tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63410490061042604322024-02-19T00:42:51.506-07:00Sweet Pea Baby RentalsPremium baby equipment rentals in Phoenix/Scottsdale, AZUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341049006104260432.post-71545657269037166632018-08-04T15:30:00.003-07:002018-08-04T15:31:20.269-07:00Kid-friendly Phoenix/Scottsdale Hotels and ResortsLet's take a look at some of the most popular kid-friendly hotels and resorts we deliver to here in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. This isn't sponsored in any way, just a list of great places!<br />
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<a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=5639&language=en_US" target="_blank">Westin Kierlind Villas</a> - The regular resort area is nice, but the Villas is where it's at for families. Located in Scottsdale, the one- and two-bedroom villas come with a kitchen and living room. I know we love to have our separate space from our kids when we travel! There's a pool there, plus you can also go over to the main resort and use their <a href="http://kierlandresort.com/fun-things-to-do-in-scottsdale/pools-water-park/" target="_blank">water park and pool</a> too! It's a bit too far to walk (across the golf course) so there's a shuttle that runs frequently. They are super friendly and easy to work with. We are there a lot and drop off gear at the bell desk all the time for our guests.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9aaz9Hvl9vfzWmnbbbgs15ON3zD7DMFOdBXoSU-wak5K3IfTm_49V8xYt_WV0ttsCtjwgt2DwIYW1JR6yu5cMnkFvQNmTiohpTKZacy8Hpybrq1VJW_7_k_jh0pp3mqFBofSnOGtsyqPD/s1600/kierland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1105" data-original-width="1600" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9aaz9Hvl9vfzWmnbbbgs15ON3zD7DMFOdBXoSU-wak5K3IfTm_49V8xYt_WV0ttsCtjwgt2DwIYW1JR6yu5cMnkFvQNmTiohpTKZacy8Hpybrq1VJW_7_k_jh0pp3mqFBofSnOGtsyqPD/s320/kierland.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(photo Westin Kierland Resort)</td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/phxcv-marriotts-canyon-villas/" target="_blank">Marriott Canyon Villas</a> - Part of the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort, the Canyon Villas also offer separate living room, kitchen and bedrooms for families. We drop off their frequently as well for rentals and the staff is always friendly! You can get up to 2 bedrooms (3 beds), a pull out sofa and 2 bathrooms in their rooms. Parking is also convenient outside each building so you wont be lugging your stuff through hallways for miles. Head over to the main resort to use the amenities there as well.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvNYlTxgK7Kw2MHBop3swHMzihHj8KEN3i9d__zdv00xyNuBVr3-7kQN3smcN-DWyab96uyIx4okCroK8ASGnrl4uBKBkVaUTGPoxT-jzqBZNI4NtMZierStzQQnorfKlfdiqTBQAPR19/s1600/marriott.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1440" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvNYlTxgK7Kw2MHBop3swHMzihHj8KEN3i9d__zdv00xyNuBVr3-7kQN3smcN-DWyab96uyIx4okCroK8ASGnrl4uBKBkVaUTGPoxT-jzqBZNI4NtMZierStzQQnorfKlfdiqTBQAPR19/s320/marriott.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(photo JW Marriott Canyon Villas)</td></tr>
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The <a href="https://www.arizonagrandresort.com/" target="_blank">Arizona Grand</a> (and it's former sister property the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort below) feature an all-suite set up. Every room has a living room and separate bedroom with a door. Larger rooms are available as well. The Arizona Grand has a water park with a few very large slides (48" minimum height requirement, but they also have a lazy river, wave pool, and more fun stuff for younger kids.<br />
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The <a href="http://www.squawpeakhilton.com/" target="_blank">Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort</a>, like the <a href="https://www.arizonagrandresort.com/" target="_blank">Arizona Grand</a>, also has an all suite resort. This is a place where we staycation in the early summer sometimes. We love their 1 and 2 bedroom casitas. Those have an assigned covered parking spot, a two level room with 1 or 2 bedrooms, kitchenette, living room, dining area and a pull out sofa. The two main hotel buildings each have a pool, plus theres two more small pools in the casita areas. The big one, the River Ranch, as two pools, a baby pool, a slide, a lazy river, and an 18 hole mini-golf course. My kids LOVE it here. (Fun fact, I worked here in accounting for 3 years while I was in college!)<br />
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One last one for your list is<a href="http://www.dvluxury.com/" target="_blank"> DV Luxury Properties </a>rentals.They aren't a hotel but have some great family friendly rental homes in the Scottsdale area. The managers are very friendly and accomodating. Definitely check them out if your family needs a little more space.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341049006104260432.post-37444744916043370682018-07-25T10:03:00.000-07:002018-07-25T10:07:59.447-07:00Kid-Friendly Phoenix Hikes<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's been a minute (or a few million) but we're back to blogging! Our kids are much older, and there's a whole other child now, so it's time to get back to it! We're in the midst of summer here in Phoenix but let's talk about outdoor activities here with kids because I'm sure you're planning to come here when it's NOT over 115 degrees.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Grab one of our great <a href="http://www.sweetpeababyrentals.com/Rental_Items.html" target="_blank">Bob Revolution jogging stroller rentals</a> or <a href="http://www.sweetpeababyrentals.com/Rental_Items.html" target="_blank">hiking backpack rentals</a> and hit the trails. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some kid friendly trails that we like are:</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://phoenix.about.com/od/arizonapicturesandphotos/ig/Waterfall-Trail/" style="background-color: white; color: #7337dd; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">White Tanks Waterfall Trail</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> - there may or may not be an actual waterfall (usually not since it only rains 7" a year here), but there's usually at least a small pool at the the end of the trail, plus great views of the Phoenix area. There are hieroglyphs along the very wide trail with good explanations of everything along the way, plus a chance to see desert plants up close and personal. The trail is pretty easy and you could even take a jogging stroller 3/4 of the way if really necessary. There's a large playground near the trailhead and plenty of picnic areas as well. The trail itself is about a mile long (so two miles round trip). Our oldest walked the entire trail with no problem by age 5. Enter off Olive Road in the far west valley. </span><a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?q=white+tanks+library&hl=en&ll=33.562425,-112.461376&spn=0.128881,0.222988&sll=33.577407,-112.489228&sspn=0.032358,0.055747&t=h&hq=white+tanks+library&z=13" style="background-color: white; color: #7337dd; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Here's a map</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><a href="http://www.phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/papago-park" target="_blank">Papago Park</a> - Stroller-friendly trail with benches for resting. A cool window rock to climb into at the top! 1.2 miles. Enter at </span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333;">Papago Park Road on the west side of Galvin Parkway just north of Van Buren Street, Phoenix</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333;"><a href="http://www.phoenix.gov/parks/trails/locations/south-mountain" target="_blank">Judith Tunnell Accessible trail</a> - South Mountain Park Edcuational Center 10409 S Central Ave. Phoenix. Two 1/2 mile flat paved loops available. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #333333;"><a href="http://azstateparks.com/boyce-thompson/" target="_blank">Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park </a>- up for a short drive? 55 miles east of central Phoenix. This park shows off some beautiful landscapes. Several accessible dirt paths for walking.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">(photo:Boyce Thompson Arboretum)</span></h4>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341049006104260432.post-26846911043326376162014-02-21T23:21:00.000-07:002018-07-25T10:06:46.198-07:00Tour of the Phoenix Sky Harbor Rental Car CenterI had an hour and a half to kill between a 6am and 7:30am pick ups a few mornings ago so I thought I'd take a few photos and write up some tips on how to get through the rental car process as quickly as possible. It was a bit dark as the sun wasn't up and none of the counters were open yet! You may have already seen this on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sweet-Pea-Baby-Rentals/47014833986" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>, but here's some more detailed information.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYj7UhYMRoeYcSAJnxtF76G05IIWj4z62i9Hw70IJdKPe0_5-TxhmkJZ157mQYfSxi6tx24ytKNWR2cU6rpDm-xDUQ3wX9EayOoRRRbNDRsAoBj_r-XFS6Hwd1tWMiS3UADL6GBtHIwIb/s1600/20140220_064101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYj7UhYMRoeYcSAJnxtF76G05IIWj4z62i9Hw70IJdKPe0_5-TxhmkJZ157mQYfSxi6tx24ytKNWR2cU6rpDm-xDUQ3wX9EayOoRRRbNDRsAoBj_r-XFS6Hwd1tWMiS3UADL6GBtHIwIb/s1600/20140220_064101.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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1. The facility has all the companies in one place and is off-site of the airport. You will take a big green and white shuttle bus over to the facility. There are lots of them so no need to run to catch one, another will come. It will take you about 45 mins - 1 hr from the time you land to deplane, go through customs if necessary, collect your baggage, and take the shuttle over. If you or the kids need a snack, there's a small snack bar with pre-made sandwiches, bagels, coffee, soda, chips, etc.<br />
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2. If you are meeting me there with rental items, head to your company's counter. I'll meet you just in front of their designated space inside the facility. This way you don't have to take all your rental items on the shuttle bus from the airport.<br />
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3. Sign up in advance for any of the free express programs your company offers that allow you to bypass the check in line. The lines can get quite long here in the spring. It's free and can save you a LOT of time which is nice when you have kids along. Budget is trying something new right now also. Instead of having you stand in line, you take a ticket (like the DMV) and sit down in their comfy chairs. They have a small play area for kids which is nice as well. It's always one of the busiest counters though, so again, sign up for their Fastbreak program so you can get right to the car and get going.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirF1fMA7hLIy4FzYTU2dtiOfcEQXNcJFO-NZmRZ-FTVT4CH7InMWKqidq6F_zeYatBh8rL7QATq13G4cRPZ8LSNJbivd09ZO7-WbsSmoKGsCu3VH4MoAH8yWGnGPedDLvPOrKnh2Lmj5IO/s1600/20140220_064855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirF1fMA7hLIy4FzYTU2dtiOfcEQXNcJFO-NZmRZ-FTVT4CH7InMWKqidq6F_zeYatBh8rL7QATq13G4cRPZ8LSNJbivd09ZO7-WbsSmoKGsCu3VH4MoAH8yWGnGPedDLvPOrKnh2Lmj5IO/s1600/20140220_064855.jpg" width="150" /></a>4. Be aware that none of the companies guarantee they will have car seats available, and if they do they may not be up to your standards. We deliver at the facility and we are often cheaper for better (and clean) quality. Rental tax at the airport is almost 30% and you will pay that on everything from the rental car company including the car seat. (Ours is 6.3%).<br />
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5. When you leave, use the airline check-in kiosk at the rental facility if you haven't done so already. It will save you from a long line at the airport most likely.<br />
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6. Express bag check is coming soon to the facility, so definitely use that in the future too! Anything to make your trip on the bus and through the airport easier with the kids is worth it to me!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341049006104260432.post-14344369668965648712014-02-10T09:58:00.000-07:002014-02-10T09:58:25.240-07:00Day Trips from Phoenix: Part 1 - SedonaWe took the family up to Sedona for a day trip this weekend and I thought it'd be good idea to do a few posts about day trips that can be taken from the Phoenix area. So, here's part 1: Sedona.<br />
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Having been to <a href="http://www.visitsedona.com/" target="_blank">Sedona </a>several times but never doing anything "touristy" we thought it'd be fun to take a jeep tour of the area. We found a good deal on Deal Chicken (similar to Groupon) and decided to go for it. The drive from Phoenix, depending on your starting point, is about 2 hours. It's an easy trip up I-17 and if you have time to make an overnight stay in Sedona, there's some nice stopping points along the way including <a href="http://www.nps.gov/moca/index.htm" target="_blank">Montezuma Castle</a> National Monument (just off I-17), <a href="http://www.nps.gov/tuzi/photosmultimedia/virtualtour.htm" target="_blank">Tuzigoot National Monument</a>, and the small town of <a href="http://www.azjerome.com/jerome/" target="_blank">Jerome</a> and <a href="http://www.visit-prescott.com/" target="_blank">Prescott </a>(which would be a bit of a detour). If you do an overnight trip, here's a map of places you could visit:<br />
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Driving from Phoenix with little ones to Sedona, there's a rest top about 50 miles out of town at Sunset Point, and another at Camp Verde just before the turn off for Sedona. Good diaper changing and potty spots for little ones. Head on into Sedona and enjoy the wonder of the red rocks as you make the first turn into town and the appear directly ahead of you. Sedona is famous for it's red rocks, arts and culture, and it's spiritual / metaphyiscal attributes. Many celebrities have homes here as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1doU1xWkqTNqp8LnIWhXQLedS8aT-0ZSqwRBU6uD4L8Id7D26sNyIbToAZO_GmOZ65eiUsKGqV-P9WSX5emQb_VmPdROA6pCmhpCb_yOEZ14rtcMTqcSgkXdSDNVaQ5gXpsgVm46cbuSV/s1600/20140209_113646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1doU1xWkqTNqp8LnIWhXQLedS8aT-0ZSqwRBU6uD4L8Id7D26sNyIbToAZO_GmOZ65eiUsKGqV-P9WSX5emQb_VmPdROA6pCmhpCb_yOEZ14rtcMTqcSgkXdSDNVaQ5gXpsgVm46cbuSV/s1600/20140209_113646.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>The tour we took was with <a href="http://www.safarijeeptours.com/" target="_blank">Arizona Safari Jeep Tours</a>, and they require car seats for kids under 5 (although that should really be under 8, since our law just changed a few months ago). We took a Diono Radian for our 3 yo and a backless booster for our 7 yo. It's about 10* cooler in Sedona than in Phoenix, so wear something semi-warm in the winter/spring depending on the weather. They also have blankets in the jeeps as well. We took a 4 wheel drive tour through the desert and along the outskirts to the west of Sedona. Our guide Bevin was very knowledgeable about the plants, animals, and geology of the area. We learned some new things ourselves even being native Arizonans. Bring snacks for the kids as our tour was 3 hours and there's no where to stop to eat.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3Wdx1oKESP619O5zQVCj5d4yucuYv0i0dLD-prH6Jw95n8qf-Jvmj5XeI7XkJa1ZG-Jci0HcbaZbo0UZuMxgUeysjuqNEYoSVdR3lJ4UfIqnsrgl13xw_NFsZ9NSHrxkV_EwNEbJUsAU/s1600/20140209_130417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3Wdx1oKESP619O5zQVCj5d4yucuYv0i0dLD-prH6Jw95n8qf-Jvmj5XeI7XkJa1ZG-Jci0HcbaZbo0UZuMxgUeysjuqNEYoSVdR3lJ4UfIqnsrgl13xw_NFsZ9NSHrxkV_EwNEbJUsAU/s1600/20140209_130417.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
We all had a great time and spent the rest of the afternoon walking and exploring the city. Another fun place to check out is the <a href="http://mesagrillsedona.com/" target="_blank">Sedona Airport restaurant</a>, up on a mesa (flat top hill) with a great veiw of the city and red rocks. The kids can sit right off the runway and watch the planes come in. If you go in the summer, you can also head up to Oak Creek Canyon and <a href="http://azstateparks.com/Parks/slRO/index.html" target="_blank">Slide Rock</a>, but I wouldn't recommend Slide Rock unless your kids are at least 4. It requires a little hiking to get down to the creek and the water is pretty cold!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341049006104260432.post-32915663652601922422014-02-07T09:22:00.001-07:002014-02-07T09:22:13.511-07:00Vacation Time! How to Keep Kids Entertained EnrouteWe just came back from a little Hawaiian vacation of our own! Thanks to <a href="http://babyrentalsmaui.com/" target="_blank">Maui Baby Rentals</a> for supplying us with some goods! We had 7 hours of flying each way so here's what we did to keep our 3 and 7 year olds entertained. It really helped that we had 8 adults and another little cousin flying with us too though. Going for a little walk always gets the jitters out it seems.<br />
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Portable DVD players - fortunately my mom had an extra so each kid had their own, along with our existing stash of DVD's plus a few new $5 deals from Walmart/Target. Finding headphones that fit little ones can be hard, but we like the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kidz-Gear-Wired-Headphones-Kids/dp/B00AXE96L2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1391789695&sr=8-2&keywords=kidz+gear" target="_blank">Kidz Gear</a> brand.<br />
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Nabi/Nabi Jr. - These are kid-sized real tablets that you can download apps from Amazon and Google Play. They have a kid mode so they can't get to anything you don't want them to. Even if the games have in-app ads, you can use the tablet in airplane mode or disable the WiFi so they can't actually get to anything. <br />
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Coloring books, crayons, colored pencils (and a sharpener!)<br />
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We picked up <a href="http://www.amazon.com/SMART-TOYS-AND-GAMES-INC/dp/B00C8WJ5TU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1391789774&sr=8-3&keywords=iq+twist" target="_blank">IQ Link</a> for my oldest while we were there too. She really seemed to enjoy it.<br />
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Looking at all the photos on my cell phone is always a fun past time for them too.<br />
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Don't want to bring along all those electronics? We were quite a site at the security line, with 3 tablets, a laptop, and 2 DVD players. You can also rip movies to an SD card and put that in your cell phone. I've used DVD Catalyst to do this and it works well.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341049006104260432.post-91533637108659702792014-01-24T09:36:00.001-07:002014-01-24T09:36:33.260-07:0010 Things to do with Kids in AZWow, it's reeeealllly been a while since I've posted anything. I've been keeping up more with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sweet-Pea-Baby-Rentals/47014833986" target="_blank">Facebook </a>than the blog I guess! Here's quick run-down on fun kid's activities that we like. Our girls are currently 7 and 3 and they enjoy all of these things here.<br />
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<a href="http://www.therailroadpark.com/" target="_blank">McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park</a> - A large park, two playgrounds, a miniature train ride, a carousel, and a train museum, plus it's cheap! Tickets are $10 for 12 as of right now and the train and carousel each take 2. <br />
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Hiking - <a href="http://phoenix.about.com/od/arizonapicturesandphotos/ig/Waterfall-Trail/" target="_blank">White Tanks Waterfall Trail</a> - there may or may not be an actual waterfall (usually not since it only rains 7" a year here), but there's usually at least a small pool at the the end of the trail, plus great views of the Phoenix area. There are hieroglyphs along the very wide trail with good explanations of everything along the way, plus a chance to see desert plants up close and personal. The trail is pretty easy and you could even take a jogging stroller 3/4 of the way if really necessary. There's a large playground near the trailhead and plenty of picnic areas as well. The trail itself is about a mile long (so two miles round trip). Our oldest walked the entire trail with no problem by age 5. Enter off Olive Road in the far west valley. <a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?q=white+tanks+library&hl=en&ll=33.562425,-112.461376&spn=0.128881,0.222988&sll=33.577407,-112.489228&sspn=0.032358,0.055747&t=h&hq=white+tanks+library&z=13" target="_blank">Here's a map</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://childrensmuseumofphoenix.org/" target="_blank">Children's Museum of Phoenix</a> - Fun for all ages. Huge 3 story indoor climber plus tons of other activities. Our kids LOVE this place. Good for all ages as there is a baby play area in most rooms as well. They are usually closed on Mondays.<br />
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<a href="http://www.azscience.org/" target="_blank">Arizona Science Center</a> - Good for ages 6+. Most activities are too advanced for the littles but it's even interesting for adults. They do have a few areas geared toward smaller kids and the outdoor ball and water feature is pretty neat. <br />
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Zoos - The <a href="http://www.wildlifeworld.com/" target="_blank">Wildlife World Zoo</a> and the <a href="http://phoenixzoo.org/" target="_blank">Phoenix Zoo</a> are both popular. You can get a bit closer to the animals at the Wildlife Zoo but it's further out on the west side of town, plus most of the paths are dirt, if that bothers you. The have a pretty cool new aquarium complete with penguins and a shark tunnel that you walk through, plus a decent BBQ restaurant on site. If you have time, I recommend driving about an hour and a half out of town to Camp Verde to the <a href="http://outofafricapark.com/" target="_blank">Out of Africa Wildlife Park</a>. It's not a traditional zoo and is definitely worth the trip.<br />
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Summer fun - Yep, it's HOT in the summer but there's many public parks with <a href="http://phoenix.about.com/od/publicswimmingpools/ss/splash_2.htm" target="_blank">splash pads</a> for the little ones now. We also have a couple large water parks for those that are a bit older. Generally the water parks and splash pads open on Memorial Day and close on Labor Day. For a nice break, stay at one of our resorts that has a water park included. Try The Arizona Grand, The Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak, or the Westin Kierland. The first two are all-suite resorts so even the standard rooms will have a separate bedroom and living room. Always handy when you have kids along!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341049006104260432.post-6958911916054450702012-10-18T22:43:00.000-07:002012-10-18T22:43:11.177-07:00ABC Kids Show 2012This past week happened to be one of my favorite times of the year! The All Baby and Child (ABC) Show was happening in Louisville, KY and I was fortunate enough to be able to attend. It's the largest industry trade show in the US, put on in conjunction with the Juvenile Product Manufacturer's Association (JMPA), and features manufacturers running the range of Graco, Dorel, and Fisher Price all the way down to mom inventors of very interesting products. All told there were over 3,000 exhibitors at the 4-day long show this year. There were tons of great new products unveiled this year, and here's a few notable favorites.<br />
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<b>Uppababy Mesa infant car seat </b><br />
We love our Uppababy over here and the <a href="http://uppababy.com/products/product.php?id=272" target="_blank">Mesa car seat</a>
is a great addition to it's line up. It fits the Cruz stroller with no
adapters and will also fit the Vista WITH an adapter. The European belt
routing path will give it a very easy and secure seatbelt installation,
but the LATCH system is amazingly easy. Simply click the connectors
into place and push the base toward the seat. Its self-tightens as you
push which eliminates the need to climb into the base to get the right
angle to tug at the strap. An indicator turns green when you have the
level correct as well.<br />
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<b>Clek Foonf</b><br />
Long awaited, the <a href="http://www.clekinc.com/foonf/" target="_blank">Foonf </a>is a high weight limit car seat just coming on the market this month. It's specs are rear facing 20-50lbs, forward facing to 65lbs. It features an anti-rebound bar rear-facing, a unique built in REACT crumple zone, and Green Guard certified fabrics that provide protection against stains, moisture and bacteria. <br />
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<b>Ergo Baby </b><br />
New prints from <a href="http://store.ergobaby.com/Baby_Carriers" target="_blank">Ergo</a>, including this great Zebra stripe<br />
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<b>BuggyLOVE organic/natural gear cleaning products</b><br />
I am always on the lookout for great cleaning products that are safe for your little ones (and ours!) I was very excited to find <a href="http://buggylove.com/" target="_blank">BuggyLOVE</a> and even more excited when my first order showed up today, just a mere 4 DAYS after we placed it at the show. I promptly tested out FabricLOVE on dried on milk and sunscreen on a black stroller, both of which came right up with absolutely no problem in about 5 seconds! I can't tell you how happy I am about the sunscreen issue! I have a feeling this will get used on all kinds of our gear from now on.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho95NjxumPwbanEiC2eX_pxHFJoRWn8U2hetz1AZtYENVW4fB3QlXYibTvm2sHqLHfiSwHijCXchUXjFSW2KHKH8gpAD8jge7h-zBVeAXrFu-f-K_ZzcW4IX8zRWRmMi_0nRn1LGf3DOd0/s1600/IMAG0939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho95NjxumPwbanEiC2eX_pxHFJoRWn8U2hetz1AZtYENVW4fB3QlXYibTvm2sHqLHfiSwHijCXchUXjFSW2KHKH8gpAD8jge7h-zBVeAXrFu-f-K_ZzcW4IX8zRWRmMi_0nRn1LGf3DOd0/s320/IMAG0939.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341049006104260432.post-27741317995126797062012-09-25T13:35:00.001-07:002013-01-04T08:08:00.069-07:00Fall is upon us!It's finally starting to cool down here in Phoenix. And by cool down, I mean it's under 100* and we can open our windows at night! So, that means it's time to get back to outdoor activities that don't involve swimming or water. Here's two fun outdoor things to do this week. We just published our <a href="http://www.sweetpeababyrentals.com/Rental_Items.html" target="_blank">fall specials</a> so reserve soon if you're coming to visit!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPb8XnZBiEwac7r-SCBQYuS7C6WwtzoDzosM5C3cV2IxNNPvZlifsHpLFwRZdOa2GSbd8F1N5SySZRIdT4XlwkGNWgOJh9s3wZo_n4BhyphenhyphentEzFwkdLWRtWM-Biok0it3BrQTg1h-GxS4Rk/s1600/IMG_3673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPb8XnZBiEwac7r-SCBQYuS7C6WwtzoDzosM5C3cV2IxNNPvZlifsHpLFwRZdOa2GSbd8F1N5SySZRIdT4XlwkGNWgOJh9s3wZo_n4BhyphenhyphentEzFwkdLWRtWM-Biok0it3BrQTg1h-GxS4Rk/s200/IMG_3673.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://therailroadpark.com/" target="_blank">McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park</a> - still a favorite of ours and it's fun on the cheap. Ride the miniature train, carousel, have a picnic, and play at one of two large playgrounds. We love visiting this park because it's so much fun for the kids (and
adults too!) Admission is free, children under 3 ride free with a
paying adult. Ride tickets are just $1. The train ride is 2 tickets
and carousel is 1 ticket. You can't go wrong with a train ride for
just $2! Our daughters enjoy long ride around the park's
playgrounds and the sound of the train's whistle as we cross the
sidewalks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDAOM66t9rFQG4dbUlEq70ubDTsiB3TnXa2XHsagdxEB8yomKzTMJSgeK4EFhwP79GU4UYbc_n6lLwdWwXj9OcOEueFty7q7QBQfMchjNrnM-WaaXg739-HuMyW65nCMUIhx7bZ-JsRFNX/s1600/IMG_1517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDAOM66t9rFQG4dbUlEq70ubDTsiB3TnXa2XHsagdxEB8yomKzTMJSgeK4EFhwP79GU4UYbc_n6lLwdWwXj9OcOEueFty7q7QBQfMchjNrnM-WaaXg739-HuMyW65nCMUIhx7bZ-JsRFNX/s200/IMG_1517.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.outofafricapark.com/" target="_blank">Out of Africa Wildlife Park</a> - Another one of our favorites. They say, "don't call us a zoo!", and they are definitely not in the typical sense. It's about an hour drive north of Phoenix, but if you have time, it's definitely worth a day trip. You can get very up close and personal with lots of animals. The included safari ride is amazing as is the Tiger Splash show, where the trainers get into a big pool with multiple tigers and jump, swim and play with them. These are photos I took with my own little camera!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJSGM6A9xjSaCUBDrBOYihWzF_uDS8W34IOz3YV62FUHlWCVkcIXpSETiUdp5lst7hYeSAGyKhyphenhyphenLB84YjQbC1Lr0YJBHagJUfmjhd-4yQ3z8qm0Gd7mHkd-Y05nlhc2qn6tDztUzH0MME/s1600/IMG_1536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJSGM6A9xjSaCUBDrBOYihWzF_uDS8W34IOz3YV62FUHlWCVkcIXpSETiUdp5lst7hYeSAGyKhyphenhyphenLB84YjQbC1Lr0YJBHagJUfmjhd-4yQ3z8qm0Gd7mHkd-Y05nlhc2qn6tDztUzH0MME/s200/IMG_1536.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7VZmgorY-k7OTgfCMUIDnkDO8McLgbk-Wt7xyLmMHKAfAjNNl0cC9zw-4iL4X0N5sgkgB9b9Y7-bXFZaQvhwtS-d06CRAnLYOgk_Tsq7OY_u9Berv-zoSkbyTmIh6k_UFwO0i3oINT9z1/s1600/IMG_1556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7VZmgorY-k7OTgfCMUIDnkDO8McLgbk-Wt7xyLmMHKAfAjNNl0cC9zw-4iL4X0N5sgkgB9b9Y7-bXFZaQvhwtS-d06CRAnLYOgk_Tsq7OY_u9Berv-zoSkbyTmIh6k_UFwO0i3oINT9z1/s200/IMG_1556.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-03MD8TWpnhI/S06uk7aL77I/AAAAAAAAFrM/PM6h6okPbhg/s1600/STA_1607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-03MD8TWpnhI/S06uk7aL77I/AAAAAAAAFrM/PM6h6okPbhg/s200/STA_1607.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341049006104260432.post-11899692340702179232012-09-05T12:48:00.000-07:002012-09-05T12:48:07.756-07:00New Items!Wow, I didn't realize it had been so long since my last post! Here's some new items we are now carrying for rentals!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kzypo5sC60lTQXWCUfQYUgix-aUeoTyq4UyOx_gmWsgJ3NQHUdAroXidfmlR7_FZvScaeoRQ7mmVesCYpk9SaELHHXme9yh-07qORMYs8jadR-S2HrIMQOLuPq8it5YIP8zJtQs6QyvY/s1600/newfoundationssm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kzypo5sC60lTQXWCUfQYUgix-aUeoTyq4UyOx_gmWsgJ3NQHUdAroXidfmlR7_FZvScaeoRQ7mmVesCYpk9SaELHHXme9yh-07qORMYs8jadR-S2HrIMQOLuPq8it5YIP8zJtQs6QyvY/s1600/newfoundationssm.jpg" /></a></div>
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<li><b>New Foundations full sized cribs. </b>ALL rental companies, hotels, and child care facilities have until the end of 2012 to update their crib inventory to comply with the new <a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/nsn/cribrules.pdf" target="_blank">CPSC crib safety standards</a>. This is more than just drop sides. It also involves beefed up hardware and testing. Virtually all cribs manufactured before June 2011 DO NOT comply. If you are planning on using a hotel's crib, double check that they are aware and ask if their inventory is updated. Specifically, as to speak to the housekeeping supervisor as the reservation agents do not generally know this information.</li>
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<li><b>New Summer Infant Super Seat. </b>With the recent recall of Bumbo chairs, I felt it was best to remove them entirely from the inventory. We now feature a similar option (and with more toys!) in the Super Seat.</li>
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<ul>
<li><b>Ergo soft infant carrier.</b> This is one of my indispensable baby items that I use almost every day and figured it would be a great addition to the inventory. It's great for vacations when you're out and about but can't always have a stroller with you. We like it for hiking and places where a stroller doesn't always work well.</li>
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<li><b>Puddle Jumpers swim aid. </b>As my little ones get older, I discover great products that need to be added. This is wonderful for a curious swimmer that doesn't want to be held, but needs that extra help in the pool. ALWAYS supervise your children in the water of course!</li>
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Anything else you'd like to see? Just ask! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341049006104260432.post-73277275415484664452011-06-28T21:25:00.000-07:002011-06-28T21:25:19.611-07:00Toddlers and PlanesI've been asked countless times by friends and family this one particular question: What's the easiest way to travel on an airplane with my toddler's gear? I thought I'd share my recommendations based on my own experiences and those of my customers. I'll give you a few options for getting to your destination depending on your situation.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PODBgUacHX2FUCpMHCCgRbgePr0sXj6jKCCOTty_njNg2TPRTa8Q7s6FTNgQ9spJm7ORS3uVulBd5IPk5KM6Ri2L-ZDhBWPUiGp4sxAj-vQ6KHJzu-QTdo3oZKI3smkpBYeFQSFU9CPS/s1600/cares.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PODBgUacHX2FUCpMHCCgRbgePr0sXj6jKCCOTty_njNg2TPRTa8Q7s6FTNgQ9spJm7ORS3uVulBd5IPk5KM6Ri2L-ZDhBWPUiGp4sxAj-vQ6KHJzu-QTdo3oZKI3smkpBYeFQSFU9CPS/s1600/cares.jpg" /></a></div><ul><li><b>Travel with CARES and rent when you get there. </b> </li>
</ul>My first recommendation would be to use the <a href="http://kidsflysafe.com/">CARES harness</a> and rent a car seat, stroller, or any other gear at your destination if the budget allows and there's a rental company that meets your needs. Your child must be flying in their own seat (which they must if they are 2+) to use the CARES harness. We <a href="http://sweetpeababyrentals.com/">rent CARES harnesses</a> and ship them nationwide for a very reasonable rate too. If your child isn't old enough to walk through the airport, use a cheap umbrella stroller. Your stroller WILL get dirty at the least or broken at the worst, even if you gate check it. <br />
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<ul><li><b>Travel with CARES and check other items </b></li>
</ul>If there are no rental options at your destination, I'd recommend checking the car seat and stroller as luggage, but make sure it's well protected to minimize damage. You may prefer to gate check these items, which you may also do with most airlines, however that's two more bulky items you have to take with you through security, along with your carry on, diaper bag, purse, and child. If it's in the budget, check into purchasing a Cosco Scenera car seat (~$50 but still highly rated) and a cheap umbrella stroller if you can make do with that. That way, you won't be seeking reimbursement for $500+ for a broken car seat and stroller that are now useless at your destination. Car seats and strollers are still free to check (verify with your airline, especially American Airlines and their new <a href="http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformation/specialAssistance/childrenTraveling.jsp">stroller policy</a>), but other gear will be charged per normal baggage policies with your airline.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5dVqgBh6Jed88xnFZyGnw3vKgHGZ5KDomhi4newWlrcgoePMSqf8khpUP072tFV2Ii55b22Mxid30nZ4bBpJetGjOLzM_RfT6C-1v3zE3CSD1K28vQWNLp7HKnqDuY-d5LI64Ou3EH3Qr/s1600/travelmate2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5dVqgBh6Jed88xnFZyGnw3vKgHGZ5KDomhi4newWlrcgoePMSqf8khpUP072tFV2Ii55b22Mxid30nZ4bBpJetGjOLzM_RfT6C-1v3zE3CSD1K28vQWNLp7HKnqDuY-d5LI64Ou3EH3Qr/s200/travelmate2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><ul><li><b>Take your car seat on board and use a Go Go Kidz Travelmate</b></li>
</ul>If you feel your toddler would be happier/more secure/sleep better in their car seat, then take your seat on board and use a <a href="http://gogobabyz.com/">Go Go Kidz Travelmate</a> to turn your car seat into a stroller for the ride through the terminal. This is a little more work as you will have to detach the Travelmate and send the car seat through the x-ray machine or have it hand checked if it doesn't fit. Installing the seat on the plane isn't always the easiest task either. Check the plane seat width and your car seat's width beforehand to be sure it will fit. If you are a Phoenix local, we <a href="http://sweetpeababyrentals.com/">rent the Go Go Kidz Travelmate</a> too. Once you get to your destination, rent a stroller and other gear as necessary.<br />
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<ul><li><b>Carry your infant in a soft carrier and rent at your destination</b></li>
</ul>If you are traveling with a lap child, carry them in a soft carrier or cheap umbrella stroller and rent when you get to your destination. Again, if this isn't an option for you, check your car seat and stroller as luggage but make sure it's well protected. You will have to take your baby out of the carrier for security so be prepared for that. Another useful onboard item for infants is the <a href="http://flyebaby.com/">FlyeBaby portable seat.</a> Unlike CARES, it is NOT approve for taxi, take off, and landing, however it can give you two free hands to play with baby while you are in flight. We also <a href="http://sweetpeababyrentals.com/">rent the FlyeBaby</a> seat and ship them nationwide.<br />
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<a href="http://sweetpeababyrentals.com/">Visit us online</a> to check out all of our air travel rentals or all of our premium baby equipment and gear rentals available for delivery in the Phoenix and Scottsdale-metro areas!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341049006104260432.post-40887202482333473002011-06-21T14:12:00.000-07:002011-06-21T14:12:38.852-07:00Updated Compliance Date to 2011 Crib Standards<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/nsn/cribrules.pdf" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBO9V1KBZthPwveB1aWLpC1d6TJZ2Y5zE46uj-gUABAUSRTqMYVNetLNxUZ1_YxPLws6IFmcjPkBrej4cwJO6zbRvqF8OAbcOPTO7fvHoxCYPSRlWcInPJjuXNz5EOn2SOM_dlD84tiJSl/s320/2011+crib+standard+changes.jpg" width="247" /></a>Our trade association of baby gear rental companies, <a href="http://babytravelpros.com/">Baby Travel Pros</a>, recently had a meeting with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, where our representative asked for a change in the compliance date to the 2011 crib standards, as they affect our businesses. The change was granted and extended to <b>December 28, 2012</b> to be consistent with the date given to hotels, child care centers, and other places of public accommodation. The <a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/library/foia/ballot/ballot11/cribsextension.pdf">ruling can be read here</a>.<br />
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What does this mean for you as a renter of baby gear? Rest assured that our crib inventory will be just as safe as it is today, right up until new cribs are obtained. As the Associations current president and co-founder, I along with my colleagues requested this extension to allow us time to obtain the commercial inventory that is so scarce in the marketplace right now. As of this post, most of our 68 members have been unable to find any cribs that meet our needs. <br />
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What does this mean for you as a consumer? You can still use your non-compliant crib in your own home as long as you want to, however it will be illegal to sell, resell, or donate (unless out of the country) a non-compliant crib after June 28, 2011. This includes manufacturers, retailers, consignment stores, and individuals. Again, hotels, child care facilities, and rental companies have until December 28, 2012 to update their inventory. The main changes made to the previous 40 year old standard were to the integrity of the crib slats, types of hardware, banning of drop-sides, integrity of mattress supports, and requiring more rigorous testing that a crib must pass. <a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/onsafety/2011/06/the-new-crib-standard-questions-and-answers/">Here is a Q&A</a> put together by the CPSC explaining the 2011 crib safety standards.<br />
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I'd like to explain why I choose to use "commercial" crib inventory instead of purchasing from the many manufacturers that sell cribs at Babies R Us and the like. The crib is the single most popular item in most rental companies inventories. In one year, a single crib can go in and out of our delivery van about 80 times (two trips for each rental), and set up and used about 40 times. Of course they are safety checked between each rental and to date I have NEVER had a safety issue while a crib has been out on a rental. I currently use Foundations folding full sized cribs because they are extremely sturdy, never been recalled, do not require assembly which limits wear on the hardware, and they look nice to boot. Many commercial cribs were already made to the voluntary ASTM standard that the new CPSC crib standard was modeled after, however most manufacturers are choosing not to retest or retrofit current models, but rather come out with a whole new line. Our current cribs may actually pass these new standards, but we will never know because they will never be tested.<br />
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We are currently working with several commercial manufacturers to obtain new inventory and as soon as it's available, we will begin replacing our fleet of cribs. Unfortunately this is no small investment, and one that I will make for the third time in 4 years due to the ever-changing environment of crib safety and recalls that's been going on for the last 2 years. However, as a parent of two small daughters myself, there's no price you can put on a child's safety. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341049006104260432.post-31785610769044911632011-03-17T07:48:00.000-07:002011-03-17T07:48:02.377-07:002011 Crib Standards<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-02z8JFirp3k/S6xfbGw3FTI/AAAAAAAAFyo/_Rdn-OGGfJE/s1600/foundations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-02z8JFirp3k/S6xfbGw3FTI/AAAAAAAAFyo/_Rdn-OGGfJE/s200/foundations.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>At the end of 2010, the CPSC issued new 2011 Crib Standards mandating that cribs go through more rigorous testing and have stronger hardware, in addition to eliminating drop side rails. Any company selling or leasing full sized or compact sized cribs must comply by June 28, 2011, <b>including baby gear rental companies.</b> Hotels and child care centers have until December 2012 to comply. <br />
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What does this mean? Well, we will be replacing our entire inventory of cribs by the end of June, even though our current models are barely over a year old. We take your child's safety very seriously and pride ourselves in providing high quality cribs manufactured by Foundations specifically for commercial use. Since the issuance of the new standard was just given at the end of December, suppliers are working quickly to release new compliant cribs as soon as possible. The best case scenario we've been told is that they will be in the marketplace by the beginning of May. Rest assured that our current inventory of cribs are safety checked between every rental and the issuance of a new standard does not suddenly make any existing crib inherently unsafe.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341049006104260432.post-40497717482088185292011-01-21T15:34:00.000-07:002011-01-21T15:34:13.044-07:00Staying for Spring Training?Are you coming to Phoenix or Scottsdale to visit one of our 10 Spring Training facilities? Here's a few good deals at our most popular family friendly resorts with one- and two-bedroom set ups. <br />
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<a href="http://www.xonaresort.com/specials_and_packages/#Cactus">Xona Resort </a>- North Scottsdale - 2 bedroom suites with optional adjoining 3rd room for a discount, plus $50 dining credit<br />
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<a href="http://livingsocial.com/deals/12646-desert-luxury/social_share?ref=addthis-share5&amp%3Brui=21669064">Wigwam Resort</a> - Litchfield Park - AAA Four Diamond resort stay for two, golf for two, and $50 resort credit. The bigger casitas are great for families too!<br />
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<a href="http://deals.westin.com/Westin-Kierland-Scottsdale-Resort-1386/so.htm?IM=PP_LHN_SOP_US_WI_1386&iATANumber=">Westin Kierland Resort </a>- North Scottsdale - connecting 1- and 2-bedrooms suites, $100 credit per day for dining, spa, or FUN activities, kids under 12 eat FREE. Use promo code LYF<br />
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If you're here for an extended stay, ask us about discounted long term rates for your baby gear rentals too!<br />
<h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" data-ft="{"type":"msg"}"><span class="UIStory_Message"> <a href="http://www.xonaresort.com/specials_and_packages/#Cactus" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span><br />
</span></a></span></h3>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341049006104260432.post-34260459172608320762010-12-12T11:34:00.000-07:002010-12-12T11:34:11.494-07:00Baby Gizmo Reviews<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ratedbymom.com/2010/12/baby-gizmo-12-days-of-christmas-day-12/"><img border="0" height="138" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b7TGAIL9J9w/TQUVD6ftnSI/AAAAAAAAGAs/rRLvF-abBP4/s320/bgizmo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>If you're in the market for a new stroller but it's one that you can't find locally, I like to rely on <a href="http://www.babygizmo.com/media/index.php">Baby Gizmo.com's video reviews</a>. They're also running a great <a href="http://www.ratedbymom.com/2010/12/baby-gizmo-12-days-of-christmas-day-12/">12 Days of Christmas Giveaway</a> contest also. (Today's the last day!)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341049006104260432.post-37614066284710232142010-12-01T06:32:00.001-07:002010-12-01T06:52:46.204-07:00Smart FamilyIn case you missed it, we were recently featured on our local ABC Smart Family show!<br />
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And yes, we are expecting baby girl #2 right around New Years!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341049006104260432.post-82356480764420637202010-08-08T09:38:00.006-07:002010-08-08T09:51:23.803-07:00Demo Strollers at the AZ Kids ExpoCome by and check out our demo strollers and travel gear at the <a href="http://azkidsexpo.com/">AZ Kids Expo</a> on Sept 18-19th at University of Phoenix Stadium! On display we'll have the hottest and newest strollers from <span style="font-weight: bold;">phil & ted's, BOB, Valco, and Britax</span>. Look for some special show-only deals with rarely offered savings of 10%-15% off on brand new models. We'll also have demos of the Go Go Kidz Travelmate, C.A.R.E.S. child aviation restraint system, and FlyeBaby portable infant seats, all used for air travel with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. We will also be providing a infant and toddler feed, changing, and play area too.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b7TGAIL9J9w/TF7fHM-PIjI/AAAAAAAAF3U/Pxq85Gx1XpU/s1600/bobrevblack.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b7TGAIL9J9w/TF7fHVd81cI/AAAAAAAAF3c/cpd5UHbwyvs/s1600/bobduallie.gif"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 149px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b7TGAIL9J9w/TF7fHVd81cI/AAAAAAAAF3c/cpd5UHbwyvs/s200/bobduallie.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503081111808169410" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b7TGAIL9J9w/TF7fHM-PIjI/AAAAAAAAF3U/Pxq85Gx1XpU/s1600/bobrevblack.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b7TGAIL9J9w/TF7fHM-PIjI/AAAAAAAAF3U/Pxq85Gx1XpU/s200/bobrevblack.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503081109527667250" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b7TGAIL9J9w/TF7fHnnpi4I/AAAAAAAAF3k/eWLMp2yOk8o/s1600/explorerapple.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 156px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b7TGAIL9J9w/TF7fHnnpi4I/AAAAAAAAF3k/eWLMp2yOk8o/s200/explorerapple.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503081116680686466" border="0" /></a><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b7TGAIL9J9w/TF7fxZB8GDI/AAAAAAAAF30/SFbQkz_QVh0/s1600/bready.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 109px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b7TGAIL9J9w/TF7fxZB8GDI/AAAAAAAAF30/SFbQkz_QVh0/s400/bready.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503081834318927922" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341049006104260432.post-88485408462136809602010-07-30T09:21:00.005-07:002010-07-30T10:21:56.957-07:00New phil & ted's Explorer on order!The newly released phil & ted's Explorer offers some much anticipated upgrades to the popular Sport model. Keeping the same frame, great 12"air tires, and versatile doubles kit, the overall look is sleek and stylish. Here are some of the nice new features coming your way.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b7TGAIL9J9w/TFMJotCCGLI/AAAAAAAAF2s/IgTUgJRdI18/s1600/explorerred.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b7TGAIL9J9w/TFMJotCCGLI/AAAAAAAAF2s/IgTUgJRdI18/s320/explorerred.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499750164837046450" border="0" /></a><br />1. Seat design - There's now a removable padded insert in red, navy, green, or black. The stroller and frame are all black, with the exception of the all apple green model. The inserts are interchangeable should you wish to change up the color of your buggy. Both the main and doubles kit seats are made with a new design allowing for better air flow and both use a newer quick release harness system like the Smart Buggy. The quick release harness system has two release points on the harness, one for each side, instead of four like the Sport model.<br /><br />2. Plastic covering in foot well - Similar to the Dash buggy, the Explorer's footwell now has a plastic kick mat instead of all fabric, making it easier to clean.<br /><br />3. Pedal brake - A new pedal "flip-flop friendly" foot brake is replacing the old wire brake system. From an avid flip-flop wearer, this is a very necessary upgrade. No more bending down to release the brake with your hand.<br /><br />4.One hand fold - The two release clips on each side have been replaced with one release under the base of the seat, making a one hand fold possible.<br /><br />5. Sun canopy - Another great upgrade from the Sport is the new follow the sun canopy. The canopy is not attached at the back of the stroller so it can be rotated all the way forward and back to keep the sun out of baby's eyes.<br /><br />6. Sun canopy for second seat - The doubles kit for the new Explorer now gets a sun canopy as well! The doubles kit attaches the same way that it did in the previous Sport model, to both the front and back of the stroller.<br /><br />7. Car seat adapter - The car seat adapter can now be used with the main seat in the fully upright position, allowing for a second child to ride in the doubles kit on the rear of the Explorer. Previous models did not allow this function.<br /><br />The phil & ted's Explorer upgrades do come with a slightly higher price tag of $479.99, about $30 more than the previous Sport model. The doubles kit remains the same at $89.99 even with the new sun canopy. The Explorer is due in stock at the end of August, so preorder now, or reserve one of our new rentals for your test drive on our website at http://sweetpeababyrentals.com.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b7TGAIL9J9w/TFMJ3aWXNeI/AAAAAAAAF3M/5wB7feOFxPw/s1600/explorernavy.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 142px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b7TGAIL9J9w/TFMJ3aWXNeI/AAAAAAAAF3M/5wB7feOFxPw/s200/explorernavy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499750417520080354" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b7TGAIL9J9w/TFMJ2wJGgbI/AAAAAAAAF3E/m1Fl1_BFv7s/s1600/explorerblack.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 147px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b7TGAIL9J9w/TFMJ2wJGgbI/AAAAAAAAF3E/m1Fl1_BFv7s/s200/explorerblack.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499750406190170546" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b7TGAIL9J9w/TFMJ2X9f4oI/AAAAAAAAF28/fdtlhcpFD6g/s1600/explorerapple.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 156px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b7TGAIL9J9w/TFMJ2X9f4oI/AAAAAAAAF28/fdtlhcpFD6g/s200/explorerapple.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499750399699051138" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b7TGAIL9J9w/TFMJ2L8bqoI/AAAAAAAAF20/XoTeF_mQdmo/s1600/allapple.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 127px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b7TGAIL9J9w/TFMJ2L8bqoI/AAAAAAAAF20/XoTeF_mQdmo/s200/allapple.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499750396473354882" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341049006104260432.post-33999480776121049202010-06-18T10:00:00.004-07:002010-06-18T10:10:37.109-07:00New Travel Gear Addition - FlyeBaby<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b7TGAIL9J9w/TBuoLjahFVI/AAAAAAAAF2c/c6nUkNVmphQ/s1600/flyebaby.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 208px; height: 220px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b7TGAIL9J9w/TBuoLjahFVI/AAAAAAAAF2c/c6nUkNVmphQ/s320/flyebaby.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484161887692199250" border="0" /></a>Our newest addition to Sweet Pea Baby Rentals' air travel rental inventory will arrive in just a few days! We're adding the <a href="http://www.sweetpeababyrentals.com/Rentals_for_Air_Travel.html">FlyeBaby portable chair</a> to our rental inventory. FlyeBaby provides a hammock style chair for your infant (up to 25 lbs) to rest in while in flight. It attaches to the tray table and has restraint straps to hold your infant safely in place so you have two free hands to play, change diapers, or read a book while she naps. It's a great alternative to holding your baby for an entire flight! It also doubles as a portable restraint that can be attached to a variety of chairs for feeding or playing. Best of all it's lightweight and portable. We are <a href="http://www.sweetpeababyrentals.com/Rentals_for_Air_Travel.html">taking orders now</a> and are able to ship rentals nationwide!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b7TGAIL9J9w/TBuoMKFEV5I/AAAAAAAAF2k/4AdXGv5AGOM/s1600/flyebaby2.jpeg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 229px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_b7TGAIL9J9w/TBuoMKFEV5I/AAAAAAAAF2k/4AdXGv5AGOM/s320/flyebaby2.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484161898071218066" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341049006104260432.post-77498002647965565202010-06-16T12:47:00.006-07:002010-06-16T13:28:04.156-07:00CARES Harness Review<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">We recently had the good fortune of being able to take a 7 night Alaskan cruise with our extended family including our 3 1/2 year old daughter. I knew I'd be bringing along one of our <a href="http://www.sweetpeababyrentals.com/Rentals_for_Air_Travel.html">Child Aviation Restraint Systems</a> (CARES) for the 10 hours of plane rides there and back, but I immediately thought, do I need to bring her car seat just to try to find a place to store it in the tiny cabin? The only time we'd be in vehicles other than a boat was our transfer to the hotel for the first night, our transfer to the port the second day, and one tour we'd booked. Since we were on a one-way cruise, renting in Anchorage was not an option (although visit </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://nltravelingtykes.com/">Northern Lights Traveling Tykes</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> if it is for you), so I started researching. I came across the </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.sweetpeababyrentals.com/Rentals_for_Air_Travel.html">Ride Safer Vest</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">, which seemed to fit the bill perfectly for us. Since this was my first time personally using both of the CARES and the Ride Safer Vest, I thought I'd share my experiences. First I'll review the CARES harness.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b7TGAIL9J9w/TBkzhQaXvsI/AAAAAAAAF2U/YNFjkHdzfgc/s1600/cares2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 280px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_b7TGAIL9J9w/TBkzhQaXvsI/AAAAAAAAF2U/YNFjkHdzfgc/s320/cares2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483470667734564546" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >CARES Harness Review</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">We grabbed the 6" stuff sack, threw it in our backpack, and headed out at 4am for our flight. I was VERY happy I didn't have a car seat to haul when we got held up at security alone (yes, at 4am) for a full backpack, stroller, and carry-on search. My daughter and I then ran to the gate to be the last ones on the plane. I had the CARES out of the bag, slipped over the back of the seat and had her strapped down in less than a minute, never having used it before. Of course, I suppose I had a little advantage having been renting and inspecting them for over a year.<br /><br /><br />The process is easy:<br /></span><ol><li style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Lower the tray of the seat behind you</li><li><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Slip the harness over the back of the seat and tighten</span></li><li><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Raise the tray back up</span></li><li><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Strap in your child and adjust the shoulder straps as necessary </span></li></ol> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The Pros:</span> <ul style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><li>Extremely light weight and small</li><li>Good for kids 22-44 lbs (has also been approved for <a href="http://sweetpeababyrentals.blogspot.com/2009/07/cares-for-special-needs-children.html">special needs children and adults</a>)<br /></li><li>Easy to install and secure</li><li>Child can't kick the back of the seat in front</li><li>Can be used in any seating position (car seats typically can only be installed at the window seat for evacuation purposes)</li><li>Approved for taxi, take-off, in flight, and landing</li><li>Used on 4 different flights and 4 different aircraft including a small commuter plane with no problems or questions from the flight attendants.<br /></li></ul> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The Cons:</span> <ul style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><li>No crotch strap meant my daughter could wiggle down</li><li>Since the airline seats were curved, the back of the strap holding it on tended to hit her at the back of the head. This didn't seem to bother her though, even when I asked.</li><li>No head support when she fell asleep. I just unbuckled her and gave her a blanket to lay her head on.</li><li>This isn't related to the harness but she could unbuckle the airplane seat belt herself, but not the chest clip on the harness.</li></ul><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">All in all, I highly recommend this as an alternative to a car seat, especially for older toddlers and preschoolers. If you're flying with a 1-2 year old on a long flight, you may consider the car seat for comfort if you want them to sleep for a long stretch. In those cases, check out the <a href="http://www.sweetpeababyrentals.com/Rentals_for_Air_Travel.html#airline">Go Go Kidz Travelmate</a> to turn your car seat into a stroller for the airport.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341049006104260432.post-90199276816318243192010-05-06T09:46:00.005-07:002010-05-07T06:33:20.773-07:00Summer Vacations - Plan Ahead!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b7TGAIL9J9w/S-QWVcB_U5I/AAAAAAAAFzo/2dJIFi86xAo/s1600/Member+logo.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 125px; height: 125px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b7TGAIL9J9w/S-QWVcB_U5I/AAAAAAAAFzo/2dJIFi86xAo/s320/Member+logo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468520405092225938" border="0" /></a><br />If you're busy planning your summer vacation, whether it be to Phoenix or anywhere else, visit our partners at<a href="http://babytravelpros.com/"> Baby Travel Pros</a> to find a rental company that serves your destination. Many companies sell out during peak travel periods so you may want to book the essentials, like a crib or car seat now to ensure they are reserved for you. Making reservations weeks or months in advance is not uncommon, and the company will appreciate your planning ahead so they can better serve you. Generally additions and changes can be made to your order up to a few days before your scheduled delivery if necessary. Unsure of just what you'll need? Check out the <a href="http://babytravelpros.com/resources/135-recommended-gear-by-age.html">guide to recommended gear by age</a>.<br /><br />Baby Travel Pros is an association of independently owned and operated baby gear rental companies across the world. The only association of it's kind, members are committed to providing safe and clean baby gear for you and your little traveler.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341049006104260432.post-82437637091213445222010-03-24T00:37:00.005-07:002010-03-26T00:19:03.444-07:00New Full Sized Cribs!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b7TGAIL9J9w/S6xfv59HEDI/AAAAAAAAFyw/9KkJPA1Siq0/s1600/foundations.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b7TGAIL9J9w/S6xfv59HEDI/AAAAAAAAFyw/9KkJPA1Siq0/s320/foundations.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452838525454454834" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We are very excited to report that our <span style="font-weight: bold;">brand new</span> full sized, commercially rated and tested wood cribs are here! Why are we so excited? This crib has been manufactured and tested to meet the ASTM Standards for commercial crib rentals. (Our new mini-cribs by LA Baby Company meet this standard as well.) While the adherence to the commercial standard is not a law in Arizona, we are committed to providing a safe environment for your child.<br /><br />The vast majority of the cribs on the market are only designed and tested for residential use (one child, assembling once, maybe twice), including the popular Delta models that most rental companies use. While they meet residential ASTM and JPMA standards, they are not rated for commercial rentals. Our new Foundations cribs are full sized, folding models featuring hardwood construction and heavy-duty hardware that lessens the amount of wear and tear typically inflicted on a residential use crib when used as a rental. Not only does this make our free set up and removal easier and faster for us, but in the event that you need to move the crib (with our permission of course), it's much easier for you too.<br /><br /><br />Visit us online today at <a href="http://sweetpeababyrentals.com">http://sweetpeababyrentals.com</a> to view all of our other rental items and let us help you make your family vacation a little easier!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341049006104260432.post-38199541889904328542010-01-13T21:47:00.010-07:002010-01-13T22:52:07.702-07:00Out of Africa Wildlife Park<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b7TGAIL9J9w/S06uk7aL77I/AAAAAAAAFrM/EiPpRKXIzPg/s1600-h/STA_1607.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_b7TGAIL9J9w/S06uk7aL77I/AAAAAAAAFrM/EiPpRKXIzPg/s320/STA_1607.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426466550474076082" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />My family and I had the pleasure of taking a day trip to <a href="http://www.outofafricapark.com/">Out of Africa Wildlife Park</a> in Camp Verde, AZ this past weekend. I say pleasure because it was one of the best "zoos" I have ever been to. For me, the zoo typically means pushing around a stroller and holding up a heavy 3 year old to see all the way to the back of the enclosure for about 6 hours. Here, we parked our stroller and our 3 year old actually thought the animals were too close to her!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b7TGAIL9J9w/S06uUwThTfI/AAAAAAAAFrE/QAgVmkfBzlA/s1600-h/IMG_1609.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_b7TGAIL9J9w/S06uUwThTfI/AAAAAAAAFrE/QAgVmkfBzlA/s200/IMG_1609.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426466272615419378" border="0" /></a>The photos you see <a href="http://www.outofafricapark.com/wildlife_preserve.html">on their website</a> are actually photos that I could have taken myself, and these photos here, I really did take myself with my basic little digital camera, no fancy zoom lens or anything. You are within feet of the animals and they are all very visible thanks to the way the enclosures are set up. The park houses all types of animals from lions, tigers, and other cats, bears, giraffes, zebras, and ostrich, to a rhinoceros named Boom Boom whom we happened across on our way out of the park. There was something strange and funny about rounding a corner to see a rhino sleeping under a desert tree fenced in by nothing more than concrete traffic barricades.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xLePb61WZbja367kAFY-goFUOH9cauVcz6ZD7HvznfyzsACd9VNmzunsrDeUuOKpoJpue0cVhx6jkEILyF9IudvH6Lmh8ECd5gowJBYsoiRKQJ6lmzu5lIwMOZ8ZBIP9MBOzLWPThoFG/s1600-h/IMG_1517.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 196px; height: 147px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xLePb61WZbja367kAFY-goFUOH9cauVcz6ZD7HvznfyzsACd9VNmzunsrDeUuOKpoJpue0cVhx6jkEILyF9IudvH6Lmh8ECd5gowJBYsoiRKQJ6lmzu5lIwMOZ8ZBIP9MBOzLWPThoFG/s320/IMG_1517.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426464015279671458" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpW6kVUzwxpAxTQ7KYUvEBbHrUAbJ7aXogEMvFLPOqUP6r_5lLo78ERKRlu9osqItuLHY16D6iUN2GkJnrI8I2NL3GxT05gFpiA2jtbVT1oJ6yl4DcDkxUq7WPrG5ZsHg2vkY4yZzHmkeF/s1600-h/IMG_1536.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpW6kVUzwxpAxTQ7KYUvEBbHrUAbJ7aXogEMvFLPOqUP6r_5lLo78ERKRlu9osqItuLHY16D6iUN2GkJnrI8I2NL3GxT05gFpiA2jtbVT1oJ6yl4DcDkxUq7WPrG5ZsHg2vkY4yZzHmkeF/s200/IMG_1536.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426464578126284434" border="0" /></a>Upon our entrance to the park, we caught the outgoing safari ride and were handed carrot sticks as we got on - then were told not to eat them. Our very first stop down the dirt road was at the giraffe's enclosure where he eagerly awaited the bus and our carrot sticks. The driver gave everyone sufficient time to take photos and feed the giraffe. Some unsuspecting passengers got a friendly lick on the face from the giraffe when we ran out of carrots too! We ventured on into a gated area where zebra, ostrich, more giraffe and lots of other animals roamed free. The tour guide was wonderful at explaining all about the animals and bringing them right up to the bus (with some treats) for some great photos.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Ymr4r-Dz3NctVW1FSdbFABW9JNiC2-9OD-llTufJievkYSvWEwaVjUCrZ7_KUxTnPHuVZFqkssEewnUYLtlBZw6bjyGv4wUMCLvlPAD8NcSz5FeCP3G1I9msN6Bei4h14Fve6An2dFxr/s1600-h/IMG_1556.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Ymr4r-Dz3NctVW1FSdbFABW9JNiC2-9OD-llTufJievkYSvWEwaVjUCrZ7_KUxTnPHuVZFqkssEewnUYLtlBZw6bjyGv4wUMCLvlPAD8NcSz5FeCP3G1I9msN6Bei4h14Fve6An2dFxr/s200/IMG_1556.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426465232891775458" border="0" /></a>At the end of our safari, our driver dropped us off at the top of the hill just in time for the Tiger Splash show. In the show a few brave staff members and two very large tigers jump and play in the water with inflatable pool toys, which the tigers joyously pop. One of the owners of the park narrated the show and stressed that they animals are not trained but that they work on a relationship basis with them. For example, to get a toy from one of the tigers, they offer something else in return. The tiger would give up the toy for, in this case, a piece of meat. There were no signs or spoken commands to any of the animals.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivAcg_Oh_hVvZ0RMZs20w2VWiiZyeZPHq4vh9GgIeja0yfpdkb6j0EXhTTMjDnk2i7eOPWwWP05NoyD2-c1XRS7rP6mElgwzFuQHHVycDknJQUJ4Q5s4wChG0ppvkfRiWmGnlvMd4PFXTG/s1600-h/IMG_1576.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivAcg_Oh_hVvZ0RMZs20w2VWiiZyeZPHq4vh9GgIeja0yfpdkb6j0EXhTTMjDnk2i7eOPWwWP05NoyD2-c1XRS7rP6mElgwzFuQHHVycDknJQUJ4Q5s4wChG0ppvkfRiWmGnlvMd4PFXTG/s200/IMG_1576.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426465546756772546" border="0" /></a>After the show, we grabbed a bite to eat from the burger stand then checked out and pet the boa constrictor during the Giant Snake Show. The handler did not carry around the snake to everyone, for one because it was about 15 feet long, but rather she opened the gate to the show arena and let anyone come in that wanted to check out the snake.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvtF2YPpSpOIiCj0nbVa1HMPZnO1LcV2YyhF6GGXzCBTRe2XLaUJMAKMxBNF9qul3vlCj892Fb82cXvx3rJo8ITQhOeg2CXlBkMJoE8v3mrvzE0WElNjWSDgl0XuDgVFfRD2L81qNSGe_/s1600-h/IMG_1578.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvtF2YPpSpOIiCj0nbVa1HMPZnO1LcV2YyhF6GGXzCBTRe2XLaUJMAKMxBNF9qul3vlCj892Fb82cXvx3rJo8ITQhOeg2CXlBkMJoE8v3mrvzE0WElNjWSDgl0XuDgVFfRD2L81qNSGe_/s200/IMG_1578.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426465885411747058" border="0" /></a>We wandered around and in most cases had the animals all to ourselves since the park was not crowded at all. It was so strange to stand 4 feet from two bears who sat looking straight at you, or a tiger who walked over to see what you were doing. We stayed for the Wonders of Wildlife show which on that day was the grizzly bears. At the end of the show, we happened to see the two founders, Dean and Prayeri, sitting watching the show as well. We stopped to tell them what a fantastic park they had created and ended up talking to them for over an hour. They are wonderful caring people who care about the animals as well as their staff and community.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Where: Out of Africa Park, Camp Verde, AZ </span>(~60 mi north of Scottsdale)<br />When you get there, turn right before the court building and follow the road until it becomes dirt. We found out they are having a problem with the transportation department allowing them to post permanent signage.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">When: Daily 9:30am-5pm<br /><br />Price: $36 adults, $28 seniors, $20 kids 3-12 (under 3 free) </span>(Yes, it is a little pricey but worth it. There are reduced AZ resident rates as of right now, and coupons are available on <a href="http://outofafricapark.com">their website</a>, and check entertainment books and brochures for coupons too)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341049006104260432.post-67137427033730998562009-11-30T19:57:00.000-07:002009-11-30T19:57:49.478-07:00Book soon for Chirstmas!As we do most holidays, <a href="http://sweetpeababyrentals.com/">Sweet Pea Baby Rentals</a> was SOLD OUT of many items over Thanksgiving. The most popular last minute request? Crib tents for a pack n play (which we unfortunately do not have). Moms and dads, you might want to pull out that pack n play at home before you leave and give it a whirl for nap time just to make sure that junior can't and won't climb out. Discovering this on day 1 of Christmas vacation at Grandmas might leave you in a pinch when most rental companies are sold out of full sized cribs and crib tents. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_i8tYNov6CQSd2Mnho9zQl9MTWN3qhK8grP_TdRVmM8A4YAp_rXyaovD5ZSQAqwsGyt4HuHCjm8-E3CIUFRzsDUYlLoJy0JILCS_52YaRsB5ZyB_-IQhNMDNb2M92HLVZW_0PT8CX8dR/s1600/fisherpriceboostersmall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_i8tYNov6CQSd2Mnho9zQl9MTWN3qhK8grP_TdRVmM8A4YAp_rXyaovD5ZSQAqwsGyt4HuHCjm8-E3CIUFRzsDUYlLoJy0JILCS_52YaRsB5ZyB_-IQhNMDNb2M92HLVZW_0PT8CX8dR/s320/fisherpriceboostersmall.JPG" /></a><br />
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As an added bonus for December, we're also offering a <a href="http://www.sweetpeababyrentals.com/Specials.html"><b>FREE booster high chair rental</b></a> with every order booked by December 20th. Check out our <a href="http://www.sweetpeababyrentals.com/Rental_Items.html#packages">packages </a>and <a href="http://www.sweetpeababyrentals.com/Specials.html">specials </a>for more information.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341049006104260432.post-23722382733243138662009-11-15T21:22:00.000-07:002009-11-15T21:22:10.696-07:00My Airport Busy Kit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37OD4jwJQV6h4cByGxax2fBzkezqRpRtlMGkMqI6ixy8XOUNVoM6wNDX-hSw_jI4rcaNTjilftjvwnTVPTj7v5r3iaE79QL30rWMjUx-xCDQgaytb8MOacKdHvXrLSesVEd-rBk5OLOUY/s1600/airportpackage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37OD4jwJQV6h4cByGxax2fBzkezqRpRtlMGkMqI6ixy8XOUNVoM6wNDX-hSw_jI4rcaNTjilftjvwnTVPTj7v5r3iaE79QL30rWMjUx-xCDQgaytb8MOacKdHvXrLSesVEd-rBk5OLOUY/s320/airportpackage.jpg" /></a><br />
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I ran across a great product a few weeks ago called <a href="http://sweetpeababyrentals.com/Rentals_for_Air_Travel.html#AIRPORTKIT">My Airport Busy Kit</a>. It's a lunch-box sized kit aimed at keeping preschoolers busy in the airport, on the plane, or during any outing where entertainment is necessary. The Airport Busy Kit is geared toward ages 3+, and luckily my own product tester is just that age (barely 3 years old). No sooner did I have the shipping box open did she scoop it up and start sifting through the contents. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwa37iVWa_JJ6S-yqrFv7OQ2iFNc9TKsRhPMTVUN0BmX-gYTbYB_ducg8UYEbpBI0LOiRQpYt-wQcLki_wCQZbuhx5bYiLFa3doYm_r7XKYhHUGQqbrsXwVDQAIbg9xdRuBkvEM0DbpKrF/s1600/airportkit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwa37iVWa_JJ6S-yqrFv7OQ2iFNc9TKsRhPMTVUN0BmX-gYTbYB_ducg8UYEbpBI0LOiRQpYt-wQcLki_wCQZbuhx5bYiLFa3doYm_r7XKYhHUGQqbrsXwVDQAIbg9xdRuBkvEM0DbpKrF/s640/airportkit.jpg" /></a><br />
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Our kit contained everything pictured here: an activity book, a blank notepad, stickers, washable markers, crayons, plastic kids scissors (that cut paper but not fingers), Wikki Stix, wooden wands to color, a lacing board, a tic tac toe game, a tape measure, and linking figurines. For some of the games in the activity book, she did need my direction which is understandable as they are also geared toward a slightly older age group, but for the most part, she was able to handle the majority of the items herself. She happily sat at the kitchen table and played for an hour before dinner, showing off her linked acrobats, measuring things, putting sticker fish into the fishbowl, coloring one of the wands, and cutting paper. We repacked everything easily into the carrying pouch and first thing the next morning, she went right back to it and played some more. Our conclusion: the kit is a great tool to add to the arsenal of things to keep the 3+ age group busy on a plane or in the airport!<br />
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If you're renting cribs, car seats, or other gear from<a href="http://sweetpeababyrentals.com/"> Sweet Pea Baby Rentals</a> while on vacation in the Phoenix-metro area, we offer FREE SHIPPING with your purchase. If you<a href="http://www.sweetpeababyrentals.com/Rentals_for_Air_Travel.html#airline"> rent a CARES harness</a> from us, we can add the kit to your shipment too.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341049006104260432.post-19432139782935736922009-11-02T11:30:00.000-07:002009-11-02T11:30:53.907-07:00Cost to Rent vs. Cost to BringThe baggage fees that airlines are charging this holiday season might have you thinking twice about what to bring with you. Take a look at our comparison chart by <a href="http://sweetpeababyrentals.com/">Sweet Pea Baby Rentals</a> that shows you the <b>cost to rent versus the cost to bring your gear along.</b> <br />
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Picture yourself standing at the ticket counter, checking in for your flight. First you get hit with at least $15 for each bag you check, so for mom and dad's two bags, that's <b>$30 on top of the price of your tickets</b>. If your airline gives your lap child a baggage allowance, that'll be another $15 for his bag. If they don't, then it will count as a second bag for you and <b>cost at least another $30</b>. <br />
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<b>So now you're probably up to $60</b> and haven't gotten to baby's essentials, like the Pack N Play, car seat or stroller. You're most likely in luck with the car seat and stroller fee-wise. Typically you are able to check these at no charge but you run the risk of them being smashed, broken, lost, or at least dirtied in the baggage hold with all the other suitcases. You cannot carry either of them on board unless you have purchased a seat for your child, in which case you can bring an FAA-approved car seat (most car seats are). Another alternative to the car seat is a <a href="http://www.sweetpeababyrentals.com/Rentals_for_Air_Travel.html">CARES harness </a>and you can even <a href="http://www.sweetpeababyrentals.com/Specials.html">get a free rental</a> for your flights when you rent a car seat from us while you here.<br />
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If you decide to bring along the Pack N Play, now you're up to a<b> 3rd checked item</b> which carry <b>fees up to $130!</b> At this point, you're already standing there with it in hand, so what else can you do besides take it along. That's most likely more than a new Pack N Play would cost if you bought one at your destination.<br />
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Our best advice is to put smaller babies in a soft front pack carrier or bring a cheap $10 umbrella stroller with you to get through the airport, preferably one that you don't care if it gets smashed along the way. Save yourself the headache and expense of checking the car seat, pack n play, portable high chair, toys, and other essentials and <a href="http://sweetpeababyrentals.com/">rent them from us</a>. We'll have everything waiting at your rental car counter when you arrive, or can deliver to a local residence, resort, condo, or wherever you need the gear.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0