Prevent the Cold and Flu: 4 Ways to Keep your Kids Healthy

Posted on January 9, 2013 by citygrips

Sick girl with cold flu

It’s officially the time of year that parents dread most: cold and flu season! If you haven’t been hit by the flu yet, you probably know a few (or a few dozen) people that have. Unfortunately, this year’s bug is particularly strong, with many complaining of symptoms lasting up to two weeks! Fortunately, there are a handful of preventative measures you can take to ensure that you and your little ones stay healthy.

Juice it
We all know that a vitamin-rich diet contributes to immune system health, and chances are you already try your best to keep your family’s diet as healthy as possible. During cold and flu season, it’s helpful to step it up with the fruits and veggies. Since we all know it can be difficult to convince little ones to do so, try adding a smoothie made from fresh fruits and veggies to their diet. Check out Inhabitots’ organic kid-friendly smoothie recipes and Family Sponge’s tips for introducing your kids to smoothies.

Keep it clean
We’ve all seen those terrifying studies that prove grocery cart handles have more germs than toilets. In fact, a recent study found that 50% of grocery carts had E. coli bacteria. Even worse? A whopping 72% had fecal bacteria (YUCK!) While it’s always a smart idea to disinfect at the grocery store, it’s essential during cold and flu season. If you come into contact with anything many people have touched (public phones, handles, etc.) be sure to slather on some hand sanitizer. As for those disgusting shopping carts, we recommend covering the handles with your CityGrips! Afterwards, simply give them a good washing to remove bacteria.

Go to bed!
While ensuring your children get a good night’s sleep is a given, you’ll actually want to increase their shut-eye time during cold and flu season. Dr. Mengel of the St. Louis School of Medicine recommends getting at least 8-10 hours of sleep during this time. The more tired your body is, the harder it will be to fight off the flu.

Keep it contained
If you’ve had the misfortune of contracting a cold or flu, you’ll want to avoid spreading it to the rest of your family. There are a few extra steps you can take in addition to the obvious, like segregating yourself and washing your hands often. If you need to cough or sneeze, do so into your inner elbow – not your hands, which are more likely to come into contact with your little ones. Also, be sure to dispose of used Kleenex immediately and throw used dishes in the sink – you don’t want those germs lingering!

As the old adage goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! By taking a few precautionary measures like increasing nutrition and preventing the spread of germs with your CityGrips, you and your family will reduce your chances of contracting the cold or flu this season.

What’s your secret for preventing the cold or flu? Share with us in the comments below, Tweet us or Facebook us!

Top 5 Jogging Strollers for Runners

Posted on December 27, 2012 by citygrips

A jogging stroller is one of the best investments an active parent can make. With so many jogging strollers on the market, however, it can be difficult to determine which one to choose. Whether you’re looking for maneuverability, storage options or passenger comfort, these are our top five favorite jogging strollers on the market today.

1. BOB Revolution SE Single Stroller
Although it’s one of the most popular jogging strollers, the BOB Revolution Single Stroller is also great for shopping trips, trekking off-road and other activities due to its maneuverability, smooth ride, adjustable seat and multi-position canopy. Best of all, the BOB Revolution SE Single Stroller is easy to fold and takes up much less trunk space than many other strollers.

Swiveling front wheel allows for superior maneuverability, locks forward for increased stability jogging
Easy, two-step folding, lightweight frame for convenient transport and storage
Adjustable suspension system provides an exceptionally smooth ride
Accessory adapter allows for quick and easy attachment of BOB Infant car seat adapter or snack tray
Ultra-padded, adjustable reclining seat for enhanced seating comfort

2. Joovy Zoom 360 Swivel Wheel Jogging Stroller
With a seat that’s bigger and higher than most others, unlimited recline positions and a large sun canopy, the Joovy Zoom 360 Swivel Wheel Jogging Stroller is arguably one of the most comfortable jogging strollers for kids. Best of all, with a 75 pound weight limit, this jogging stroller can stay with you as your baby grows into a toddler – just don’t forget to snap on a pair of CityGrips to keep your handles looking like new!

Quick fold design
Aluminum frame with shock absorbing suspension
Extra wide reclining seat, oversized sun canopy
One-step link parking brake, large storage basket
Includes parent organizer, running leash, tire pump and rain cover

3. Schwinn Turismo Swivel Single Jogger
With a 12 inch front swivel wheel, 16 inch rear wheels and a lightweight aluminum frame, the Schwinn Turismo Swivel Single Jogger is great on even the roughest terrains, while the spring suspension delivers a smooth ride. The built-in MP3 speaker system means you can listen to your music while still keeping an ear out for baby, and the molded child tray keeps everything your little passenger needs and arm’s reach.

Aluminum frame is lightweight for easy handling
Molded parent tray with two cup holders adds convenience
Rubberized, adjustable handle is comfortable and slip resistant
Pivoting, molded child tray with two cup holders, Exposed spring suspension delivers a smooth ride
Built-in MP3 speaker keeps children entertained

4. Jeep Overland Limited Jogging Stroller with Front Fixed Wheel
With an odometer that tracks speed and distance, large storage basket, adjustable handle that adjusts to multiple heights and angles and a built-in sound system that works with iPod, the Jeep Overland Limited Jogging Stroller isn’t just built for speed – it’s also built for long treks and shopping trips! This is a great option for urban mamas that run most of their errands on-foot.

Front fixed wheel, air filled tires, super grip and adjustable handle
Features iBaby sound system, speed-distance odometer, large storage basket, cup holders for mom and for baby, and more
Stands upright when collapsed allowing you to roll the stroller when folded
Smart handle with super grip surface easily adjusts to multiple heights and different angles
Safety features for your baby including adjustable five point safety harness, multi position seat, and JPMA certification

5. Schwinn Free Runner Jogging Stroller
The Schwinn Free Runner Jogging Stroller is a favorite thanks to the plethora of storage options, including a parent tray that is built to hold a cell phone, drink and keys, pockets that hold your baby’s needs in addition to extra storage behind and under the seat. The adjustable handle makes this a comfortable option for both mom and dad to jog with.

16 aluminum wheels are light and rust free, easy folding, durable steel frame stores compactly
Parent tray and under seat basket for all your important gear
Large protective sun canopy
5 point harness and padded seat, 50 lbs per child capacity
Hand brake, parking brake and tether for safety, adjustable height handle

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No matter which jogging stroller you choose, don’t forget to snap on a pair of CityGrips before taking it for a spin! Not only will CityGrips protect your investment by preventing your stroller’s handles from breaking down due to wear and tear, but they’re also washable, keeping your hands clean and germ-free even in the hottest weather.

Which jogging stroller do you recommend? Share with us in the comments below!

5 Natural Home Spa Recipes for Mom

Posted on December 27, 2012 by citygrips

The holiday season is nothing short of hectic, and although we mamas would love (and need) nothing more than to jet off to the spa and get a facial, we usually just don’t have the time. Fortunately, there are some common kitchen ingredients that can be used to give yourself 5 minute in-home spa treatments to keep your skin and hair looking Yummy Mummy-worthy… until you get baby food in it, that is.

Natural Deep Conditioning Treatment
This natural deep hair conditioning treatment will leave your hair feeling luscious. The fats from both the avocado and the heavy cream are rich in emollients that quickly penetrate the hair, and the honey balances your scalp’s moisture in addition to acting as a natural antibacterial agent. Don’t have cream? According to InStyle, mixing avocado and egg whites into a hair mask is quite popular in Colombia!

1 avocado, peeled and cut into chunks
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 tablespoon honey

Directions: Mix ingredients in a blender. Comb mixture through freshly washed hair. Wrap head in plastic (a grocery bag will do), and cover with a towel. Let sit for 15 minutes, and rinse well.

Natural Scrub for Dry Skin
As a mom, we know you love coffee for its awakening properties – but did you know it’s also a powerful antioxidant? This recipe from WebMD mixes it with sugar to create one of the best body scrubs you’ll ever try.

¼ cup olive oil
½ cup freshly used coffee grounds
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions: Combine olive oil and vanilla extract. In a separate container, mix coffee grounds with sugar. Add the mixtures together and blend into thick paste. Before applying, let skin soften in the shower for 5-10 minutes. Apply in circular motions, avoiding your face, broken skin or any other sensitive areas.

Natural Acne Mask
We already know baking soda has a myriad of uses – but did you know it is also an amazing skin treatment that can help clear blackheads, soften skin and remove redness from acne?

Directions: Mix 2 parts baking soda with 1 part water and work into a paste. Allow your skin to steam for a few minutes, then spread evenly over skin and leave on for 10 minutes. Once dry, you may either wash off immediately or soften with water and use as a facial scrub before washing off.

At-Home Shine Treatment
Bet you didn’t know the secret to glossy hair is tea! It lowers the pH of hair and helps to close the cuticle for extra shine, softness, and manageability – it can even help reduce brassiness!

2 tea bags (black tea for dark hair, rooibos tea for redheads and chamomile for blondes)
2 cups water

Directions: Steep tea bags in boiling water for 10 minutes, or until it reaches room temperature. Pour the tea over wet, freshly washed hair, working it into your hair the way you would shampoo. Leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse and condition as normal.

At-Home Foot Treatment
Fix your feet right up by exfoliating and softening them with two very common household ingredients! Banana softens skin and cornmeal is a natural scrub with anti-fungal properties. You’ll be heel ready in a jiff.

2 tablespoons mashed banana
4 tablespoons cornmeal

Directions: Mix cornmeal and banana together until it has the consistency of wet sand. Massage all over feet, focusing on callouses, then rinse.

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Do you have a favorite at-home beauty treatment you love to use? Share with us in the comments below!

How To: Assemble a First Aid Kit for Your Infant

Posted on April 13, 2012 by citygrips

With moms on the move as much as we are, it is important to have a First Aid kit and supplies with you in the car or diaper bag as well as at home. Being ready for any type of emergency can make a big difference to you and your child in a flash.

As a parent, much of our skills are learned through trial and error. One thing I learned with my kid is to never leave home without some Infant Tylenol or Suspension pain reliever of some sort. There was always a bottle in my bag as well as a dropper. I added a few more items along the way. Here are some things you should carry with you and keep at home too.

• First Aid Manual/CPR Instructions
• Baby thermometer
• Band-aids and assorted sterile gauze
• First aid tape
• Alcohol wipes
• Calamine Lotion or similar
• Antibiotic Ointment
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Bulb Syringe
• Diaper wipes
• Extra receiving blankets
• Extra Canned or Powered Formula
• A Sterilized Bottle/Nipple
• A Bottled Water
• Hand Sanitizer

By having these items with you at all times, you can be assured that it will cover almost all of the issues you may run across with your child. All kids are different, so add what would help your child, of course, such as allergy or cold meds and similar items. After all, keeping your child comfortable will help you be relaxed and calm in the long run too.

Is Sunscreen Safe for my Baby? What You Need to Know

Posted on April 10, 2012 by citygrips

When the weather is wonderful the first thing we want to do is get outside and enjoy it. But if you have a baby that is 6 months and younger, is it safe to expose your baby’s delicate skin to the sun? The answer is yes and no. Here is what to know about sunscreen and babies.

If your infant is under 6 months of age, their skin is a still quite delicate. Protect them as much as possible from excessive sun rays by simply using light clothing and hats that cover their skin. Stroller covers will help protect them from direct sun as well. There are even full sunshades that are available to attach to the front of a stroller removing almost all UV rays.

If you are going to be out in the sun for extended times, you can use a baby suncreen that contains broad spectrum coverage and is at least a 15-30 SPF. Look for fragrance free and very good organic ones are available now. Do not use an adult product as some of the ingredients may be too harsh for the babies skin. You can apply it their hands, face, top of the ears and nose especially as these are the areas that will burn first.

Also when using a sunblock or sunscreen, apply it at least 30 minutes before going outside and re-apply it every 2 hours for the best coverage and results.

Even on cloudy days, the sun is still strong. Look for shady spots for the baby and use sunscreen when you and the kids are out and about. Sunburns on a baby’s skin at this age can affect them later in life so do what you can to keep their skin protected while enjoying the outdoors.