Many of my loyal readers thanked me for encouraging them to visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's website on a frequent basis and for alerting them to the November 2009 Maclaren USA stroller recall following fingertip amputation and laceration hazard to the child. 

Do not mess around when it comes to your child's safety!

UltimateMama got soaked today while strolling her two girls home from school in a NYC rain storm!  And it was her fault for not being prepared.  The positive news is that her daughters were 100% dry!

Not that she regrets it but last December UltimateMama donated her ill-fitting, long, raincoat to the annual New York Cares coat drive but failed to buy herself a replacement.  Now she's all wet.

You need to be prepared when you take your children out in the rain.  Here's a list of things for mommy or nanny on rainy days:

– Umbrella

– Plastic rain cover for stroller

– Hooded waterproof rain jacket (the longer, the better)

– Waterproof rain boots (shoes to change into once at your destination) UltimateMama prefers Burberry rain boots 

– Warm socks

– Hat or baseball cap for under your hood

– Pants that you don't mind getting wet (and maybe even a back-up pair of pants to change into once at your destination)

UltimateMama says "Thank you" several times a day to those who assist her and her children. And, UltimateMama teaches her children to do the same.  Making a habit out of saying thank you to those who deserve it is easy not to mention kids feel a bit "adult" when they say it!

UltimateMama encourages her children to say thank you in the following situations:

– when someone holds a door open

– every time they step off the bus, they thank the bus driver

– to cab drivers

– to salespeople in retail stores

– to the check-out helpers at the grocery store

– to doorman and porters

– to the mailman or any delivery person

– to people who visit

– to anyone who gives a gift

One of UltimateMama's mommy friends who happens to have an older child as well as one the same age as UltimateMama's oldest recently told her something to the effect of "I am not one to give unsolicited advice, however, if a parent wants to change a behavior or implement something new it is up to the parent, not the child, to make that happen".  UltimateMama thought it was brilliant.  Keep this delicious quote in mind when thinking about potty training, implementing a bedtime routine, eating meals at the same time each day, etc.  As long as you, the parent, acts in a consistent manner your child will follow suit! You can make change happen.

UltimateMama's toddler is always hungry the second she runs out of nursery school.  She definitely works up an appetite creating art projects, participating in science experiments, honing her counting skills, learning about the formation of words, running around at gym time, singing and dancing to the music, and listening to stories. 

UltimateMama is always armed with a water in a BPA-free, stainless steel Safe Sippy cup.  Additionally, UltimateMama always brings a small snack that will not ruin her child's appetite for a healthy, hearty lunch.  Also, make sure you avoid snacks that may be choking hazards.  Some quick, easy, affordable snack ideas include:

– crackers

– raisins

– goldfish crackers

– dried fruit without sugar added

– rice cakes

– Cheerios

– berries

– apple slices (or slices of other fruit)

– bread sticks

– cheese sticks, slices, or cubes

– yogurt

– cucumber slices

– carrot sticks

UltimateMama has killer Dolce and Gabbana heels that she loves to wear.  Killer in both sense of style and destruction to her back.  She also loves doing a morning dance to get into her Banana Republic skinny cords. 

However, when it comes to dressing her children UltimateMama is all about comfort!  Do NOT sacrifice your child's comfort or maneuverability for fashion.  Kids do not have to be victims to high fashion.  Buying skinny jeans may not be a wise move for an active toddler who loves to play on the monkey bars.  Likewise for any sort of children's shoe with a heel on it!  Have some common sense and think about your child's happiness when it comes to fashion. Put substance over style.

UltimateMama wants you all to know that the FDA recently provided an update on the issue of BPA (Bisphenol A).  Remember, this chemical is found in hard plastic bottles and metal food and beverage cans.  It seems as though the National Toxicology Program at the National Institutes of Health and FDA are concerned about the potential effects of BPA on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland in fetuses, infants, and young children. 

UltimateMama encourages you to reduce your family's exposure to BPA.  Do it for your CHILDREN!

For an overview and the full update please go to http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm064437.htm

UltimateMama knows that it is not fun eating cereal for breakfast day after day.  However, kids need something nutritious before they head off to school.  Here are some great, quick, and healthy breakfast alternatives for children.

– Apple slices with almond butter

– Crackers with peanut butter

– Hard boiled eggs (make them the night before)

– Rice cakes with jelly, peanut butter, cream cheese

– Cheese and apple slices

– Yogurt and fruit with granola or other cereal

– Cheese stick and berries

– French toast

– Pancakes (make them over the weekend and freeze them in individual portions)

– Slices of ham and cheese

– Breakfast burrito (tortilla, cheese, turkey bacon or ham)

– Grits with cheese

– Breakfast sandwich (bagel or english muffin with ham and cheese)

– Bagel and cream cheese with berries on top

UltimateMama frequently has out of towners who stay in her apartment and visit with her family.  Mealtime can get a little crazy when you are planning a menu for a family of four plus guests.  Since UltimateMama loves to show off her cooking skills ordering meals for delivery or take-out is often out of the question. 

So, how does UltimateMama feed 4 mouths PLUS?  She prepares, cooks, and freezes meals ahead of time.  From meatballs with marinara sauce to lentil soup to turkey meatloaf to turkey or chicken tagine, UltimateMama freezes and thaws these entrees for all to enjoy.  This way, everyone gets more quality time with the kids!

UltimateMama wants you to shop NOW for next winter.  That is right – shop in January for the November 2010-March 2011 season. If you have young children they will not be bothered that they are wearing last season's fashions so get over it and save a buck buy shoping the clearance racks and websites! 

UltimateMama was able to pick up mittens for her youngest daughter for next season for only $2.49 (from over $7.00 originally) at The Children's Place.  UltimateMama noticed hats, scarves, snow bib overalls, coats, and more at The Gap at huge discounts (plus an additional 20% off all reduced items). 

Once again, Hanna Andersson came out with a huge sale on winter jackets, overalls, and accessories.  UltimateMama picked up two jackets for her oldest daughter at over 70% off!