Art of Moming » Dad

Toddler Bike Seats Mean Fun for Everyone

Maureen Dempsey — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 12:00:57 +0000

I’ve recently become obsessed with getting a bike and taking my 2-year-old all over town. It seems like such freedom compared to a stroller or the confines of public transportation, and I am absolutely confident that she would have a blast wheeling around the city. First, I found a nice little three-speed cruiser. Next up: a seat for my girl. In doing the research, I came across two excellent toddler bike seat options.

The Ibert Seat ($95) will keep the kiddie in full view (no turning around every five seconds or yelling back to ask, “Having fun?”). A padded seat and fixed shoulder straps will keep him comfortable and secure. And what a great view he’ll have!

The CoPilot Seat ($135) is a great backseat option. It includes a three-point harness, padded overhead restraint bar and foot straps. The quick-release seat is installed on a rear-wheel base (included)–so can be removed easily (like, 30 seconds) for traveling solo.

However you choose to get around this summer, we wish you happy travels!

Be Mom Hero of the Day: Make Your Own Popsicles

Maureen Dempsey — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 19:33:19 +0000

The quickest way to becoming the favorite mom in the neighborhood? One word: Popsicles. Every kid loves them. And if you’re a culinary master (or experimenter), why not try making your own this summer? I personally have attempted and succeeded at some fab strawberry slushy popsicles. And “kitchen underachiever” is an understatement, so if I can do it, so can you. Step 1: pick up some fun popsicle molds.

The classic ring pop gets a cool makeover with the Tovolo Freezer Jewels. Each set includes six individual popsicle molds that come in fun, different gem shapes and a base that helps keep your pops in place, preventing any tips and spills while in the freezer.

Make your own push-up pops with these Kinderville silicone sleeves. The tapered design allows the popsicle to be pushed to the top to enjoy, and the fluted rim helps any residual liquid go back into the mold and not over little hands. Less mess! (Hopefully…)

P.S. Looking for inspiration–or just some dependable pop ideas? Check out recipe book, Pops! Icy Treats For Everyone.

An Eco-Friendly, Back-Friendly Baby Carrier

Maureen Dempsey — Tue, 04 May 2010 19:01:33 +0000

Infant carriers have come under fire recently, and it’s with great caution that we sing any carriers praises.But we’re loving the brand-new Tour Guide Carrier. At first, we thought it was a new brand on the market, but it’s very discreetly made by Petunia Pickle Bottom. Its simple color palette and slick design are expected of the baby goods brand, though, now that we think about it.

The carrier slips on like a T-shirt and the fit is customizable via straps and buckles. The best part? It’s made from recycled materials. While this one will only get you through the first eight months or so, you can feel a little bit better about buying another piece of baby booty knowing that it came from a better place. (And once you’re in the market for a larger carrier–for babies 22+ pounds–consider the organic Ergo.)

Looking for more carrier and sling options? There are many, many more!

Footwear: Where Boys Show Off Their Style

Maureen Dempsey — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:23:08 +0000

Girls have limitless clothing and accessory options to show off their style sense. Boys, on the other hand, are rather limited. (Showing off too much style just might get you called a girl.) Fortunately, sneakers are the one area boys can show off. We’re partial to Adidas kids footwear, with its eye-popping colors.

The way boys use up sneakers, it seems like we’re always looking for a new pair–because they’ve outgrown them or worn them out. Luckily, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel every three to six months (seems crazy to buy shoes so often!), mainly because they are durable.

Unsolicited parenting advice: Mom is usually in charge of most fashion decisions and clothes purchasing, but why not let dad have a go? Picking out sneaks with his kid is definitely a bonding experience. And seriously, you can’t go wrong by pointing father and son to the adidas section.

Messenger-Style Diaper Bags Might Just Save Your Sanity

Maureen Dempsey — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:00:05 +0000

A messenger-style, across-the-chest diaper bag means there’s two fewer annoying straps to slip off of your shoulder at the park, on the bus, in the parking lot, etc. That’s why, when it comes to a diaper bag, we vote for a cross-body version. Because it stays where it’s supposed to. (And these prices are really reasonable, too.)

We love the simple, modern design of the Allium Messenger Bag, $34.99 (above). Full disclosure: It’s simply a plain messenger bag with many pockets–but it is lined in liquid-resistant fabric. Pop a changing pad in it and you’re done. And should you ever return to the thing called “the gym,” you’ll have a fab bag.

The Skip Hop Dash Deluxe, $65, is another great option. the simple design comes in myriad color and patterned options, plus you can attach it to your stroller simply by unclipping the strap (and using the smaller interior buckles). Extremely useful and bordering on genius (from the the point of view of a mother).

Diaper Bags for Dads

Maureen Dempsey — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:00:50 +0000

Let’s be honest: No matter how secure he is in his masculinity, no dad wants to be hauling a floral tote. So why not find a bag just for him? Dad diaper bags look much like messenger bags, but have a gazillion pockets and holsters for outing essentials. We like:

Tin Cloth Tote Bag, $100: It’s a total man bag. Tools? Wipes? It can house it all.

Bugaboo Red Bag, $225: A little pricey, but very sleek.

Diaper Dude Survival Bag, $89: Stranded on a desert island? That kid will is gonna make it.