Dad 2.0 Summit

Episode 843. Daddy Clay talks to Doug French, co-founder Dad 2.0, about the upcoming conference for online Dads and "Dad Bloggers." The conference is a "conversation between Dads and marketers." Topics will include maximizing the business model of parenting sites as well as maintaining the integrity and dignity of content in a commercial world. Dad 2.0 will be held in March just outside of Austin, TX at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa, a family friendly destination resort. For more information please visit www.dad2summit.com.

CES Parent Edition

CES Parent Edition - Episode 842. Daddy Clay and Daddy Brad brave the world of "Mom Tech" at the Consumer Electronics Show. They showcase a few of the favorites from the floor. The Drop Cam is a great wireless video monitoring system. It has new features including HD video, night vision, AND two-way audio for just $149. The Vinci tablet is a specially designed learning tablet for toddlers and preschoolers. Content levels start at a "curious" level, move to "confident" and on to "capable" as your child ages. The Vinci is a complete early learning system starting at $389. Net Nanny is a premier family protection software and they are launching new mobile applications for Android and IOS. Coming soon all versions, desktop and mobile will be merged into one management log in, whereas for the initial launch, the systems are separate. Net Nanny for Android is $19.99, IOS is $9.99 and the desktop version is $39.99. And Daddy Clay made sure to hold CES accountable and has been assured that "Mom Tech" will be replaced by "Parent Tech."

iMessage eProofing

iMessage is the new messaging service for IOS5. Daddy Clay discusses the various parental controls available for the iPhone. Telematics from AT&T and the iPhone itself allow for text limits, voice limits, web access, including YouTube, and email among others. These work great in combination... until you add iMessage to the mix. Because iMessage is a wireless and IOS5 operating system based application, it essentially bypasses AT&T parental controls. iMessage is also not in the restrictions panel, so while you can turn it off, it is not pass coded. Your child can simply turn it back on. If that wasn't bad enough, iMessage conversations happen on all of your shared devices at the same time. So, your iMessage chat on your iPhone, will show up on the iPad your child is using. (And their conversations will also appear on your device.) Daddy Clay illustrates a real life mishap with iMessage communications, and the difficulty of exerting control over this new service, as well as the simple solution, that has to come from Apple.

Episode #841 is brought to you by BabyBjorn.

Breastfeeding Positions

Dr. Ari Brown discusses various breast feeding positions with Lactation Consultant Linda Hill.
There are 4 common positions. The "cradle" which is the most common and is fairly comfortable for older babies. The "cross-cradle" is more for newborns and allows the mother to give more head support before moving into a cradle position. The Dad's favorite named position, "football," is useful for Moms who've had C-sections or maybe twins and allows for more space in front while the baby is tucked over to the side. The last position is the "side lying" position which allows for greater comfort for both Mom and baby lying down on a bed.

Dads can help new Moms with gentle suggestions on positions, particularly if one position seems to be causing some discomfort or troubles with feeding.

Episode #840 is brought to you by BabyBjorn.

DadLabs 2011 Year in Review

We're looking back at some of the best moments of the year. "Hey Folks!" Here's to a wonderful and prosperous 2012! Thanks for watching! "Genius." Happy New Year everyone! Episode 839, "DadLabs 2011 Year in Review," is brought to you by BabyBjorn.

Tips on Making Movies with your Kids

Daddy Brad talks with film maker, Devid Neff about the educational benefits of teaching kids how to make movies. It's fun and teaches valuable techniques including story writing, organizational planning, lighting, technical filming and editing skills. Episode 838, "Tips on Making Movies With Your Kids," is brought to you by BabyBjorn.

Happy Holidays from DadLabs 2011

Daddy Clay and Daddy Brad offer some helpful tips to help you get through the holidays. They point out 6 common mistakes to avoid, particularly "if you want to have relations in the new year." Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to you from everyone at DadLabs.

Episode 837 is brought to you by BabyBjorn.

Ollie the Purple Elephant by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Daddy Clay talks with Jarret J. Krosoczka, one of DadLabs favorite children's book authors. Jarrett is the author of the popular Lunch Lady series and also has several picture books. His latest picture book is titled "Ollie the Purple Elephant." Not only does create them, he loves to read them to his daughter. A few of their favorites are "Nursery Rhyme Comics," "I Want My Hat Back," "Bake Sale," "My Name is Elizabeth," and "Say What?"

Episode 836 is brought to you by BabyBjorn.

BabyCenter's Top Baby Names for 2011

Daddy Clay talks with Linda Murray of BabyCenter.com to find out the top baby names for 2011. She tells us about the annual Top 10 Baby Name list and reveals what the popular names for girls and boys are. Learn what pop culture, television shows, and which of "The Royals" have influenced parents and their choice of names. Politics and sports stars also lead to trends, though the families of politicians more than than the politicians themselves. For a list of names, visit BabyCenter and check out their section on baby names with meanings. DadLabs Ep. 835 is brought to you by BabyBjorn.

Consignment Gifts for Preggers

Daddy Brad visits, Little Green Beans, a consignment store for maternity and baby gear in Austin, Texas. He and owner, Sharon Munroe talk about the savings that can be had by shopping at consignment stores vs. buying new at retail outlets. With a special appearance by our own Preggers, Danny and Miranda!

Maternity and baby clothes aren't used for long periods of time. The use cycle of a lot of baby and maternity gear is often much much shorter than it's actual lifespan. When gently used (if at all used) items find their way to consignment stores, you can usually save at least 40% off new retail. It's not only a great savings to the buyer, but parents can also make money! Little Green Beans for example, prices items at a fair market value, and then when an item sells, they only keep 50%, the other 50% goes to the consignee.

Little Green Beans also offers personal monogramming for any item in the store. And because children come in all shapes and sizes, and clothes that fit properly are sometimes hard to find, they also offer affordable alterations.

Reduce, reuse, recycle and being otherwise green and eco-friendly means keeping items out of landfills whenever possible. Shopping, or participating in a consignment store for the items your family needs for your children is an easy way to help the environment, as well as help yourself and other local families save money.

Episode 834 is brought to you by BabyBjorn.