There’s a new web site that will be launching soon that has experts in any given field write about the best products in their area of expertise. The range of topics is huge – everything from automotive to wine & beverage and everything in between! We’re proud to add Tibesti to the select few websites we contribute to as Baby Planning Experts.

To find out our Best Of’s in everything from jogging strollers to high chairs, click here.

We love our jobs as baby planning consultants partly because we get to answer all kinds of questions from clients, friends, and colleagues alike – questions that truly run the gamut on all things baby. Following is one of our frequently asked questions:

I’m pregnant with my second child, should I have a baby shower?

When it comes to second, third, and more babies being had, the term “baby shower” is also referred to as a “baby sprinkle!” But whatever you ‘d like to call the event, we found that once we had our babies, time spent with friends was a thing of the past. So we say go ahead, have some fun! Unless there’s a significant age difference between your two children, forgo registering and make the event more about reconnecting with friends and family, and less about gifts. You’ll be showered (and sprinkled!) with those no matter what.

If you have a baby-related product question that you’d like to send us for possible inclusion in our Ask The Baby Planners column, please contact us and mention Q&A in the subject box.

A recent study on sunscreen protection shows that 85% of nearly 1,000 sunscreens reviewed give inadequate sun protection, have potential hazardous ingredients or haven’t been tested for safety. So much for fun in the sun.

So while we try to protect ourselves and our children from those harmful rays (UVB rays cause sunburn and skin cancer; UVA rays cause aging and likely skin cancer) the American Academy of Pediatrics says that the best sunscreens for kids contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide with an SPF of 30 or higher. They also suggest that parents keep babies younger than 6 months out of direct sunlight as much as possible.

To find out more about this study and sunblocks that do the job right, check out this site.

And remember, while you’re deciphering all this information, a wide brimmed hat, long sleeves and a shady tree provide great sun protection, too!

Check out The Baby Planners Picks for July in our An Inside Look column here!

While Sophie, Tyler, and Ben are our children, there is no doubt that Lucy, Puddin’, and Murphy, our pets, were our first introduction to motherhood and still hold a major place in our hearts. So this Fourth of July, between the beach and the BBQ’s, we wanted to remind you that pets aren’t always fans of this ear-popping, jaw-dropping holiday as the rest of us.

To protect your pets on the Fourth of July, the Humane Society offers these helpful tips:

• Resist the urge to take your pet to fireworks displays.
• Do not leave your pet in the car.
• Keep your pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area.
• If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays.
• Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain.
• Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly

To find out more, please visit The Humane Society of the United States.

Make it a good one!