Archives for October 2021

7 Tips for Buying Newborn Baby Clothes

Did you know that there were 3.6 million babies born in the United States of America in the year 2020? That means that someone that you know and care about is likely to have had a baby last year. One important part of having a baby is picking out the right baby clothes.

No matter if it is baby boy clothes or baby girl clothes, there are things that you need to do in order to make sure that the clothes you purchase are comfortable, safe, and cute. While this might seem difficult, you’re in the perfect place to learn some helpful tips with it comes to picking out the perfect newborn baby clothes.

Continue reading this article to learn about seven helpful tips that will help you the next time that you’re perusing your options in our local baby clothing stores.

1. Focus On Comfort

When it comes to picking out baby clothing, the first thing that you need to think about is comfort. It is important to remember that babies have extremely sensitive skin so certain clothing types aren’t a good fit. If you accidentally pick out baby clothing that is rough then it could cause irritation and rashes on your newborn’s skin.

The best approach to take is to try to find cute baby clothes that are soft and comfortable. If it is during the colder months then you should try to find baby clothes that are a bit thicker and warmer. If the summer months are coming up then make sure that you pick out baby clothes that breathe well but still protect your baby’s skin.

The best options for baby clothing when it comes to materials are cotton, fleece, and blended fabrics. You’ll want the clothes to be soft but absorbent. This creates a gentle clothing experience on your baby’s skin.

2. Keep Things Simple

It is easy to get carried away when you first start shopping for cute baby clothes for your newborn. Everyone pictures their baby in cute but stereotypical baby outfits like the baby sailor outfit. Don’t get drawn in by these baby clothes designs. Instead, focus on baby clothes that are cute but that provide practicality.

You’re going to have to change a lot of diapers which will only be more difficult if you have to help your baby out of complicated and confusing baby outfits. Target simple and soft clothes like those at Hanna Andersson. Clothes with frills and ribbons will irritate your baby’s skin so it is wise to keep your baby clothes simple.

3. Think About Temperature

An important component of picking out the best baby clothes for your newborn baby girl or boy is to make sure that you’re getting clothes that are right for the temperature. It is no secret that babies feel cold much easier than adults. It could be in the heart of summer and if there is a breeze your baby will start to feel cold.

The best option for hot weather when it comes to baby clothes is cotton. When winter arrives you should try to layer baby clothes in order to keep your baby warm but comfortable. Don’t go overboard with the layering as that can cause your baby to get too hot and uncomfortable. 

4. Size

Anyone that has had kids knows that they grow faster than you can believe. This makes shopping for baby clothes a difficult proposition. If you’re unsure of what size clothes to get for your baby girl or boy then it is always better to err on the side of larger sizes.

While the clothes you purchased might not fit your baby right now, it will be only a matter of weeks or months until those clothes are a perfect fit. A good approach is to get a few clothing items in each size and invest in new clothes as your baby keeps growing. That way you won’t spend a ton of money on clothes your baby can’t wear.

5. Quality Over Quantity

One thing that is important to remember with baby clothes is that you’re better off getting a few quality baby clothes options than investing in a ton of baby clothes that aren’t as nice. While baby clothes are expensive, it makes more sense to get something that will last for the period that you need it than it does to go cheap and get clothes that are uncomfortable.

6. Get Machine-Wash Baby Clothes

Your baby is going to make a ton of messes. That is just the reality of raising a child. Your child will spit up, throw up, and drool on the baby clothes that you purchase for your newborn. You’re going to need to wash these clothes on a consistent basis otherwise your children will run out of clothing.

Make sure that you’re purchasing baby clothes that stand up to stains but will also handle the rigors of frequent washes in your washing machine. You want to invest in fabrics that won’t grow dull or rough after getting washed in your home’s washing machine. This will keep your baby’s skin soft and healthy.

7. Get the Essentials

There are some baby clothes options that are essential when you have a newborn on the way. Singlets are a great clothing option that will keep your baby comfortable while also allowing for easy cleanup on your part. A singlet will catch all of the drool and vomit that your baby creates.

Onesies are also a great investment because they are easy to put on and take off. This is valuable because it makes it much easier for you to clean your baby and change their diaper when nature calls.

Find the Perfect Baby Clothes for Your Newborn

There are certain things that you need to look for when it comes to picking out the perfect baby clothes for your newborn. Make sure that you get the essential items like singlets and onesies. This makes cleaning up much easier. You should also make sure to get clothing materials that are soft in order to keep your baby comfortable and healthy.

For more insightful and fun articles on a range of topics, check out our blog.

Scone and Bonnie Blue, Oct. 7th Pets of the Week!

Scone (left) and Bonnie Blue (right) are a bonded pair of lap kitties, but it took them a little while to get into the cuddle zone. Even though they were only 2 months old when they got here, they were very shy, and potential adopters overlooked them. They’re 5 months old now, and the difference is wonderful—they’re super-soft, super-sweet little cats without a mean bone in either body. They’ll fit beautifully into one lap. How about yours? Adoptions are made through appointment only, so email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to meet Scone and Bonnie Blue. Ask for ID#A658270.

(This rescue was encouraged by the usual suspects.)

ICONIC EVENTS RELEASING BRINGS‘PINKFONG & BABY SHARK’S SPACE ADVENTURE’ TO MOVIE THEATERS IN NORTH AMERICA FOR THE FIRST TIME

SmartStudy, the global entertainment company behind Pinkfong Baby Shark, is teaming up with Iconic Events Releasing for the debut of the global feature hit Pinkfong & Baby Shark’s Space Adventure, in movie theaters nationwide in North America for the first time on Saturday and Sunday, October 9 and 10, 2021. 

In Pinkfong & Baby Shark’s Space Adventure, Pinkfong and Baby Shark journey through space, visiting mysterious planets as they search for missing star pieces so that they can return home. The feature-length adventure is set to some of Pinkfong’s most popular and memorable original songs, including the wildly popular “Baby Shark” song that achieved RIAA Diamond status and went on a 17-week streak on the Billboard Hot 100’s Top 50. As an added bonus, a brand new Pinkfong and Baby Shark animated short will premiere exclusively in theaters.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to bring Pinkfong & Baby Shark’s Space Adventure to theaters, providing our fans with a fresh and exciting way to enjoy the cinematic special with family and friends,” said Bin Jeong, CEO of Pinkfong USA. “The theater experience brings a new level of excitement and interaction that truly lends itself well to this song-filled adventure.” 

“Pinkfong and Baby Shark are well-loved by children around the world,” said Iconic CEO Steve Bunnell. “Iconic Events Releasing is overjoyed to present this fun and educational family event in movie theaters for the first time in North America so that families can experience the magic of the big screen together.”

Tickets to see Pinkfong & Baby Shark’s Space Adventure will be on sale starting Thursday, September 16 at local theater box offices and at www.babysharkintheaters.com.

Credit: Iconic Events Releasing and Pinkfong.

About Iconic Events Releasing
A fast growing name in event cinema, Iconic Events Releasing brings live and filmed entertainment of all types to movie theaters as special limited engagement events, so that fans can watch their favorites on the big screen. Programming includes live pay-per-view sports, music and comedy specials, stand-up comedy events, award-winning television specials, Broadway productions, exciting holiday specials, family events, live events for album releases, rock concerts, and music docs that celebrate diversity. Iconic’s theater network represents some of the country’s preeminent cinemas offering enhanced guest experiences, high-quality food & beverage service, and reserved seating to ensure families can enjoy a night out at their local movie theater. The company recently has enjoyed significant successes with “Bo Burnham: Inside,” several UFC fights, and WWE SummerSlam, among  a varied slate of upcoming events including the theatrical release of “David Byrne’s American Utopia”.

About Pinkfong
Pinkfong is a global entertainment brand that creates award-winning content for families around the world. Pinkfong has over 5,000 songs and stories within its vast library of children’s content, which can be accessed on the App Store and Google Play, as well as on YouTube and Amazon Video. Pinkfong’s accolades include YouTube’s Custom Play Button, Amazon Video Direct Star,  and Google Play’s Best Family App of 2014-2017.

Follow Pinkfong here
Official Website: www.pinkfong.com/en
YouTube: www.youtube.com/pinkfong
Facebook: @pinkfong.official
Instagram: @pinkfong.official
Twitter: @pinkfong 

What Makes Minnie Mouse Toys a Must-Have for Kids?

Cartoon-inspired gifts are perfect for all kids, especially girls. For example, Minnie Mouse is a cartoon character loved by people worldwide. There are several Minnie mouse toys for 1 year old that you can explore as a gifting option.

Minnie Mouse cartoon character has grown in popularity with feature films, television shows, and merchandise. It is one of Disney’s most successful and recognized characters, and thus they make it to the must-have list of toys. 

Reasons to Consider Buying Minnie Mouse Toys

Variety of Minnie Mouse Toys

You will be spoiled for choice when it comes to buying Minnie mouse toys for 1 year old. First, you can buy soft toys, baby tea sets, Disney teethers, sippy cups, bibs, bath squirt toys, towels, and more. Then, as they grow older, you can gift them Minnie-mouse-themed baby toys like a baking set, kitchen set, Lego sets, and playsets.

Minnie mouse is such a widely famous character that there has to be a Minnie version of it available for any toy you want to buy. Right from puzzles to water slides, there are different types of Minnie mouse products, such as kitchen and baking sets, comb sets, building blocks, and bath swaddlers, you could browse through. 

Makes New Experiences Fun

Babies are curious by nature. So, they start using their fingers to pick small items like food, spoons, and cups in the early months. You can make these new experiences fun and exciting for them with Minnie mouse merchandise. For example, you can get them excited for meal times using a Minnie feeding set complete with a plate, bowl, spoon, and forks. 

Babies can feed themselves with a spoon when they are around 10 to 12 months old. Even if they make a mess, giving them cartoon-themed cutlery can get them interested in using them. You can encourage them to drink water with colorful sippy cups, which makes things interesting for them.

Potty training is an essential exercise, but kids tend to get scared of the whole process. With a Minnie mouse-themed potty system, potty training could become a stress-free experience for both the kid and the parent.

Can Be Used for Educational Purposes

Apart from teaching them necessary life skills, toys can also be used for educational purposes. For example, as the kid grows, you can introduce them to shapes and colors with Minnie mouse books. In addition, you can encourage them to practice writing alphabets and numbers with Minnie-themed blackboards. 

If they have difficulty leaving for school, you can make the transition easier and interesting with Minnie mouse backpacks, lunch boxes, and stationery. You could also get them interested in new hobbies with Minnie paint sets, coloring books, floats, watering cans for gardens, outdoor playhouses, and more. 

Minnie mouse is a beloved cartoon most kids, especially girls, associate with. This attachment can be used to make playtime fun, teach them new skills and eliminate the fear that stops them from new experiences. So get online and start searching as a world of Minnie mouse toys awaits you.

The Addams Family 2 * Spooktacular Adventure With Explosions, Practical Jokes, And Sibling Rivalries

Everyone’s favorite spooky family is back in the animated comedy sequel, The Addams Family 2. In this all new movie we find Morticia and Gomez distraught that their children are growing up, skipping family dinners, and totally consumed with “scream time.” To reclaim their bond they decide to cram Wednesday, Pugsley, Uncle Fester and the crew into their haunted camper and hit the road for one last miserable family vacation. Their adventure across America takes them out of their element and into hilarious run-ins with their iconic cousin, It, as well as many new kooky characters. What could possibly go wrong?

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Tiana S. comments, “! In the follow up to the 2019 film, the Addams family brings the same amazing family values and fun in The Addams Family 2, which takes us on a new spooktacular adventure, complete with explosions, practical jokes, sibling rivalries and fun. This film is just as entertaining as the first one.” Kyla C. cadds, “Get ready to take an action-packed road trip across America when the Addams family comes back for another wild adventure! The Addams Family 2 has a fantastic storyline, characters and animation as well as strong themes.” See their full reviews below.

The Addams Family 2

By Kyla C, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 12

Get ready to take an action-packed road trip across America when the Addams family comes back for another wild adventure! The Addams Family 2 has a fantastic storyline, characters and animation as well as strong themes. Families of all ages should be super pumped for this relatable and fun new film.

The Addams Family 2 has a fantastic storyline that is focused on Wednesday (Chloe Grace Moretz), who is stuck between two families, not sure which one she actually shares her DNA. She uses her impressive chemistry and scientific abilities to try to determine her destiny. Is her real father Gomez Addams (Oscar Isaac), who raised her, or the one who gives seemingly incontrovertible proof, Cyrus (Bill Hader). The battle is a constant inner conflict within Wednesday as she faces decisions that could change her life forever. Along with this main plotline, there are other problems and situations, like how Uncle Fester (Nick Kroll) is showing strange symptoms or how Grandma (Bette Midler) is throwing a party when she’s supposed to be taking care of the house while the Addams are on vacation.

There are so many wonderful aspects that make The Addams Family 2 a must-see. The story is well-written with a conflict for each character and many strong subplots. The only slight weak point is that the story is a bit slow in starting. However, once the rising action begins, the film flies by in a flurry of adventure and humor. The funniness of this film is truly incredible. It is an action-based film, but still incorporates so much humor into every part. The locations are very accurate, despite being animated. For people who have visited some of these places, it is so cool to be able to see an animated representation of them. Some of the places include Niagara Falls, Miami beaches, Death Valley, Texas deserts and the Grand Canyon. Besides the strong story and fun locations, the family-based conflicts are so relatable for real families. Everyday things such as siblings arguing, parent-child relationships, struggles to belong and not feeling like yourself are common within the Addams family. Wednesday and Pugsley Addams (Javon Walton) are constantly fighting; Gomez Addams feels as if he falls short in including Wednesday in things and Morticia Addams (Charlize Theron) tries her best to comfort everyone. The animation for all of the characters is outstanding. The voice acting is one of the more positive aspects of the film; all the actors sound exactly like their character and we can imagine what the character is feeling or thinking. Bill Hader, as Cyrus, makes a wonderfully mysterious character. Chloe Grace Moretz’s Wednesday is a seemingly cold character who opens up as the film progresses; her voice acting really is superb. 

The theme of The Addams Family 2 is to be yourself and to not force someone to be who they’re not. It also emphasizes being careful about who you trust with important things. There are some very mild insulting comments and, of course, some creepy science scenes.

The Addams Family 2 gets 4.5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 6 to 18 plus adults. Addams Family 2 releases in theaters October 1, 2021, so check it out!

The Addams Family 2
By Tiana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

It’s time to take a road trip with our favorite creepy family just in time for Halloween! In the follow up to the 2019 film, the Addams family brings the same amazing family values and fun in The Addams Family 2, which takes us on a new spooktacular adventure, complete with explosions, practical jokes, sibling rivalries and fun. This film is just as entertaining as the first one.

The Addams Family 2 focuses on Wednesday Addams (Chloe Grace Moretz), who is feeling misplaced and not very “Addamsy,” so she is slowly pulling away from her family. To get his family closer, her father, Gomez Addams (Oscar Isaac) takes everyone on a road trip in a haunted RV. At the same time, the family is being followed by a creepy man, Mr. Mustela (Wallace Shawn), who is threatening to break up the family after it is discovered that Wednesday may not be an Addams. Gomez and Morticia Addams (Charlize Theron) have to find different ways to protect the family, which initiates a series of wacky adventures on this road trip.

The movie follows Wednesday as she learns about who she is, however, the main character is the entire Addams family: Gomez, Morticia, Pugsley (Javon “Wanna” Walton), Uncle Fester, (Nick Kroll), Cousin It (Snoop Dogg) and Grandma (Bette Milder). I love how the storyline focuses on family and how the Addams family will fight tooth and nail together to stay a family. The audience will not have a problem connecting with the characters as they all have a strong presence in this sequel and are well-developed. The audience will be spooked by the protective, yet, funny role, played by the family’s butler, Lurch (Director, Conrad Vernon). This film is hilarious. My favorite part is when Wednesday uses a voodoo doll to help Pugsley impress a group of girls by dancing and then tosses him into the Niagara Falls in true Addams’ fashion. The music keeps the film energetic and. of course, wouldn’t be complete without a concert performance by Cousin It.

The message of The Addams Family 2 is to love and accept each other and it reminds us that family goes beyond genetics.  Throughout the film, different characters try to force others to change qualities they dislike about them instead of accepting them as they are, and perhaps just working on themselves. 

The Addams Family gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 6 to 18, plus adults. The Addams Family 2 creeps into theatres and On Demand October 1, 2021.

Oct. 2-3: Aquarium’s Baja Splash Festival celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month

Photo credit: Aquarium of the Pacific
Please note: This photo was taken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, the Aquarium of the Pacific will host its annual Baja Splash Cultural Festival on Saturday and Sunday, October 2 and 3, 2021, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Last year this celebration was a virtual event, but this year plans are underway for an in-person event for the 20th anniversary of the Aquarium’s first cultural festival. These plans include having bilingual (English/Spanish) environmental educational programs, traditional dance, live music, and booths as part of the celebration.

Folk dancers and musicians representing cultures in Mexico and countries in Central and South America, including Aztec drummers and dancers, will share songs and dances in two locations this year—the Aquarium’s Honda Pacific Visions Theater and in front of the Aquarium’s tallest exhibit, the Honda Blue Cavern. The Aquarium will feature Mexican and Central and South American music programs for all ages. Some of the groups have been involved with this festival since it began two decades ago, including Danza Azteca Cultural Ketzaliztli, Folklorico del Mar, and Martin Espino.

The festival will include an award ceremony in its Honda Pacific Visions Theater on Saturday, October 2. This year the Aquarium will present its Heritage Award to longtime festival participant Martin Espino. Espino is a musician and teaching artist who for more than fifty years has been engaging community members of all ages, including those with disabilities, to explore music, languages, musical instruments, and cultures from ancient Mexico and beyond. To further cultural preservation, he has also worked with directors in incorporating his ancestral instruments in movies. He has led interactive performances at the Baja Splash Festival since it started twenty years ago. Last year for the Aquarium’s first virtual Baja Splash festival, Espino presented a free online workshop to engage children and adults at home during the pandemic by teaching them to create a musical instrument using recycled materials and other household items.

The Aquarium of the Pacific gives special thanks to the Bernadett Family for supporting the Little Ocean Explorers programming for its youngest learners during the festival. This special program will be offered in the Aquarium’s Ocean Theater. Also, as part of the festival, everyone can participate in a bilingual (English/Spanish) seaweed-themed loteria game with prizes in connection with the Aquarium’s Seafood for the Future program in the Ocean Theater on Saturday, October 2, at 3:40 p.m. You can also experience a seaweed touch tank from the California Seaweed Festival and learn more about the importance of sustainable seaweed as a source of food that can also combat climate change. Attendees can stop by the booth to take home recipes when they visit the front plaza of the Aquarium that weekend. Visitors can also explore booths from organizations like Caracol Museo de Ciencias (Science museum in Ensenada), Mujeres de la Tierra (environmental nonprofit), the Museum of Latin American Art, and Girasoles en Marcha (cultural organization for youth).

The name Baja Splash was inspired by Baja California, Mexico’s Gulf of California, which is one of the most important wildlife havens in the world. Visitors can learn more about this important ecosystem and how people can help protect it by exploring the Aquarium’s Gulf of California exhibition created with World Wildlife Fund Mexico. The festival is included with Aquarium admission. General admission is $36.95 per adult (ages 12+), $26.95 per child (ages 3-11), $33.95 per senior (ages 62+), and free for Aquarium members and children under age three. All festival elements are subject to change. Capacity is limited. Advance reservations are required for everyone. No walk-ups. Safety is the Aquarium’s top priority. Masks are required for everyone ages two and older. For the most current safety information, please visit aquariumofpacific.org/visit/aquarium_safety . For more information on the festival and for reservations, please visit aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/baja_splash_cultural_festival/.  

VIRTUAL PROGRAM:

On Saturday, October 2, at 2:30 p.m. Pacific time, the Aquarium will broadcast a 20-minute presentation by Danza Azteca Cultural Ketzaliztli (Aztec drumming and dance) live on its Facebook page. This Baja Splash Cultural Festival program will be transmitted live from the Aquarium’s Honda Pacific Visions Theater. To view this free virtual program online, please visit this Aquarium webpage: pacific.to/bajasplash

Credit: The Aquarium of the Pacific.

Jacob, Sept. 30th Pet of the Week

Jacob is a beautiful, 6-year-old brown-and-beige Himalayan kitty, affectionate and chill. Him a-layin’ down at the moment, ready to go to sleep and dream about his forever home with humans who want badly to tend to his every whim and need. One of Jacob’s needs is managing his diabetes, which, with care, can give him good life quality. Adoptions are made through appointment only, so email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to meet Jacob. Ask for ID#A658270.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

The Croods: Family Tree * So Fun To Watch Because Of Its Humor

The Croods: Family Tree continues the evolving story of the croods and Bettermans as they learn to live together on the most idle farm in prehistory. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Avalon N. comments, “DreamWorks Animation’s The Croods: Family Tree is an amazing and hilarious show. With all the characters from the newest movie, this show is sure to get you laughing.” See her full review below.

The Croods: Family Tree

By Avalon N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

DreamWorks Animation’s The Croods: Family Tree is an amazing and hilarious show. With all the characters from the newest movie, this show is sure to get you laughing.

This show is about the prehistoric Croods living with the Bettermans. While the kids get along, the adults have their fair share of mishaps as they learn how to live together on a farm. In one episode they try to capture the punch monkeys; in another they get Dawn’s Grr back.

This show is so fun to watch because of its humor. No matter how many mishaps the make,  they are always back for more and that makes this show engaging. It has an amazing group of voice actors. Tran reprises her role as Dawn; A.J. Locascio reprises his role as Thunk from Dawn of the Croods. The new voice cast features Amy Landecker as Ugga, Kiff VandenHeuvel as Grug, Ally Dixon as Eep, Artemis Pebdani as Gran, Darin Brooks as Guy, Matthew Waterson as Phil, and Amy Rosoff as Hope. All the voice talent excels at making the Croods sound prehistoric and the Bettermans sound “evolved,” as Hope would put it. Another great thing is the design of the farm they live on. It looks so amazing, like something you would want to live in, but if you look closer it is made out of things that were found in prehistoric times. The wall, the house and “The System” are made from bamboo and vines. The house is in a tree; so they live in a tree house. It also credits them with making a lot of things like windows, which are similar to TV and showers.

The message of this show is anyone can get along, no matter how different they are.

I give The Croods: Family Tree 4.5 out of 5 and recommend it for ages 6 to 14, plus adults can watch it with their kids on movie night. This is available on September 23th, 2021 on Hulu and Peacock.