February 8, 2012

Twitter Party Alert: #DisneyBaby 8pmET TONIGHT

It’s time to celebrate the new “arrival” of Disney Baby’s brand new website -DisneyBaby.com. Join us tonight to talk about those magical moments with a new baby . Be sure to check out this brilliant new website which is very interactive and lets parents uploading and share magical moments from their own babies lives – 1st smiles, messy faces, or whatever moments you love best with your little bundle of joy.

Date: January 26th, 2012 – Thursday night

Where: On Twitter

When: 8:00 PM (EST)

Who: Join hosts @ClassyMommy@AudreyMcClellan, @VeraSweeney, @WhitneyMWS and @DisneyBaby

No RSVP required. Just join in the fun and use the hashtag #DisneyBaby. Prizing eligibility for both US & Canadian residents.

Mustela Hydra Bebe: Baby Lotion That’s Not Just for Babies ($10)

My latest tv obsession is the CW tv show Gossip Girl.  I know, I know, it’s a little sad how I love these teenage angst shows but really this one is so good!  The last four seasons are available on Netflix so I’ve slowly been making my way through the seasons.

So when I got this press release about Leighton Meester (Blair, on Gossip Girl) using Mustela products, I had to check it out.  According to the release, Leighton’s makeup artist says she uses Mustela’s Hydra Bebe on Leighton!  As I’ve used Mustela products on my kids before, I know it’s good stuff and I believe it!

Get Mustela’s Hydra Bebe for $10 online at various retailers.

Adorable Must-Have Baby Toys from Bright Starts

Two of the cutest new baby toys out from Bright Starts include the Bright Starts Having A Ball Alphabet Pop Top (Amazon, $29.99) and the Bright Starts Roll & Chase Bumblebee (Amazon, $25).

Cole (5) took one look at the Alphabet Pop Top and proclaimed that baby toys were much better today than they were when he was a baby.  (All those maaaaaaaaaaany years ago!)  But I have to admit, this little toy is definitely compelling.  Even Cole sat by the box to play with it for a bit.  It plays fun music that you can turn on or off (Moms everywhere thank you for the “off” option, Bright Starts) and baby/toddler can press on the various colorful buttons to hear different songs and do different things.

As you guys can see in the picture, the animals on the bottom “pop” off at random which I am sure would delight any baby.

We didn’t play with the Chase Bumblebee but I would imagine this would also make any crawling or newly walking toddler very happy.  Press the buttons to get the toy to roll around, encouraging baby to move/crawl/walk after the Bumblebee.  Adorable, right?

For Your Baby: Baby Einstein Activity Table

I have had an activity table for all my kids. I love them. They are so entertaining for babies/toddlers and they can be educational too. The activity table has been especially great for my kids when they are learning to pull themselves and stand.

They are encouraged to pull themselves up and stay standing at the table while they play. I already have the Baby Einstein Discovering Music Activity Table by Disney for my infant and can’t wait to watch her interactions with it as she grows. The Baby Einstein Activity Table even has pull off legs so that babies can play on the floor. The table helps babies learn colors, shapes, and counting to five in three languages and plays five classical melodies. The light up colors and sounds attract babies’ attention and are just fun.

You can buy the Baby Einstein Discovering Music Activity Table at Target for $39.99.

Love These Snuggly Baby Carriers from Pognae

Sometimes I see a baby product and I think, man, I wish I had that when my kids were younger!  The Pognae Baby Carrier is one of them.  Soft and comfy, this baby carrier is one both you and your baby will love!  I was a huge fan of baby carrying with my youngest – it’s so key to be hands free when you have more than one you have to deal with when you’re out and about.

One of the key things to look for with a carrier is comfortable straps.  Depending on how much your baby weighs, you want something that’s going to support that baby weight.  Love these padded straps from Pognae to help support carrying the baby.

There’s also a mesh cooling vent to help keep you and baby cool (it can be a workout to carry baby around).

The Pognae Baby Carrier comes in 8 different patterns that are all super cute!  They are normally $89 but range in price on sale right now for $55-$65.

Disclaimer: A sample (which is now being happily used by a friend with a newborn) was provided of a Pognae wrap.

Gifts to Keep The Family Warm

The holidays are a perfect time to bundle up and get cozy. Here are some great gift picks to keep the whole family warm this winter.

Sunbeam LoftTec Heated Throw – A good throw is great to snuggle down with. Even better? A heated throw. Available in two neutral colors – a dark brown walnut and creamy seashell – the LoftTec Heated Throw offers Sunbeam’s highest level of softness and comfort with a thick, lofty, polyester material and Sunbeam’s ThermoFine technology that “senses and adjusts to deliver consistent warmth.” In other words, a blanket that knows what you need and delivers. I love that the 50 x 60″ throw is big enough to share (when I have to) and has 3 heat settings on a 6 foot cord to provide the perfect amount of warmth. Plus, the 3-hour automatic shut-off ensures I don’t broil all night if I fall asleep in front of It’s A Wonderful Life. $50

Khombu Bell Tower Boots – My husband lives in sandals which surprisingly are pretty ineffective at keeping your feet warm in the winter. That’s why I love these fur-lined Khombu Bell Tower boots. They are similar to another well-known boot brand, but at a fraction of the cost. Available in black or brown, the durable PU exterior is waterproof and rugged though it also looks nice enough to pass as a mid-range shoe. The interior is insulated with soft, plush fur that gives the boots a cold rating down to 20°F and Khombu’s Therolite insole that is breathable, moisture-wicking, shock-absoring and anti-fungal. The end result? Toasty toes in a boot that can go from shoveling the driveway to dinner at the in-laws. $50-$70

Petunia Stroll - Instead of piling blankets onto your babe for your winter walks, encase your little angel in Stroll by Petunia, a luxurious bunting bag. Available in seven gorgeous chenille and printed polyester designs, Stroll is lined with uber-soft velour that will make you wish they offered adult sizes. Place the bunting bag into your stroller and weave through your stroller’s safety harness. Conveniently placed zippers make it easy to get your little one in and out while keeping them snugly and warm while bundled up. Plus, you can match your Stroll to one of Petunia’s chic diaper bags or accessories like the Adorn iPhone 4 case for a complete look. $149

madii & dyl: Luxe Needs of Today’s conscious Parent

With all the scary information about crib safety I was lost as to where to find a great pillow for my son. I know he isn’t supposed to be using one just yet, but I will admit to cheating a bit and giving him one now that he’s reached a year. I am happy to report that the madii & dyl Teenii Tot pillow was a perfect addition to my son’s crib.

Designed to meet the luxe needs of today’s conscious parents and their savvy tots, the Madii & Dyl range came about when mother of two, Jackie was unable to find products that met the sensitive needs of her children. From there she created a line of products that where Hypoallergenic,  all natural and chemical free. All things that any mom would want for their child.

The Teenii Tot pillow ($49) is made for toddlers and walkers. Tur distinctive wave design conforms to the child’s head offering proper neck support and spine alignment. The Self-ventilating cores provide maximum air flow, keeping the child cool and comfortable. Perfect for allergy sufferers, it is the only pillow that can be washed and never change its shape. It makes a great beginning pillow for you child.

Madii & dyl also makes the Sookie Babe pillow ($39) for newborns, and The Mini Me ($59) for a child of 4 plus years. Each pillow has a special design will be a perfect fit for any child of that age. My son had flat head, so the Sookie babe which is designed to prevent flat head would’ve been great.

When you feel ready to put a pillow in your child’s crib I think any of these would be a good choice. The special designs and the fact that they are made chemical free can allow you, as a parent to sleep soundly at night too, knowing that your child is safe, and sleeping comfortably.

Holiday Picks from the Gift Guide Girls: Babies

Holiday Gift Guide: Best Baby Gifts

I’ve partnered up with bloggers: Vera Sweeney of Lady and the Blog, Colleen Padilla from Classy Mommy and Whitney Wingerd from Mommies with Style to bring you a fabulous and extensive Holiday Gift Guide. We’ve come up with 12 Holiday Gift Guides, all ranging in different topics, to bring to you our favorite Holiday Gift ideas this Holiday season!

Today’s Guide is all about… Baby Gifts.

It’s always fun to shop for babies during the Holidays! None of us have babies anymore, so it’s extra special this time of year for us to pick out some of the best baby gifts! Enjoy this time, it goes by so quickly… here are some gifts that will bring some joy to the lucky baby in your life!

Here are 10 of our favorite Holiday Baby Gift ideas:

Wonderous Wedge $33.00


SESAME STREET PLAYSKOOL LET’S ROCK! Elmo $69.99

Maxi Cosi’s Piazzo Play Yard $189.99

Patemm Pad

Pottery Barn’s Oatmeal™ Bear Benefiting St. Jude


Red Envelope’s Handcrafted Language Blocks $39.95

Carlton Cow $130.00

PLAYSKOOL POPPIN PARK ELEFUN BUSY BALL POPPER $29.99


Laugh & Learn Learning Letters Mailbox by Fisher-Price $28.00

Spin & Explore Sea Gym by Lamaze $34.95

Dandelion Soft Stacker $34.99

Disney Baby Cuddly Baby Suit Comes to Target, Plus $3 Off!

Last spring, Disney Baby announced a new line of adorable Cuddly Bodysuits for baby.  The bodysuits were only available on Amazon until today!  Starting this weekend, the Disney Baby Cuddly Bodysuit is now available with national distribution at your local Target.

In addition, they are launching new styles that will exclusively be available at Target including two styles with the Muppets, just in time for The Muppets movie which is being released on Nov. 23.  How cute are these new designs?   I’m literally laughed out loud at the gray “Party Animal” now – that’s just so perfect for a little baby boy.

A three-pack is $11.99 and here is a coupon for $3 off the 3-pack!  That’s a great deal!

Zoobies: Pillow, Stuffed Animal and Blanket in 1!

Every child has their favorite stuffed animal or blanket that makes them feel cozy and safe. You know the drill…to get to sleep they need their favorite stuffed animal, pillow and blanket. How about when you travel? How do you bring it all? Zoobies has found a solution for that. They have created their Blanket Pets which is a stuffed animal, a pillow and a blanket all in one. That certainly makes finding your child’s favorite cozy things easy!

Zoobies was created by two young brothers who had a common idea to invent something fun, innovative and functional. That is exactly what the Zoobies line of products are. The 3 in 1 design allows for high levels of “squishability” which is a term they coined to describe just how extremely soft and snuggly their products are.

Zoobies has something for everyone, and have 4 different lines of products.

The blanket pets ($35) is the original 3 in 1 product which is a stuffed animal, pillow and blanket in one. With dozens of characters to choose from you can make any child happy.

Slumber pets ($50) are oversized plush toys with a built in pillow and fleece sleeping bag. Perfect for your child’s first sleep over!

Blankie babies ($25) are pint size friends featuring super soft fleece blanket with a satin comfort corner. These make the perfect baby shower gift.

Storytime Pals ($38) These are like the blanket pets, but feature your favorite story book characters.

The extremely “squishable” Zoobies will make a great addition in your child’s bedroom and heart. Who wouldn’t love these adorable little animals? Not to mention how soft and cozy they are. A perfect companion at home or on the road.

I was provided with a Blanket Pet for the purposes of this review. As always all thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

Infant Carrier Review: the Britax B-Safe

My dear friend Zareen is having a baby soon so we’ve been talking about infant products and looking at baby items a lot more lately.  I’m amazed (and jealous) at how many awesome products are available these days for newborns.

I used Britax car seats with both of my boys and I was interested to check out the latest infant seat from Britax, the Britax B-Safe.

Here’s some key info about this carrier:

Side Impact Protection distributes crash forces, shields from vehicle intrusion, and contains the head and body
Tangle-Free, Five-Point Harness distributes crash forces across the strongest parts of the body and provides a secure fit
It obviously has LATCH so it clicks easily into cars that are LATCH enabled, comes with the Click & Go Adapter system to work with Britax strollers.   And it holds a baby up to 30 lbs (that’s a big baby!)
As a Mom who has been there, done that, I have to say when shopping for an infant carrier you want safe and you want convenient.  Those are the top two most important things when you have a young infant you are trying to transport around and this car seat fits the bill for both!

It retails for $179.99 but right now you can get the Britax B-Safe on Amazon for $139.99 with free shipping.

Little Seed Organic Children’s Clothes

I am quickly learning that comfort is key most days when dressing my son. Of course we all need those “nicer” outfits, but let’s face it, they aren’t always made for all the moving around our little ones do. The Little Seed line of clothing brings you comfort and style with their eco-friendly line of children’s clothes.

Founded by Paige Goldberg Tolmach and Soleil Moon Frye, The Little Seed is now one of the leading lifestyle brands for eco-friendly and organic products for children. The Little Seed launched it’s own line of brightly colored, incredibly soft, low-impact clothing for infants and children-coined Green in Every Color; it’s all manufactured here in the USA.

With products ranging from onesies to blankets…hoodies to dresses and with sizes from 0 months to 8 years, The Little Seed can bring your child of any age the softest clothes in a variety of colors.

The Little Seed Promise says it all!

We believe that our planet’s future is our children’s future. By employing the lowest carbon footprint methods to manufacture our product we stand by that belief. Our garments are produced with low-impact dyes on raw/organic cotton, 100% made in the USA with love and care for the healthiest lifestyle possible for our families and yours… Because a little eco goes a long way!

What is not to like about these clothes? I think one of my favorite things is the choice of color. There is so much “drab” and “blah” out there in the world of children’s clothes, and The Little Seed allows you to bring a little fun into your child’s wardrobe.

With The Little Seen you can feel good about buying clothes for you child that not only feel good on them, but feels good for you to buy them!

I was provided with an outfit from The Little Seed for the purposes of this review. As always all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sleep on the go with Snoozeshade!

My daughter is almost 5-months old, and we are in a pretty good routine now. As she is the third child, she pretty much has to go with the flow around our house, which includes transporting her two big brothers around from school to soccer to parties and more. As she gets older, this seems to be getting harder and harder, as she prefers to nap in her quiet, dark, room. But as the third child, sometimes there is just no choice!

One item that I have been trying out recently that has been helping me with my crazy days in transit is the Snoozeshade. This innovative product was developed by a mom in the UK who had a similar problem toting around her child during the day in her carrier never seemed to work too well. She created the Snoozeshade to help create a dark, un-obtrusive environment to help her baby sleep more soundly and comfortably.

Though my daughter generally doesn’t sleep well in her infant carrier, I tried out the Snoozeshade last week while toting her to preschool to drop off my son. The halls of the school were loud and crazy, yet my daughter was sleeping peacefully inside her carrier with the Snoozeshade on. I love the zipper feature that allows me to peek inside to see if she is sleeping or awake. The Snoozeshade helps with the various lighting changes from the transition out of the car in the bright sun to inside. The Snoozeshade accommodates almost all baby carriers and has Velcro tabs to help secure it to the carrier. It’s also available as a cover for your stroller or twin. It’s simple and easy to take on and take off, and is made of a breathable, washable fabric. As a bonus, the Snoozeshade has an SPF of 50+, perfect to guard your child from the harsh rays of the sun. It also helps to block out insects, too!

If you are a mom like me juggling multiple children, or you just have a child that gets distracted easily when you want them to sleep on the go, definitely give the Snoozeshade a try! Check out their channel on Youtube for more info!

BuggyLove: Organic Stroller Cleaning Kit

While neither of my boys are in strollers anymore, it feels like just yesterday that I pushed them along in one.  And it’s not hard to remember how disgusting their strollers would get from a variety of baby-related things – spit up on the straps, crushed food on the seat.

Enter BuggyLove.  This Organic Stroller Cleaning Kit is ingenious.  I would totally invest in one of these if I still had a child in a stroller because I think it’s just such an easy convenient way to keep your stroller clean.  The Kit comes with FreshLOVE, PolishLOVE, FabricLOVE, WheelLOVE, Re-usable To-Go Bag, Wheel Scrub Bruch, and Re-claimed Microfiber Cloth.

You can basically use these products for air freshening in your car, to wipe down your stroller (and it’s organic, hence safe!) or even on the car seat for a quick wipe down.

I’ve already tucked away the spray bottle of FreshLOVE in my minivan.  Because even though this product’s intended for baby smells, I’m finding it works nicely on stinky soccer boy smell too.

Get the Kit for $49.99 on BuggyLove.com.

Giveaway: No Slippy Hair Clippy

I have been a long time fan of No Slippy Hair Clippy. I discovered them when I had my daughter, now 5, and loved them for their beautiful clips, bows and headbands and their quality. They were one of the only clips I could find that would stay in her hair. They have a velvet lined, patent pending alligator clip that keeps the clip from slipping out, it also does not break or damage hair, and is super comfortable. Best of all they are great for all different ages. No Slippy Hair Clippy offers great smaller styles as well as wrap around headbands that are both appropriately sized and gentle enough for baby, but they also have offerings for toddlers and young girls through their teens.

No Slippy Hair Clippy has recently introduced a new line, Clipettes, modern grosgrain lined no-slip hair clips.  These adorable clips come in an array grosgrain bows and ribbon prints such as multi dots, colorful stripes, animal prints, ladybugs, and more.  They have a non-slip grip that will hold securely without damaging hair. And they only start at $2.95.

No Slippy Hair Clippy is running a giveaway through November 17th for a lucky MWS reader to win a $50 gift certificate to No Slippy Hair Clippy.  To enter “like” No Slippy Hair Clippy on Facebook, follow them on Twitter (iclippy) and/or follow their blog noslippyhairclippy.blogspot.com. Be sure to come back here and leave a comment for each one to let us know you have done so. Each one will count as an additional entry.

No Slippy Hair Clippy will also be offering MWS readers a 25% off discount by using code “MWS100“  This promotion will run through November 17th (excluding gifts, and not to be combined with any other promotion).

Infant Carrier Review: Safety1st onBoard 35

Infant seats have come a long way since my oldest was a baby and it could not get safer than the onBoard™35 infant seat featuring Air Protect™ Side Impact Technology.

Here are some features on the onBoard 35:

  • Rear-facing 4-35 pounds and up to 32” in height
  • Featuring Air Protect™ revolutionary side impact technology - LEARN MORE
  • Immediately reduces side impact forces through the precise release of air
  • Extended use from a tiny 4 to a full 35 pounds
  • Additional leg room for baby’s comfort
  • Customizable insert and low harness slots make the seat ideal for preemies and adjustable for growing babies
  • Carry Curve™ Handle features ergonomic design
  • Base Belt Lock easily secures your vehicle seat belt during installation
  • One Click LATCH installation system

Here’s some important information from Safety1st:

1 in 4 car crashes involving children are side impact collisions. They are by far the deadliest type of collision for children, accounting for 1 in 3 child fatalities; nearly all of which are caused by head trauma. These are frightening facts, but Safety 1sthas been by your side for 25 years providing innovative products to help protect your child from becoming a statistic. It is in this tradition that we proudly announce Air Protect™ side impact technology.

Safety 1st engineers designed Air Protect™ using next generation testing methods that simulate the most violent types of side impact crashes, those with vehicle intrusion. Using this advanced methodology, Air Protect™ was engineered to defend your child in two vital ways. During a crash, the system immediately shields your child’s head from the impact. In a second layer of defense, Air Protect™ allows air to escape from the headrest: channeling crash energy away from your child, creating more ride down time. It is this double layer of protection that makes Air Protect™ technology unique.

Love it.  I know if I were putting my baby into an infant carrier today, I’d certainly want a double layer of protection.  I’d want to protect my baby any extra way possible.

Get the Safety1st onBoard 35 Infant Car Seat on sale right now for $169.99 at Safety1st.com.

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