If you are a new or expecting parent in the Tri-State area, this post is for you!! We're giving away TEN TICKETS to the 2018 New York Baby Show, to be held on May 19 & 20 at Pier 94 in NYC!!

The New York Baby Show, now in its 8th year, is the largest show for new and expectant parents in the country. No other event provides a better experience for thousands of expectant and new families from New York and neighboring counties, seeking a family-friendly jamboree of top brands, great speakers and seminars, big giveaways, and lots of learning, support, bonding, and fun as you make your way into parenthood. 

To get a better feel for what the New York Baby Show is like, check out my roundups from the previous years I've attended:

• ​Best Baby Products from the 2017 New York Baby Show
• Highlights from the 2016 New York Baby Show​
• ​Latest & Greatest for Baby & Mama from the 2015 New York Baby Show

Normal ticket price is $30 per family (for 2 adults and up to 4 children), and $20 per individual, but you can enter in the Rafflecopter box below to win one of the 10 tickets we have to give away! Each of our 10 winners can choose a single or family ticket. The giveaway will end Monday, March 26 at 11:59PM EST and winners will be e-mailed with a special link to claim their tickets. Even if you don't win the giveaway, you still win because you can click here to get your tickets for 50% off!!

Being a mom blogger in NYC can be fun and rewarding but also overwhelming and extremely competitive! You've got to build your following into the tens of thousands before you're given a second glance, network like crazy, and hustle your bootie off for sponsored campaigns by brands big and small! Being a busy mom working from home while wrangling the kiddos can also feel a bit lonely, with a lack of in-real-life adult conversation!

That's why I couldn't be more honored or delighted to attend various blogger events throughout the year organized by Momtrends. Partnering mom bloggers and influencers with amazing brands, at fun events where we can mingle, build relationships, and test out products, it's always fun for all and a total win-win for everyone in attendance, as well as our readers!! This year I had the pleasure of attending their New York Baby Show Blogger Lounge, and NY 529 College Savings Plan Workshop, and just last week had a blast at their Moms' Night Out 2.0!!

Partnering with Meredith Magazines (with editors from Parents*, Parents Latina, Fit Pregnancy, and FamilyFun magazines in attendance), Momtrends invited an amazing group of mom influencers to mingle, nosh, get pampered, and learn about some amazing brands at their Moms' Night Out 2.0. Read on for more about the brands at the event and all the fun activities we got to partake in!

*Random fun fact: did you know Parents.com featured my twin prengnacy progression video on their site 2 years ago?? Check it out here!!

New Balance
Promoting their new ultra cushioned Fresh Foam Arishi sneaker, New Balance brought a pair for all bloggers to test out and TAKE HOME! Ah-may-zing! Providing lightweight breathability, comfort, and support in a neutral color, these kicks could go with any outfit and are perfect for city moms such as myself pushing 3 kids in the stroller several miles a day! After playing around with the shoes, we were pampered with a foot massage. Now we're talking!! Check out New Balance's Fresh Foam Arishi on newbalance.com and Amazon (affiliate link).

Munchkin
One of my favorite brands for baby and toddler gear, Munchkin was here to promote their Munchkin Step Diaper Pail powered by Arm & Hammer, proven #1 in oder control! Their patented self-sealing technology twists the bag each time you close the lid, so there is no "stink blast" when you next open it - genius!! It also features a childproof locking system and is dual-refill compatible - it's the only diaper pail system that works with both rings and snap, seal and toss bags. Munchkin sent us each one of these amazing diaper pails, and had us decorate cute little flower arrangements to decorate the nursery they set up at the event. They also included a Munchkin 360 Sippy Cup and Latch Bottle in our swag bags! Be sure to check all of these products and more out on munchkin.com and Amazon (affiliate link).

Visit Williamsburg
Greater Williamsburg (i.e. Jamestown, Yorktown, and Williamsburg) in Virginia has way more to offer than I ever knew!! We're talking thousands of acres of beautiful woodlands and wetlands (for hiking and ziplining galore), living history at Colonial Williamsburg, roller coasters at Busch Gardens, Water Country USA, wineries, art galleries, spas, water sports, and so much more!! Go for a weekend or a whole week, it's fun for the whole family, and is about a 7-8 hours drive from NYC. They even make their own beer and mead, which we got to taste test at the event - yum!! They also had a ton of activities printed on magnets and let us flip through and arrange our ideal vacation to share on social - it made me eager to pack my bags and head to Virginia! Be sure to head over to VisitWilliamsburg.com for more info and to plan your next vacation!! (I'll be doing a more in depth blog post in the next week on what all there is to do in Greater Williamsburg, so stay tuned!!)

SwaddleMe®
Possibly the most well-known and beloved brand of baby swaddles, SwaddleMe® by Summer Infant has recently come out with some exciting new lines that we got to bring home from Moms' Night Out 2.0!! Their new SwaddleMe® Kicksie™ is a legs-free swaddle, great for warmer weather and also swaddling while in a 3-point harness, such as a baby swing. The new SwaddleMe® Footsie™ is a swaddle with pajama-like legs and footies, great for cooler weather and while in a 3-point harness. They also have 3 new gift sets which make fabulous baby shower gifts, and at the event were thoughtful to pamper us with mini makeovers by Glam Squad. Check out all of these on their website and Amazon (affiliate link).

Jif
My kids are huge consumers of peanut butter, seriously, huge! So, we all love peanut butter and I also love brands that have inspiring missions, give back to the community, and support the education and imagination of the next generation. One such brand, also a sponsor at Moms' Night Out 2.0, is Jif! Their "Imagine If, With Jif" program is aiming to support children and families trying to make the world a better place. Through October 20, families can submit their creative idea to achieve this goal for a chance to win up to $30,000 to make your idea a reality!! Read more about this campaign and submit your idea here! And of course, you can shop Jif peanut butter on their website or Amazon (affiliate link)!

An amazing night with some great brands and fabulous group of people!! Thank you again, Momtrends!! 

​Go here for more info on becoming a Momtrends influencer, and go here if interested in advertising with Momtrends!

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Meredith Magazines, Jif, Munchkin, Visit Williamsburg, New Balance, and SwaddleMe. I was compensated for attending this event and writing this article, but all thoughts and opinions are my own and completely unbiased. Cuz hey, I'm no sell out!

Being a mom of 3 toddlers, I'm always on the lookout for great play spaces in the Greater NYC area, especially inclosed ones that allow my kids some freedom to explore but also allow me to sit back and not lose track of anyone! While not in NYC proper (i.e. requiring a car), I found one recently just across the Hudson in West New York (New Jersey) that is ah-may-zing!! I'm pleased to introduce you to Hudson's House of Play!!

Hudson's House of Play is an indoor play space focused on imaginary play for children ages 5 months to 5 years. The carpeted playroom was custom built to mimic a little downtown city center, with a house, an animal clinic, fire station, grocery store, cafe, and school bus! Kids can go inside each of these "buildings" to find toys and dress-up to play pretend as a veterinarian, fire fighter, cashier, and more! My 1.5 year old twins were especially obsessed with the grocery carts and the school bus. They even have a separately inclosed soft play area for the littlest guests (shown in image below right).

They also have a bookshelf, a couple of benches for the parents to sit and watch (with free wifi), doll houses, a wooden train table, and more. Two bathrooms (with a changing table) are located within the closed off play space, but strollers must be kept in the outter lobby area. Socks are required for all, even adults, but can be purchased for $2 a pair if you forget (seen on my kiddos below, we came in sandals, oops!!).

Having been to my fare share of play spaces, I was incredibly impressed with how meticulously clean and well taken care of Hudson's was. I loved that they had a bucket out and instructed you upon admission to toss any items in there that your littles put in their mouths. I saw staff continuously cleaning item from the bucket and placing them back in the play area, so nothing was out of rotation for too long. It was great!!

Have you ever been to Hudson's House of Play? Know of another great play space we should review in the greater NYC area?? Leave a comment below!!

Looking for more great ways to spend the day with kids in the NYC area?? Be sure to check out my list of Day Trips & Getaways as well as my kid-friendly guide to each of the 5 NYC boroughs!

Disclaimer: Though we did receive complimentary admission in exchange for our honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

We all feel the pressure as parents. The pressure to provide our children with the best education, the newest toys, the cutest clothes, the healthiest food, and the most amazing childhood ever. If we fail in any one area on any single day, we have failed as a parent. Right? WRONG! Thank goodness. Let me just say, parents, give yourself a break. You're doing a great job raising your little humans! 

Running for 20 years now, UCP is an amazing playgroup for toddlers and preschoolers and their parent or caregiver, serving about 100 families a week in the heart of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. They have two types of (non-drop-off) playgroups: mixed-age (for walkers through age 4) and 3's & 4s (kind of a preschool alternative or pre-preschool). Personally, I've only been to the mixed-age playgroup, which consists of 90 minutes of open play followed by 30 minutes of structured teacher-led activities (I'm told 3's & 4's program is more of a 50/50 split). Read on for more elaboration and how to check out a class for free!

Open Play:
The play room at UCP is a toddler's dream come true. Basically, any toy you can imagine is in here, and there are a number of themed centers spread out around the very large carpeted room. You've got kitchens, sand box, dress-up, puppet theater, ride-ons, rocking toys, blocks, train table, musical instruments, books, and much more!! There's also an arts & crafts table set up with a project of the week, usually related to the book that will be read later. Families come in at their leisure since there's no official start to the class. Open play continues (parents and caregivers stay and monitor their children) for the first 90 minutes of the class for mixed ages and the first hour for 3's and 4's, after which there's a massive cleanup and the start of the structured teacher-led portion, usually led by the wonderful Jennifer Kruger, who's been running Union Church Playgroup for a decade now!

Teacher-Led Period (Mixed-Ages Playgroup):
After cleaning up all the toys, children are seated at the table (grownups stand around behind them supervising), and are provided snacks - usually goldfish or animal crackers, and water or apple juice. You're welcome to bring your own snacks if you wish, just no peanuts or nuts due to the concern about allergies of other children. You're also provided with wet wipes, and there are bathrooms (with toddler seats) as well if you prefer to wash hands. While the children are eating, the teacher enthusiastically reads a story, asking questions and engaging the children. 

So, what do you think? Have you been to Union Church Playgroup before, or have another activity to recommend in the Greater Bay Ridge area? Leave a comment below, and click the "share" button if you have a friend you think might be interested in UCP!!

Also, be sure to check out our list of Classes & Activities for Bay Ridge Babies and Toddlers, a great resource providing a vast array of places your children will enjoy, and sign up to receive Bay Ridge Families' weekly kids' events roundup by e-mail!!

Have you ever booked a car service, perhaps a ride to the airport, having specified in detail what kind of car seat you need for your child - the age, weight, even the direction the car seat should be installed... only to be picked up in a car with the wrong kind of car seat thrown in the trunk - stained, beat up, and not even installed?? Or perhaps you've even been picked up with no car seat at all?? And of course if you call around for another ride, you'll miss your flight. So you jump in, hug your child dearly, and hope for the best. Yep, it's happened to the best of us and IT SUCKS!!!

But, families of the greater NYC area, I have AMAZING news for you!!! There's a new high end car service catering to families and it's awesome! I'm very pleased to introduce you to, Kidmoto!

​Not only does Kidmoto provide cars with top of the line car seats, they actually train their drivers to install their car seats quickly and correctly. So, whether you need an infant car seat (NOT provided by UBER Family, btw), rear or forward facing toddler seat, a booster seat, or all of the above, they've got you covered!! You just download the app, make the reservation, and put your worries aside!

We recently booked Kidmoto, a new Queens-based transportation service, for our ride home from the LaGuardia after a long 24-hour journey back to the US from Japan (read more about our Japan trip and see our fun recap videos here). We got our ride free in exchange for providing this review for them, but you're in luck because you can get $10 off unlimited rides with code "USJAPANFAM" (valid through June 2, 2020), and one lucky winner will receive up to $500 in credit for roundtrip anywhere in the greater NYC area to a local airport (enter to win below)!!!!

The app is easy to use, allowing you to select the pickup and drop off locations, type of car (sedan, minivan, or SUV), number and type of child seats (rear facing 5-15 lbs, rear facing 15-40 lbs, front facing >40 lbs, or booster seat). Our driver, Nelson, texted us when he arrived at the airport and we let him know exactly where to pick us up, and he was there waiting when we walked out of the terminal!! He had a beautiful SUV, and two gorgeous top-of-the-line Diono car seats, installed (rear facing) and ready to go for our 1.5 year old twins (we brought our own Mifold booster for our 4.5 year old). The experience was seamless, safe, comfortable, and just what we needed at the tail end of a very very long journey!

Don't get me wrong, a ride with Kidmoto doesn't come cheap (over $100 for a ride from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn to LGA or JFK, for example), but with the price tag comes safety, professionalism, and peace of mind, which can be well worth the splurge!

If interested in trying out Kidmoto, just download the app for free (available for iPhone and Android) and don't forget to use code "USJAPANFAM" to get $20 off each ride - no limit! They specialize in transport within the NYC Metro area to JFK, Newark, LGA and Teterboro airports.

Enter to win in the Rafflecopter below for a FREE ROUNDTRIP transport from the NYC area to any of the local airports (JFK, LGA, EWR; up to 7 passengers and up to 4 car seats) - up to a $500 value (valid until January 1, 2019)!! Giveaway ends at 11:59PM EDT on Tuesday, September 5 and a winner will be randomly chosen and e-mailed the next day.

Here's our roundup of the kids' activities and family-friendly events going on in the Greater Bay Ridge area of Brooklyn for the week of August 24 - 30, 2017!! Don't forget to sign up for our e-newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay in the loop of all the local goings on!! Businesses are invited to join our advertisers' newsletter to receive occasional ad specials and upcoming deadlines!

All the events and ads below are linked, so click away for more details and to double check before heading out for an event (time changes, cancellations, and mistakes do happen on occasion).

ONGOING:

• Free Summer Meals for ages 0 - 18!! Lunch at Bay Ridge Library & Dyker Library @ Mondays - Fridays @ 1:15 - 2, and breakfast & lunch at various schools (find one near you here!)
• 42nd Annual Feast of Santa Rosalia (aka 18th Avenue Festival) @ August 17 - 27 @ 18th Ave from 68th - 75th Streets

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24:​​

• ​Read To Me Club @ Crossroads @ 10 - 11
• ​Mommy & Me Class & Open Play @ Play Days & Parties @ 10 - 12
• "Minty the Unicorn" Paint & Pizza Party @ Pinot's Palette @ 12:30 - 2:30
• CPR, AED & First Aid Training (FREE! Call to register) @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 1 - 4
• Read with a Book Buddy @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 3
• Kids Create @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 3
• Kids Create @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• DIY: Upcycle Crafts @ Dyker Library @ 3:15 - 4:15
• Teen Tech Time @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5
• Movies Under the Stars: Searching @ John Paul Jones Park @ 7:45 - 9:30

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25: 

• Preschool Storytime @ Bay Ridge Library @ 11:30 - 12:30
• Read with a Book Buddy @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 3
• Build with KEVA @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 3
• Chess Club @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 3
• Movie Night Experience: Moana (pre-payment required) @ Kaleidoscope @ 6:30 - 9
• Parents Night Out Drop-off - Angry Birds Movie (registration required) @ BounceU @ 6:30 - 9
• Movies Under the Stars: Beauty & The Best (2017) @ McKinley Park @ 7:45 - 9:30
• Movie Night Showing: Bee Movie @ Narrows Botanical Gardens @ 8:15

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26:

• It's My Park @ Owl's Head Park @ 10 - 12
• Saturday Stories @ Bay Ridge Library @ 11 - 11:45
• Preschool Storytime @ buybuyBABY at Liberty View @ 11
• It's My Park @ Leif Ericson Park @ 11 - 2
• Family DJ Dance Party Feat. Music of Michael Jackson @ IC (274 36th St) @ 12
• The Little Mermaid (NCT Production) @ Fort Hamilton Army Base Theater @ 2
• Saturday Storytime @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 2:30 - 3
• Saturday Storytime @ Dyker Library @ 3 - 3:30
• Movie Night: Boss Baby @ Bensonhurst Park @ 7 - 10
• The Little Mermaid (NCT Production) @ Fort Hamilton Army Base Theater @ 8

SUNDAY, AUGUST 27:​

• La Leche League Breastfeeding Support Meetup @ Shore Road Park (79th) @ 11:30 - 1
• Free Opera Concert @ 100th St. & 4th Ave @ 2  
• The Little Mermaid (NCT Production) @ Fort Hamilton Army Base Theater @ 2

MONDAY, AUGUST 28:
​​

• Babies & Books @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10:30 & 11
• Library Lab @ Dyker Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
• Movies Under the Stars: Stand By Me @ Dyker Beach Park @ 7:30 - 9

TUESDAY, AUGUST 29:

• ​Open Play BRBM Special @ Play Days & Parties @ 10:30 - 12:30
• "Space Adventure" Paint & Pizza Party @ Pinot's Palette @ 12:30 - 2:30
• Movies @ the Library: The Angry Birds Movie @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 4
• Knitting & Crocheting Club @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• BYOBaby's 1st (Baby/Toddler) Clothing Swap @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 3:30 - 5

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30:

• Lavender Blues (NO CLASS!!! classes resume 9/13)
• Toddler Time @ Dyker Library @ 10:15 & 11:15
• Toddler Time @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10:30 & 11:15
• Build with DUPLO @ Dyker Library @ 11 & 12
• "Be Happy" Paint & Pizza Party @ Pinot's Palette @ 12:30 - 2:30
• Teen Tech Time @ Dyker Library @ 3:15 - 4:15
• Sunset Sounds (Music of Erik D. and the Donuts) @ Industry City (274 36th Str) @ 5
• Movies Under the Stars: School of Rock @ Leif Ericson Park @ 7:30 - 9:15

We're going on vacation, so here's a special 2-week roundup of the kids' activities and family-friendly events going on in the Greater Bay Ridge area of Brooklyn for the period of August 2 - 16, 2017!! Don't forget to sign up for our e-newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay in the loop of all the local goings on!! Businesses are invited to join our advertisers' newsletter to receive occasional ad specials and upcoming deadlines!

All the events and ads below are linked, so click away for more details and to double check before heading out for an event (time changes, cancellations, and mistakes do happen on occasion).

ONGOING:

• Free Summer Meals for ages 0 - 18!! Lunch at Bay Ridge Library & Dyker Library @ Mondays - Fridays @ 1:15 - 2, and breakfast & lunch at various schools (find one near you here!)

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2:

• ​Lavender Blues @ Dimensions in Dance @ 10 - 10:40
• Toddler Time @ Dyker Library @ 10:15 & 11:15
• Babies and Books @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 10:30 - 11
• Toddler Time @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 11:30 - 12
• Read with a Book Buddy @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 3
• Chess Club @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 3
• LittleBits MakerSpace @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• Build with Lego @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• Teen Tech Time @ Dyker Library @ 3:15 - 4:15
• Family Movie @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 6
• Rock and Roll Playhouse (Music of The Beatles) @ Industry City @ 5
• Concerts in the Park (Risky Business - Oldies) @ Marine Park @ 7

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3:

• Read To Me Club @ Crossroads @ 10 - 11
• ​Mommy & Me Class & Open Play @ Play Days & Parties @ 10 - 12
• "Fish Friends" Little Brushes @ Pinot's Palette @ 12:30 - 2:30
• ​Kids Create @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2 - 3
• Read with a Book Buddy @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 3
• Kids Create @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 3
• Kids Create: Arts and Crafts @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• Library Lab: Basketball Shooter @ Dyker Library @ 3:15 - 4:15
• Teen Tech Time @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5
• Sunset Sounds (Sophistafunk) @ Industry City @ 6

FRIDAY, AUGUST 4:

• ​Preschool Storytime @ Bay Ridge Library @ 11:30 - 12:30
• Ready, Set, Kindergarten! @ 2 - 3
• Build with KEVA @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 3
• Read with a Book Buddy @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 3
• Chess Club @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 3
• Game On! @ Bay Ridge Library @ 3 - 5
• Summer Stroll on 3rd @ 80th - 90th Streets @ 6 - 10:30
• Parents Night Out Drop-Off (Pete's Dragon) must register @ Bounce U @ 6:30 - 9

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5:

• It's My Park @ Owl's Head @ 10 - 12
• Preschool Story Telling @ BuyBuy Baby (Industry City) @ 11
• Ready, Set, Kindergarten! @ Bay Ridge Library @ 11 - 12
• Ready, Set, Kindergarten! @ Dyker Library @ 11 - 12
• WonderSpark Puppets @ Beyond at Liberty View @ 11 - 12
• Family DJ Dance Party (Music of Phish) @ Industry City @ 12
• Live Music & Art Auction (The Art Room Fundraiser) @ Brooklyn Firefly @ 2 - 5
• Saturday Storytime @ Dyker Library @ 3 - 3:30
• Astronomy @ Owl's Head Park @ 8 - 9:30

SUNDAY, AUGUST 6:

• It's My Park @ Leif Ericson Park @ 11 - 2

MONDAY, AUGUST 7:

• Babies & Books @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10:30 - 11 & 11 - 11:30
• Read with a Book Buddy @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 3
• Chess Club @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 3
  
• Readers' Theater @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• Kids Tech Time: Wii Games @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• Kids Create @ Dyker Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
  

TUESDAY, AUGUST 8:

• ​Open Play BRBM Special @ Play Days & Parties @ 10:30 - 12:30
• "Fire Marshall" Pizza & Paint @ Pinot's Palette @ 12:30 - 2:30
• Read with a Book Buddy @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 3
• Kids Create @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 3
• Movies @ the Library: Zootopia @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 4
• Chess Club @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• Kids Create: The Art of Romare Bearden @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• BYOBaby Playdate @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 3:30 - 5:30
• Teen DIY @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5
• Concerts in the Park (On A Good Run - Classic Rock) @ 79th & Shore @ 7

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9:

• ​Lavender Blues @ Dimensions in Dance @ 10 - 10:40
• Toddler Time @ Dyker Library @ 10:15 & 11:15
• Babies and Books @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 10:30 - 11
• Build with DUBLO @ Dyker Library @ 11 & 12
• Toddler Time @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 11:30 - 12
• Read with a Book Buddy @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 3
• Chess Club @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 3
• LittleBits MakerSpace @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• Build with Lego @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• Teen Tech Time: Lego Mindstorms @ Dyker Library @ 3:15 - 4:15
• Family Movie @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 6
• Rock and Roll Playhouse (Music of Grateful Dead) @ Industry City @ 5

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10:

• Read To Me Club @ Crossroads @ 10 - 11
• ​Mommy & Me Class & Open Play @ Play Days & Parties @ 10 - 12
• "Twinkle Twinkle Little Mermaid" Pizza & Paint @ Pinot's Palette @ 12:30 - 2:30
• Read with a Book Buddy @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 3
• Kids Create @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 3
• Kids Create @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• Kids Create: Arts and Crafts @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• DIY: Upcycle Crafts @ Dyker Library @ 3:15 - 4:15
• Teen Tech Time @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5
• Sunset Sounds (Sophia Urista) @ Inudstry City @ 6

FRIDAY, AUGUST 11:

• Stomp, Clap & Sing with Conroy Warren @ Bay Ridge Library @ 11 - 12
• Preschool Storytime @ Bay Ridge Library @ 11:30 - 12:30
• Ready, Set, Kindergarten! @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 2 - 3
• Read with a Book Buddy @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 3
• Build with KEVA @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 3
• Chess Club @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 3
• Game On! @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2:30 - 4
• Summer Stroll on 3rd @ 68th - 80th Streets @ 6 - 10:30
• Movie Night Drop-Off (Trolls) - must pre-register @ Kaleidoscope @ 6:30 - 9
• Parents Night Out Drop-Off (Sing) must register @ Bounce U @ 6:30 - 9
• Movie Night - Power Rangers @ Owl's Head @ 7 - 10
• Into the Woods @ Bay Ridge Prep @ 7:30

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12:

• Yoga in the Park @ 79th & Shore @ 9
• It's My Park @ Owl's Head @ 10 - 12
• Preschool Story Telling @ BuyBuy Baby (Industry City) @ 11
• Ready, Set, Kindergarten! @ Bay Ridge Library @ 11 - 12
• Ready, Set, Kindergarten! @ Dyker Library @ 11 - 12
• Family Dance Party (Music of Motown) @ Industry City @ 12
• "Child's Print Keepsake" @ Pinot's Palette @ 12 - 2
• Into the Woods @ Bay Ridge Prep @ 2
• Saturday Storytime @ Dyker Library @ 3 - 3:30
• Into the Woods @ Bay Ridge Prep @ 7

SUNDAY, AUGUST 13:

• Into the Woods @ Bay Ridge Prep @ 3

MONDAY, AUGUST 14:

• Deadline to register for the Advanced Session for Learn to Swim (classes held August 21 - 25)
• Babies & Books @ Bay Ridge Library @ 10:30 - 11 & 11 - 11:30
• Read with a Book Buddy @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 3
  
• Chess Club @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 3
  
• Readers' Theater @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• Kids Tech Time: Wii Games @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• Library Lab @ Dyker Library @ 3:30 - 4:30
  

TUESDAY, AUGUST 15:​

• Alternate Side Parking Suspended (Feast of Assumption)
• ​Open Play BRBM Special @ Play Days & Parties @ 10:30 - 12:30
• "Swirly Rainbow Tree" Little Brushes @ Pinot's Palette @ 12:30 - 2:30
• Read with a Book Buddy @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 3
• Kids Create @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 3
• Movies @ the Library: Middle School The Worst Years of My Life @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 4
• Chess Club @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• Library Lab: Engineering with Keva Planks @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• BYOBaby Playdate @ Bay Ridge Jewish Center @ 3:30 - 5:30
• DIY @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 5
• Concerts in the Park (Cherry Bomb - Classics to Current) @ Dyker Park & 86th @ 7

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16:

• ​Lavender Blues @ Dimensions in Dance @ 10 - 10:40
• Toddler Time @ Dyker Library @ 10:15 & 11:15
• Babies and Books @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 10:30 - 11
• Build with DUBLO @ Dyker Library @ 11 & 12
• Toddler Time @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 11:30 - 12
• Read with a Book Buddy @ Dyker Library @ 2 - 3
• Chess Club @ Dyker Library @ 2 -3 
• LittleBits MakerSpace @ Bay Ridge Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• Build with Lego @ Fort Hamilton Library @ 2:30 - 3:30
• Teen Tech Time @ Dyker Library @ 3:15 - 4:15
• Rock and Roll Playhouse (Music of Rolling Stones) @ Industry City @ 5
• Family Movie  @ Bay Ridge Library @ 4 - 6
• Preschool Open House @ Stepping Stones @ 5 - 7

If you have a child born and raised in New York City, I have a very exciting scholarship to keep on your radar. And if that child just graduated from high school and will be attending college here in NYC in the fall, the time to apply is NOW!!

Don't miss my $300 value Back to School Goodies Giveaway going on right now through July 26!! Enter to win here!!!

The NYC Ferry just started service from Bay Ridge a few days ago and we couldn't be more thrilled. A way to get out of the neighborhood with kids, without having to collapse a stroller or lug it up and down subway stairs? HALLE-FREAKING-LUJAH, am I right?! Game. Changer!!

My family of five took our first journey on it today, roundtrip from Bay Ridge to Brooklyn Bridge Park, so I thought I'd share our experience and some tips for those of you who haven't ventured out on it yet!

1. Download the NYC Ferry App
On the app, you can view the "real-time" schedule (boats every 30-60 minutes) and also purchase tickets, which saves you time if you're running to catch the boat or don't want to leave your kids alone at the back of the line while you run ahead to buy tickets from the machine! It's pretty cool the way it works - you purchase tickets on the app and then when you're about to board you activate them. You show the screen as you board the boat to show how many active tickets you have, but nothing is scanned, they'll simply expire in 1 hour, which I guess is how the whole "free transfer" works if you're jumping to another line for a different destination? You can use the "trip planner" part of the app to see where to transfer, and unfortunately it looks like transfer timing may not be so great - for example you can transfer at Sunset Park to get to Rockaway, change at DUMBO to get to Williamsburg and 34th Street in Manhattan, or change at Wallstreet to get to Astoria or the Bronx, but you may have to wait a while unfortunately!

​Good news: you can go directly from Sunset Park to Governor's Island from Bay Ridge in the summer, and if you plan to drive to the ferry, there's lots of free parking at the pier at Sunset Park.

2. It is Stroller-Friendly!
There was concern over whether or not you could keep your kids in the stroller on the boat, since the website says the boats have designated stroller parking areas. But, after having taken a ride, I can say yes, you can keep your stroller with you - on the bottom inside (temperature controlled) deck anyway. There are some seating areas at the end that can fit a bunch of strollers with the kids still in them. In addition, the two aisles are very wide so it doesn't seem like parking a single stroller next to a seat on the aisle would be a problem either - you can see someone's done that in the picture below right.

3. Consider Dramamine
We've taken quite a few ferries and I've never before experienced this amount of rocking. My son, who gets car sick, felt rather ill. By the time we finished our 40 minute journey I wasn't feeling great either, thinking back on it I probably should have avoided using my phone and instead kept my eyes on the horizon. Anyway, if you or your family experience motion sickness, consider taking a dramamine or wearing sea bands. 

4. They've Got it All
​A few of the seating areas have little tables you could use for eating or playing games. I saw a few outlets around so if you were in dire need to charge a phone you could. There are bathrooms, and a changing table for the babies!! There were signs that wi-fi is coming soon. And there was a nice concession stand with all kinds of snacks, alcoholic (and non-) beverages, iced coffee, and even some random games like UNO. They really thought of everything!! 

5. Only 149 seats...
With Bay Ridge being the first station of the South Brooklyn line, there's probably not a big problem getting on the next ferry, except maybe during rush hour. But returning home is another story. We got on around 5:30pm at Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 1 Station and noticed them counting how many people came off the boat, and then announced they could take on 28 passengers. Well, lets just say there were plenty of people who did not get on and weren't too thrilled with having to wait an hour for the next boat. Ouch. So... don't wait to run to the dock at the last second. Consider getting in line with PLENTY of time to spare, or sending ahead someone to take one for the team and wait in line for you.

6. Great views!
Sure, it's not free like the Staten Island Ferry, but it offers amazing views and a fun travel experience unlike anything you'll find on the MTA buses and subways, and for the same price! From Bay Ridge, you get a really great view of the Statue of Liberty and South Brooklyn. If you can part with your stroller and the weather is nice, head up to the top deck and breath it all in!

So, what do you think? Have you ridden the new NYC Ferry yet? Is it opening up new possibilities for you to travel alone with your kids, as it is for me? Do you plan to switch your daily commute from bus or subway to ferry?? Leave a comment below!!

I recently attended my FIFTH New York Baby Show in a row (courtesy of MomTrends / #MTBloggerLounge - thank you!!), and as usual, I was blown away. They changed the location this year, which gave it a slightly different feel, but it was as amazing as ever!! It's the biggest expo of its kind (with over 200 brands and 5000 families in attendance), and always a fabulous way to check out the best baby products as well as great gear for maternity, toddlers, and families! It's fun to see the products first hand, try them out, and get your questions answered quickly by their friendly reps. Keep reading to see which products I was most impressed with this year, and don't miss my video at the bottom! I'll also include links at the bottom of the post to my recaps from past years, since the products highlighted in those old posts are definitely still worth checking out!!

The RideSafer Travel Vest is an alternative to the traditional car seat (go here for my full review) and I gotta say, it's awesome. While it's not necessarily meant to be your go-to car seat for daily use, it is extremely convenient for a number of situations such as taking along on vacation for use in taxis or rental cars, using for car pool, and for city families such as mine who don't have a car nor have the space to store a few car seats for use a few times a year! They're for kids ages 3 and up, 30 - 80 pounds, and run for about $139 - $169 on their website and Amazon (affiliate link), though it can be confusing on Amazon since there are 4 generations and various vest types, the biggest difference being that the newest generation vest can be used in a lap belt only seat (with a tether).

Lascal's BuggyBoard has been an uber popular universal stroller board for some time, but the newly released Maxi+ gives your child the option to stand or sit!! We got one a couple of months ago (check out my review here) and are using it every day and absolutely loving it. I push our toddler twins in our double stroller 4 miles a day to drop off and pick up my 4 year old from preschool. The board latches up and out of my way when he's not with us or chooses to walk, drops down quickly for him to ride standing, and I keep the little saddle board under the stroller and snap in easily if he needs to sit. In my honest opinion, it's the best toddler board on the market!! You can find one for about $150 on Regal Lager's website or Amazon (affiliate link).

Not only are these bento box style lunch boxes super cute and customizable, they are amazingly practicle. The removeable plastic tray divides each section so your various foods don't mix, and when the top comes down, each section is sealed tight. Completely sealed!! See that circular area in the middle? You can even put a liquid sauce in there and it won't leak!! The large personalized bento box runs for about $35 on their website, but they have tons of other great products as well, all personalized, from backpacks to pencil cases and clothes!! I was totally blown away by the bento boxes and will be reaching out to Stuck on You to review one soon (my son will be starting Kindergarten in September) and hopefully get an assortment of their goods in my Back to School Giveaway at the end of July!! 

Guzzie & Guss had a number of amazing products at the show and there were two that especially piqued my interest. Their 3-in-1 Rain Cover is the only cover I've ever seen that is 100% see through, fitted, AND has a zip open front (meaning you don't have to take the whole thing off to get your child in and out. What's more? It fits car seat, bassinet, and pod-style stroller seat (the kind of seat that clicks in and out and reverses). How amazingly versatile!! The other cool stroller accessory they had was the Stroller Media Console, which is probably a bit controversial - screen time and all that - so take it or leave it, but it's got a slot for your child to watch or play with a tablet, and on the reverse side a spot for your smart phone. Also insulated cup holders and magnetic pocket. I mean, come on, they thought of everything here!! You can check out these and other Guzzie & Guss products on their website and Amazon (affiliate link).

​Related article: Review of Manito Double & Single Stroller Covers

With potty training our 2nd and 3rd kids on the near horizon, this potty stopped me in my tracks. It's SO. DARN. CUTE!!! Not only is it more aesthetically pleasing for the parents, it's cool for the kids cuz they can feel grown up using a potty that looks like the one mom and dad use, but it's their size. It's also practical - there's a built-in wipes dispenser, the handle makes a flushing sound, the seat lifts like a real potty, there's a clip-on extra splash guard for boys, and of course the bowl removes for easy cleaning! I gotta get me a couple of these ASAP (we're about to be FIVE people sharing ONE toilet - yikes!!). It runs for $35 on Summer Infant's website and Amazon (affiliate link).

I don't know about you, but seeing my baby fall asleep in the car seat with their head hanging forward, it just doesn't feel right. Not only does it look uncomfortable, it seems unsafe. I guess I'm not alone having these concerns - Kiddy has come out with the only infant car seat with a lie flat function that operates both in and out of the car!! Simply by pushing the handle back, it goes from upright to lie flat, and can be used in the car as well as in the Kiddy stroller!! Ah-may-zing!! These are scheduled to be on the market in July/August 2017, so stay tuned (they're listed for around $470 at BuyBuyBaby but not in stock yet).

Gone are the days that you have to use a hot and crinkly waterproof mattress pad. Say hello to B-Sensible waterproof fitted sheets!! Looking and feeling like regular sheets, they feature Tencel fabric (I'm told it's from the eucalyptus plant), which is naturally waterproof, hypoallergenic, breathable, and easy to care for. Check out the above images - they're filled with water and not even damp on the outside!! B-Sensible fitted sheets come in all sizes, we're talking play yard, crib, twin, full, queen, and king, and they make waterproof pillow cases, as well! Check 'em out on their website and Amazon (affiliate link).

For parents who don't find enough comfort in a run of the mill baby monitor, or perhaps have an infant with higher risks, MonBaby is a wearable device that keeps track of baby's breathing and movement and even sends you alerts on your phone and other devices, for example, if your baby ends up flipping onto his or her tummy or isn't breathing steadily. It can also help you keep better track of their sleep cycles and other helpful stats. Not just for newborns either, it can also alert you when your crawling or climbing little one has left the designated area or has had a fall. It goes for about $100 on their website and Amazon (affiliate link).

Goumikids makes great infant wear - sleepers with built in mitts and footies that can fold on or off, booties that will resist being pulled off, hats, and more! But what really caught my eye were their velcro secured mitts - great to keep newborns from accidentally scratching themselves but get this - they consulted with NICU specialists and apparently it's a huge problem that preemies and newborns accidentally pull out their tubing. So, Goumikids came out with preemie size mitts as a solution! You can find their products on their website and Amazon (affiliate link). They also partner with some amazing charities, gotta love that! 

A wearable blanket that converts from sleep sack to legs with grippy feet, I mean, wow ergoPouch, well done!! Not only are they great for babies and early walkers, but they also make it possible to move child from the crib to stroller without having to take off the sleep sack!! They've got short sleeve and long sleeve versions, with Tog ranging from 1 to 3.5. They go for about $60 on their website and Amazon (affiliate link).

It doesn't seem to be on the market in the States just yet, at least not on Amazon or on Babymoov's US website, but will likely be soon. I found sleeping in my third trimester (with 1 baby and even more so with the twins) really difficult and painful. Dream Belt offers support as well as memory foam padding for your hips. I'm really intrigued to see if this actually works well, alas I will not be able to test it out myself as I'm donezo with pregnancy... knock on wood...

Here's my YouTube version of this blog post, me and my girls go over the above products and demo a few!

So, what do you think!? Are you blown away by any of the above products? Do you have some? Are you planning to buy any? Leave a comment below and don't forget to check out my favorite product lists from the past 2 years here:
2016 New York Baby Show Highlights
2015 New York Baby Show Highlights

Also, don't miss out - enter to win my $360 value jackpot Summer Goodies for the Kiddies Giveaway running through May 31!!! One winner will take it all - the best in summer gear for kids and families - from swim suits and water sandals to beach tent and sunblock!! Enter to win here!!