Parent Talk

Take Them a Meal–a Web Site to Help Your Friends

Des Miller — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 19:19:29 +0000

I live in a great neighborhood where we all jump in to help serve meals when a friend is need, whether it’s after you’ve had a baby or gone through surgery. I’ve been the thrilled recipient of such kindness and I’ve also organized meal lists. It’s as the organizer that I often find the headaches of keeping the list straight. The questions are flying back and forth of who is bringing what, when, and will it be something the recipient can even eat (spicy isn’t yummy to everyone!)? People on the email list end up annoyed after getting a zillion ‘reply all’ responses that they really don’t need to read. You know the drill.

That’s why I think this new web site simply rocks! TakeThemAMeal.com is an online tool for coordinating the delivery of meals to loved ones. If someone is out of pocket in the cooking department, the meal coordinator can use TakeThemAMeal.com to make sure they can still eat right. This site will allow the meal deliverers to sign up for the day or days when they can help. It’s a master list that let’s everyone know whether the recipient has allergies, needs food delivered by a certain time, or only needs meals delivered every other day. It’s a free service and super simple to use with the privacy policy spelled out right there on the site. Sounds like a simple solution to me and ideal for all the new moms out there who need a break when they have their hands full with a little one.

Drive-thru Baby Shower and Other Different Ideas

Des Miller — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 20:46:06 +0000

I love a new baby, but baby showers aren’t really my thing. Let me amend that. Typical baby showers are not my thing. The silly games that embarrass the mom-to-be by measuring her belly embarrass me, too. The fake ‘oohs and aahs’ over one too many onesies as the new mom opens each present just bore me. But, throw in a little twist to make the party more fun and I’m there. Who isn’t up for a fun party? The key here being fun. I recently heard about a great idea that I thought needed to be shared with all my friends—especially those responsible for throwing the party for the ladies-in-waiting.

The baby shower in this case was thrown while the mom was at work, manning the drive-thru for a local donut shop. What a fabulous surprise for her as the people who placed their orders drove up and dropped off a present when they paid. Obviously we’re not suggesting complete strangers here, but what a great way to surprise a friend in need. Where’s the party you say? Well, after dropping off the gift, each of these ladies just parked it and came inside for a donut and drink, along with a quick hug when their friend got a break. The mom-to-be was truly surprised, and got what she needed without the shower shenanigans that leave so many of us in shame. And how easy could this be to organize? No decorations needed (which leaves more money available for a really great gift), no cleaning up your own house to get ready to host two dozen friends, no headaches over who to invite. Everyone is welcome.

Obviously you can’t surprise all moms-to-be in this way, but you can start thinking out of the box, so to speak. If your expectant friend works an office job, why not throw the surprise bash in your office conference room? If she’s a stay at home or work at home mom-to-be, invite her to join you at a local park, or mall (oh yeah—lots of food already there) and surprise her with a circle of her friends waiting for her? Not only does it take some of the stress off you, but it also eases some of the anxiety for the mom-to-be who may not be all that eager to be the center of attention. In the end, everyone is happier and, hopefully, having fun!

Making Snow Angels and Other Snow Activities for Kids

Des Miller — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 20:18:13 +0000

I have a four year old who has for quite some time wanted to make a snow angel. That’s a problem because we live in Atlanta and snow is pretty darn rare here. But we got about a dusting (not even an inch) over the last 24 hours and my children have maximized the thrills that northern children enjoy all the time. We had to get a bit creative since sleds aren’t part of our possessions, but you’d be surprised how easy it is to slide on ice/snow using a variety of things, from cardboard to plastic container lids. And to be honest, after borrowing a sled from a friend who owns a hardware store (funny that it was even in his inventory), I can’t even tell you what a thrill it is to become a kid again, sliding down the hill right along with the little tykes. Yes, our fingers are all frozen and noses red, but for about a day, we enjoyed a chilly treat that the rest of the world takes for granted. And my baby got to make—and become–the snow angel she has dreamed of for so very long.

As you can see, we didn’t get much snow, but it’s enough for those of us who don’t see snow too often.

Travel Options for Your Little Ones

Des Miller — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 02:33:57 +0000

Places like Disney and Legoland are popular, but I have a different idea when it comes to travel with little ones. We like to think of all of our trips as educational in some way (even a trip to the grocery store becomes a fun scavenger hunt if you go into it right). I believe the best trips for young children are those that get them out and about and able to run off their energy. So, in my mind, it’s less about where you go than what you’ll be doing. For that reason, outdoors-oriented travel is ideal. If it’s a road trip you’re taking, rent a camper so that you are not lugging suitcases in and out and up and down. The children will have a home away from home and you won’t need to stop every ten minutes for bathroom breaks. Make a game plan for along the way that will have them finding different shapes or letters on signs or license plates. Make your ultimate destination a place that welcomes children to run and see, whether it’s just a state park in your home state or one of the seven wonders of the world. Even an out-of-state family wedding will be less boring for the kids if you can locate a state park in the area where they can explore and pretend to be an archaeologist digging for bones or dinosaur tracks. It’s about tapping into that wild side and letting them expend the energy they have bottled up trying to be good in all the appropriate places. To do this right, plan ahead itineraries and activities that are kid friendly (think of the fascinating birds and animals they might see in the new place that they can’t find at home). Pack appropriately for time outdoors, whether it’s sunscreen in the summer, warm gear in winter or rain gear, depending on your locations. Don’t just pack snacks but think about easy meals that you can make on the road (especially if you’ve rented a camper). Finally, don’t pack in too many activities. It’s exhausting for everyone and so much more fun to wing it. That way, if you see something cool on the side of the road worth a stop, you can do it guilt-free and enjoy!

Still Wonder What a Baby Planner Can Do For You?

Des Miller — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 00:51:53 +0000

Sometimes people are confused by how I might help, or what a baby planner really can offer. Well, it’s summed up pretty well in this article posted on AOL recently. Enjoy and let me know if I might be able to help you, or if you might be interested in a career as a baby planner. I’d love to help get you going! Desiree

http://smallbusiness.aol.com/startup/article/baby-planning-businesses-grow-despite/829542

(and in case the link doesn’t work, here’s the text below)

Baby Planning Businesses Grow Despite Recession

Charlotte Jensen, Aol Small Business

Moms-to-be face a dizzying array of decisions as they approach impending motherhood — what’s the best stroller, crib and car seat? How do I find the right doula, daycare or nanny? How do I child proof my house? Are there any recalls I should know about? Most just figure it out on their own or get help from hubby, friends or family, but an increasing number are turning to professional baby planners for support, guidance and more.

It’s a niche still in its infancy. According to the National Baby Planner Association, about 60 businesses in the U.S. and abroad now identify themselves as baby planning companies. “Within the last several years, the growth of baby planning seems to have followed the niche started by the explosion of the wedding planning industry,” says Larry Stone, author of The Safe and Sound Child. “With the increase of fertility options leading to more multiple births and adoption on the rise, there are many more new businesses geared toward helping new moms with every aspect of baby planning.”

“Every aspect” means just that. Besides what you’d expect, many baby planners offer a comprehensive list of additional services, such as baby announcements, nursery setup, going “green,” baby shower planning, new dad support, baby sleep plans, pregnancy photography, instruction in infant CPR, in-home spa services, dog walkers, birth videos, referrals to muralists and back-to-work plans for working moms. The cost? Anywhere from $50 to $100 per hour, or hundreds or even thousands of dollars for a custom package, depending on the services purchased. “We like to say some people are happy with a map, but some people need a GPS to get where they are going — that is our service,” says Ellie Miller, co-founder with Melissa Gould of The Baby Planners LLC in Los Angeles.

So who’s buying? The entrepreneurs I spoke with made it clear baby planning is not just a luxury for the uber rich (though Gould points out they have worked with “celebrities and heiresses”). More likely, clients are time-starved parents, first-time moms and dads, single parents with a limited support network, executive families, couples expecting multiples, moms on bed rest with limited mobility, parents expecting via surrogate, adoptive parents and parents of preemies.

Some people might be wondering: Is all this really necessary, especially during the recession? Does someone really need to pay an expert to help them create a baby registry? Just the thought of Babies R Us gives me a headache, so maybe so.

Necessary or not, customers are clearly buying: The baby planners I talked to say they offer services to fit any budget and agreed sales increased this year over last.

“The fact is that baby planners offer a host of services. Some are absolutely extras and, while fun, are certainly not a ‘need,’ ” says Shannon Choe, founder of Premier Baby Concierge in Philadelphia and secretary of NBPA. “And there are some tasks parents face that are necessities — that exist regardless of the economy — such as baby proofing their home or finding a nanny, and they welcome the expertise of someone with experience, certifications and/or resources in completing these tasks.”

Surprising as it sounds, the recession seems to be playing a role in the growth of the baby planning industry. “The downturn in the economy means there might be two working parents, and they want to ensure they feel safe about their child’s care when not under their own supervision,” says Stone. And two working parents might lack the luxury of time necessary to prepare for the baby’s arrival. Enter the baby planner.

“Baby planning has only known recession,” says April Beach, founder of Sweet Pea Baby Planners in Denver and vice president of NBPA. “Our industry is growing despite the economy.” And it’s growing both nationally and globally. Many baby planners have already opened additional offices in major U.S. cities to serve more regions. Others are thinking bigger. Desiree Miller, founder of Bottles to Britches Premier Baby Planners in Atlanta, just launched her business this year, but she’s already working toward franchising internationally. British Airways sees potential in her idea, too, naming her a winner in its Face-to-Face campaign, which connects entrepreneurs with business networking opportunities and contacts overseas. Just last month, she traveled to London (in a plane full of other winners) in order to jumpstart her international expansion.

The industry is so new, experts agree now’s a good time for entrepreneurs to start a baby planning business. Because there’s limited competition, you can establish yourself as the go-to baby planner in your area. In addition, the minimal startup cost associated with this type of business means you can launch without a massive capital outlay. (Most of the baby planners I talked to started with just $1,500 to $5,000, mostly spent on Web site development and marketing.)

As with any startup, baby planning is serious business. “This is not a get-rich-quick type of business,” says Melissa Moog, founder of Itsabelly Baby Planners LLC in Portland and president/founder of NBPA. “Many people think that this type of job could offer them great flexibility and a nice part-time income from home, but the truth is starting a business is very difficult. It takes a lot of work to create a business model and launch it from the ground up — especially because this is a new field that not many people know about yet.”

Desiree Miller advises potential baby planners to “become the expert on all things baby in your area. That doesn’t mean you have to know it all, but you have to know the people who do.” She writes articles on the topic of baby planning and isn’t afraid to reach out if necessary. “I don’t hesitate to touch base with the top pediatrician, daycare provider or nursery designer to get feedback on important topics.”

Choe says potential entrepreneurs shouldn’t waste their money on print ads. “Instead, spend your time and money meeting community partners and moms-to-be in your area. Word of mouth — or ‘word of mom,’ as it’s called — is priceless and will take you further if you have a relatively small budget.”

Baby planners can boost their credibility by getting the necessary credentials; the NBPA will be offering a baby planning credentialing program starting in 2010. Also, don’t neglect to build a strong foundation before you launch. “Make sure your region can support this type of business, adjust your prices accordingly and do your research,” says Ellie Miller, whose startup gestated for — you guessed it — nine months before it opened the doors to clients.

Baby planners can expect continued growth in this emerging sector. “There are more births per year, in the last three years, than in past years,” says Stone. “And as the recession loosens its grip, child and baby planning services in general will prosper.”

2009-12-22 17:42:53

New car seat uses side impact technology to protect kids

Des Miller — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:51:48 +0000

By Tamara Walker, www.MomRN.com

A new and improved version of the convertible car seat is now on the market. Safety 1st, a company which specializes in child safety products, has developed a car seat that they believe offers an increased level of protection using “Air Protect™ Revolutionary Side Impact Technology”. This new technology is described on the Safety 1st website as: “Breakthrough system shields head and immediately reduces side impact forces through the precise release of air.” What makes this car seat safer for a child? Safety 1st’s product description explains what the new technology does if the car is in a side-impact collision. “During a crash, the system immediately shields your child’s head from the impact. In a second layer of defense, Air Protect™ allows air to escape from the headrest: channeling crash energy away from your child, creating more ride down time. It is this double layer of protection that makes Air Protect™ technology unique.” Because head injuries are a leading cause of fatalities for children who have been injured in a side-impact collision, Safety 1st seeks to reduce the number of head injuries by incorporating the Air Protect technology into this new car seat. Most new cars have side-impact air bags, now young children can have similar protection from this new car seat. The Safety 1st Complete Air Convertible Car Seat with Air Protect is appropriate for infants rear-facing from 5-40 lbs. and 19″-40″ and toddlers forward-facing from 22-50 lbs. and 34″-45″. For more details on the seat, visit the Safety 1st website. Babies R Us currently has exclusive rights to sell the new seat and it can be ordered at http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3601278 for $249.99 plus shipping and handling. Picture info: The Safety 1st® Complete Air™ Convertible Car Seat with Air Protect™ 22430MCK

Atlanta health expert warns of potential for dosing errors in sick children who are prescribed Tamiflu

Des Miller — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 22:15:01 +0000

A child being given her medicine via a syringe. (Photo by Desiree Miller)

Parents with children sick from the flu should be very careful with their doses of Tamiflu. Atlanta medical experts believe there is potential for parents to become confused by bottle instructions and the dosing syringe provided. In the September 23 online edition of the New England Journal of Medicine, Emory University health literary researcher Ruth Parker, MD, warns of the threat. In the article, Parker and colleagues say parents and caregivers may have difficulty calculating the correct dosage of Tamiflu (oseltamivir) Oral Suspension to administer to their children because of misaligned instructions on the pharmacy label, the manufacturer’s printed label, the accompanying Consumer Medication Information and the dosing syringe packaged with the Tamiflu.

Parker, Kara Jacobson, MPH, of Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health, and colleagues provide the example of a 6-year-old recently prescribed Tamiflu for H1N1 influenza. While the medication bottle specifies dosage in volume units (¾ of a teaspoon twice a day), the syringe prepackaged with the medication is marked in mass units (milligrams). It requires a complex calculation for the parents to convert teaspoons to milligrams to determine just how much medication the child should receive. It’s entirely possible a parent of a child suffering from the flu would miss such a detail. “It is critical that immediate steps are taken to improve the prescribing instructions for this drug in children to ensure its safe use,” says Parker in a release from Emory Health Sciences. “We recommend that all pharmacies are instructed to ensure that the label instructions for use are in the same dosing units as those on the measurement device dispensed with Tamiflu(oseltamivir).”

Tamiflu is an antiviral medication prescribed to help stop the spread of the flu virus inside the body. It is typically given within a couple of days of a patient experiencing flu-like symptoms. It also can be used to prevent flu in someone who may have been exposed to the virus but is not yet displaying symptoms. Parker says there is a need to improve instructions on other medications, too. She and colleagues suggest that all medication-measuring devices for children be changed to include volumetric dosage markings (milliliters or teaspoon). In addition, all materials (e.g. package insert, Consumer Medication Information, package label, and stick-on container label dosing instructions) should contain clear, consistent information that patients can understand and follow for safe and effective medication use.

Tamiflu’s response to this study? Roche, the maker of Tamiflu, sent me a statement saying the company has sent a letter to U.S. pharmacits and other healthcare professionals to “remind them to carefully follow the dosing instructions for Tamiflu oran suspension (liquid formulation),to ensure that the units of measure written on the prescription match the dosages on the device used to administer the medicine. Roche advises that if physicians choose to prescribe the medicine based in millilliters (mL), the milligram device should be removed from the package and replaced with an oral syringe calibrated in milliliters.” Other study authors were: Michael S. Wolf, PhD, MPH, of the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University; and Alastair J.J. Wood, MD, of Symphony Capital LLC and Weil Cornell School of Medicine.

For more information on flu and H1N1, please refer to Infectious Disease Examiner or our H1N1 information page.