Joe McQuaid: My trip to Normandy makes more historical sense than France's president coming to Wolfeboro Monday, Aug.

In less than 24 hours, two mothers went from routinely tidying up their homes to frantically rushing to the poolside.

Whether you are preparing for your own nursery or buying a baby shower gift , knowing which products are safe can be a challenge.

S eptember is Baby Safety Month, and the Logan County chapter of Safe Kids reminds parents and caregivers to plan ahead to make safe spaces for babies "at home, at play and on the way." Laurie McPherson, ...

Babies are amazingly curious and develop mobility more quickly than parents might expect.

The following 10 gadgets are examples of innovations that can help put parents at ease.

Organizations Unite to Help Educate Parents About Preventing Accidental Childhood Injuries Throughout the Year WAYNE, N.J., July 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Toys"R"Us, Inc.

This week is the 14th anniversary of Irrelativity. I've decided to celebrate by reprinting one of my favorite columns, which just happens to be the column I wrote for the 10th anniversary of Irrelativity.

' Several months ago, I attended a cardiopulmonary resuscitation class at Norman Regional Hospital.

In less than 24 hours, two mothers went from routinely tidying up their homes to frantically rushing to the poolside.

USA July 23, 2008 -- Rancho Santa Margarita, CA July 23, 2008 -- Sandbox Couture, a popular online children's boutique retailer of baby clothes and designer children's clothing today announced the arrival of ...

The Brehon Institute for Family Services is hosting the "Safe Baby Fair" from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Gadsden County Courthouse Square.

JUST WHEN I decide to take a vacation and go visit France, it is revealed that Nicolas Sarkozy is coming to vacation in New Hampshire.

One mother saw her little boy drifting at the bottom of the pool. Another found her baby girl afloat.

The special holidays, events, and occasions for this month will be Apple Month, Baby Safety Month, Mushroom Month, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month,, Sewing Month, and Adult Literacy Awareness Month.

The Brehon Institute for Family Services is hosting the "Safe Baby Fair" from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Gadsden County Courthouse Square.

Sandbox Couture adds creative, adorable and practical gifts - unique pacifiers and pacifier clips now available for those with discerning tastes Rancho Santa Margarita - CA July 21, 2008 - Sandbox Couture, a ...

Organizations Unite to Help Educate Parents About Preventing Accidental Childhood Injuries Throughout the Year WAYNE, N.J., July 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Toys"R"Us, Inc.

Nowadays, it is almost as if crazy Minor League Baseball promotions are as big of a part of the game as peanuts and popcorn.

Parents have to make sure that the temperature in the baby's room is neither too hot nor too cold.

Keep your pet safely contained and happy with extra play space with this Pet Yard Extension Kit. It provides up to 34.5" of extra room to be used in conjunction with a Pet Yard, sold separately.

Baby Product:  Two-panel extension kit, Extension kit expands Superyard XT to 34.5 square feet, By adding this extension kit you can increase the Superyard XT size
Company: North States Industries 
List Price: $26.99
Amazon Price: $22.94

Keep children safe while they play in a driveway, parking lot, or road. The Inflatable Safety Sign Set includes 2 safety cones and 1 driveway blocker which are bright orange and yellow in color so motorists can see children from a safe distance. The 2 safety cones stand 3.5 feet tall; the driveway blocker is 2 feet tall and 4 feet long. All have a bright, highly visible sign which reads CAUTION KIDS AT PLAY. Simply inflate the units with air except for the base chamber which takes sand or water to keep them firmly in position. Carry handles on all units make for easy use and storage.

Baby Product:  2 Safety Cones - 3.5 feet tall, 1 Driveway Blocker, 2 feet tall x 4 feet wide, Built in Water chamber, Carry handle
Company: NSI Toys 
List Price: $24.99
Amazon Price: $19.99

The bright and friendly design is an instant attraction to girls and boys alike. They go backwards, forwards, sideways, and round and round. Children don't get stuck against obstacles like some other ride on toys. Wheely Bugs help promote gross motor skills and balance like no other toy. Wheely Bug bodies have a padded layer of sponge which is covered with a tough layer of polyurethane and can be easily wiped clean. They are great to use on smooth level floors and ideal for indoors.Entirely non-toxic and contains no PVC. 15"L x 9"W x 8.75"H (from floor to seat). Weighs 4 lbs. Ages 18 mos. to 3 years and up to 50 lbs. Bee or LadyBug.

Baby Product:  It goes backwards, forwards, sideways, and round and round, Helps promote gross motor skills and balance like no other toy, Its bodies have a padded layer of sponge which is covered with a tough layer of polyurethane and can be easily wiped clean, Great to use on smooth level floors and ideal for indoors or outdoors
Company: Prince Lionheart, Inc.  (2006-10-25)
List Price: $59.99
Amazon Price: $54.00

KidCo's PeaPod, the travel bed that does it all for the on-the-go parent! The inflatable air mattress helps protect baby from cold, damp floors while providing a comforting place to sleep. Great for outdoors because of its UV protection and wind screens. Zippered panels allow parents quick and easy access to baby from virtually any angle. The slick, easy to fold design makes it ideal for storage and use anytime. Birth and up.

Features:

• Bottom pocket hides mattress away from baby and prevents mattress shifting
• Side zipper panels can be rolled down and secured with clasps to prevent tampering
• Great for outdoors because of UV protection and wind screens
• Open dimensions: 48" L x 30" W x 18" H
• Storage bag dimensions: 14" L x 5" W x 14" H


Baby Product:  Inflatable air mattress helps protect baby from cold and damp places, Sleeping pad/bag, anchor straps, storage bag, 4 mesh panels, 4 adjustable wind screens, inflatable mattress & air pump, Features a virtually indestructible frame for storage, Mattress easily inflates with hand pump, Bottom pocket hides mattress away from baby and prevents mattress shifting
Company: Kid Co Inc. 
List Price: $57.99
Amazon Price: $51.95

It is the only system available with a Pan & Tilt camera that is remotely controlled from the receiver.  It boasts excellent color reception as well as clear audio from distances as great as 1,000 feet in an open space.  This is an excellent for baby monitoring, elderly monitoring, property surveillance, pet monitoring, and security for a small business, warehouse, or office.  Highlights include: Pan & Tilt camera that is controls from the receiver. Compact, lightweight receiver that weighs only 6 oz.  2.5 inch LCD-TFT screen that has clear, crisp color and night vision. 2.4 GHz technology. 3 channels to help eliminate interference.  Monitor operates with up to 3 cameras Two antennae to improve range, reliability, and clarity

Baby Product:  Feature : Monitor by portable TFT-LCD receiver ; Pan & Tilt Camera remote controlled by receiver; 2.5" TFT-LCD with 640×240 resolutions; IR Night Vision (Effective Range: 5 M); 3 channels optional to avoid possible interference; Built-in Microphone for audio monitoring; Up to 100m (330ft.) transmission range in open space, Specification: Transmission Frequency ISM 2,400~2,483 MHz ;Transmission Power 10mW/CE; 2mW/FCC ;Operating Frequency 2414MHz;2432MHz;2450MHz;2468MHz ;Unobstructed Effective Range 100m(Min.) ;Modulation Mode FM, Camera:Imaging Sensor Type CMOS ;Picture Total Pixels PAL:628×582 Pixels;NTSC: 510×492 Pixels ;Horizontal Resolution 380 TV Lines ;View Angle PAL:60°; NTSC:40°;Minimum Illumination 0Lux ;BandWidth 18M ;Night Vision Range 5m ;Horizontal Rotating Angle 270° (Max.) ;Vertical Rotating Angle 120° (Max.) ;Consumption Current 300mA (Max.) ;Power Supply DC +9V ;Dimensions(W×D×H) 114*125*106 mm ;Weight 290 g, Receiver : LCD Screen Type 2.5 inches TFT-LCD ;Effective Pixels 640×240 ;Receiving Sensitivity -85dBm ;Video System NTSC/PAL ;Color Configuration R.G.B.delta ;Remote Control Transmission Frequency 433MHz ;Consumption Current 200mA(Max.) ;Power Supply DC +9V ;Dimensions(W×D×H) 68*26*149 mm ;Weight 168 g, 1 Year Warranty! PACKING LIST:1) camera x 1 2) receiver x 1 3) Adapter for Camera x1 4)Adapter for Receiver x 1 5)AV Cable x 1 6)Earphone x1
Company: Mambate 
List Price: $199.99
Amazon Price: $139.99

This versatile baby carrier allows you to carry your infant anywhere. Use it as an over-the-shoulder bag or waist carrier.

Features:

• Accomodates a child between 15-35 pounds.
• Generously padded shoulder pad protects shoulder and covers the harness to protect your baby.
• Adjustable harness can be easily lengthened or tightened for parent comfort.
• Infant/toddler belt keeps baby secure.
• Storage pockets carry small supplies when you are out and about.
• Protective hood is cleverly stored in zippered pouch and can be used in inclement weather to keep baby dry, warm and secure.
• Fits adult waist size up to 43 inches.

Baby Product:  Hip sling for carrying Baby, Weight limit: 35 lbs., Child safety belt ensures a secure ride; adjustable shoulder strap with pad keeps Mom or Dad comfy, Zippered hood for inclement weather; zippered storage pouch, 9Hx12Wx24L"
Company: Combi 
List Price: $39.99
Amazon Price: $29.99

Perfect for on-the-go families, the KidCo PeaPod P100 Portable Travel Bed provides a comfortable, convenient, and secure place for baby to nap whether you're indoors or out. Its compact size, which is ideal for newborns and older infants alike, makes the portable bed a breeze to transport, whether you're taking an extended trip or simply going out for the day.

The PeaPod Portable Travel Bed offers: Lightweight, compact sleeping tent makes baby's bedtime easy during travel Inflatable air mattress and UV protection keep baby warm and protected Folds away compactly for effortless portability

The PeaPod Travel Bed keeps baby comfortable and protected outdoors. View larger.

The slick, easy-to-fold design makes it ideal for storage and use anytime. View larger.

Safe, Comfortable Bedtime on the Go
The PeaPod P100 is a lightweight sleeping tent, which comes with an inflatable air mattress to keep your baby's bedtime comfortable. An air pump is included. The mattress fits snugly inside the sleeping tent "pod," which features a wraparound mesh canopy with a wide, zippered opening to give parents quick and easy access. Baby can nap in comfort outdoors, thanks to the canopy's UV protection and to a wide windscreen. The pod also includes a washable sleeping bag that can double as a sleeping pad.

Travel Light
The last thing you need while you're traveling with a baby is to lug a lot of extra luggage around. Rather than packing a Pack'n'Play or a folding bassinet, which are cumbersome and heavy, simply pack the ultra-light, super-compact PeaPod away in your suitcase. At 14 x 5 x 14 inches (LxWxH) when closed, it takes up little space, and it comes with a carrying case for easy portability. And at 48 x 30 x 18 inches (LxWxH) when open, the PeaPod will take up little space once you reach your destination.

The PeaPod is also designed to open and fold shut quickly and easily. Other than the included air pump for quickly inflating the small mattress, no tools are needed: simply follow the directions to "snap" it into its standing position, and fold it back down quickly when finished. So whether you're traveling across the country, making a weekend trip to the beach, or simply spending the day at a friend's house, the PeaPod Portable Travel Bed makes it super-easy and convenient for baby to sleep comfortably and safely while on the go.


Baby Product:  Indoor/Outdoor Travel Bed, Inflatable Mattress, Open dimensions: 48"L x 30"W x 19"H, Closed in Storage Bag dimensions: 14"L x 5"W x 14"H, Air Pump, Zippered Panels, Wind Screens
Company: Kidco Inc. 
List Price: $49.99
Amazon Price: $45.32

Designed for children 33 to 100 lbs, this booster is lightweight and portable, making it ideal for carpooling or travel. Features: Convenient, removable cupholder can be used on either side Shoulder belt positioner works on both sides Lap-shoulder belt required Premium, breathable fabric is machine washable Molded plastic base is completely covered with washable fabric pad Extra wide seat Lightweight and portableSpecifications: Designed to accommodate children 33 to 100 lbs Height range: 33 to 57 Net weight: 3.45 lbsGift Wrap not available. Shipping Note: This item ships via UPS Ground within contiguous United States only. Cannot be shipped to AK/HI, PO boxes, US territories, or APO/FPO addresses.

Baby Product:  Booster Seat, Features Safety Belt Positioners, Contoured Seat, Front-Facing Seat Only, Recommended Ages: 3 - 10 yrs., For Children 33-100 lbs., 18.4 x 11.13 x 17.8 "
Company: Combi 
List Price: $29.99
Amazon Price: $24.62

A kid safe banister guard is a must have in every home! This clear plastic guard helps prevent falls and keeps toys upstairs, where they belong. Kit includes fifteen feet of plastic guard and easy-to-use tie straps to attach to any banister. You will feel better knowing your children are safe as they play upstairs. .

Baby Product:  Outdoor Deck and Patio safety barrier, Clear durable outdoor netting, Easily attached with enclosed tie straps, 34" x 16 ' roll
Company: KidKusion 
List Price: $23.99
Amazon Price: $13.48

New Color in Stock! Pretty in Pink. KidCo PeaPod Plus Travel Bed. Whether for an infant or big kid the PeaPod Plus Travel Bed is perfect for around the house or for travel. It is its very own portable bedroom with many features to enhance its use. With 50% UV protection the PeaPod Plus becomes the ideal solution for outdoor naps. The inflatable air mattress helps protect from the cold, hard surfaces both inside and out. The sleeping bag unzips complete to form a one piece sleeping bag. It also features 4 adjustable wind screens to go along with its UV protection. A large front zipper panel allows quick and easy access in or out of the PeaPod Plus Travel Bed from KidCo. The slick, easy design makes it ideal for storage and use at the drop of a hat.

Baby Product:  From birth and up, Includes: sleeping pad/bag, anchor straps, storage bag, 4 mesh panels, 4 adjustable wind screens, inflatable mattress & air pump, Features a virtually indestructible frame for storage, Mattress easily inflates with hand pump, Bottom pocket hides mattress away from baby and prevents mattress shifting
Company: KidCo 
List Price: $84.99
Amazon Price: $64.95