Author

Christina Refford

The FDA bans BPA (sort of)

BabyChristina Refford

The FDA bans BPA (sort of)

As a glass-is-half-full kind of person, I am thrilled to read that the FDA has (finally) agreed to ban the use of BPA in all baby bottles and spill-proof cups. OK, sure, Europe, Canada and China, along with a handful of U.S. states, have…

Cool educational toys, hold the batteries

KidsChristina Refford

Cool educational toys, hold the batteries

When we're running out the door on one of our million weekly errands, it's way too easy to just grab the iPad or a handheld electronic game to occupy the kids. But in my ongoing quest to "unplug" a little more often, I've discovered a ne…

Audio books for toddlers

KidsChristina Refford

Audio books for toddler? Reader Q&A

My daughter is turning 3 next month and is starting to outgrow her naps! I am trying to enforce quiet time on the days she won't nap, and someone gave me the idea of letting her listen to audio books as her quiet time activity. I was hop…

Building a better sippy cup

LivingChristina Refford

Building a better sippy cup

I don't remember having trouble learning how to use a straw but, then again, I'm about four decades past that stage in life. It was my kids who made me realize that "straw use" was going to be another one of those odd little skills I was…

Twin Bedding for Girls? - Reader Q&A

BabyChristina Refford

Twin Bedding for Girls? - Reader Q&A

I am looking for more suggestions for twin bedding for girls. Not cutesy pink all over...something more sophisticated she can grow into. Thanks for your suggestions! -Lisa Hi Lisa, We've featured a bunch of great girls' twin bedding opti…

First birthday gift ideas? Reader Q&A

KidsChristina Refford

First birthday gift ideas? Reader Q&A

It's time for first birthdays! I have two parties coming up; one boy and one girl. Then my own baby girl will celebrate her first this fall. So what are some gift recommendations for this new stage of development? -Elaine Yay for first b…

Party with Laurie Berkner

Entertainment + MediaChristina Refford

Party with Laurie Berkner

My kids and I fell for Laurie Berkner years ago while watching her appearances on Nickelodeon's Jack's Big Music Show . Her sweetness and likability, paired with her pretty voice and super-fun songs, translated so well to the screen , sh…

5 Super-Hot Picks You Might Have Missed

KidsChristina Refford

5 Super-Hot Picks You Might Have Missed

Summer is all about trying new things, and we've got a round-up of picks so new and hot that they will melt your (breast milk?) popsicle. 1. One of our most controversial posts ever involves a European baby doll and a halter top. How do …