Author Archive
Friday, May 10th, 2013
Can I tell you how many cribs we build here at American Baby? About a dozen a year, sometimes more…enough that we know a sturdy crib when we see one. Bonavita Lifetyle Cribs go in the “built to last” category. They are cribs that convert to a toddler bed, and then to a headboard and footboard for a fullsize bed, so though they cost a bit more, they’re made to last for all of childhood. 
There’s another reason I like cribs that grow with your kid…you’re not tempted to try and make a crib work for new baby siblings. You introduce safety hazards every time you take a crib apart and then rebuild it for another newborn, because you risk screws growing loose or going missing. Keeping a piece of furniture with one child, turning it into a toddler bed and then fullsize bed, eliminates those problems. I am something of a safe-sleep evangelist, so here’s a link with more on making your crib safe. 
In time for what may be your first Mother’s Day, Lajobi, the parent company behind Bonavita, will give you the opportunity to win their “Sawyer” Lifestyle Crib, in Linen Gray. The crib only comes out in June 2013, and will be sold exclusively at Buy Buy Baby for $500. To be eligible to win, leave a comment below, up to one a day between now and the end of the day on Wednesday, May 15. We’ll randomly chose one winner after that. Click here to view the official rules. Goody luck!
Wednesday, May 8th, 2013
When Jane Seymour visited our offices, we totally bonded over all things motherhood. She’s raised four kids (including twins!), and so Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate with her now-big children (those twins are graduating high school!). She also lost her own mother not long ago, which means the holiday is somewhat bittersweet. 
Jane’s jewelry helps her remember both her mom and her brood. In addition to being an actress, Jane paints, and her designs led her to create the Open Hearts jewelry collection with Kay Jewelers. The concept is simple; she likes to paint open-shaped hearts, which reminds her to stay unconditionally loving of the people in her life. We found this sweet video of her elaborating on her inspiration; watch it and feel like you’re having your own deskside meeting with Jane!
In celebration of Mother’s Day, Kay Jewelers will give one winner this diamond “Mom” necklace, made of sterling silver and worth $100. To be eligible to win, just leave a comment below, up to one comment a day between now and the end of the day on Wednesday, May 15. Here are the official rules. Goody luck!
Monday, April 29th, 2013
And be entered to win $250! For the last 12 weeks we’ve been posting polls to find the best baby swing, best car seat, and more. I know you all have strong opinions, so please vote, and tell us in our comments why you love what you love! Here is where you can find all of our polls. Feel free to hit your favorites in each and every one of the 24 polls you can scroll through! Plus enter to win the $250 prize through tomorrow, April 30, 2013. 
The winners will be featured in our October issue. This is our 16th annual awards, and we pride ourselves in getting input from real parents. As a result it’s not a collection of the latest and flashiest, but rather a story on what is already out and working for moms and dads, and definitely worth considering when you’re making your baby registry. Take a look at last fall’s winners to get ideas if you’re registering now and need info ASAP!
And thanks, new moms and dads, for voting for this year’s awards!
Monday, April 22nd, 2013
Note to anyone attending a baby shower: There’s some stuff that new moms just don’t need. Or, at least they don’t need it by the truckfull! You’ve been there; in this poll, instead of voting for what you love, vote for what you had to much of. Then leave a comment below telling us your tale for the chance to win a $250 gift card. Don’t see what leaps to mind? Feel free to write it in.
Thursday, April 18th, 2013
I think this doll is having the summer I want to have. I’ve gotten obsessed with making it out to Montana and seeing Yellowstone Park and maybe camping…we’ll see if I can make it happen. First I have to save some cash. Here’s my first money-saving tip: The Our Generation line at Target,
which draws obvious comparisons to a pricier, more exclusive line of 18-inch dolls, is a fraction of the price. Robyn, shown here, sells for $23 or less. It’s a good tip if you feel like you’re running to kids’ birthday parties every weekend and want to get gifts that are nice, but affordable!
The Our Generation line, in addition to doll-sized beds and cars, also has this tricked-out camper, which I wish I could have in real life! One person is going to win Robyn, her camper, and also the cute tent set shown below. Lucky! 
To win, post a comment below, up to one a day between now and Wednesday, April 24. After that we’ll randomly choose one winner to win the doll, camper, and tent, worth about $100 altogether. Here’s where you can read the official rules. Goody luck! 
Monday, April 15th, 2013
While we’re looking for the best baby products for new moms, we’re aware that this stuff starts to add up. Is there an inexpensive item that’s a real lifesaver? A diaper ointment that saves you trips to the pediatrician, a sunhat that actually stays on your baby’s head, socks that stay on his feet, or a teether that stops his fussing? On the other side of the coin, did you make a splurge that was totally worth it? Vote below, and then leave a comment explaining your choice for the chance to win a $250 gift card. You can also skip directly to comments and give us your write-in vote!
Thursday, April 11th, 2013
You’re not going to get out of parenthood without having had a car seat or two! Here is the latest and greatest from Snugli: Their All-in-One, a convertible seat that aims to be your main seat if not your one-and-only. It’s got a couple of new, unique features: First, a temperature-regulating fabric that keeps your babe cool in hot weather and toasty in cold weather. Second, it holds a kid up to 110 pounds when used in booster mode! That means she can sit in it until middle school (not that she would, but you get the idea). 
It’s also got all the technology you’d expect such as side-impact protection, a recline option, and a LATCH system for easy installation. By the way, do you need a primer on installing and using a car seat? Roll our video!
Ready to win Snugli’s All in One? For a chance, leave a comment below, up to one a day between now and the end of the day on Wednesday, April 17th. We’ll randomly choose one winner for this $330 car seat! And if you don’t win but want to buy or register for this primo seat, it’s sold at Buy Buy Baby. Check our official rules for all the giveaway details. Goody luck! 
Monday, April 8th, 2013
Help point new moms to the best places for maternity clothes, then let us know who makes the cutest outfits for your baby! Vote for your favorite brands in each category and leave a comment below for the chance to win a $250 gift card. Feel free to add a write-in candidate in your comment or tell us why you love your favorites!
