengthen their friendships. It’s a role-playing game you can feel good about. $4.99 on iTunes.

Little Critters Colors by Oceanhouse Media
Little Critter, with his wide eyes and crooked smile, is always a hit with the toddler set. Leave it to him, then, to teach colors and words in this interactive storybook. Best of all, you can record yourself narrating and keep it on tap for the next time you could use a second you. $1.99 on iTunes.

Plants by Tinybop
Try not to take over when your kids play this one. No easy feat because, just like the crazy popular Human Body app, exploring here — rubbing clouds together to make lightning or fast-forwarding seasonal changes, let’s say — is super addicting. No end goals or point system; just wandering through gorgeous “biodomes” bursting with learning opportunities. $2.99 on iTunes.

 

Is there an app you love right now? Let us know about it in the Comments section below!

— Selena Kohng

 

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Talking Kids With Soleil Moon Frye

by Erin Lem

Back in the ’80s, little girls all over the country idolized the independent, feisty heroine of the TV show Punky Brewster. Whether it was her fashion sense or her general joie de vivre, we’ll never know, but “Punky Power” was the battle cry for kids back then. These days, Soleil Moon Frye, the cute little girl who played Punky, has become a major force in the parenting world. In 2008, Soleil, together with Paige Goldberg Tolmach, founded The Little Seed, an eco-friendly kids boutique in Los Angeles’s Larchmont neighborhood. The Little Seed specializes in innovative organic products for kids, and in 2010, the store launched its own line of brightly colored, eco-friendly clothing for children and infants.

Soleil has now ventured into the world of online parenting support. Feeling overwhelmed with her daughters Poet, now six, and Jagger, two, she posted a few “Am I the only one who feels crazed when…” questions on her Facebook and Twitter accounts, and instantly saw thousands and thousands of similarly exhausted parents respond with “Yes! ME TOO!”  Recently, Soleil has found even more ways to reach out: first, with her Mommy Ambassadorship with Target, second, with her website Moonfrye.com, and most recently, newly released book, Happy Chaos.

We caught up with the multitasking dynamo for a few minutes to hear about her latest projects, her family, and her hope that parents can just let go of their crazy expectations and enjoy spending time with their kids.

Can you tell us a little about your book, Happy Chaos? How it came about, the inspiration to write about your life, and what you hope to get across to other moms.
I thought back to my moments when I felt like everyone had all read some manual or guide that I hadn’t been given. And I wanted to share some of the great advice I’d received through social media with the world, as well as my own stories and advice.

So, how do you find a happy balance as a working mom?
Well, you have to create it. When you’re stressed out because your kids are asking them to play with you and you’re trying to get dinner made, sometimes you just need to get on the floor, and play with them and forget about making dinner for a few minutes. Get down on their level. Because that’s what they’ll remember, not the dinner you made.

Is it that easy? The words “Happy” and “Chaos” don’t necessarily go together for everyone. Trust me, I had a hard time with those two concepts too! Like trying to go somewhere for a business meeting and being covered in spit-up, or worse!  But with all the craziness, I think parents are too hard on ourselves. We just have to try our best, and if we have a bad moment or fall apart, we just have to try better the next day. I also think parents need to work harder at connecting and supporting each other instead of making judgments.

Between the book tour and the Target Ambassadorship, you’re on the road so much right now. Do your kids travel with you?
Not always, but it’s Poet’s sixth birthday this week, so I brought the girls with me to New York City. In fact, I went to the Target in Harlem and bought streamers and balloons and party favors to decorate the hotel room for her. I also bought my first copy of my book, which was awesome!

Do you like to cook? If so, what’s your go-to dish for the family?
Yes, me and the kids love to cook and bake together.  It serves as a great opportunity to be creative and teach the kids how to measure at the same time.  Our go-to dishes include: blueberry pie, chocolate chip cookies and lots of fun pastas and salads.

What are your favorite parks and playgrounds?
Any place where the kids can run around and have a good time.  There are some fantastic parks in Los Angeles and of course our favorite is when we indulge and go to Disneyland.

What do you guys do for family fun when you’re back home in California?
We love being at home, doing crafts or baking, or having an ’80s dance party! Another big activity our whole family loves is geocaching. And when Jason (my husband) and I can sneak out on our own, we go to the movies—it feels so indulgent!

What’s in your bag? Tell us what must-haves you carry at all times.
I have my favorite Bonnie Bell lip smackers stashed in every bag, and always carry baby wipes and try to bring sunscreen and a change of clothes for the kids just in case. I also like to keep fun things like crayons and coloring books in my bag for the girls! If I have room, I throw in my camera so I’m always ready for impromptu photo-ops. Plus, something with caffeine to keep me going.

What’s the best family vacation you’ve ever had?
This last winter, we all went to Mexico together.  My husband surprised us with a trip and we had a great time bonding with the kids.  We spent a ton of time reading, drawing and being in the water.

– Sarah Bossenbroek

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