infant – The Next Kid Thing

New York Baby Show Set for May 18 and 19 + Ticket Giveaway

May 15, 2019 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

It’s the time of year again when all things spring and all things baby start to permeate in my world! With several friends just having given birth or recently announcing that they’re expecting, the baby love is something fierce these days.

I always love covering baby gear and baby news here on NKT. After all, the latest and greatest in baby gear is what got me started in the blogging realm.

And speaking of babies, The New York Baby Show is once again setting up camp at Pier 94. I hope you can join us for all the awesome new baby gear and fun!

The 2019 New York Baby Show, on May 18 & 19 at Pier 94 will once again be the largest show for new and expectant parents in the country. Now in its 9th year, no other event provides a better experience for thousands of expectant and new families from New York and neighboring counties, seeking a family-friendly jamboree of top brands, great speakers and seminars, big giveaways, and lots of learning, support, bonding, and fun as you make your way into parenthood. We are giving away tickets for you and your family to experience the show. See below for details… etc. Normal ticket price is $30 per family (for 2 adults and up to 4 children), and $20 per individual. Now, just for NKT readers, I have 25 free tickets to giveaway! This is first come, first served. Once all the tickets are gone, the code will no longer work. To grab your FREE New York Baby Show Tickets, go HERE!

Did you miss the free tickets? You can still grab 50% off for family or single tickets Here!

Full disclosure: This is a sponsored post. As always, thank you for supporting The Next Kid Thing

What to Buy: vineyard vines for Target + NYC Pop Up

May 10, 2019 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Get ready to celebrate summer with the season’s most awaited collab: vineyard vines for Target. Set to launch in stores and online on May 18, vineyard vines for Target is getting a head start with a summery reveal and pop up at Brookfield Place.

Boasting more than 300 items in this collaboration, this line features the clean-cut, classic and fun designs that vineyard vines fans already love. What makes this collaboration so appealing is the accessibility and desirable price tags. With items as inexpensive as $10, and most items under $35, vineyard vines for Target could be another sell-out hit.

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Ranging from diaper bags to beach towels to ladies’ sundresses to men’s pullovers, vv for Target has something for every member of the family. This collaboration not only features clothing, but also housewares and travel accessories, perfect for beach outings and vacations.

I had the chance to shop the collection at the launch party last night in NYC. The event had a fun Nantucket vibe, complete with oyster shuckers, a lobster shack and a summery photo opp. Word on the street is that there were quite a few celebs onhand. I was too busy shopping and oggling at all the fun vineyard vines clothes that I finally don’t have to feel guilty about buying!

In contrast to the sweatshirts in vineyard vines boutiques, the pullovers in this line are right around $35—And don’t forget to use your Redcard for that 5% discount! Other items that I love in this collection include that wagon, all those amazing bags, coordinating shorts, $10 t-shirts and the versatile throws and blankets.

I’m so ready for this gray weather to be done so we can have a picnic in all of our vineyard vines gear. 😉

For now, check out what I found at the NYC pop up. The vineyard vines pop up at Brookfield Place is open May 10-12, where you can shop and enjoy fun activities.

vineyard vines for Target drops in stores and online on May 18.

Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard Launch Affordable, Accessible Baby Care Line Called Hello Bello

May 3, 2019 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

As if we didn’t love them enough, Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard have launched a new line of baby products called Hello Bello. The brand, which is as adorable as it sounds, is geared to be an affordable line of premium products. Exclusive to Walmart, Hello Bello’s line of plant-based products are intended to be accessible to anyone.

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A few months ago, I attended a media event to celebrate the launch of Hello Bello. Because they’re everyone’s favorite mom and dad, it was a packed house. It was great to hear them speak so candidly about parenthood, their marriage and the impetus behind their latest endeavor.

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As a celebrity couple, they acknowledged that they have access to so much. Growing up in the midwest with limited resources, Bell and Shepard acknowledge that their friends, family and many others don’t always have access to affordable, high quality items. With sustainability and price consciousness in mind, the couple embarked on creating a product line that anyone can afford and also feel good about using on their baby’s skin.

Hello Bello will launch with 10 products across multiple SKUs, ranging in price from $1.88 to $23.94, with the majority under $8. Parents can expect products formulated with safe and effective ingredients, including organic botanicals when possible; delivering greater comfort and performance including Diapers, Wipes, Shampoo & Body Wash, Bubble Bath, Baby Lotion, Diaper Rash Cream, Hand Sanitizer, Mineral Sunscreen, Bug Spray and Laundry Detergent.

“We know parenting is hard enough as it is,” shared co-founder Dax Shepard. “Parents shouldn’t have to choose between what’s good for their baby and good for their budget. That’s why we couldn’t ask for a better exclusive retail partner than Walmart, who is making it possible for us to offer premium products at a non-premium price.”

At the event, we were gifted a collection of some of the products. I’ve since shared them with some fellow baby mamas who are praising the quality Hello Bello. Of note, I’m completely obsessed with the diaper prints and the poop slogan. How can you not?

I’ve been using the lotion after my shower. The natural smell of the lotion is pleasant and not overpowering. It has a very thick consistency, which is great for babes, but almost too thick for my personal liking.

Bell and Shepard have become quite the powerhouse in relatable endorsements, specifically in the parenting category, so it’s interesting that they’ve launched their own brand alongside of their business partners. I can’t wait to see this brand flourish.

Hello Bello is available at Walmart stores and online.

Full Disclosure: I received a gift bag at the event. As always opinions on NKT are my own.

DIY Files: Free Father’s Day Printable Card

June 14, 2018 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Looking for a last minute card for Dad? We’ve got you covered! This free printable Father’s Day card saves you a trip to the store and is ready with just a couple of clicks.

In the mad dash to wrap everything up for school, somehow once again, Father’s Day crept up on us. We don’t do major gifts for Father’s Day or Mother’s Day, but rather, we try to enjoy experiences together. To go along with these experiences, I try to get the kids to do a DIY craft or something or another. So, in honor of Father’s Day, I created this super simple free printable card.

Quick Printable

I have a pack of blank cards from Michael’s that I try to keep onhand. By the way, this pack of 50 blank cards from Recollections is a must-have in my craft arsenal. Handwritten notes are not dead, and it’s a quick and inexpensive way to send something truly personal. I bought this pack when it was on sale for just $4.99. People, that’s 10 cents a card! For the first file, I included this awesome Dad Legend file that I bought from Design Bundles. I love their work and use it for a lot of my crafting projects. I had to make these cards for myself, so I wanted to share the love with you guys! So, enjoy! If you download this file, please remember that this is for personal use only. This card file makes a 5x 6.5 card. After you print, just fold the card in half. The image will be on the front of the card. Just click the image below to head to the file.

I created another quick card that can be printed out on a regular 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper. This graphic is also from Design Bundles and evokes a fun feel. My dad is definitely my hero, and I’m sure many of your kids feel the same about their dads! This file also appears flush right and will appear on the front of the card once it’s printed and folded in half. This file is for personal use only. Thanks for sharing and pinning these fun and free printables!

Dad, the Man, the Myth, the Legend card can be found here.

Daddy is my hero card can be found here.

Best Gadgets from the 2018 New York Baby Show

May 30, 2018May 30, 2018 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Last week, the boys and I went to the New York Baby Show in NYC to check out the latest and greatest for babies and families. As one of my favorite events that covers the juvenile and baby market, I love getting a chance to spot the newest products and services at such an expansive venue.

In the past, I’ve loved spotting cool strollers and the big ticket items. This time around, I opted to go the goodie and gadget route. As it turns out, the New York Baby Show was loaded with goodies and gadgets that can help the whole parenting thing go a little smoother.

Here are just a handful of our favorites from the show:

Travel Tray

The Travel Tray is a really cool concept, and one I can’t believe hasn’t been invented yet. When we heard about this cool gadget from friends at the show, I
had to check it out myself!

The Travel Tray pops into any cup holder and becomes an instant tray to hold small snacks and food. I love that it comes in a variety of colors, is BPA, PVC and PHT-free. This cool gadget is great for the beach, sporting events, road trips and beyond.

Stuck on You Bento Box

I’ve been into the bento box lunches even before I became a parent. Needless to say, I love bento boxes, which is why I was drawn to Stuck on You’s Bento Box.

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This bento box has a cool feature that can be personalized on the front. The interior features labeled sections for each type of food. These compartments not only help with portion control, but also promote variety and keep everything from touching! Be sure to check out Stuck on You’s other cool products!

Baby Tripster

This cool container is great for baby food on the go, fresh veggies or fruit and all kinds of snacks. I love that it has a gasket to ensure that it stays sealed. It’s small enough to pop into the diaper bag or cooler bag. It’s these cool new gadgets that make parenting so much easier.

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And, when we weren’t scouting out all the new finds on the showroom floor, we had a great time catching up with friends in the Blogger Lounge. The Blogger Lounge had a lovely lunch provided by Boston Market. I don’t get to eat out at Boston Market that often, but when I do, I’m always reminded how it’s such a filling family meal. As I chatted with friends, the boys had a great time playing in the play area—even the bigger dude!

Once again, we had a great time exploring the New York Baby Show. After taking all the photos and shooting video along the way, the best part is always seeing how baby products continue to evolve, and now, my babies, who were the inspiration for this site, are helping me find and share cool new products.

Full disclosure: this post is sponsored, but as always, all opinions on NKT are my own. Thank you for supporting NKT.

New York Baby Show Set for May 19 & 20 + Ticket Giveaway

April 1, 2018 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Happy Spring, friends! It’s that wonderful time of year that’s filled with renewals and rebirth. And when you cover baby and kid goodies, it also means lots of fun baby shows in NYC! For the past few years, I’ve enjoyed attending and covering the New York Baby Show highlighting the latest and greatest new baby gear and goodies. This year, we’re headed there once again!

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2018 New York Baby Show, on May 19 & 20 at Pier 94 will once again be the largest show for new and expectant parents in the country. Now in its 8th year, no other event provides a better experience for thousands of expectant and new families from New York and neighboring counties, seeking a family-friendly jamboree of top brands, great speakers and seminars, big giveaways, and lots of learning, support, bonding, and fun as you make your way into parenthood. We are giving away tickets for you and your family to experience the show. Normal ticket price is $30 per family (for 2 adults and up to 4 children), and $20 per individual.

Ticket Giveaway

We have 10 free tickets (family or single) to giveaway. Head to this link to grab your tickets!

Once the free tickets are gone, we have unlimited ticket discounts to the New York Baby Show.

Enjoy 50% off any tickets (family or single)
Get 50% off tickets to the New York Baby Show here

Full disclosure: This is a sponsored post. As always, opinions on NKT are my own. Thanks for supporting NKT.

Best in Show: Finds from the New York Baby Show

May 30, 2017May 30, 2017 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

The other week, Josh and I spent the afternoon at the New York Baby Show at Pier 94 scouring the booths for the latest and greatest in baby gear. From well trusted names in car seats to gadgets helping to create smart nurseries, there were so many new products featured at the New York Baby Show.

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We searched high and low, snapped tons of pics, peeked into many booths and found a really great selection of gear from baby brands that we love, as well as products from new and upcoming companies!

Here are just a few of the many great products we spotted at this year’s New York Baby Show:

Pello

With is gorgeous textiles and poufy circular shape, Pello is described as a luxury newborn lounger. This new take on a pillow can be used for feeding or for a convenient way to help baby sit somewhat upright during his/her waking hours. When baby outgrows the newborn phase, this pillow looks ideal for helping to support during the sitting up and standing phases. IMG 2941 JPG

Pello has a great selection of colors and fabrics. It can be found on Amazon and retails for $120.

Sage Spoonfuls

A longtime fan of Sage Spoonfuls, I love watching this baby feeding brand flourish. I’m so excited about the Happy Foodie stainless steel divided plate and lid. Plastic plates and feeding ware are among the first items to go in my house because they are the most used and abused. Our stainless steel lunchboxes have lasted 5+ years.

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So, I can only imagine how well the Sage Spoonfuls Happy Foodie product line will do. Safe, non-toxic, BPA, lead and phthalate-free and easy to clean!

Britax Frontier

Since we first shopped for carseats 10 years ago, Britax has been one of my all time favorite baby brands. This is, yet, another brand that I’ve loved watching flourish and working with over the years. I was so excited to see the various new strollers and carseats on display, but what truly caught my eye was the Frontier booster.

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We are solidly in the booster phase with my preschooler, so boosters have been on the brain. This new fabric is chic and unique; combining safety with style is something that Britax does so well. And speaking of safety, the Britax Frontier’s Click Tight Technology makes car seat installation as easy as buckling a seatbelt. This technology is designed to be seamless, especially for families who travel frequently or need to switch seats regularly. Click Tight is a game changer!

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Volvo

And speaking of traveling, I loved that my dream car brand was at the New York Baby Show. I’ve been eyeing Volvo’s SUVs for quite some time. Sadly, the price tag hasn’t been in the budget.

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We decided that this specific Volvo was too small for our needs, what with our year-round sports, lake gear and coaching equipment. Nevertheless, it’s fun getting a peek at my dream car at the Baby Show. Josh loved sitting in the driver’s seat and checking out the trunk.

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With thanks to Momtrends, we enjoyed meeting up with fellow bloggers in the Blogger Lounge, as well as livestreamed our favorite finds from the show. My little guy loved having the chance to play!

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Above all, we loved checking out all the awesome goodies and gear at the New York Baby Show. Stay tuned for more fun finds!

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New York Baby Show Free Ticket Giveaway

April 3, 2017April 3, 2017 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

As Spring starts to roll in, so do more fun events in the City and around town. Always on the hunt for new and innovative baby and kid products, I’m thrilled that the New York Baby Show is once again docking on the West Side at Pier 94 in NYC. This great event showcases many of the coolest gear and gadgets for babies and kids. I love bringing the whole family to the show to scout out new gear for babes and the site.

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Dr. Harvey Karp, one of my favorite parenting experts and famed pediatrician, will be one of the speakers at the New York Baby Show. There’s a long list of great exhibitors, including 4moms, Tula, Britax, Clek, Cybex, among other favorite baby and family brands.

Are you expecting or have a little and looking for the best baby gear, I definitely recommend heading to the New York Baby Show taking place May 20-21. Tickets are $30 per family or $20 for individuals.

And because we’re such fans of the New York Baby Show, I’m so excited to give away some free tickets to the show. I have 10 tickets to giveaway, and you can grab them here. These free tickets are first come first serve.

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Once the free tickets are gone, I’m happy to share 50% off tickets to the New York Baby Show. To grab this discount, please head here.

Best Toys for 1 Year Olds + Diapers.com Giveaway

February 23, 2017February 24, 2017 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Even on the heels of Toy Fair, we always have toys on our minds. With a friend’s baby turning 1 soon, I was inspired to create a round up of the best toys for 1 year olds. I scoured Diapers.com to curate some of our tried and true favorite toys for 1 year olds.

From ride-ons to classic toys to techy toys, I gathered our favorites based on play value, durability, accessibility and whether my kids or kids we know loved them!

1. Manhattan Toy Snuggle Bunny Baby Doll

ManhattanToySnuggleBunnyNKT Transitioning from baby to toddler, one year olds start to change their play patterns. According to KidsHealth.org, babies go from shaking and throwing toys to understanding functions of objects as a toddler. At one year old, kids start to play pretend, so toys that allow for nurturing and modeling behavior is always a hit. Manhattan Toy makes a myriad of interactive and beautiful toys such as the Snuggle Bunny Baby Doll ($17.) This soft and cuddly doll makes for a perfect first baby doll.

2. Plan Toys Sort and Count

PlanToysSortandCount Stacking and nesting toys help toddlers develop hand-eye coordination, as well as cognitive development, according to an article on Cnn.com Simple, open ended stacking toys such as PlanToys’ Sort and Count allows kids to sort and stack the various pieces. This abacus-looking toy is made of Plan Toys’ planwood, organic rubberwood, e-zero glue, water-based dyes, recycled and recyclable materials, soy and water-based ink.

3. VTech Sit to Stand Learning Walker

VTechSittoStandWalker Many toddlers are learning to walk and toddling around at a year old, so walkers make a fun gift. This VTech Sit to Stand Learning Walker offers a lot of play value with its many learning tools and interactive electronic features. VTech is so great at the electronic learning toys, but they’re also masters at creating toys that grow with kids. This walker can be used for kids in a more stationary pattern, as well as for those who are cruising and walking.

4. Melissa and Doug Large Shapes Knob Puzzle

MelissaandDougKnobPuzzle According to Learning4kids, puzzles help toddlers with important skills such as cognitive, fine motor, hand and eye coordination, problem solving, social and self esteem. Wooden puzzles from Melissa and Doug provide fun play patterns for toddlers to co-play and enjoy independence. I love the knob puzzles for toddlers, to give them extra help grasping these chunky pieces. Classic puzzles are timeless and perfect for curious problem solvers.

5. B Toys Fish Splish Boat

BtoysSplishFishBoat Good bath toys are the best for toddlers! I love the colors and creativity that B Toys inspires. This fun boat that can be used in the bath has a number of fun features that help toddlers explore bathtime and the environment around them. From the fishing pole, fish, captain and little rudder, this cool boat helpstoddlers with imaginative play while getting cleaned up.

6. Step 2 Whisper Ride II

Step2WhisperRideII As the winter starts to fade to warmer spring and summery days, ride-on toys will be all the craze. Step 2 are pros at the ride-on and outdoor toys, and the Whisper Ride II is one of my all time favorites. This push car is perfect for going on strolls in the neighborhood without the restraints of a stroller. Toddlers can pretend to steer while driving their ride, all the while mom or dad navigates with the handle. The Whisper Ride features a seatbelt, small storage compartment and cup holders.

There are so many awesome toys for 1 year olds on Diapers.com, and these are just a small sampling of their selection. Do you have a favorite toddler toy? What makes you and your kid love it so much?

Giveaway

Want to grab a few new toys of your own? We have a $50 gift certificate to Diapers.com up for grabs. Tell me what your favorite toddler toy is and why! Share your comment below.

For even more entries, check out the giveaway below to win a Diapers.com gift certificate. This giveaway will be open for a week, so be sure to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Full disclosure: this is a sponsored post in partnership with Nakturnal, with a gift certificate as a prize. As always, all opinions on NKT are mine. Thank you for supporting The Next Kid Thing.

Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Comfi-Neck Bibs

October 19, 2016 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Like so many of you, I’m very brand-loyal, especially when it comes to products for my kids and gifts for friends and family’s kids. Tommee Tippee for years has been a mainstay in our home. From bottles to feeding supplies, we’ve always used tommee tippee products because they’ve worked for us. I even searched the archives for a baby Josh wearing a Comfi Neck Bib.

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Tommee Tippee’s Closer to Nature Comfi Neck Bibs are just some of the many feeding products that I’ve always used for my babies, and they’re staples for baby shower gifts. I love the soft texture of these bibs which are 80% cotton and 20% polyester. They’re soft and suitable for sensitive skin, which is something I always appreciated.

The newer line of Comfi Neck Bibs are reversible, which gives the bibs a little splash of color and style and added functionality. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to flip over bibs to extend the wear because it’s all I had in my diaper bag.

Speaking of functionality, the cushioned neck—hence the Comfi part—are such a smart feature for bibs. Both of my babies were major dribblers, so whether they were being bottle-fed or breast-fed, their dribbles were absorbed before dripping to their neck. The easy velcro fasteners are soft and subtle; it works quietly when it counts.

There are several colors and styles to choose from in the Comfi-Neck Bib line. The Comfi-Neck Bibs can be found at major retailers where Tommee Tippee products are sold.

Full disclosure: I was provided a sample and compensation to provide this review. As always, all opinions on NKT are my own.