KidSmartLiving @ Home

Stay on Budget with a Babyproofing Plan

2008-05-24T09:52:14Z

High fuel prices (and the related higher costs of... well, everything!) are certainly pinching household budgets, and parents with babies and small children are bound to feel it. From diapers to formula, not to mention all the other "stuff," parents can quickly find themselves spending a good amount of money on little ones' needs.

While it's easy to save on clothing, toy and furniture costs by shopping consignment and resale shops (and even some garage sales) gently-used child safety and baby proofing items are not as easily found -- mainly because these shops don't want to risk the liability if a safety product fails. Plus, used baby gates in particular may not have the correct hardware or extensions to fit your needs - or worse, be under a recall!

So, retail stores or online shopping is where most parents generally turn for babyproofing and child safety needs.

But, the selection of safety products on store shelves is in a word - overwhelming. There are safety products for every perceived home hazard these days, and often a dozen or more choices among every type of item. Parents, especially new ones, can quickly become paranoid just by gazing at the array of products on the safety aisle. It seems the whole house is out to get Junior!

Happily -- and remember this when shopping -- you DON'T need everything. Take a tip from the babyproofing professionals: Address the baby safety basics, then add selected safety products to meet your family's or child's specific needs -- and your comfort level.

Before stepping into a store or heading online in pursuit of safety items, it's a good idea to first assess your home's safety needs and make a babyproofing plan. To help you, we've compiled three simple one-page baby safety checklists based on professional babyproofers' in-home assessments:

Baby Safety Gate Checklist and Worksheet
Childproofing & Safety Items Checklist
Child & Family-Friendly Home Checklist

These checklists will help you identify the safety needs in your home, introduce you to the safety products designed to meet these needs, and provide a worksheet/shopping list to note needed items and quantities.

With a plan in-hand when you go shopping, you'll avoid overspending on unnecessary items. Plus, you'll have the right items and quantities on-hand when you begin to install, saving time and frustration.

Summertime Strategies for Working Parents: Make it Fun and Productive with a Little Creative Planning

2008-05-10T08:20:11Z

Flexibility and family time top the reasons most parents decide to work from home. But the idyllic daydream of lounging by a pond, sipping lemonade with the kids happily splashing nearby (and all the while making money!) is quickly interrupted by the reality of summer vacation. The kids are home all day and ready for attention, not to mention fun. Now how will you – successful, busy work-at-home Mom or Dad – get your work done and still be a great parent?

Managing busy summertime work and play schedules can be hectic -- sometimes downright stressful -- for even the most organized among us. Until now, school days provided an almost eight-hour workday free from most distractions, and after school activities were just that, after school – and thus, after your workday.

Summertime schedules differ greatly. Fun, safe and educational summer programs abound to occupy kids of all ages, but they typically do not last eight hours each day. Unless you’re willing to take on the expense of a daycare-type program to free up several hours each day, you’ll have to get creative and do a little research and planning to make time for both work and family.

Have a plan for work and for fun
First, take a moment to review your at-home work routine. How many hours each day are required to accomplish your work tasks? Do you require a quiet setting? Do you need to meet clients or be available per their schedules? Do you typically work during the day, with the kids in school, or at night after they’re in bed? Do you work weekends, a few days a week, or strictly Monday through Friday?

Now see where you can build in flexibility and family time during the summer months. Can a five-day work schedule allow for one or two complete days off if more hours are worked on the other three? Can you squeeze all of your work into a few hours each day if you have complete quiet?

After you have defined your work requirements and areas for flexibility, it’s time to look for activities for the kids that fit your work schedule, your kids’ interests, and your budget.

Many organizations offer part-day summer programs for school-aged kids. Some, like those at your local library may be free, while others generally carry program fees to cover staff and materials. Places to check include your school system, area junior colleges, local libraries, churches, community theater groups, local parks, zoos, museums, neighborhood recreation and community centers, and of course, the YMCA and scouting groups.

With a little planning, you can schedule a combination of activities throughout the summer to give your kids fun, new experiences while providing the time you need to concentrate on work. Don’t forget to check within your parent network, too. You may find some great activities with carpool opportunities built in!

Remember to take time off!
Ask anyone who works for themselves or sets their own schedule -- one of the hardest things to do is schedule time off. If you find this a challenge, don’t delay scheduling time off this summer, do it now – and stick to it! Even if you don’t have any travel plans or big ideas for a vacation, take time off to spend with your family – maybe just sitting by a pond sipping lemonade…

After all, that’s why you chose to work from home in the first place!

Five Easy - Even Effortless - Ways to Reduce Household Waste

2008-05-02T13:48:33Z

As I begin this entry -- a look at five easy ways to reduce household waste without even realizing it -- I wonder if readers see me yet as another voice preaching an occasional "Go Green" message as the new fashionable "it" thing.

I hope not, and here's why...

I don't really see myself as "Green," but simply practical. I choose items for our home that are built to last, and then try to make them last, and I use many reusable products over disposable ones. This not only cuts down on household waste, it ultimately saves money. We also reduce waste by participating in our curbside recycling program. Neither of these things are hard to do, and we were doing them well before it was "the thing" to do.

A good example of "built to last" are my casual and outdoor plastic dishes. I did not buy cheap seasonal "top rack dishwasher safe" acrylic plates with the expectation that I'd wash them however I want and just trash them when they looked bad (which they eventually will), then buy more. Instead, I bought tougher commercial dishwasher-safe plastic dishes, and five years later, they're still going strong. That's certainly 2-3 fewer sets of dishes being thrown out by our household in five years' time.

Another area where I'm sure to save at least 10 bags of waste each year is paper towels. Before Christmas, I bought a 12-pack of paper towels for our home. Today, May second, I opened our third roll. While they're unquestionably necessary for some things (say, ribs!), I rarely - if ever - use them for daily spills or cleaning. I reach for an old standard -- cotton floursack towels. Soft, absorbent and strong, these are the absolute best towels for the kitchen and I use them for everything, from cleaning counter tops to dusting. Then I just toss them into the laundry. Painless, cheaper and certainly "greener"!

When it comes to food, I find the old adage -- the less packaging to food has, the better it is for you -- is usually true, and this thinking can be applied to the waste stream and environment. Fresh foods require far less energy to create than processed foods, and the "packaging" can go right back to nature. Amazingly, almost 30% of residential waste is kitchen waste, and much can be reduced through composting. Now, I am no gardener, much less a farmer, but this is possible even in our small suburban yard, and the roses love it. See how to do it easily on the City Farmer Website, and get the kids involved... it's actually fun!

Reducing packaging waste in general is not hard to do. Cardboard and chipboard recycling collection has grown quite a bit in recent years. Some curbside collections now take flattened cereal and food boxes, and even some take corrugated cardboard. Don't have a curbside collection? Check with your local elementary school. A nationwide paper collection program, Paper Retriever, places large collection bins at schools to collect virtually all paper and cardboard products -- with the added bonus that the school makes money off the recyclable waste.

My last "effortless" way to reduce household waste is my personal challenge this year, and others already have adopted it with ease... switching to reusable shopping bags. One weekly trip to the grocery store for a family of four can generate at least a dozen grocery sacks. Even though paper and plastic sacks can be reused for various purposes, they do stack up and add to clutter. I struggled with this switch, and admittedly ditched the idea for a while, but I finally found a practically effortless solution. I have two complete "sets" of washable bags - each set is enough for my weekly shopping trip. After washing a set in the laundry, into my car they go, ready when I need them. Sure, when I pop in a store for an item or two, I get a plastic sack. But on the big trips, I save 12 + bags each time. Plus, the handles don't break - that in itself is worth the effort!

With easy, common-sense waste reduction efforts, our household of three typically generates only one partially-full kitchen size trash bag per week. I'm always amazed when I drive through our neighborhood on trash day to see many homes regularly put out two trashcans - or more - but no recycling bin. Hopefully these, and others' simple, effective waste reduction ideas will eventually circulate, be adopted, and become commonplace -- not "the thing to do" but rather, the thing we all do.

I'm certainly proof that it can be done, and that it doesn't take any extra effort to do it.

Here's a TV Show with it All... Great Homes, Green Living Ideas, and Yes -- Ed Begley Jr.!

2008-04-22T16:37:06Z

Would you like to feel better about a slightly dysfunctional part of your home or relationship? Are you curious about the latest eco-friendly home and living solutions? If you'd like to satisfy both of these desires in just 30 minutes, I recommend tuning into an episode of "Living with Ed" on HGTV.

The show stars laughable, lovable actor-turned-eco-guru Ed Begley Jr. and his wife Rachelle, who is the perfect straight man to Ed's well-meaning, if occasionally random-acting, personality. Ed and Rachelle examine a wide variety of green living options by touring the homes of Hollywood notables and assessing their eco-friendly efforts. These visits are juxtaposed with green living projects and lifestyle changes at their own home -- and therein lies the humor.

Ed's eco-initiatives, though well-intended, are not always executed to the satisfaction of Rachelle. From water conservation to growing corn, Ed's Earth-friendly projects at times pale in comparison to what the couple sees while visiting the lavish homes of Hollywood's eco-minded elite. Trust me, the relationship humor alone makes it worth watching a few episodes.

Humor aside, the show reveals notable greener living alternatives that support, and often enhance, the stars' incredible homes. Solar power, attractive water collection and storage, high efficiency appliances, and climate-appropriate landscaping are among the eco-minded choices you'll see. Most of the show's featured personalities put an impressive amount of money toward sustainable alternatives that keep them in true Hollywood style.

Turning to Ed's and Rachelle's home, we're shown some great ideas that don't require quite the price tag -- plus a few attempts that need a bit more work to be viable in Rachelle's view. Ed certainly is eco-minded in every area of his existence and Rachelle seems to go along with most of it. But she draws the line at, say, keeping carpet far past its prime just to keep it out of a landfill. Happily for all involved, situations like this always have a green outcome.

If finding greener ways to live -- without sacrificing to the point that your lifestyle suffers -- interests you, this show is worth a look. I once worked for a large recycling company and have put that experience toward finding easy, low-cost and effective ways to "green-up" our home and habits. I measure our success by the fact that our busy family of three generates only one partially full kitchen-size bag of garbage per week. So, I definitely identify with Rachelle - and even Ed on occasion.

In upcoming posts, I'll feature some recycling FAQ's (do you know what those numbers REALLY mean?), and will expand on many ways to live greener without breaking your stride -- or breaking the bank!

And please post any green living or recycling ideas that work for your busy family or home.

A Personal Challenge: Organized Grocery Shopping and Meal Planning for the Free-Spirited

2008-04-21T12:14:56Z

I recently had a revelation concerning the women of my acquaintance. I can, to a person, sort them into two distinct categories: Those who make -- and typically stick to -- grocery lists, and those who do not.

I fall among the latter.

The traits common to my list-making counterparts are many and, from an organizational viewpoint, impressive. They tend to stick to a schedule, they file both coupons and receipts, and their cel phone batteries seem never to die. This group of remarkable women also tend to be early-birds, maintain regular exercise regimens, and they (and their children) are usually successful in chosen endeavors.

Now, I'm not complaining. Though interaction among this group can highlight my organizational shortcomings, I still feel every bit their equal. I founded and still run a business, I have a lovely daughter and husband, and I maintain a fairly well-managed -- and definitely stylish -- home. So, the fact that I have to dig through a few months' receipts to find cash for lunch while my friends patiently watch (do I detect a smirk?) does not trouble me at all.

But my freestyle, no-list grocery shopping tendency is really starting to bother me.

It must be a renewed interest in cooking that's initiating this self-awareness. I've always loved to cook, but throughout my 30's cooking took a back burner to the baby, building a fledgling business and replacing wallpaper. Now that other factors have simmered a bit, I find my culinary desires are not satisfied by a standard 20-meal fare. And fulfilling these desires begins at the grocery store.

So, on Saturday, during my daughter's haircut, I did not cringe over pages of stick-figure models in Vogue. Rather, I brought my two Rachael Ray cookbooks with me. I chose a week's worth of meals and I made my shopping list.

Total list-making time: 22 minutes. It would have been faster but that darned Rachel makes everything sound so good in her quippy captions, I simply had to read them.

I shopped the following day, sans 9-year old daughter. Total time: 30 minutes, including checkout. Total cost for 5 Day's Planned Meals: Approx $62.00

Say... I could be on to something! This beats my usual habits; rushing home and turning to mac and cheese for lack of any better ideas, and multiple incomplete grocery store visits per week.

Thus -- I've formally challenged myself to live by my grocery list-making friends' example for four weeks. I'll plan meals, buy for those meals, and try to shop just once per week. To aid in this endeavor, I'll create a comprehensive shopping checklist, from staples to specialty items, that I can print and quickly fill out.

Believe me, if I can create a manageable method for grocery shopping, and stick to it, there's hope for all freestyle grocery shoppers out there! If all goes well, I'll add my finalized Grocery Shopping Staples-to-Specialty Checklist to this Blog in May.

If I fall back into my old habits... well, mac and cheese really isn't bad, I suppose!

I'll keep your posted on my personal challenge... and please post any tips and tricks you have.

Like Candles? Here's how to Enjoy them Safely... or Get the Look Without the Worry

2008-04-21T12:06:45Z

If you enjoy the ambiance and great scents that candles add to a home, you're not alone. In fact, I'm enjoying a fragrant soy candle right now. Candle sales are up and they're more popular than ever in home decorating, but there are a few things to remember before you light up.... especially if you have little ones running about.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, the number of home fires started by candles is on the rise. They report that three main factors contribute to candle-related house fires; unattended candles that are allowed to over-burn, candles placed near combustibles such as wall hangings, and children playing with lit candles.

Fortunately, some clever candle makers now offer safer display options for traditional and jar candles. Plus, worry-free alternatives like battery-operated candles have made great strides in appearance and styling in recent years. So it really is possible to enjoy candles, or the look of them, without the safety worries.

First things First -- Basic Candle Safety
This almost goes without saying, but to be thorough...

The first rule of candle safety is to never leave a burning candle unattended
The second rule - do not position it near or under anything combustible, or where it can be tipped or knocked off a surface
The third rule - keep them out, out, out of the reach of children

Other factors that will minimize fire danger include trimming the wick to about 1/4" prior to lighting, and not overburning. For more burning safety tips, see the The National Candle Association's Safety Page

The Kid-Friendliest Way to Burn Candles
A smart solution for burning candles safely in homes with children is to use candle sconces. Affixed to the wall and designed to keep votives, pillars and jars securely in place, candle sconces are an ideal out-of-reach solution. Do install sconces with safe placement in mind; not in a tight or highly trafficked area, and far from drapery and other combustibles. Also, if you have small children, position sconces away from furniture so they can't reach them by climbing.

Here are a few candle sconce styles to consider....

Pillars
These should be secured on a pillar spike or in a cup that rises at least ½-inch. Pillar sconces often feature either a band or glass hurricane cover to further secure the candle.

Jar Candles
These should be secured in a cup that rises at least ½-inch, or have a band to secure the candle at about half its height.

Create Your Own Candle Sconce
You can create a sconce effect by placing a jar candle, votive or hurricane container on a sconce-style shelf. Attach the holder to the shelf permanently using glue, or temporarily using a removable adhesive such as Quake Hold Putty.

Get the Look Without the Worry using Flame-Free Candle Alternatives
Battery-operated candles have come a long way in the past few years. The best styles are crafted in real wax for a realistic glow and have a flicker-style light bulb that mimics a flickering flame. Most battery-operated candles come in pillar or votive styles, including realistic drip-rim designs and even scented varieties.

The beauty of battery operated candles is that you can enjoy them wherever and whenever you want them -- on the dinner or coffee table, outdoors on a windy day, on buffets or side tables, around paper decorations -- and even around kids! While battery-operated candles certainly aren't toys, they are the safest way to add ambiance without a flame to any space accessible by little hands.

top: pillar sconce with hurricane cover
bottom: jar sconce, Yankee Candle Co.

Choose the Right Shapes for Sensible Decorating Around Toddlers

2008-04-18T16:31:44Z

Parents can maintain stylish decor even with a busy toddler at home. It just takes a few sensible decor choices and strategic placement for decorative accents in a room. One way to achieve kid-smart style is by choosing the right shapes for vases and other décor accents to help prevent tipping and falls. Choosing decor crafted in more durable materials will also help you maintain kid-smart style in any room.

Vases and Containers
To reduce tipping, select containers and accents that feature a substantial base and avoid top-heavy vases and floral arrangements. Square containers are naturally tip-resistant, (always check for sharp corners) and offer the added benefit of not rolling off the table if pulled over by curious hands, as do oval, oblong and rectangular shapes. Bowls and such that are wider at the bottom than the top are an ideal shape to resist tipping.

Bowls
Large, low wooden decorative bowls (not too heavy) can be a good selection as they tend to roll back to an upright position when upset. Also look for bowls comprised of straight sides, such as octagons, that inhibit rolling if turned on the side.

Look for Durable Materials
Wood, metal, polymer clay, fabric, woven and even glass-like acrylic containers and accents are available in a wide range of looks, and offer a safer and more durable alternative to glass and ceramic decor. When selecting accents that will be accessible by little hands, do check for sharp edges, corners or any loose weave, just to keep little ones safe.

Decorative Details to Avoid

Handles
Containers with handles pose several problems. Handles just beg to be grabbed by little hands and make it easier to pull or carry a object, which creates potential for breakage and injury. Also, handles often are weak points on an object and are easily broken.

Footed Objects
Many wonderful containers sit atop tiny feet that lift the base an inch or so off the surface. These can pose a problem for two reasons; one, the space is the perfect invitation for little fingers to hook the object and give it a tug. Two, like handles, feet often are weak points on an object and are easily broken, and if broken off, can pose a choking hazard.

Twisted Wire and Wrought Iron
Open, curly-cue designs made from twisted wire and wrought iron are inviting spots to stick little fingers, and once hooked are easily pulled off a table. Plus, little fingers can get stuck or pinched in the tight spots where wires meet.

Top-Heavy Vases
Low, wide, roll and break-resistant shapes are the name of the game for tabletop décor accessible by curious hands. Elegant slim-footed vases should be displayed on an inaccessible shelf.

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Microwave S'mores? You Bet!

2008-04-12T10:54:55Z

Just when I thought it was safe to pull out my size 6 jeans, I find a microwave S'mores maker. S'mores, at home, without flaming marshmallows streaking through the air and landing on hapless siblings??? Happiness itself! Back go the jeans...

Now, I was both a Girl Scout and a member of a camping family, so I am all about S'mores. I've eaten my way through a forest of graham crackers (or the lazy alternative - Fudge Grahams), a river of chocolate and clouds of (often singed) marshmallows - and the trend continues with my own daughter who loves them. But we don't camp too often, nor do we have many cozy fires in Houston, so the microwave is the best bet.

Unfortunately, past experiences have been, though comical, not terribly successful. Have you ever microwaved a marshmallow? They quickly expand to alarming proportions. Fun, well... yes. Conducive to successful microwave S'mores? Definitely no.

So, along comes a bizarre device with... arms... and, of all things, a water reservoir (are we to boil the marshmallow?). It kind of looks like a very physically challenged brother to Mr. Potatohead. But, humor and criticism aside, if smores are on your (or your kids') list of must-have treats, the Microwave S'mores maker really works.

I mentioned earlier that marshmallows have rapid growth spurts in the microwave. The odd parts of this device are what combat this tendency and actually make microwaved S'mores work. The water creates moisture so the marshmallow doesn't dry out and get rubbery and the arms actually keep them from over-expanding.

Here it is on YouTube (no - that's not me in the video!) from start to finish, and here's where you can get one:

Microwave S'Mores Maker at KidSmartLiving.com

This item definitely passed my test, so I ok'd it for the KidSmartLiving collection. If you have kids (or are still a kid yourself), and have a little extra storage space, it's a fun and inexpensive addition to your kitchen treat makers.

Cheers!
Krista

Checklist: Kid-Smart & Kid-Safe Visits Away from Home

2008-04-10T12:19:30Z

Any parent with young children knows that visits away from their childproofed, kid-friendly home can be stressful – sometimes downright unnerving. New surroundings inspire kids to touch, test and even taste whatever they find. Such curiosity is natural. But for guests and hosts alike, it can make a visit anything but relaxing!

You can avoid much of this stress – and many potential dangers – by doing a little preplanning with your host and taking along a few portable safety items for on-the-spot childproofing. Before you leave home, have a quick conversation with your host about ways to protect both your child and your host’s furnishings from each other. Remember, even seasoned grandparents may have fragile collectibles, dangerous houseplants or dangling drapery cords in child-accessible spots.

Though many safety issues cannot be solved without a full room-by-room overhaul, there are several things your hosts can do to alleviate some obvious hazards. Share this brief childproofing checklist with them and ask if they mind addressing any concerns prior to your arrival:

Move fragile or breakable items to higher spots in the room.
Move houseplants to out-of-reach areas. Even if nontoxic, leaves, flowers and berries can pose choking hazards.
Remove tablecloths or table runners. These can be pulled off the table, taking accessories with them.
Move the kitchen knife block to a high pantry or cupboard shelf.
Wind up dangling drapery cords.
Protect exposed electrical outlets
Move or camoflauge exposed electrical cords
Be aware of tippable tall or heavy furniture or electronics like heavy tv's
Move any medications, vitamins and hazardous kitchen and bathroom products to out-of reach or locked cabinets.

Upon arrival, take a few minutes to conduct a “safety check” before letting little ones explore this new, exciting world. Using portable devices, you can further childproof kid-safe zones and limit access to the more dangerous areas of your host’s home. Take along these handy portable safety items for temporary childproofing:

Though temporary solutions are not the complete childproofing answer, addressing obvious, easily remedied safety concerns will help make your destination safer for your child and your visit more enjoyable for all.

Safe, Stylish Shelving Options for Busy Family Homes

2008-04-11T10:14:49Z

Shelves of every variety are a decorating and organizing staple that fulfill numerous roles throughout the home. Aside from how they look and how they're used, most people don't really give them a second thought... until a small child is introduced to the scene! Suddenly shelves are redefined as either a safety hazard -- or a parent's last resort for hands-off display.

Here are several ways parents can address the safety issues posed by certain types of shelves, plus a few tips for adding stylish storage and display space to any room without adding safety hazards.

Safety First! Avoid Tipping, Climbing and Falls
Any tall or heavy wall unit should be secured the wall with easy-to-install furniture anchors. Anchors or furniture straps secure the full unit and are effective in preventing dangerous tipping accidents -- but safety concerns still remain. Often, the individual shelves are not secured and can be flipped or pulled out by a curious toddler, and shelves beginning at floor level just beg to be climbed! You can solve these problems -- and add a decorative twist -- in a number of ways...

Reconfigure Built-In and Full Wall Shelf Units
If the shelves are permanent in the unit, be sure to move fragile or hands-off items to higher levels, or out of the unit entirely if your child is prone to climb. Storing a selection of toys or kid-friendly decor on the lower two or three shelves may divert attention from the upper shelves and reduce the urge to climb. If shelves are removable, remove the lower two or three shelves, leaving an opening about three feet high at the bottom of the shelf unit. Create stylish storage with a mix of decorative storage boxes or baskets -- these can even be used as stylish toy boxes -- or add durable decor items.

Keep Decor and Fragile Items in Place with a Museum-Tested Solution
Keep fragile items displayed in upper shelves in place by securing them with Museum Gel or Quake-Hold Putty. This can help prevent tipping, falls and breakage if the unit is shaken, pushed or pulled.

Add Smart Space with Wall-Mounted Shelves
If you don't have enough space to display fragile decor out of your child's reach, consider adding wall-mounted shelves or ledge-style shelves. Multi-shelf units that mount directly to the wall are ideal for out of reach storage. Ready-made units are available in a variety of sizes and styles, or you can fashion a shelf unit using inexpensive bracket shelving materials found at any hardware store.

Style Tip: A secret to making less expensive bracket-style shelving more attractive is painting the brackets the same color as the wall on which they're mounted. Then cover the shelves (unfinished wood or melamine) tightly in fabric, or attach a pre-made decorative edge using finishing nails and/or glue, then paint. Easy and decorative!

Ledge-Style Shelves Display Accents Out-of-Reach
Ledge shelves easily install directly to the wall, out of reach to eliminate climbing concerns. Ledge shelves are available in many sizes and styles to complement any decor, and add interest just about anywhere. Try one over a window; stagger, stack or align three on a spacious wall; create a tiered mantle by stacking two or three above your fireplace; or embellish the walls of a wide hallway with a collection of different styles and sizes.

On the Lookout for Lead - Preventing Household Lead Exposure

2008-04-11T10:15:08Z

Lead-contaminated childrens' products have topped the recent news stories... and for good reason. Lead exposure can have a very profound and long-term negative affect on childrens' health. So lead exposure is, and should remain, a concern to parents.

While the lax manufacturing of some toys has been well publicized lately, a more common everyday source of lead exposure -- envorinmental lead -- also deserves mention. Now, before panic ensues... we're talking about the possible presence of lead in homes and on furniture produced/painted prior to 1978, when lead paints and lead household plumbing pipes and solder was banned in the US. But, there is a potential danger of lead exposure in older homes, and it's especially worth noting if you're considering updates or remodeling -- which may create lead dust if older paints are present.

It's estimated that between 50 to 60 million homes built prior to 1978 may still contain lead in the form of paint, and even more may have dangerous levels of lead present in tap water due to lead-based plumbing pipes and solder. Luckily for parents, there are many resources available to test for and prevent household lead contamination.

Lead, a Powerful Toxin
Once absorbed by the body through inhalation or ingestion, lead can interfere with the function and development of organs, including red blood cells, kidneys, and the central nervous system and brain. At high levels, lead can cause convulsions and even death. At low levels, lead is identified with developmental problems, including lower IQ, learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder.

Most children are exposed to lead in the home through lead-contaminated household dust created as lead paint wears, breaks down and becomes airborne. Poisoning also occurs during home renovations that create lead-contaminated dust and debris, and through drinking water or contact with furnishings containing lead-based paint or finishes.

Identifying, Reducing and Eliminating Lead Dangers in the Home
Lead-based paint is the leading culprit in household lead poisoning. Paint containing lead is extremely durable and was used in many homes and apartments until 1978, particularly on walls, windowsills, doorway frames, and woodwork -- indoors and out. Surfaces in good condition, with no flaking or chalking evident, can be sealed using special lead-isolating paints, such as ChildGuard by Fiberlock Technologies (www.fiberlock.com), but cracked, chalky or peeling paint requires careful removal, usually be a professional.

Older painted furniture, newer imports, and pieces with the popular "distressed" look also can pose health risks, especially for very young children who may be pulling up and "mouthing" the surfaces. And, of course, older cribs should always be tested (though there are few that meet today's stringent safe design standards and are best avoided). If lead is present, the piece should be removed from the home, carefully refinished, or sealed with a urethane topcoat to isolate the lead surface. Even if the paint is in good condition, with no chalking or flaking evident, it is best to remove, refinish or seal the piece if accessible by small children.

Imported home decorating accents such as metal containers, pottery, and even some food presentation pieces can contain lead finishes. Keep any suspect items out of the reach of small children, and do not serve food in imported decorative pottery or metal ware unless marked food-safe.

Lead-contaminated tap water is another major cause of lead exposure, especially in newer homes. Lead plumbing pipes and solder were not banned until 1988, and lead can leach into a home's water, but this too can be tested and exposure minimized. If you suspect that your home's water may contain lead, always run the cold water tap for a minute or two before using water for drinking or cooking -- this flushes any water standing in the pipes. And never consume or cook with water from the hot water tap, as it more readily dissolves lead.

Lead Test Kits - A First Step to Prevention
If you suspect that your home may contain lead, lead test kits are an easy way to determine if you should have a thorough, professional inspection - especially if you are planning renovations. Lead test kits for paint, water and household items are available at many home improvement centers. More information about lead hazards and testing and abatement services in your area can be found at www.leadlisting.org

Storage Strategies for Stylish, Kid-Friendly Homes

2008-04-11T10:16:21Z

It's just common sense -- and for parents, common knowledge -- that storage needs multiply rapidly when children arrive. Suddenly the DVD and photo collections are found by inquisitive fingers and toys become accepted decor in living areas.

So what's a style-sensitive parent to do?

Happily, there are many simple, inexpensive, and best of all - stylish - storage solutions that do everything from protecting valuable items to neatly disguising mounds of toys. Here are a few tips that can help turn Romper Room into a room welcoming to all family members, even those over the age of 3, in a matter of minutes.

Great-Looking Camouflage
Decorative stacking baskets and hatboxes can be very utilitarian. Filled with fragile or hideaway items, they can be stacked on top of entertainment centers, armories or high shelves, away from little hands. More durable designs become stylish and accessible "toy boxes" when filled and placed under the coffee table, on the hearth, in a corner or under a side table. Containers come in many styles, colors and sizes to mix and match. Cleaning up was never so much fun!

Repurposing Existing Storage
You can find storage for little ones' playthings by reorganizing some of your own. Once they've discovered the lower drawers, doors and shelves in the entertainment center, make those areas toy keepers and move more fragile items to higher shelves, or tuck them away in storage containers out of reach until kids are older. Remember - if your toddler can walk, he soon will move and climb on chairs, so keep fragile, heavy or dangerous items safely out of reach.

Display Breakables with Confidence
Ledge-style and wall-mounted shelves offer great storage and display alternatives for your collectibles, frames and fragile display pieces. These versatile shelves complement any décor without creating the "shelf staircase" inherent with wall shelf units. Confidently display fragile items on out-of-reach shelves by securing them with museum-tested products like Museum Gel and Quake-Hold Putty.

Storage-Style Furniture Safety
When seeking storage solutions, be aware of double-duty storage ottomans, benches, and coffee and side tables. These ingenious furnishings offer loads of storage space, but often have heavy lids that can come down hard on the fingers -- or head -- of a curious toddler. But don't be frightened off by safety concerns, instead consider installing a locking strap in an inconspicuous place to limit access. If you're very handy, you might consider installing a small household door dampening unit (available at most hardware stores) on to the lid to prevent slamming.

Also, if allowing a child access to items stored in storage-style furniture, be sure they can comfortably lift the lid, and that there is air access within the piece -- just in case the item stored is the child himself during a game of hide and seek.

Quick Tips for Keeping Kid's Rooms Organized and Looking Good

2008-04-11T10:05:38Z

With holiday festivities over and a new crop of kids’ toys, books and cherished treasures to sort out, now is the perfect time to add valuable storage space where it’s needed most – in the kids’ rooms! If you have more than one child sharing a bedroom -- or are just plain short on space (and who isn't these days?) -- here are a few easy, fast and inexpensive tips to keep little clutterbugs organized.

Versatile, Stackable Plastic Crates
Plastic storage crates offer durable, versatile and easy-access storage options with a low price tag. Use crates to organize existing shelves, extend dresser-top display space upward, or expand under-bed or closet storage space. You can even stack 9-12 together as a “wall unit” -- just snap the crates together or secure with plastic zip-ties, then the top with a furniture strap to help prevent tipping. Since they're washable, plastic crates are an especially practical choice for sorting craft supplies for a budding artist. You'll find these functional, fun storage solutions at any discount store or home store.

Functional Baskets
Colorful baskets make wonderful storage containers for older children. Use large baskets on the bedroom floor to hold favorite books and magazines -- look for large hamper styles with lids, or mid-size stacking sets for this purpose. Smaller baskets may be placed on bedside tables, dressers or countertops to house hair clips, jewelry/accessories and lightweight collectibles. Shop for basket bargains at unexpected places such as yard sales, flea markets, import stores, discount stores and gift stores, then customize with a few coats of spray paint. Once you master this easy craft project, you may discover that you are having such fun that you must paint a couple of baskets for the living room or your own bedroom.

Style tip! Try working with two colors, one sprayed over the other, then lightly sand through the top coat in spots to achieve a slightly distressed cottage basket look. Seal with a coat of clear in matte or gloss.

Find Great Spaces Below with Bunk and Loft-Style Beds
Bunk beds and loft-style beds offer vertical sleeping areas that are great space savers for older children. Loft beds generally are built high up and enclosed on three sides. The last side is open and features a ladder that is placed against the loft to provide access to the bed. Underneath, the loft bed provides ample storage space where bookcases, desks or chests-of-drawers may be built-in, stackable crates utilized, or seating added. When shopping for bunk beds and loft style beds, quality counts! Search for the best quality, sturdiest frame that you can afford, built to current safety standards. Bring your child with you when you are shopping and allow them to "sample" the unit. Remember that the bed will be holding your most precious possession each and every day and night: your child!

Expand Hidden or Forgotten Spaces for Maximum Storage

Under the Bed: Maximize the under-bed space of any style bed in your child's room by utilizing low-clearance storage baskets made for this purpose. Also consider washable cloth storage bags to store out-of-season clothing in under-bed areas. Add more under-bed space and create a decorator look by lifting the bed frame using sturdy BedRizers – this idea is best applied in older children’s rooms because of the increased bed height. Also, a trundle-style daybed without the trundle mattress underneath offers loads of underbed space in a kid's room.

In the Closet: You can maximize a child’s closet space in a number of easy ways: try adding a low chest of drawers to walk-in closets; hanging a shelf organizer from the rod (we like the sturdy plastic style from Wal-Mart); stacking storage crates on the upper shelf to add vertical space; or hanging an adjustable shelf set on the back of the door for videos, toys, shoes or knick-knacks.

On the Walls: Wall-mounted shelves are great display and storage additions to any kid’s room. Children from 4-5 years of age are generally old enough to safely access books, toys and videos displayed on lower, well-secured wall shelves, but be sure to mount shelves out of toddler reach to prevent pull-up or climbing accidents. Try adding shelves over windows to display fragile collectibles and hold storage boxes full of memories – all safely out of reach.

Media Contact Information

2008-04-09T15:15:38Z

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Media Contact Information for:
KidSmartLiving @ Home Blog content & KidSmartLiving.com website and product information:

Krista Fabregas
Blog Author and KidSmartLiving.com founder
Direct Line: 832-476-5482
Fax: 832-615-6729
Email Krista
Location: Houston, Texas

Media professionals....
Do you have a media need for a family-friendly home decorating, safety, or living solution?
Are you looking for feature ideas focusing on new parents, family lifestyles or organizing?
Are you working on a home safety or childproofing story that needs an expert's viewpoint?
Do you want to offer your viewers a look at the very best products available for safe, stylish and family-friendly homes?

Then let us assist you! We have spent more than ten years developing ideas and strategies to help parents create stylish, safe and easy-care homes -- as well as reviewing, testing, reporting on, and selling the very best products that can help them achieve this goal.

You may have seen us here....
NBC's Today Show, Good Morning America, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, The Wall Street Journal, Good Housekeeping, Rachael Ray, Better Homes & Gardens, Wine Spectator, Cookie Magazine, Disney Online, and many others...

We are always happy to assist the media with information, interviews, appearances, diy project features, tip sheets, safety checklists, product reviews and products for features.

About KidSmartLiving, our Blog Content & our Founder...
KidSmartLiving.com was founded in 1999 by Krista Fabregas, a working mother with a toddler and a vision -- that families can enjoy safe, livable home style that welcomes family members of all ages into any room.

Today, KidSmartLiving.com continues to be the flagship website for SmartLiving Companies, Inc., a family-operated company that brings to busy families the very best in professional-grade child safety products, durable easy-care homewares, stylish unbreakable tableware and kitchen goods, plus many other products focusing on low-maintenance livability and home style.

Krista continues to head the company, leading in the continued development of the KidSmartLiving product collection and all informative content. Her at-home testing ground includes a 9-year old daughter and busy husband, so she daily finds challenges -- and solutions -- to keeping a busy home organized, on-track, and looking good.

Flat, Semi-Gloss, Eggshell... Oh, My! Which Paints are Best for Busy Family Spaces?

2008-04-11T10:06:18Z

We've been asked by several website visitors and customers which paint type and finish is best for nurseries and kids' rooms. The staff and contributors to KidSmartLiving seem to make a hobby of painting our homes, and while we're not professional painters, we do feel qualified to tackle this question. Happily, it's an easy anwer!

The Basics: Paint Types and Finishes
Latex and Oil-based enamels are the two most commom paint types for the home. Latex is water-based, thus easy to clean up with water, versus oil based enamels, which clean up with thinners. There are some differences in the two paint bases, but for interior home painting purposes, latex is usually ideal.

Interior home paints come in several finishes. Listed here from the least sheen to the most sheen, paint finishes range from: flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, gloss. Semi-gloss or gloss is usually reserved for trim and bathrooms where you might want a brigher, harder finish. Walls generally are painted in a less glossy finish, usually flat or eggshell.

Durability and Cleaning
Years ago, people chose a glossier wall finish since it was easier to clean. Nowadays, flat and eggshell paints offer scrubbable finishes that are actually quite easy to clean. This makes the flat or eggshell scrubbale paints very popular for use in high traffic areas and kids' rooms.

Most everyone on the KidSmartLiving team uses latex paints in the flat or eggshell scrubbable finish in our home painting projects.

Consider Faux Finishes for Worry-Free Kids Rooms
Faux finishing, such as ragging or sponging is a fun, creative and less-worrsome finish for kids rooms. In addition to the variety of textures you can easily create, faux finishes tend to hide dirt and fingerprints. Plus, if disaster strikes in the form of a crayon, it's easy to camoflauge with a few strategic sponge pats. If you are painting a base coat to faux finish over - like ragging or sponging -- satin or semi gloss is a good choice since it won't absorb the paint too quickly and lets you get creative with the faux coat.

Checklist: Seven Top Tips for Creating Family & Child-Friendly Homes

2008-04-11T10:15:33Z

Simple changes, from the arrangement of items in a room to choices in homewares, can make a big difference in a home's safety, ease of care, and even parental sanity! The following tips can help you create a home that's safe for small children... yet still welcoming to grown-ups.

Have babies or toddlers? Print our Tips for Creating a Family Friendly Home worksheet to help ensure that common safety hazards are addressed... and find more childproofing solutions on our Childproofing and Safety Gate Checklists.

Seven Top Tips for Creating Family & Child-Friendly Homes

1. Create Child-Friendly Zones: Make an effort to create childproofed safe zones in the areas most used by small children; family areas, kitchen, bathrooms and bedroom (don't forget the halls!) Limit children's access to other areas, such as utility rooms, garages and pool areas. Child safety should be addressed throughout the home, but strictly limiting access to areas with excessive hazards is often most effective in keeping children safe.

2. Choose Furniture Wisely: When buying new furnishings, consider the care requirements of the style and finish. For upholstered items, finished leather is quite durable, and many new fabrics offer more durability and stain resistance than ever before. In furniture, glass top tables and glass doors are never a great choice in homes with kids, neither are highly polished woods - unless you enjoy dusting fingerprints throughout the day.

3. Add Pop with Pillows: When baby starts pulling up, you'll find that some favorite décor items can no longer take center stage. If your room feels bare, add punch with great-looking throw pillows. One of the easiest, quickest and least expensive decorating solutions, pillows create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere than can pull the elements of a room together - safely!

4. Hit a Decorating Wall? Use it! Pull out the stud finder and learn to use wall anchors... wall mounted shelves, sconces, ledges and lamps offer an array of safer, out-of-reach decorating solutions in homes with small children.

5. The Drape Escape: Window coverings pose notable safety hazards, but happily most blind cord hazards are easily managed with winders and anchors. If long window treatments are a fixture in your home, the best child safety remedy is to ensure that the hanging bars and hardware systems are securely installed into the wooden studs surrounding the window or door. See our online article: The Drape Escape for more on window decor safety.

6. Storage Strategies: Storage needs multiply rapidly when children arrive. Decorative baskets and boxes can be very helpful in storing hideaway items. Stack these on top of entertainment centers, armoires or high shelves -- away from little hands. More durable storage boxes can become stylish and accessible "toy boxes" when filled and placed under the coffee table, on the hearth, in a corner, or under a side table - just make sure lids aren't heavy!

7. Kitchen Safety and Style - Go Plastic!: Today's easy-care plastics let parents create a table equally inviting to all family members and guests, even ones with less-than-grownup dexterity. Durable plastic tableware - from tumblers and plates to wine stems and serving bowls - instantly kid-proofs the table in shatterproof style. Many of the better, restaurant-quality plastics are great in the dishwasher and some can even be microwaved.

All About Us! The Beginnings of KidSmartLiving.com and KidSmartLiving @ Home

2008-04-08T17:27:25Z

Like all new parents, we needed to make many changes throughout our home upon the arrival of our daughter. We found an abundance of products and publications focusing on baby safety -- but discovered a surprising shortage of products and resources combining home safety with style. It seemed the two were seperate concepts... and we did not agree!

To fill the void, we searched the world's home products manufacturers for the most stylish, durable and livable options for family-friendly homes.

In 1999, KidSmartLiving.com was born, bringing a collection of thoroughly livable homewares, professional grade safety products, and safe, smart decorating tips to parents everywhere.

We launched our Blog, KidSmartLiving @ Home, bring our articles, interviews, decorating tips, safety guides and How-To's together in one easy-access location.

Whether you're a new parent or busy wrangling a herd, we hope KidSmartLiving @ Home helps you create and maintain a safe, smart family home.... with style!

-- Krista Fabregas
Founder, KidSmartLiving.com & KidSmartLiving @ Home
SmartLiving Companies, Inc.

Checklist: Baby Safety "Gotta-Do" Childproofing Areas

2008-04-11T10:26:35Z

Shop Smart! Print the Child Safety Products Checklist and Worksheet at KidSmartLiving.com

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Visited a baby superstore lately? You'll agree there are ALOT of childproofing products to choose from - and many of them seem to do the same thing, just a bit differently than their counterparts. So what's a new parent or parent-to-be to do?

Our suggestion (after 10+ years in the business of baby safety) is to take a look at what safety hazards childproofing and babyproofing professionals focus on, and what items they commonly install in homes on a daily basis. Happily, the common safety hazards can be safeguarded using a relatively small number of childproofing essentials.

This list outlines the most common child safety hazards that every parent should address before babies start to crawl.

Electrical Safety: Outlet plugs should never be exposed. Use Plug Caps or replace covers with Self-Closing Covers. For exposed outlets that are in constant use -- say, for a lamp -- use a box-type cover to secure the outlet and plug. Cords and power strips should be secured out of reach if possible. If exposed, secure using cord covers, winders or power strip covers.

Windows & Blind Safety: Windows should be securely closed or blocked using stoppers so they can't open past 2-3". Drapery and blind cords are a strangulation risk, use Winders or Cord Anchors to keep cords out of reach, and separate cords that are attached at the pull, forming a loop.

Drawer & Cabinet Safety: The safest childproofing solution is to move hazardous items, chemicals, etc… to out-of-reach areas. For cabinets and drawers you don't want little hands to explore, Cabinet and Drawer Locks are very effective. These come in many styles, from magnet release, to hardware installed, to removable handle latches. Hardware-mounted locks with a no-pinch feature are often the preferred choice.

Furniture, Electronics & Appliance Safety: Kids love to pull up and climb, so furniture and TV's pose a great threat. Even a mid-size bookshelf or TV can injure or kill small children. Secure any tall, heavy or tip-prone pieces with Furniture, TV and Electronics Straps. Appliance doors can be secured quickly with Appliance Locks and Straps to help keep curious hands out.

Door Safety: Doors can be secured with a variety of locks designed for different knob and door types: Snap-on Doorknob Covers, Lever Locks, Bifold Door Locks, Sliding Door Stops and Flip Locks. Help prevent pinched fingers by using Slide-on Door Guards on doors that stay open. Replace all 2-piece doorstops with 1-Piece Doorstops since the cap is a choking hazard.

Toilet Locks: Eww! Install a lock to keep hands out of this no-play zone!

Fireplace, Hearth & Heating Stove Safety: Options range from barring access completely with a Hearth Gate (a must for heating stoves), or installing locks and hearth padding to prevent injury. Regardless of the choice, children should be watched closely around hot stoves and fireplaces.

Balcony, Landing & Loft Safety: If railing spindle openings are 4" apart or more, a banister shield is recommended. Also move any toys, furniture -- or anything else that can be climbed -- away from railings and half walls.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide (CO2) Detectors: Smoke detectors should be installed by every sleeping area in the home. One CO2 Detector should be located on each floor. Check batteries on Spring and Fall time changes!

Checklist: Baby Safety Gates 101 - Before you shop for child safety gates

2008-04-11T10:27:10Z

Shop Smart! Before you shop for baby gates, print out the Baby and Child Safety Gate Worksheet at KidSmartLiving.com

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Baby safety gates are effective barriers in many areas of the home and come in a variety of designs to meet different needs. Selecting the right gate for your space is key for both safety and livability - and it's easy to do with a little pre-planning!

1. Consider Gate Location

Where is the gate going to be used? The location often dictates the type of gate you need. Most gates fall into one of two categories:

Hardware-Mounted Safety Gates
Hardware-mounted safety gates attach directly to the wall or doorway using screws. These are the safest, most secure baby gates and should be used for dangerous areas such as stairways - especially at the top - and for long spans and irregular-shaped areas.
Pressure-Mounted Safety Gates
Pressure gates stay in place using pressure applied to cushioned pads against the walls instead of screws. They're great for the bottom of the stairs and in doorways and hallways, but should not be used at the top of stairs.

2. Measure Gate Opening

What is the size of the opening or area where you'll be installing your gate? Baby safety gates are adjustable to fit a range of widths and can be lengthened further using extensions - some are even designed specifically for irregular shaped areas. Precise measurements are recommended before selecting and installing any baby safety gate.

Basic Straight Baby Gates: Doors, Stairs, Halls and Spans
Measure the opening width straight across -- as well as the height of partial walls or banisters if applicable. If installing gate on an angle, measure the width along the desired angle.
Baby Gates for Irregular-Shaped Areas: Hearths, Entryways
Baby safety gates designed for irregular-shaped areas, such as curved entryways or fireplace hearths, are configured in movable sections and size is measured by running length. The HearthGate and Configure Gate are popular baby gates for irregular areas.

3. Any Special Installation Needs?

Most baby safety gates include hardware to install the gate into a wooden stud, wooden doorway or other secure wooden base. In other situations, installation kits help create a proper mounting surface to securely install baby gates. Plus, installation kits can help prevent or minimize damage to walls and woodwork.

Stairway Kits - A "No Holes" Solution
Banister, spindle and metal railing kits allow installation of safety gates onto stair railings without drilling holes into posts or woodwork. They work with most round, square and combination post styles. One kit is needed per post side; ie: if the stairway has a wall on one side and a post on the other, you'll need one banister kit to install the gate. Stairs with banisters on both sides will need two kits, one per side.
All-Purpose Installation Kits
Multi-purpose kits aid with safety gate installation for hollow drywall (with no stud behind the sheetrock), walls with tall decorative baseboards, and other special needs.