These all-in-one, molded-plastic play stations typically resemble traditional walkers—but without the wheels, which makes them a less risky way for your baby to have fun and get a little exercise.
A stationary activity center keeps your baby relatively safe in one spot while you do other things, such as make dinner—and maybe even eat some of it, too. A stationary activity center can be used as soon as your baby can sit up unassisted (some start at about 4 months and most by 6 months).
Most stationary activity centers adjust to three or more heights. Your baby will outgrow it when he’s 30 to 32 inches tall or weighs 25 to 30 pounds; that’s the maximum height and weight recommendation for most activity centers. You should stop using the activity center when your child can walk or even stand up by himself. A standing or walking child can tip it over and get injured or trapped. (See more activity center safety tips.)
Do you use a stationery activity center for your child? Share your experiences.
Though her latest flick falls into the horror genre, actress Julia Ormond admits she worries about the effects that the prevalence of violence in society has on our kids. Julia, who is mom to 5-year-old daughter Sophie, talks to Parade magazine about how violent imagery is even found in children’s movies these days.
“At the end of the day, when you step back, there is an extraordinary amount of violence in our consciousness that we just ignore. Look at kids’ movies. I have a five-year-old daughter and I look at a lot of them with her. Check out the number of cartoon animals that use force to get their point across rather than words. It’s penguins slapping each other, a cat throwing a mouse across the room – after a while you wonder how much of an impact it has on children.”
The 44-year-old actress says she thinks her new film, Surveillance, “[forces] us to look at violence in a different way. We’ve gotten anesthetized.” Do you think there is too much violence in kids’ shows? Is it something you worry about? Via Parade Photo: PR Photos
Debbie Rowe, the mother of two of Michael Jackson’s children, is crying foul! Just one day after News of the World published a supposedly exclusive interview, Debbie’s attorney is saying the whole thing is a fake.
He says, “The interview did not occur. The article is a complete fabrication.” Claiming fear of legal action, News of the World has removed the interview from their site.
So now we’re back to wondering if Michael really is the children’s biological father, and who will raise them now that he has passed?
Debbie tried to give up all of her parental rights in 2005, but she may still legally be the one to gain custody. The children’s grandparents are also reportedly petitioning to gain custody.
Who do you think the children should go to: the mother they don’t know, or their grandparents?
Source: Cele|bitchy, Photo: PR Photos
Today’s Star Shopping pick is the Go GaGa diaper bag. This particular bag I really like. Why? I find it attractive, useful and roomy. There are three styles: The Gondola, The Slide and The Messenger. The one I recently tested is the Slide Tote Bag, which I think is really neat. The Slide has plenty of room for holding diaper necessities, extra clothes and drinks. The two round pockets on the sides can hold sippy cups, bottles, and water bottles. The ergonomic strap is very stylish and evenly distributes the weight of the bag across your back. There are stroller straps that also are great for holding a blanket. I rolled mine up with the straps when taking the kids to the park.
There are six really cool colors available in all the styles. For eco-conscious parents, the Sea Blue and Eggplant fabrics are made of 72% post consumer recycled polyester. In the photo, Joely Fisher holds a black Slide Tote. Other celebrity parents that have been gifted with a Go Gaga bag are Brooke Mueller, Tim Allen and Sex and the City’s Evan Handler. What I like about these bags are that they can be used later to carry your own personal things. It’s wide enough to carry a laptop. Prices are $118 to $128. Visit gogagalife.com.
“I get $13 [a week] now, because I’m 13. My chores have gotten a little heavier. My brother used to always to feed the cat and now I feed the cat, which isn’t a big deal, but it kind of is, because my cat eats tons. It’s like an all-day long cycle.” ~ 13-year-old actress Abigail Breslin explains her weekly allowance. The Oscar-nominee, who stars alongside Cameron Diaz in My Sister’s Keeper, earns an estimated $2-million per film. Via People
What a mixed week of celebrity news it has been! Michael Jackson passed away unexpectedly, and Jon and Kate Gosselin filed for divorce. In happier news Ana Ortiz welcomed a daughter, as did Rachel Griffiths, and the twins of Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick were born!
Many of our experienced moms didn’t buy Kendra Wilkinson’s plan to opt for bigger clothes over maternity wear. Dena commented, “I think it looks much worse to just wear bigger sizes! You don’t (always) need more room in your thighs, butt, sholders, etc, just more belly room. I’m with the rest of you – she’ll change her mind in a few months.”
In reaction to Ellen DeGeneres and Portia’s plan to remain kidless, Megan said, “As we all know, having and caring for a child is the biggest responsibilty and commitment one can make and I totally respect and understand when people decide that parenting is not for them but they are more than happy to indulge and enjoy their nieces/nephews and friends’ little ones.”
Reacting to the news that TLC has put production of Jon & Kate Plus 8 on hold, Fay said, “I think its sad but who’s surprised? I dont think the show should be on anymore anyhow simply because the kids are older now. The purpose of the show was to watch a couple raising 6 newborns then toddlers, not grown kids. Its not cute anymore, its just sad.”
Thanks for all the great comments, everyone!
Photo: Wikimediacommons
It looks like Ana Ortiz’s childbirth fears are behind her: The Ugly Betty star and her husband Noah Lebenzon are the proud new parents of a baby girl! Paloma Louise Lebenzon was born yesterday at 4:25pm, weighing 7lbs, 10 oz. She is the first child for Ana and Noah. The actress’ rep confirmed the happy news to People this afternoon, saying, “She is elated and completely glowing. She is surrounded by her friends and family and so happy to be a mom. She is just really enjoying the moment. The baby is absolutely beautiful.” Congratulations to Ana and Noah on their new arrival! Do you like the name Paloma Louise? Via People Photo: PR Photos
Like many expectant moms, Ana Ortiz has a few jitters about her upcoming due date. The Ugly Betty star, who is due any day, tells Pregnancy magazine that she plans to have an epidural, but says she’s still scared of the “unknown” when it comes to childbirth.
“I am, I’m nervous about labor. To me, it is just so unknown; I mean I have been a birthing partner for two of my girlfriends…. So I think the experience became a little less scary for me. It’s still such a different experience being on the other side of it. But you know, [my friend] is going to be there with me and my mom and my husband are going to be there, so I guess it’s going to be OK.”
Labor and delivery isn’t the only thing that Ana feels anxious about. She admits she is also worried about breastfeeding. “You know what I’m really nervous about is breastfeeding, actually. I’ve heard so many incredibly difficult stories, and its something that I really want to do, but I’m just so nervous about it.” Despite being nervous, Ana can’t wait to welcome her baby girl and looks forward to motherhood. “I hope to be creative and patient and loving and hopeful,” she says. What were you most nervous about in the days before your due date? Via Pregnancy Photo: PR Photos
Just a few weeks ago we were discussing whether or not Michael Jackson’s children look like him, and now we find out that any resemblance is purely coincidental!
Debbie Rowe, the mother of Prince, 12, and Paris, 11, has confessed that the children are not biologically Michael’s. She says, “I was comfortable with him. I offered him my womb. We were close enough that I knew I could offer him that, so I did. It was a gift.”
Debbie goes on to say she was impregnated using artifical insemination from an anonymous sperm donor.
She and Michael married in 1996, and divorced three years later after the birth of Paris. Debbie explains, “The delivery was so hard. My insides were all torn up and I was barren. When he knew I couldn’t have any more babies he didn’t want anything to do with me.”
She adds, “He wanted to pretend that we were a family. But we never lived together as a couple. We never had sex.”
It is still unknown who the mother of Michael’s third child, Blanket is, as well as who will take care of the children now that he has passed away.
Source: News of the World, Photo: PR Photos
Congratulations to newlyweds Kendra Wilkinson and Hank Baskett! The expectant parents exchanged their wedding vows yesterday in a ceremony held at the Playboy mansion in Beverly Hills. Spotted on the mansion grounds yesterday morning, the happy bride-to-be told US magazine of her NFL player beau, “I’m ready to marry the man of my dreams. He’s one in a million. I’m so lucky.” Kendra, 24, walked down the aisle in front of approximately 500 guests – including her ex Hugh Heffner and Girls Next Door co-stars Bridget Marquardt and Holly Madison – wearing a gorgeous white gown and $100,000 worth of Michael Barin jewels. Kendra and Hank are expecting their first child on Christmas Day. Via US Photo: PR Photos
