UltimateMama wants you to eliminate the clutter and say goodbye to a life of disarray!

One thing that UltimateMama does not like is an unorganized home.  There should be no need to start a search effort for a specific toy or outfit if you have your child's belongings properly organized.

Below find a few of UltimateMama's quick tips to make your living space functional:

– Bedrooms:  Do not let toys own your child's bedroom.  UltimateMama advises you to teach your children proper clean-up techniques at an early age.  You can make it fun by singing songs while putting toys away in an orderly manner.  UltimateMama loves The Double Folding Mesh Cubes from The Container Store.  These cubes are terrific for storing stuffed animals, lots of balls, and toys of all shapes and sizes!  The cubes which are available in a variety of colors for $14.99 each also fold flat for simple storage.

http://www.containerstore.com

UltimateMama likes the Spiral Pop-Up Hamper from Bed, Bath & Beyond. This $14.99 hamper which comes in many great colors features an adjustable carrying strap and a mesh laundry bag.  Your children will be excited to toss their clothes into such a great looking hamper. 

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com

– Closets:  UltimateMama believes that if you plan to have another child or intend to pass along baby clothing, blankets, and accessories to a family member or friend then you should store the items properly.  Target offers a set of four clear plastic, 66-qt. ClearView storage boxes from Sterilite for $39.99 that are wonderful for storing baby clothing and supplies.  Even though you can see the contents of the boxes since they are clear, UltimateMama recommends labeling each box with details such as the sizes of the clothing or special items enclosed.  Just wash the clothing, fold it nicely, place it in the storage boxes, and put the boxes on a shelf or on the floor of your closet.

http://www.target.com

– Bathroom:  UltimateMama raves about the Boon Frog Pad by Boon Inc. for $24.99.  Let the children scoop up their bath toys and rinse them off for storage.  The Boon Frog Pad easily attaches to bathroom walls!  UltimateMama loves the design and functionality!

http://www.toysrus.com

– Seasonal decorations:  UltimateMama recently discovered Ziploc® Brand Big Bags with the Double Zipper Seal are prefect for organizing holiday decorations.  These bags are perfect for storing your seasonal towels, tablecloths, napkins, and placemats.  Additionally, they can be used for keeping track of your child's holiday art projects and costumes.  These super strong bags are great because you can squeeze them into many spots that boxes would never fit. 

http://www.ziploc.com/?p=b8

Before your trip even begins, UltimateMama advises
you to do a lot of research and come up with a list of activities to do
with your child.  Find some interesting museum exhibits or local playgrounds that your
child might enjoy. 

When packing for your
child UltimateMama wants you to be sure to include any special toys or garments that may be needed at the
destination.  For example, if you are
traveling to a beach community make sure you bring your child’s sandals,
swimsuit, hat, sand bucket and shovel.
If you are traveling to a ski resort do not forget long underwear and
several pairs of mittens (in case some get wet due to snow!). 

You will want to pack some smaller items so your child could have fun while waiting at airports, restaurants, or hotels.  UltimateMama thinks it is a good idea to bring some special items for your child to play with that they have never seen before!  Some fun yet compact items you may want to pack so your
child will have an enjoyable trip include:

– books

– crayons/coloring books

– stickers

– inflatable toys (such as beach balls) that can be used
outside or for bath toys

– flash cards

– stackable cups or blocks

– teething rings or teething toys (for infants)

Also, please do not forget snacks.  Whether you are driving, flying, or taking a train to your destination make sure your child is well fed and has enough to drink.

UltimateMama advises those who travel to be sensitive to their children's needs.  Once you reach your destination try to replicate your set-up
in order to get back into your child’s routine. 
Designate certain areas or rooms for eating, sleeping, or bathing. If you are traveling with a nanny, make
sure the appropriate supplies are available so the nanny can execute her job
flawlessly and your child has their needs met. 

At a local Manhattan playground, one New York City-based
mother met a Los Angeles-based nanny who was traveling with a family from
California.  The child had a great time
running in the sprinklers wearing her bathing suit and sunglasses.  The nanny even had bubbles and a few water
toys for her to play with at the playground. 
The NYC mother was amazed to discover after talking to the LA nanny that
she took the initiative to ask her hotel concierge where all the local parks
and playgrounds were so the child could play while the parents were at business
meetings. Organization like that for a child who is traveling really impresses UltimateMama!   

UltimateMama will be the first to admit that she doesn't sign her children up for EVERY class under the sun.  Although UltimateMama believes in exposing children to a variety of classes and activities she doesn't believe it should be done in one season.

Did you order your wedding cake without sampling it first?  Would you order a case of wine without trying a bottle?  Of course not.  So, UltimateMama advises you to ask for a trial or sample class before committing to a whole session or semester.  In this economic downturn many venues are more than willing to accommodate such a request. 

Think outside the box when it comes to exposing your child to classes.  Attend open houses, family days, and special events with your children to gage their interest level.  Examine the following to evaluate whether or not to sign your child up for specific classes:

– Teaching faculty:  Are they engaged? What is the teacher to child ratio?  Are they properly trained?

– Facilities:  Is it clean?  Is it large enough for the class size?  Is it safe?

– Pricing:  Do you pay per semester or per class?  Are there any discounts if you sign up additional siblings?  If your child joins a class mid-session do you only pay for the upcoming classes?

– Make-up Classes:  How many make-up classes are allowed per session?  Do the days/times of the make-up classes work with your family's schedule?

UltimateMama would have never thought to walk 25 blocks to attend a music class UNTIL she saw (and won) a GREAT package for a monthly family concert/class series at a silent auction fund-raiser.  The renowned music institution offered a series of classes that kids of any age could attend.  It was a home run for UltimateMama as the commitment was only once per month for 7 months and both children could actively participate.  UltimateMama was able to support a children's charity as well as expose her children to a variety of music!

Now you know that UltimateMama is into recycling, reusing, and reselling so I wanted to let all of you know about a great event going on in NYC this Saturday, November 21st 2009.  Shop Lucky Finds is having its 3rd FREE shopping event from 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm at St. Jean Baptiste Community Center which is located at 184 East 76th Street and happens to be stroller friendly.

Shop Lucky Finds was started by two NYC moms, Nicole Schumann-Rapaport and Candice Lombardi, with the goal of serving moms who want to find new or gently used designer names for their children (from 0-8 years old) at bargain prices.  

The event is held at a community center and several tables are set up displaying new or gently used clothing, books, games, and gear as well as clothing and accessories from local vendors. 

What UltimateMama finds truly special about this event is that all unsold items are donated to Room to Grow, a foundation serving the needs of babies in poverty. 

UltimateMama RAN to the first two events and came away with several wonderful items for her children including brand new books, Dora the Explorer "Opposites" flash cards, "new with tags" skirts from several high-end Madison Avenue designers, brand new polo shirts, and much more! 

Needless to say, you know where to find UltimateMama this Saturday!  UltimateMama warns you to put away all credit cards and check books as this is a cash only event.

UltimteMama just stopped by The Children's Place and noticed a nice sale going on right in time for Thanksgiving.  Take an additional 30% off select holiday merchandise and already reduced merchandise.  So, get that cute outfit for those upcoming holiday parties now – before they run out of the sizes/colors you need.  Or buy a new one for your holiday pictures! Remember, if you shop online shipping is $5 per order.

UltimateMama believes it is important to have at least three levels of back-up
childcare in case your childcare provider cannot work on a day that you or your partner has
an important meeting, presentation, or task. 
Back-up childcare examples may include:

– you

– your partner

– a nearby friend or neighbor

– a close relative

– another nanny or babysitter who has a flexible schedule

– a drop in day care center

Some employers have back-up childcare services available for
families who may find themselves in a pinch. 
You and your partner should check with your firm’s childcare offerings
and policies.  In many situations where
back-up childcare is offered by an employer, the parents must fill out
paperwork in advance to register the child. 
Additionally, the child’s doctor may also have to fill out paperwork to
answer questions relating to the child’s medical history.  Also, keep in mind that the childcare
offering may not be located at your office but a childcare facility in another
location.  Some back-up childcare
facilities are available to families on a first-come, first-serve basis and may
fill up quickly.  Make sure that you know
all the rules concerning your firm’s back-up childcare before you need to use
it for your child.

UltimateMama believes one must protect and organize kids food when out and about all over town!  UltimateMama uses use clear cosmetic bags with zippers
to store food items for her children.  One bag could
store a few meals along with a bib and utensils. UltimateMama uses additional bags to
store bottles for milk or water.  UltimateMama fills up the cosmetic bags and throws them into the diaper bag and everyone is
ready to go.  UltimateMama also puts these bags in her
carry-on luggage when traveling by air.  The children's meals are organized, clean and fresh!

One could use additional bags to store
diapers and cream as well as an extra set of clothing or even teething
rings, toys, or small books. 

UltimateMama knows first hand that bringing home a new sibling
can be a time of both joy and anxiety. 
Less than an hour after my youngest daughter arrived home from the
hospital I remember thinking that 
dealing with a toddler and a newborn is going to be IMPOSSIBLE. 

Now that I am several months into raising two
children I have concluded:  Challenging
-  yes; Impossible -  no. 

Sure having two children in diapers presents some sticky situations (quite literally at times) but
with the right organization and attitude you will have the ability and
confidence to tackle anything these little ones throw your way.  Keep in mind that the first few months are
quite rough but with time and order things do get easier.  Although both children need
your attention in different ways it is possible to nurture them
simultaneously.  It is possible to have a situation in which your baby and tot are in harmony, even during the adjustment period!

Below please find a few
suggestions to  organize your domestic
chaos: 

For brother/sister:

– Appoint the toddler CHO, or Chief
Helping Officer.  Tell them that as CHO
their duties are to do such things as hand you new diapers when changing the
newborn and grab burp clothes when the baby spits up.  Your toddler will love their new set of
responsibilities and bond with you and the new sibling in the process.

– Engage in art projects together.  Of course your newborn will not be able to
pick up a crayon and create a mural but your toddler sure can.  While you feed the newborn, stimulate your
toddler’s creative juices by watching them create a masterpiece.  Give them stickers, crayons and construction
paper and encourage them to make pictures for their sibling’s room.  After you finish the newborn’s feeding and
your toddler’s masterpiece is complete, have your toddler show their artwork to
the new baby and hang it up together. 
Your toddler’s pride is priceless. 

– Create “Big Sibling Day”.  Have your toddler wear a big sister or big brother shirt or
pin that either you make or buy and tell them it is their day to show the baby their
favorite things.  Your toddler can pick
out a favorite book and you can read it together.  The baby can touch your toddler’s favorite
stuffed animal or toy while your toddler explains why the object is so special
to them. 

– Photo proof.  Your toddler needs to see that they were
indeed a baby once upon a time.  Bring
out the photo albums and show your toddler pictures of them as a baby.  Compare these pictures to those of your
newborn.  Remind the toddler how they
have grown and explain to them that the baby will grow up as well and that one
day they will be able to play and eat together.    

For mom:  

– Prepare toddler meals the night
before.  As soon as your toddler is
asleep engage in meal preparation including slicing, dicing, and storing.  You may be exhausted as the evening looms but
spending the time to rinse and peel fruits for breakfast, make sandwiches for
lunch, and cut up leftovers for dinner will be extremely helpful the next
day. 

– Pick out your both baby and toddlers
clothes right after dinner.  Set aside
outfits for your children so that when morning comes all you have to do is grab
from the pile.  This will serve as a
lifesaver after a difficult, sleepless night.  

– Clean up messes along the way.  Sleep deprivation makes it tempting to let
dishes pile up but resist the temptation to do so and stack them in your
dishwasher after each meal.  Sweep up any
post-meal crumbs right way.  Put away any
toys, shoes, or baskets that you or your family members may accidentally trip
on if they are not too careful.  Importantly, teach your children to clean up
after themselves as well.

– Keep the changing area and diaper bag
stocked with all necessary supplies.  You
never want to run out of diapers, wipes, or creams.  Make a shopping list and post it to your
refrigerator detailing all needed items and grab the list the next time you
venture to the store.   

– Shop online.  Do you cringe at the thought of dealing with
an infant and a toddler at a store.  As
the parent of two winter babies I would have been lost without the Internet for
many of my shopping needs.  Websites such
as diapers.com, , buybuybaby.com, albeebaby.com and babiesrus.com  are helpful
for various baby supplies.  Online shopping is especially useful during
your infant’s early days when they may not be ready to step out into the
spotlight.    

UltimateMama's Parental Shopping Tip:
UltimateMama has rounded up some of my favorite big
brother/big sister items that will be sure to fill your older
children with pride.

1. "I'm a Big Sister" or "I'm a Big Brother"
book by Joanna Cole:  A must-have for older siblings. This book
describes the arrival of a new baby with a gentle tone.  See the category "Ultimate Books" for the best places to purchase books! 

2. I'm the Big Sister or I'm the Big Brother photo album by Gund.  These
super-soft albums hold twelve 4"x6" pictures.  Your child
will be proud to show off her little sibling to her peers.  geniusbabies.com 

3. Big Sister or Big Brother t-shirts.  Let your child wear the big
news in style.  This is the perfect gift from the newborn baby to her
sibling!   momobabygifts.com

4. Love Me or My Big Brother Loves Me photo frames.  The perfect addition to your child's room. buybuyBABY.com

 

UltimateMama believes that a babies who love books grow into toddlers who REALLY love books! 

In the toddler years you will move beyond board books since toddlers often remind us that they are "Big Kids", "Big Boys", or "Big Girls" now.

UltimateMama's top books for toddlers:

Leo Lionni's "Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse" is a Caldecott Honor Book about friendship.

Julie Merberg and Suzanne Bober's "Mini Masters Boxed Set" which includes "Dancing with Degas", "A
Picnic with Monet", "A Magical Day with Matisse", and "In the Garden with
Van Gogh."  Now, this is a boxed set of four board books but UltimateMama wants you to make an exception to the NO BOARD BOOKS FOR TODDLERS rule this time.

Kevin Henkes "Kitten's First Full Moon" is a simple and sweet story of wanting something you can't have that also won a Caldecott Medal.

Marcus Pfister's "The Rainbow Fish" is a MUST READ story about utterly selfless giving.  The illustrations are magnificent!

Margaret Wise Brown's "The Golden Egg" is a timeless classic about imagining.

Dr. Seuss's "Green Eggs and Ham" is perfect for any picky eaters who want to laugh and laugh!

Laura Numeroff's "If You Take a Mouse to School" is a high-energy must read to kick off the school day!

Shel Silverstein's "The Giving Tree" is a wonderful tale about unconditional love and generosity.

Bill Martin Jr's "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" is a fun read about the alphabet and letters. UltimateMama loves to sing it to her children!