Starting a Playgroup on a Budget

You've decided to start a playgroup but you don't want to spend a lot of money. No problem. First, start planning your playgroup by deciding the location and frequency of get togethers, age-range of children and if you will need to charge membership dues. You will also need to consider what type of activities, games and crafts the group will be doing.

Graco Baby Play Yard

Once you've figured all this out, it's time to spread the word about your playgroup. Invite everyone you know with the proper age-range children. Sometimes your local community newspaper will let you advertise for free as well as church bulletins. Ask friends and family members to tell everyone they know about the playgroup.

Graco Baby Play Yard

If you don't mind investing a little money, design a flyer on your computer and print out about 50 copies. Print the flyers on bright colored paper and add fun clip art to make them really stand out. Place these flyers in doctors' offices, parks, libraries, bulletin boards or anywhere else parents with children will see them. You might also want to distribute the flyers in neighborhoods. Be selective where you put the flyers in order to save money. Only place flyers at houses with toys in the yard or car seats in the vehicles. You could also print up some business cards with your playgroup's information to place on tables at kid-friendly restaurants and other places a flyer may not be appropriate.

If after a few weeks you do not have enough interested parents, try advertising on an internet based mom website. You could also join local chapters of organizations for parents. Talk to local shops that sell children items to place your flyers or business cards in their store for people to take with them. Toy stores, maternity shops and gift stores would be good places to start.

Once your playgroup has started, taking turns with the other parents to provide snacks will help with the cost. If you plan on doing crafts, you may need to charge a small fee for supplies. Search for crafts that are simple and try to buy in bulk when possible. Games would be great to do in the winter time since meeting at a park may be too cold. Have every parent bring a game of their choice for all the kids to play. You can also have it set up where the group takes turns at each others houses. Who ever is the hostess then would be responsible for the snacks, crafts and other activities. Let the hostess decide where the playgroup meets or what the activities will include. This way if they have a small house they can plan meeting somewhere bigger or if they are on a very tight budget, they can still participate by planning inexpensive activities without being embarrassed.

Be sure to know exactly what you want to accomplish with your playgroup and don't let money stand in your way. The free or nearly free resources are endless if you are willing to do your research and put in a little work.

Starting a Playgroup on a Budget
Graco Baby Play Yard

Black Friday American Baby Company Organic Interlock Pack N Play Sheet 2011 Deals

Nov 22, 2011 07:53:33

Black Friday American Baby Company Organic Interlock Pack N Play Sheet Deals
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American Baby Company Organic Interlock Pack N Play Sheet

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Black Friday American Baby Company Organic Interlock Pack N Play Sheet Feature

  • 100% organic cotton interlock pack n play sheet
  • 27" x 39"
  • Natural color no dyes
  • Machine wash cold with like colors do not bleach
  • Organic cotton


Black Friday American Baby Company Organic Interlock Pack N Play Sheet Overview

The organic knit cradle sheet is made of super soft and breathable knitted organic cotton interlock material for baby's comfort. The story of organic cotton: Once upon a time I was organically grown in a land far far away. I am grown free of pesticides whereas conventional cotton accounts for 275 million pounds of pesticides annually. I am then cultivated and hand-picked of insects then spun into thread and made into organic bedding which is incredibly fine soft and strong. I am proud to be made of organic cotton. I stand for clean air water and soil. I am ideal for baby's sensitive skin and am the most natural fabric for your baby. Baby will thank you and so will Mother Nature.



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Toy Storage Chest

Jungle Themed Party

Have you heard the latest Roarrrrrr? Friends of the Jungle Have Gathered To Say; Please Join Us To Celebrate A Special Birthday! Here are a few ideas for a successful and fun filled Jungle Themed party:

Graco Baby Play Yard

o Your invitations set the tone. Look for an invitation with a jungle theme. You can find great deals on-line if you can spend the money for a custom invitation or make them yourself. Wal-Mart has party invitations at a great price.

Graco Baby Play Yard

o Use Jungle Themed table cloths, plates, and cups. Depending on the number of table cloths needed, you can use a solid color to compliment the themed table covering. You can find these at any Party Store or your local Dollar Store.

o Decide on a menu. We came up with creative names for the food and drinks, the kids loved it. For example, we had Bug Punch. Purchase small bugs from your local Dollar Store. Place them in ice trays, cover with fruit punch and freeze them. Place them in the punch along with Pop Rocks. Mac and Cheese was Quick Sand, hamburgers were Jungle Burgers, and hot dogs were Slim Dogs, Spaghetti Salad was Snake Salad etc.

o We used jungle animals that we found at the local Good Will Store for table center pieces. After the party, we gave them away to the children and guests.

o Oriental Trading has a great selection of games and party favors at a great price. We also gave each child a box of Animal Crackers along with the Party Bag.

o A Jungle Themed cake is a must. We used Jungle Themed cupcakes. I had the bakery make the icing to look like grass. We used Jungle Themed picks in the center. The children loved them.

o Download Jungle Sounds and play them at the entrance of the party.

o We made signs and placed them in the yard. Here are a few examples: Zoo Parking, Party Animals Ahead, Enter At Your Risk, and Please Don't Feed the Animals.

o Don't forget the Jungle Themed balloons. You can use solid color balloons to compliment the Jungle Themed balloons.

o Ask a local appliance store to save a refrigerator box. Paint jungle animals on the side of the box and cut a few holes in the side to let in sunlight. Cover the box with branches and twigs. Allow the children to crawl through the Jungle Cave. (You can place the downloaded jungle sounds on top of the box for an added effect).

o Be sure to have a few games for adults as well as the children. We played Jungle Bingo. You can find blank bingo outlines on-line. We used pennies as markers for the card. We had the adults match the Jungle Animal and the names of their babies. For example, Elephant and calf, Lion and cub. Also if you know the name of the baby, have the guest make as many words as they can in 10 minutes from the baby's first and last name.

o Recruit 2 - 3 assistants to help with food, games, prizes etc. Mingle and have fun.

This article may be copied and republished in its entirety. Credit must be given to the author.

Jungle Themed Party
Graco Baby Play Yard

Black Friday Graco Element Pack 'N Play Playard with Bassinet, Splash 2011 Deals

Nov 21, 2011 08:51:14

Black Friday Graco Element Pack 'N Play Playard with Bassinet, Splash Deals
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Graco Element Pack 'N Play Playard with Bassinet, Splash

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Black Friday Graco Element Pack 'N Play Playard with Bassinet, Splash Feature

  • Removable full-size bassinet with quilted bumper pad provides cozy nap-time space
  • Changing table for quick diaper duty
  • Push-button fold makes folding easy to store and transport in handy carry bag
  • Folding feet for a more compact fold
  • Electronics module with songs and soothing sounds


Black Friday Graco Element Pack 'N Play Playard with Bassinet, Splash Overview

Perfect for traveling, The sleek styled Element mesh-sided Pack 'n Play playard sets up in less than a minute. We're sure that the Pack 'n Play playard will quickly become one of you and your baby's favorite Graco products. This Pack 'n Play playard comes with a full-size bassinet with comfy quilted mattress pad, a great place for infants up to 15 lbs to nap peacefully and drift off to dreamland with the nature sounds or music from the electronics unit or just gaze happily at the soft, detachable toys hanging from the included mobile. The changing station supports babies weighing less than 25 lbs. and the parent organizer holds many of your diaper changing essentials. A convenient travel bag is also included - just fold the Pack 'n Play playard , stow it in the bag, and you and your little one are off to see the world. Night light included.



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Combi Strollers Review

For many years, baby transport via strollers or pushchairs has been a very effective and easy way for parents to take their children with them around town. Whether a single, twin or tandem configuration is used, the stroller has become a staple among the various baby things that parents must get for their babies.

Graco Baby Play Yard

Combi USA Inc. has been centered on designing, developing and manufacturing high quality merchandise since 1989. It is committed to providing consumers with products and services that promote a healthy and nourishing environment for the growth and development of infants everywhere. Combi offers a wide array of high-quality, lightweight, compact and affordable baby products such as play yards, highchairs, walkers, car seats and accessories. But by far, one of its all-time best sellers is the Combi Travel System, which features its strollers.

Graco Baby Play Yard

First up is the Combi Flash Ex Stroller. This instant lifestyle travel system has a weight capacity of 45 pounds and a three-second fold capability. Compact, lightweight and portable, this stroller is easy to attach and detach from any car seat, uses a cross strap across the lap of the baby for more efficient security and is provided with a convenient carry strap for easy mobility. The Combi Flash Ex Stroller also includes an expanded basket to keep all the things baby might need at hand. Its additional features include durable front swivel wheels, a stroller pack and a self-standing option when folded.

The Combi Cosmo, available in the colors bonsai and moonlight, holds children up to 55 pounds, has a five-point harness system, multiple position reclining seat, removable padded guardrail, a footrest and a removable cup holder. It is made of breathable air-mesh fabric, and has an adjustable canopy with a storage pocket and viewing window. A carrying strap, infant safety boot, storage basket and removable and washable seat cushions make up the rest of the features available to the Combi Cosmo.

For parents with twin babies, or even babies within the same age range, the Combi Twin Sport is the best product fit for the babies' travel needs. Available with the color options apricot, carbon and papaya, the Combi Twin Sport is a lightweight, side-by-side contraption that features the Combi 3-Second Fold®, an infant safety boot which allows for use of newborn infants, removable infant guardrails, a five-point harness system, multiple position reclining seat, an adjustable canopy with storage facility and a viewing window, as well as a storage basket of the babies' things. Perhaps the most important feature of the Combi Twin Sport is the fact that it fits easily through standard doorways.

No matter how young or how many babies a family has, Combi USA Inc Strollers offer a large variety to fit every consumer's lifestyle and baby needs, a true must-have for the economical and savvy mothers out there.

Combi Strollers Review
Graco Baby Play Yard

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Stroller Fans to Keep Your Kids Comfortable and Entertained

A stroller is one of the most important purchases that a parent makes for her child. The mobility and convenience that it allows both the parents and the kid is just invaluable. Sometimes though kids complain about riding in a stroller in a very humid day; they would constantly ask their parents to fan them because they're uncomfortable or if they can't talk yet, all they do is cry. It's a good thing that you can buy one of these stroller fans that you can surely use with your kid's stroller.

Graco Baby Play Yard

Kids and parents alike are happy with a personal fan that parents can clip on their kids' stroller. You can experience the same delight as well. If your kid's stroller doesn't come with this accessory then buy it separately. Choose the color that matches your kid's stroller; buy two double A batteries; clip the fan on your kid's stroller and you're ready to go.

Graco Baby Play Yard

You'll be delighted to see that the fan doesn't only keep your kid cool and comfy it also keeps him entertained with its bright color and cool design. He will surely try to reach for it but you need not to worry because the fan is finger-safe as it doesn't only come with soft foam pins that can't really cut your kid's fingers but it also comes with a cover that would prevent your kid's fingers from going through the fan.

And if your kid can't get enough of the fan's cool and comfortable feature, you can always un-clip it from his stroller and clip it on his play yard, his high chair or even set it down on a table near him. The fan comes with a flexible neck so you can easily angle the breeze on your kid's direction.

If you are planning to get a cheap stroller for your kid, look for a matching fan as well. But even if the price tag for the stroller is low, you should not sacrifice its quality and durability. You should not compromise your kid's safety and comfort.

Stroller Fans to Keep Your Kids Comfortable and Entertained
Graco Baby Play Yard

Guard Rail For Toddler Bed

Quick Help For Potty Training Your Child

Next to "the talk", you know the one about where babies come from, potty training is the one aspect of parenthood that gives parents the most apprehension. Honestly, it isn't that hard. What it takes is patience and consistency. I have potty-trained 8 children very quickly. Different children require different techniques. Let me share with you our success and how you can successfully potty train your child.

Graco Baby Play Yard

Potty training your first child is probably the most difficult. Maybe he or she has observed their father for boys, or mother for girls, going to the bathroom. That toddler will start relating what Dad or Mom is doing to what they are trying to do.

Graco Baby Play Yard

Our first child, a son, was potty trained at 2 years and 9 months. We were forced to stay indoors due to the new baby's illness, so it was a perfect time for this first time experiment at potty-training. We gave Dan salty potato chips and juice, effectively filling his bladder. I kept a potty chair in the kitchen where we trained so there would be no accidents on carpet or hardwood floors. Every 15 minutes we set Dan on the potty chair with a book for relaxation. Each time he
would urinate, we would praise him and give him an M & M candy. There was positive reinforcement at every instance. After two or three afternoons of this, Dan got the basic idea. I kept him in cotton cloth training underpants for a few weeks. These days parents use paper pull ups. This is an intensely focused method for potty training.

Potty training a second child is easier for two reasons. First off, you have experience. Secondly, child #2 has been observing the success and praise that child #1 received. With your second child reaffirm the positive results he or she will get from being a big boy or girl by being trained. You can use the chips and juice method or you can try a new method.

With our third child, life got busier, as is to be expected. We spent a lot of time outside in our back yard.

So our potty training reflected this. Here is what we did: we let our third child, also our third son, run naked in the back yard. This was such a relaxed way to potty train. Every 15 minutes I asked this child to sit on the potty chair. But that is not where the success comes from. Actually, it is better for a naked boy to see himself urinate. He is making vital connections in the workings of his specific plumbing. He feels the fullness of his bladder and then seconds later he is urinating!! After he urinates, tell him lovingly, that he needs to do that in the potty. He will 'get it' so quickly, in a very relaxed way. And you don't have to keep feeding him chips, juice and M & Ms!!!

Now telling you about running naked in the yard will lead to concern about children having bm's (bowel movements) outside. Letting your children play naked in the yard means you need to be outside with them. You need to be observant of what they are doing all the time so that you can make the necessary corrections. If they do more than urinate, clean it up and tell them it goes in the bowl in the potty chair. Then wipe their bottom and dispose of the mess in the proper way. Oh! And don't forget the sunscreen on their delicate skin.

Some might ask if letting them toilet outside will lead to inappropriate behavior away from home. I say NO! All that is required is consistent training and reinforcement.

You would think I would be a professional when it came to child #4. This son was stubborn as a mule! He would not potty train! I never got angry but encouraged him to be a big boy! Finally when this son was 3 ½ years old, I told him he would stay in his room until he got himself dressed and with clothe underpants. He was angrily crying for 15 minutes, but emerged victorious from his room 30 minutes later, fully dressed. After breakfast I sat him on his potty chair and he went potty. There were a couple of accidents through out the day, but within 24 hours he was trained for good!

Sons #5, #6, and #7 were all potty trained outside. Finally we had a daughter. When we potty trained her I took a different approach. I operated on beauty. I gave her pretty panties and told her she would not want to get them wet or dirty. She responded in complete agreement but accidents still happened. So I resorted to running naked in the back yard. Now, the funny thing about this was, Elisabeth had seen her brothers urinate, so she logically thought to go.......standing up! A couple of days later, she was potty trained sitting down.

Now, a couple of last points. Is it better to have boys train standing up or sitting down? I believe there is more control sitting down and that boys should be encouraged to urinate in a sitting position for as long as possible.

There is a current movement of potty training when children are just babies under a year of age. I wonder who is being trained, Mother or baby? I have yet to meet a person with a successful case of potty training this way.

Some parents will let their youngsters potty train themselves. They reason that when their child is ready, he/she will do it on their own. But with the expense of paper diapers or pull-ups, most parents lean toward the sooner, the better.

Whichever method you choose, be patient with your child as they learn this vital step towards independence.

Quick Help For Potty Training Your Child
Graco Baby Play Yard

Black Friday Graco TotBloc Pack 'N Play with Carry Bag, Bugs Quilt 2011 Deals

Nov 18, 2011 11:35:41

Black Friday Graco TotBloc Pack 'N Play with Carry Bag, Bugs Quilt Deals
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Graco TotBloc Pack 'N Play with Carry Bag, Bugs Quilt

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Black Friday Graco TotBloc Pack 'N Play with Carry Bag, Bugs Quilt Feature

  • Large and roomy 36" x 36" square play space for little one to play
  • Sets up and folds in less than a minute for use anywhere and everywhere
  • Durable frame weighs less than 25 pounds and airy mesh on all sides provide maximum ventilation
  • Convenient carrying bag for no-fuss travel and storage
  • Easy to clean


Black Friday Graco TotBloc Pack 'N Play with Carry Bag, Bugs Quilt Overview

Whether home or away, this Pack 'N Play Playard helps you give Baby a safe place to play. It has a strong, stable frame and airy mesh walls so Baby's comfortable and 4 interactive bug toys to keep him entertained. The roomy square design gives him plenty of play space to crawl, explore, and figure out what to do with all those developing muscles. It sets up and folds in less than a minute and comes with a handy carry bag, so you can easily bring it with you to your yard, the beach, Grandma's, or anywhere the day might take you.

Black Friday Graco TotBloc Pack 'N Play with Carry Bag, Bugs Quilt Specifications

The first thing to note about Graco’s pack ‘n play is that it is larger than many playards. This colorful, mesh-sided pen unfolds to a 38" x 38" square, rather than the rectangular shape of most others on the market. While this equates to needing more space, it also means that baby is provided with a bigger (and sturdier) area to play in. The playard’s stability comes from a four-footed metal frame, which-along with the four corner feet-gives it eight points of contact with the ground.

easy portability
The included bag makes storing and carrying easy.
Setup takes one person only minutes, from snapping the frame in place to securing the rigid, padded-top floor (cutely decorated with a fun bug pattern) with the Velcro fasteners. Breaking it down again is just as simple, and there is a convenient nylon storage/carrying bag included for easy portability. Bundled up, the pack ‘n play measures a compact 38 inches long by 10 inches square, but at nearly 24 pounds, it might be heavier than expected.

Baby will appreciate the extra space, the friendly bug motif, being able to see mom and dad through the soft mesh walls, and the four interactive toys-one on each side. There’s a sun with a mirror at its center, teaching baby self-awareness. The ladybug’s body houses a squeak toy. Show them how to beep it to teach ear, eye, and hand coordination. Both the bee and the butterfly have wings that "flap" inside the playpen-one set creates a rattling noise when moved, while the other makes a crinkling sound. Baby will enjoy the different sounds, textures, and stimulations the toys offer, while parents will enjoy not having to pick them up or losing them.

Care for the pack ’n play is easy: use a damp cloth or sponge with household soap to wipe vinyl, plastic, and metal parts; the bag can be machine washed and either line dried or tumbled on low. Should you need to replace the bag or floor pad, both are available for purchase separately.



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Aaa Battery Tester

Graco Element Pack 'N Play Playard with Bassinet, Mickey

Black Friday Graco Element Pack 'N Play Playard with Bassinet, Mickey 2011 Deals

Nov 17, 2011 12:33:23

Black Friday Graco Element Pack 'N Play Playard with Bassinet, Mickey Deals
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Graco Element Pack 'N Play Playard with Bassinet, Mickey

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Black Friday Graco Element Pack 'N Play Playard with Bassinet, Mickey Feature

  • Sleek frame design with airy mesh on all sides to provide maximum ventilation
  • Removable, full-size bassinet provides the perfect spot for baby to catch a nap, at home and away
  • Quilted mattress pad provides a comfortable nap space for your little one's sweet dreams
  • Signature Graco push-button fold makes closing your playard quick and hassle-free
  • Toy bar features soft toys to amuse your baby; convenient carrying bag for no-fuss travel and storage


Black Friday Graco Element Pack 'N Play Playard with Bassinet, Mickey Overview

The Pack 8216;n Play174; Element8482; playard puts all the essentials into a go-anywhere, do-anything package, which makes traveling with your little one easier than ever. This sleekly-designed playard has airy mesh sides for maximum ventilation, and a removable, full-sized bassinet to keep your little one cozy. And when you8217;re ready to travel, the signature push-button fold and carrying bag make packing it up a cinch. Features: Sleek frame design with airy mesh on all sides to provide maximum ventilation Removable, full-size bassinet is perfect for napping Quilted mattress pad creates a comfortable nap space Signature Graco174; push-button fold makes closing your playard quick and hassle-free Toy bar features soft toys to amuse your baby Convenient carrying bag for no-fuss travel and storage Electronics module with songs and soothing sounds Changer with cushioned rim for more comfortable diaper changing Three cubbies to keep baby essentials close at hand Specifications: Weight: 28.8 lbs Height: 33.3" Width: 28.5" Depth: 40"



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Dream On Me 3" Portable Crib Mattress

Black Friday Dream On Me 3" Portable Crib Mattress 2011 Deals

Nov 16, 2011 13:32:36

Black Friday Dream On Me 3
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Dream On Me 3

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Black Friday Dream On Me 3" Portable Crib Mattress Feature

  • Complies with 16-CFR 1633 flammability standards
  • Non-allergenic antibacterial waterproof cover
  • Fits standard port-cribs
  • Proudly made in the USA


Black Friday Dream On Me 3" Portable Crib Mattress Overview

Softly cradles your baby for comfort. The mattress creates a cloudlike environment for your baby to soundly sleep on. Designed for infants. Easily wipes clean with warm water and mild soap. Non-allergenic, anti-bacterial waterproof cover and complies with 16-CFR 1633 standards. This mattress is constructed with quality materials and workmanship in the USA.



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Dream On Me 3

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