Ten 2012 Baby Product Recalls You May Have Missed

Posted on July 15, 2012 by Denise Cripps

Hopefully every parent and childcare provider is aware of the most massive recall of any baby item in the history of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Starting in 2009, an estimated 10 million drop-side cribs were recalled from the US market, daycare facilities, and home nurseries. And the CPSC was not fooling around — they wanted every drop-side crib in the country completely destroyed. In fact, “crushed” was the word they so eloquently chose to describe the method of disposal they encouraged. Subsequently, a law was passed making it illegal to resell — or even give away — a secondhand drop-side … Continue reading →

The Irresistible Cuteness of Pinterest Nurseries

Posted on June 10, 2012 by Denise Cripps

Hello. My name is Denise, and I’m a Pinterest-a-holic. Okay, okay… yes, I admit it. I’m an addict. A junkie. I can’t get enough of Pinterest and a little only makes me want more. Just a drop – a single Pin – and I’m on a bender. A binge. Who cares if I’ve been happily married 14 years; I love that engagement ring, that wedding dress, that veil and vintage brooch bouquet. I’m pinning it! (We might renew our vows someday…) And who cares that I’m done having babies. I can still drool over the latest nursery trends. I have … Continue reading →

Clever Ideas to Repurpose or “Upcycle” an Old Crib

Posted on May 20, 2012 by Denise Cripps

On June 28, 2011, the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission put the latest crib safety standards into effect. These mandates make it illegal to sell – or even give away – any non-compliant crib to be put back into service as a baby bed. Although this is wonderful news for the health and safety of babies, in a single day, this legislation put tens of thousands of cribs out of work. Fortunately, we Americans are a tremendously clever bunch – and environmentally conscious too – so crafty people were able to dream up wonderful uses for these decommissioned cribs. In … Continue reading →

How to Distinguish Between High-Quality Furniture vs. Shoddy Imitations

Posted on April 29, 2012 by Denise Cripps

So tell me, do these two concepts co-exist in your home: “children” + “gentle treatment of furniture”? Or are your kids like mine, where their bunk beds are jungle gyms, their open dresser drawers are scaffolding, the couch is a trampoline, the armchair cushions are fort walls, and our kitchen chairs are step ladders for all things up too high (which, when you’re small, are most things!)? Sigh. It’s okay. You don’t need to answer. I already know. Basically then, we’ve accepted that our pre-kids days when we could walk into Ikea (or other typical big box) and buy cute … Continue reading →

The Many Benefits of Convertible Cribs

Posted on March 26, 2012 by Denise Cripps

When it’s time to plan a nursery, more expectant parents are choosing convertible cribs over standard cribs and making a wise, worthwhile investment. A convertible crib offers a safe, quality bed for baby; then converts to a toddler bed; and then (most) convert to a full size bed that will last your child through adulthood. While they typically cost a little more than traditional cribs, you’ll buy just one bed that lasts from babyhood to college. This makes convertible cribs extremely cost effective. Plus, their versatility and convenience can’t be beat. Choosing a Convertible Crib Safety, longevity, and adjustability are … Continue reading →

What Should I Do if I’m Currently Using a Drop-Side Crib?

Posted on January 29, 2012 by Denise Cripps

We know. You bought a drop-side crib years ago for Baby #1 when just about every crib on the market had this “wonderful, convenient new feature!” But now, with Baby #2, or maybe even #3, you’ve heard enough warnings and horror stories about the dangers of drop-side cribs that you’re worried about your new baby’s safety. You know your old crib doesn’t comply with the new crib safety standards, so what’s a parent to do? Well, here’s the short answer: if there’s any possible way to buy a new crib, do so. (You can read more here.) Basically, the new … Continue reading →