Explaining death to young children is such a touchy thing. It’s usually something parents don’t want to do, so we put it off until we are grappling with difficult loss and in no position to be mature, thoughtful creatures. And then we desperately turn to books to help us choke out a few reassuring words….
If ever there was a perfect bedtime book for the younger set, Time for Bed is it. Written by Mem Fox and illustrated by Jane Dyer, this board book is almost trance-inducing. Each page follows the same rhythm, and each page has gentle rhymes. Read aloud, it is the spoken form of a lullaby. I…
The adorable cover of Chick ‘n’ Pug hints at the humor and sweet tone readers will find inside. Both written and illustrated by Jennifer Sattler, this picture book is a winner whether read quietly to oneself or read aloud to a crowd of kindergartners. Chick is a daydreaming, book-loving youngster who is underwhelmed by his…
Baby not nodding off as needed? You can’t exactly inform an infant about counting sheep… But nonetheless, a sheep might be your solution… Ewan the Dream Sheep, that is. The stuffed animal “emits soothing sounds at a low base frequency.” What sounds? Actual recorded heartbeat and womb sounds that “really do have a calming…
Baby formula has to be boiled to 212 degrees. Of course it has to be cooled before serving. The first task is exacting, the second time-consuming. Or at least they were: the Piena Baby Tender Touch Formula Maker will automatically boil, cool, and dispense water, “at the perfect, safest temperature for your baby,” the…
Hi Jennifer! I recently saw the name Theda (pronounced thay-duh). I don’t know much about this name, and it’s not in your database. I would love to name a future daughter Theda Josephine. Can you give me any more information on the name Theda? Thanks! ~Sarah Dear Sarah, I couldn’t believe the name Theda…
Dear Jennifer, My husband and I know were expecting a girl. We wanted something different, so we came up with Evanlea. We combined her both of her godparents name together. Is Evanlea to different or unique of a name? -Cat Dear Cat, I like the name Evanlea. It is a perfect choice for a created…
Hi Jennifer, Babynames.com says the name Darrell is from Airelle, but Airelle isn’t a name. This is confusing to me. Is “from Airelle” the meaning, or is the one name “from” the other like Laura/Laurel. Either way, should “Airelle” be added to teh database? Thanks, Becky ——————– Hi Becky, Sorry for the confusion. Darrell originally…
Hi Jennifer! Thanks so much for babynames.com. I love to daydream about names, and your site is a treasure trove. I’m also an avid reader, and I have been re-reading some of my childhood favorites, including the Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. As you may know, Laura Ingalls married Almonzo Wilder. I became…
Hi! I know a girl with the name Minette, but couldn’t find it on your site and thought it was really pretty. Could it be added? I know it is of French origin, but don’t know much beyond that. Thanks, Madeline Hi Madeline, The root “Min” comes from the name Minnie, which is a diminutive…
Babies crave stimulation, and this little device delivers plenty. It’ll also help teach basic numbers with songs and color. The Spin and Learn Color Flashlight combines animal sounds, changing color lights, music, and more than 50 songs to sing along with. “With its easy-to-grip handle, your toddler will want to take this learning toy…
The Skinner Box, that is: a “futuristic” baby bed designed by psychologist B.F. Skinner to keep his new daughter comfortable and secure. It seems like old-school tech now, but when Skinner built his “Air-Crib” it was the latest and greatest. His baby daughter was in it for eleven months [not non-stop!] when he wrote,…
Hi Jennifer, My wife and I reached an impasse on the middle name for our boy. We like Micah for a first name, and my last name sounds like Micelli. I would like to honor my late grandfather, Casper as the mn. She wants to honor her late grandfather, Allen as the mn. She recommended…
Dear Ms. Moss: I am trying to break into becoming a new writer. My editor has asked me to start thinking of a pen name for myself. I told her that I wanted my name to be Tim Brian (which is part of my name, first and middle) she doesn’t think that would fly too…
Why settle for an audio-only monitor? Devices like Vtech’s Safe & Sound let you not only listen in on your child, but also see and talk with them at the push of button, from the comfort of another room. The adjustable camera mounts on or near the baby’s crib. The parent’s transceiver has a 2.8-inch…
