This Quinny Zapp X-tra in the bold Q-Design has many elements of today's trends.

We’re proud to have another great guest post from Stroller Expert Amy Tanathorn.

If you haven’t needed to look at strollers until recently, you’re in for a big surprise. Lots of newly pregnant moms I know still think that the big bulky, frilly stroller is their only option.

Well have I got news! Strollers over the last few years have grown increasingly sophisticated with more options, features and functionality. Not to mention better colors and style!

Revealed are the top stroller trends today competing for your attention.

LIGHT WEIGHT

Technology has given way to lighter aluminum that is just as strong as steel. Joovy is a brand that uses aircraft-grade aluminum for their frame. UPPAbaby and Maclaren strollers are super lightweight yet balanced enough to hang your purse on the handle.

Moms are tired of lugging around a heavy stroller in and out of the car trunk or off and on public transportation. Double strollers already carry up to 90 pounds of child plus gear. Add to that the weight of the stroller itself and you’ve got a tank!

Nowadays though, you regularly see full-featured strollers weighing under 20 pounds and umbrella strollers as light as 7 pounds.

This aluminum withstands a heavy weight, too. Many of these incredibly light strollers have an astonishing weight capacity. For example, the Mountain Buggy Urban Jungle is an all terrain stroller that weighs only 24 pounds, yet can carry up to 77 pounds! Yes, that’s a single stroller, not a double!

SINGLE WHEELS

A few years ago when Bugaboo came onto the scene and was setting trends left and right, one of the looks most copied is the single wheel. Look at most of your traditional Graco/Evenflo/Combi strollers and they have double wheels in front and back for better stability and suspension.

But many of the higher-end lines like Inglesina and Peg Perego strollers began using sealed ball bearings in their single wheel models to smooth out the ride. A glide is more how it is described by moms who swoon over this style. (I swoon, too; they look beautiful!)

This trend has caught on with mass producer Graco who has the new UrbanLite, a single wheel lightweight model that has that high-end look for far less.

DECKED-OUT SUN CANOPIES

I was always disappointed in the sun canopies in most strollers. The sun would always shine at just that angle that would always get right into my child’s eyes.

Luxury strollers first offered enormous sun canopies, creating paneled or ratcheting hoods that extend over your child down to the snack tray or over the lap area. This feature became an instant favorite and now many brands have a stroller with this feature. Often times the panel zips up to stay tidy and compact until needed. Others types simply ratchet into place, like BOB strollers. You’ll also see pop-out sun visors, a-la UPPAbaby or Phil and Ted.

Another trend I’ve noticed on sun canopies is the peek-a-boo window getting larger. Many of them are no longer clear vinyl windows but mesh netting. I like this because it allows better air flow and it won’t crack, split or discolor after a few years.

The flaps covering these peek a boo windows have magnetic closures in higher-end brands. Magnetic closures are nice because there’s no Velcro rip sound to wake your baby when you check in.

REVERSING SEAT

This is perhaps the biggest stroller trend over the last couple of years. Also called a convertible stroller, the reversing, removable seat allows for greater seating flexibility. You can:

• Install your car seat right on the stroller frame
• Use a bassinet (some seats transform into bassinets)
• Have your baby face you in the seat
• Have baby face the outside world in the seat
• Some models have a doubles option, adding a rumble seat in the rear

A convertible stroller is the solution for parents who want a travel system without the bulk and with a lot more style.

BUMPER BARS

A fashionable, sleek look is in, and that oftentimes means no snack tray for your child. Padded bumper bars are used instead. Sometimes your child has little pockets within the seating “cabin” to hold little toys or snacks. Other brands offer a snack tray separately.

The same sleek look can also mean no parent console or cup holder, which is a huge bummer to moms and dads who like to have a cup of coffee during their outings. So this trend is getting mixed feedback and some brands have re-introduced a cup holder.

BLACK FRAMES

Ah, that sleek look again. Black stroller frames are very much in fashion right now. Quinny has their models in black or the traditional silver and their new Moodd even has a white frame with some color choices. It’s all about making a statement with bright bold fabric colors coupled with a frame in anything but silver.

So what do YOU think about these new trends?

Amy Tanathorn researches the best baby strollers at Stroller Envy, where you can read in-depth reviews for UPPAbaby, Baby Jogger, Phil & Teds, Quinny and more. Reviews include video demonstrations, product specs, photos and detailed descriptions.

To help you fully understand how to save money with coupons, consider these tips.

Organize

This is the most common tip you’ll receive on the Internet, because it is the most important tip. Professional coupon users have multiple binders with tabs to categorize and sub-categorize their coupons. For example, some coupon users have a tab for meats and sub-categories for ham, chicken, turkey and other meats. This helps shoppers know exactly where their coupons are when they need them quickly.

Gather From Various Sources

While the Sunday paper is a great way to gain coupons, there are other sources, such as magazines and websites, which offer coupons as well. Additionally, higher priced papers and magazines usually contain coupons with greater value. Still, there is no guarantee that these coupons will be for products that you would normally buy.

Be careful about signing up for coupons through websites. Most of them will require your email and telephone number. You may start receiving solicited calls and emails from other companies. If this happens, simply ask to be removed from their database. They are required by law to do so if asked.

Sites like Groupon and Retailmenot are great for finding special deals, both online and in-store.

Use For Things Other Than Groceries

When people hear the word “coupon,” they usually think about groceries and saving a few pennies. However, there are coupons for literally everything — haircuts, oil changes, manicures and more. Always file these coupons under a miscellaneous tab. You never know when you’ll need a coupon the next time you need your oil changed.

Combine Offers

This is a great money-saving tip. Most stores will let you combine your coupons with other coupons or in-store special deals to help you save even more money. Before shopping, do some research for stores in your area that are having special deals. Stores like Publix, Winn-Dixie and Kroger usually have new deals every week.

Additionally, consider visiting pharmacies. They also have deals for various items, mostly beauty products. Pharmacies also usually have a loyalty card program, which will allow you to save even more money on your purchases.

You must also learn to be patient with your coupons. Wait for certain items to go on sale and combine your coupons. The best shoppers are patient and understand the value of an extra 50 cents off of an item.

Don’t Collect Coupons for Brands You Don’t Like

This is just common sense. Don’t use coupons to buy items you normally don’t use. Many people let their impulsive side take over when they have coupons. Perhaps you may have a friend or family member that would like the coupon instead.

Amazon UK online coupons on Coupon Croc, one of the best resources for coupons in the UK. Tom Blanchard shares his advice with couponers in the UK on how to find the best deals and save the most money on their daily purchases.

Sometimes you feel like you need eight hands. The kids are craving for your attention and you have to take care about the house at the same time. The dinner is also waiting you to prepare it. Sounds familiar?

I can’t promise you wonders but at least some of this burden can be reduced. There are software apps and tools, browser extensions and mobile apps that can free up a bit of your time. Some will help you organize and not forget important things about your kids, other will help you prevent them from the risks online, and other tools will help you educate or entertain them.

I have collected 10 such apps, tools, and browser extensions for you. These are the ones I like most. And they are all free. So here you go:

CraftFinder connects you to FamilyFun’s library to find ideas for crafts. The crafts can be searched by appropriate kids age, time that each task takes, and occasions (like Easter, Mother day and so on). The app is good although it definitely needs more craft ideas to be added.

Out of Milk Shopping List for Android devices. If trying to remember everything you have to shop for your kids is hard, install this free app on your Android phone and take it with you when going to the store. It also has a pantry list and to-do list all inside.

Due Date Calculator. Planning for another child? This little web-based tool will help you figure out the best dates for conception. And if you are also a mom-blogger, you may want to add the free WordPress plugin to your blog so other moms can check their due dates right there.

Zefty: are your kids going into teen-age soon? It’s time to help them learn more about money and its management. This free web application lets you set up virtual accounts for them, deposit allowances, set limits. This is really unique app built by a single developer, a father of four. I’m sure the need of this app came from his personal experience!

Child Growth Chart Calculator is a little tool showing you how your kids grow compared to others on their age. Don’t get obsessed if your child doesn’t match the averages. If you think the kid growth is very much out of range, consult your doctor.

Cozi goes even further than Out of The Milk app in organizing your family life. In addition to shopping and to-do lists, it has shared family calendar and journal. The app is web based which means you access it through a regular browser from anywhere. There are also free mobile apps for Iphone, Android and BlackBerry.

Name Culture! for Android Devices is a little app that helps you choosing the name of your future baby. Yes, I know your parents want to use their names but this app gives you search by meaning and origin which sometimes can be better way to choose a name than listening to your dad. And this way you may just avoid having arguments with your mother in law too.

Simple Profanity Filter for Google Chrome. Hopefully you know, the emerging Google’s browser allows you to install extensions and apps which enhance the way you surf the web. If your kids already surf themselves this little extension will take care to reduce the profanity that can be found so easily online. You can configure yourself which words to be filtered and replaced with stars.

MinorMonitor is in the same category of “protecting” apps. It goes into deeper waters – protecting your children on Facebook. MinorMonitor will help you monitor possible drug use, bullying, photos and videos, over-age friends and so on. It’s kind of a spying, I know, but your really need to take care for these things – at least at some reasonable level.

BabyConnect is a large applications tracking a lot of things about your baby. You can keep track of feeding, nursing, diapers, sleep, activities… The web based application (accessible through a browser) is free while the mobile apps for iPhone, iPad and Android devices costs $4.99 each. There’s a tremendous work put into it, it’s no surprise BabyConnect got quite a few web awards.

I’m sure being a mother is great but I’m also sure it’s not easy. Fortunately there are developers and companies who put a lot of work into creating great apps that can help you with this. Use them – very often you don’t even need to pay a penny for that. And we, the developers, are happy when we can help.

Bob develops various free software like the due date calculator listed above. You may want to try more of his free calculators here.

Your child has been very patient thus far, enjoying the ride around in the front of the cart and playing with your keys that you thrust into their hand when this wait began. But they are beginning to get fussy, as children tend to, and you just know tears are on the horizon. This is causing no small amount of stress, as everyone knows how horrible your child crying in public is, and you can almost feel the burn of those future stares from judgmental patrons and staff.

What do you do? Thanks to your iPhone, you keep them busy with any of the interactive and entertaining apps they have available for you to download from the iTunes store.

While there are dozens of apps to choose from in this category, here are what I think are five of the very best, and all for $0.99 or under.

Wheels On The Bus

This great app from the folks at Duck Duck Moose is a great interactive song program for toddlers. It plays the original “Wheels on the Bus” with a visual aid, that lets your child sing along.

It has ten versus, so it can get repetitive. But that is just what a child that age loves, and it will be sure to keep them busy for awhile.

Jirbo Match

A basic match game, your child uses the touch screen to turn over different cards that have the faces of animals like monkeys, cows and dogs.

You match up the pairs and they stay that way while your child works through the different combinations. Simple and classic, and sure to delight any child.

Balloonimals

If your kid is still in the stage where they drool more than they speak, you might want to hold off on this one. But otherwise, it is a fantastic game for the little ones.

Your child blows into the microphone section of the iPhone, and it shows a balloon blowing up with each breath. Then, they shake the iPhone and it creates balloon animals and objects, like dinosaurs, sheep and more. Then, they move and make noise, until you pop them with a finger.

Shapes Toddler Preschool

A very educational game, your toddler can learn all about shapes using this app. They will learn about each shape using an interactive game, flashcards and quizzes. Each has a full voice over to explain in the simplest detail what everything is.

It uses positive reinforcement and little rewards to make them proud of their learning. This one gets a high approval rating from many preschool teachers and parents alike.

Peekaboo Barn

Similar to those lift-tab storyboard books that little kids adore, this app is an interactive game that let’s your child explore a barn to find various animals, such as cows, chickens and sheep. It is fairly basic, with cartoons, sounds and a written version of each word. Which makes it nice and simple for them to use and enjoy.

Chances are, you have a couple of apps your children enjoy. What are some of your (and their) favorites? Let us know in the comments.

Jessy is a lifestyle blogger for Life Insurance Finder, the free app to compare insurance services.

This is a guest product review post from Amy Tanathorn over at Stroller Envy.  Thanks for sharing these great peeks into the new year Amy!

To stay competitive in the mid- to higher-end stroller market, baby stroller brands must change and grow every year. Designers add exciting new colors, marketers stay on top of trends and engineers add more features for an overall delightful product interaction.

Today we’re going to look at four manufacturers to see what they have in store for us next year. Put your seat belt on because you’re going to be blown away. I’m really excited for 2012. Let’s read on…

UPPAbaby

Cruz
Some parents find that they don’t want or need a bassinet, but still like the reversing seat of convertible strollers. The UPPAbaby Cruz is a simpler version of the Vista that does not come with a bassinet and is a bit of a smaller stroller weighing only 19 pounds. The Cruz is very easy to fold and has a large storage basket.

Available in red, blue, yellow and black, the Cruz can use the same accessories as the Vista like the parent cup holder.

Baby Jogger

Two new Baby Jogger strollers are geared up to hit the stores early next year

City Mini GT

Introducing the City Mini GT available March 2012! The City Mini GT has better, more enhanced features than the City Mini like a bigger seat with more depth and more firm padding for proper posture and support. Bigger kids will feel comfy in this stroller and it can carry up to 65 pounds, 15 pounds more than the City Mini .

Next the wheels have been redesigned to be more rugged and are 1/2″ larger. The “Ever-Air” wheels have the feel of an air filled tire, but you don’t have to worry about punctures or leaks and they don’t weigh as much as air-filled.

Another improvement is easier access to the basket with a u-shaped H-bar, which addresses previous consumer complaints. Previous models blocked the storage basket with the frame’s bar above the rear axle, but with it dipped down now, access is easy. Nice going, Baby Jogger!

I like the automatic frame lock that holds the stroller together once it is folded. More features include an adjustable handlebar and a handle bar brake instead of foot pedal brake. I’ve used the hand brakes on Baby Jogger strollers before and they are easy to use, though you have to get used to not using your foot!

The City Mini GT comes in the doubles version, replacing the City Elite Double next year, and will come in yellow, green, orange and black.

Versa

This is a new lightweight 4-wheeled stroller with a reversing seat and large storage basket. It is like a scaled down version of the City Select, except it is a single only and does not convert to a double.

The Versa has a multi-position reclining seat and a unique fold where you don’t take out the seat – you fold the seat in half first, then fold down the frame. Nice and compact, fold with the seat facing inward or outward.

PHIL & TEDS

Promenade
Comparable with the Baby jogger City Select, the Promenade is the most premium product in the Phil and Teds line to date. Available by January 2012, the Promenade features a reversing seat that can fold into a bassinet-like bed and can take a car seat. Add a second seat with the bassinet/bed function.

Each seat holds 33 lbs. and is a great stroller for twins. The Promenade has an easy, compact fold with frame latch and unfolding is automatic and effortless.

Quinny

Moodd

I’m really excited about this unique looking stroller new from Quinny. Available in February 2012, the Moodd is a lightweight stroller with a reversing seat and adjustable footrest. It has a remarkable T-bar-shaped removable bumper bar that kind of reminds me of a kid’s carnival ride and that says FUN.

Another fun design aspect of the Quinny Moodd is all the available seat and frame color combinations. This three-wheeled stroller has a front rubber tire and rear foam tires for easy maintenance.

Unlike many reversing seat strollers, this one has a reclining seatback only. And the Moodd has an easy fold with auto-lock and like the Quinny Buzz, it unfolds itself. Nice!

It looks like 2012 is gearing up to be an exciting time to be in the market for a new stroller! Which one interests you?

Amy Tanathorn researches the best baby strollers at Stroller Envy, where you can read in-depth reviews for UPPAbaby, Baby Jogger, Phil & Teds, Quinny and more. Reviews include video demonstrations, product specs, photos and detailed descriptions.

Recently I decided to create a printable ALDI shopping list. And I wouldn’t be a very good blogger if I didn’t offer it to my readers for free, would I?

So here goes:

Free ALDI Printable Shopping List

(Click on the link and a Google document opens in a new window.)

The shopping list is organized according to how the ALDI stores I’ve been to are  laid out.

As you know if you’re a fan of ALDI, they are smaller than most grocery stores and only have a few aisles. Their merchandise also doesn’t change as much as other stores. (I think this is a blessing because fewer choices often mean less stress for me!)

This list will stay in my household binder or on the fridge, and as I run out of things I simply circle the item on the list or write it on the lines.

Of course, this list reflects things I buy at ALDI.  It is a Google document, and cannot be edited by readers, but you can copy and paste it into your favorite program and edit it that way.

I hope it’s helpful and saves you time!

There are a few important reasons why I now do 90% of my weekly grocery shopping at ALDI.

Cheaper

No doubt about it, this is numero uno. I feed a family of 8, and manage to do it healthfully and frugally. ALDI’s prices are cheaper than any other store in my area – especially when it comes to produce. In the last couple of years I’ve gotten good at getting great deals at my other grocery store with strategic shopping tactics (combining sales with coupons), but ALDI has simplified my life. They don’t accept coupons, which saves me time – but the final shopping tally is still about the same as what I spent at the other store!

No Frills

I love that my shopping trip takes less time. Because ALDI only has about 20% of the items that a regular grocery store has, there are far fewer choices that I have to make. Instead of this being frustrating, it’s quite liberating! The fewer choices I have to make in my life, the less fatigue I experience. I don’t have to compare brands because there is only one of every item. Anything that can decrease the decision making Brain Strain is a win in my book.

In addition, the no frills concept means I am far less tempted to buy impulse items and other things I don’t need, which means further savings.

On the downside, there are some items that I cannot find at ALDI (such as gluten free bread for my 5 year old daughter).  However, the benefits of shopping at ALDI still far outweigh the minor inconvenience of having to get those items elsewhere.

The Kids Work

And finally, I love that when I shop at ALDI the kids work a little harder. You see, one of the ways ALDI keeps prices low is by keeping staff to a minimum. This means that you bag your own groceries. This is no problem for me since I take several “helpers” to the grocery store every week. They actually get a kick out of bagging up groceries, and I think it teaches them a vital lesson. After all, they’ll be doing most of the eating!

I think there are a few things that my husband and I accidentally did right when we become a blended family, and other things I’ve had to learn the hard way. Maybe these tips will help your blended family to experience more peace and fun.

Boundaries

Boundaries will look different for each married couple, and for each stepparent/stepchild relationship. My husband and I have found that the children do best when disciplined, and decisions made on behalf of, by the biological parent. I don’t interfere in his decisions even when I disagree, unless the decision seriously  impacts my life – and then it’s a topic of discussion. We believe that it takes time for relationships to grow and blossom. After that happens, it’s appropriate for the stepparent to take a more hands on role.

Boundaries also come into play when it comes to the ex spouses. My husband and I agree to deal with our exes by ourselves, not involving the current spouse. In other words, when my husband’s ex is giving him stress, he deals with it and doesn’t share it with me. I know what’s going on and give him emotional support, but I don’t hash out the nitty gritty details and become enmeshed in their struggle. While some people encourage total openness in marriage, sometimes that brings more stress into the relationship. “Where there is no spark, the fire goes out.” Involving the new mate in the drama left over from the old is a recipe for more stress.

Rituals & Communication

My husband and I began holding family meetings and it’s been a good place for us to communicate about issues that come up. The kids are also happy to express themselves. This has bonded our family and helped prevent misunderstandings. As a married couple, we also constantly work on bringing up grievances to each other when they are minor, before our feelings become difficult to control.

Developing rituals has also bonded our family. Worshiping together, playing games and sports, and doing things in a weekly routine have created an “our family” identify that is separate from the other families the kids are a part of.

Realistic Expectations

Many people go into a second marriage with unrealistic expectations about what the blended family will be like. The adults and kids alike are hurting from the divorce, and the second marriage and family seem to hold a promise of fixing what’s broken. The truth is, what’s broken cannot be fixed. But… something new and wonderful can be created that’s great in its own right.

Reading about the experiences of other blended families can help you adjust your expectations. Getting to know and love a stepchild takes time, but it will come. It’s not the the heady, falling in love feeling you get with your biological kids, but as you spend more time getting to know your stepchild, the affection will come.

Carrie Lauth blogs about her large blended family at Natural Moms Talk Radio. Check out her free podcast on natural living topics!

1- Some babies are scared of the dark.
Being in a totally dark environment makes them feel like they’re alone. If the child has a problem with the dark then a night light can really help with making him (or her) feel more comfortable. However, studies have shown that it’s better to sleep in the dark because your body will naturally produce melatonin when it becomes dark. So when your baby has been sleeping for a while then you can turn off the nightlight.

2- One of the biggest reasons why babies wake up during the night is because they’re hungry.
It’s totally normal for babies to want to be fed every 3 hours until they are 3 months old. The reason for this is that their tummy is too little to hold too much. This is why they wake up a lot. After they’re 3 months old, you can feed them more during the day and they will get less hungry at nighttime. Create a feeding schedule so that when night comes around they won’t be as hungry and will wake up less.

3- Another common reason for a baby waking up is a dirty diaper.
This reason ties into the last point. When babies feed a lot during the night they also have a lot more dirty diapers at those hours. The solution to this problem is the same: having a new feeding schedule. This is a process which may not work at first. If you’re perseverant, the baby’s habits will start to change in a few days.

4- Room temperature is another factor that might influence the baby getting to sleep or even staying asleep.
Being too hot or too cold are things that will definitely get in the way. Babies don’t have the ability to take off the covers or pull them over yet. So when they’re uncomfortable they will simply start to cry. You can solve this issue by putting him/ her in a pajama that is appropriate for the season. Make sure that the clothing doesn’t have any part that will cause discomfort for the baby like protruding buttons, itchy fabric, tight sleeves, etc.

Eren Mckay is a stay at home mom to 3 boys that has a cool baby shower themes website. For more creative ideas check out this ladybug baby shower post and this monkey baby shower post.