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Cooking for Baby and Me with OXO Tot

November 8, 2010 By nancy 2 Comments

Image and video hosting by TinyPicI recently attended the OXO TOT Cooking for Baby and Me Hands-On Lunch and Demo with Chef James Briscione and writer Brooke Parkhurst. This husband and wife team (who are also parents to a 1 year old daughter) are releasing a new cookbook soon called Just Married and Cooking, also have a website called… justmarriedandcooking.com.

The purpose of the event was to teach us that we could make food for our children and ourselves using OXO’s TOT line – without using fancy kitchen prep equipment (meaning no blenders, etc). They also showed us how to make meals for the whole family by building on ingredients – put a few ingredients together for your children, then add more spices and ingredients to make dinner for your spouse and yourself. And as someone who usually makes one or two dishes for my children and then another for my spouse and I — I thought it was brilliant.
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Filed Under: Babies, Feeding Baby, For the Home, Housewares

Does your local Hospital give new Moms the Breastfeeding Support Bag?

September 29, 2010 By Whitney 1 Comment

So I received this note in my inbox yesterday.  Sponsored by donation of product from Lansinoh, Cottonwood Kids and more, there are now roughly 200 hospitals nationally that give a Healthy Baby Bounty Bag to a new Mom at discharge.

The bag contains milk storage bags, disposable nipple pads, samples, coupons, and information that supports and encourages breastfeeding benefits for both mom and baby.

When I had my first son, I walked out of the hospital with numerous goodies – both Similac and Enfamil samples and formula-branded products.

I formula fed my first son when he was an infant.  I walked into the hospital at 41 weeks and if someone had stopped me and asked me if I was going to breastfeed or formula feed as I was walking in, I would have responded, “I’m going to try and breastfeed and see how it goes.”  But I didn’t know much and after a horrible first time delivery that ended up in an emergency c-section, I gave up breastfeeding after two weeks.

When my second son was born in 2006, I was a little better prepared.  He was breastfed until he was 11 months old.

While I have two totally healthy and happy children and I don’t believe in regrets, I do often wonder if I would have made it beyond two weeks with Nate had I been given more breastfeeding support.  But I didn’t know that I needed to get it. I had cans of formula, I was depressed and breastfeeding was hard, so it seemed like an obvious path.

While I find nothing wrong with formula feeding, I do wish for every new Mom that they could receive as much support as possible to make the breastfeeding choice.  To know that, hell yah, it’s really hard in the beginning – but if you power through it, it gets easier.

Which is why, I’m all for the breastfeeding bag being given to new Moms. Give Mom a choice.  And when you’re home those first few days, to have a bag filled with products that help encourage breastfeeding and ease the pain those first few days seems like a step in the right direction.

Is your hospital on the list as one of the hospitals that gives out the bag?  I know that one of mine is, and one isn’t.  You can submit a letter to get your hospital on the list.

Filed Under: Babies, Breastfeeding, Feeding Baby Tagged With:

Gerber Yogurt Blends: The No-Need-for-Refrigeration Yogurts

September 22, 2010 By julie Leave a Comment
Gerber Yogurt Blends

Gerber Yogurt Blends

A lot has changed since Big was born. (I know. I keep saying that, right? I feel like such a grandma!) But it has. Its been seven years and I shake my head, every now and then, thinking about the changes.

Like food.  When Big was a toddler, I drove to Babies R Us (this is before I ordered with Amazon Prime, charging through my phone in seconds and having items arrive, shipped to my doorstep two days later) and purchased about 5 insulated pouches and probably 10 ice packs. I had to keep everything dairy cold cold cold. Especially yogurt. Because bad, warm yogurt? That goes in the trash.

Right?

Not anymore. Fast forward to a few weeks ago while I was shopping the baby aisle and I see Yogurt  Blends. On a shelf. In the middle of the store. NOT in the dairy case. What on Earth? Of course, I bought it. I had to. I couldn’t help but be curious about this stuff.

So. Unrefrigerated yogurt? Its good. Its warm. It tastes a little like pudding in flavors of banana, strawberry and peach. (Yes, I did sneak a taste while Little was distracted. Which wasn’t easy because she really likes it.)

OMG. My life has changed. I know, sounds silly, right? But now when I pack up for meetings or a playdate or a Mommy and Me class I can just toss a Yogurt Blend in my bag and not have to worry about packing cold yogurt into an insulated pouch with an ice pack. Is it that big of a deal? Probably not. But. Really. I’m a mom of 3. And Gerber Yogurt Blends has created one less step for me. And I love that.

Also, new from Gerber are Smart Sips, healthy flavored milk drinks in boxes that don’t have to be kept cold. Again. Making life easier for a mom of three kids. (And I think I need to mention that I do, indeed, snack on these now myself.)

While I’ve been buying Yogurt Blends for a few months now, they recently supplied Mommies with Style with samples of Gerber Yogurt Blends and Gerber Smart Sips for review.

Filed Under: Feeding & Mealtime, Feeding Baby Tagged With: , , , ,

Make It Easy Feeding Products for Annabel Karmel and Infantino

September 19, 2010 By nancy Leave a Comment

Image and video hosting by TinyPicI’ve been a huge fan of Annabel Karmel for a while and was so thrilled to hear that she teamed up with Infantino for a line of feeding products, exclusive to Babies R Us.  The British children’s nutrition expert has written 18 books — I used her First Meals book as a guide and for puree recipes when my two oldest children started solids.

Aimed at making your own healthy baby food at home, the Make It Easy line offers 7 products, including a food mill, freezing trays, ice pop molds, and containers to hold meals. All products are BPA free. The Fresh Food Mill ($15.99) is an easy, manual way to puree and mince veggies and fruits. Silicone Freeze Tray ($9.99) is perfect for freezing and storing food. If you want to give your kids a healthy frozen treat — we love the Fill and Freeze Puree Pops ($7.99). It creates four single serving puree pops. The pops are the perfect size for toddlers, older kids may want larger portions. Want to take your baby food with you? The Double Decker Mealbox ($7.99) neatly stores portions for dining on the go! While I did make my own baby food with both my children, Annabel Karmel’s products will make things much easier when my third child starts solids. Click here to go to Annabel’s site to check out some easy puree recipes.

Thank you to Infantino and Annabel Karmel for providing product samples.

Filed Under: Babies, Feeding Baby Tagged With: ,

Skip Hop Day to Night Baby Log

August 23, 2010 By nancy 1 Comment

Image and video hosting by TinyPicI had my baby a week ago and just came home earlier this week. We’ve been using Skip Hop’s Day to Night Baby Log ($39) to keep track of feeding, changing and sleeping. We love that there is a place to record doctor’s visits and baby gifts. The best part? The Time Capsule, which lets you display the current time and date, has a timer, and also lights up (great for recording your data at 3 am!). You can record your data for up to 6 months. This is a great baby shower gift/essential for your registry.

Thank you to Skip Hop for providing a product sample.

Filed Under: Babies, Feeding Baby, Nursery

Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Microwave Sterilizer

August 15, 2010 By nancy Leave a Comment

Image and video hosting by TinyPicBefore I went to the hospital to have my third child, I knew I wanted to have sterilized pacifiers and nipple shields on hand. I had just received Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Microwave Sterilizer ($29.99) to review, so I broke it out. Personally, I prefer microwave sterilizers because when my first son was an infant, I burned the tops of his bottles. They’re also compact enough to take to grandma’s house for the weekend.

Tommee Tippee’s Microwave Sterilizer kills up to 99.9% of germs using steam. It sterilizes bottles, nipples, breast pump parts, and pacifiers, without the use of chemicals. I literally had it open and was using it in seconds. Just add water and select the time you will need to microwave to sterilize (it’s based on the power of your microwave). It will hold 4 Closer to Nature Bottles (not included), and comes with one 5 fl. oz. bottle with slow-flow nipple, 1 pacifier, a bottle brush, 1 set of nipple tongs and lid. It’s small enough to fit in practically all microwaves and compact enough for travel (great for taking along to grandma’s house). And it’s BPA & Phthalate Free.

If you prefer a countertop sterilizer, Tommee Tippee also offers the Closer to Nature Electric Steam Sterilizer ($69.99). Tommee Tippee’s products in the US are exclusive to Babies R Us.

Thank you to Tommee Tippee for providing a sample product for review purposes.

Filed Under: Babies, Feeding Baby

Skip Hop Splash Bottle Rack: A Mom Must-Have!

July 19, 2010 By nancy 1 Comment

We love Skip Hop’s Splash Bottle Rack ($27 – 34) – which is a new mom essential if you bottlefeed or use a breastpump. Once your little darling starts sippy cups and solids, Splash is also excellent for drying all those tiny parts, utensils and dishes!

BPA-Free, Phthalate-Free, and PVC Free, the Splash’s space saving circular design holds a ton. The bottom shelf is perfect for tiny items -  nipples, straws, valves. The Splash holds up to 9 bottles and/or cups, the bottom tray can be removed easily to get rid of excess water, no tools are required to put it together, and it’s dishwasher safe. Includes a rubber gripped bottle brush.

Thank you to Skip Hop for providing a Splash for review purposes.

Filed Under: Feeding Baby, For the Home Tagged With:

Boon’s Dispensing Spoon Makes Meals on the Go Easy

June 15, 2010 By kate 3 Comments

I love when companies make smart products. Take for instance Boon’s Squirt spoon that came out a few years back – fill up the handle with baby food, stick on the cap and feeding baby on the go was as simple as pie…or smashed peas. I still do love this spoon, but there was only a 2-3 month window when baby was only eating one Squirt handle full of food. It lost some of its convenience if you had to refill the spoon handle while you were out and about.

But now Boon has a new fantastic new product to make feeding time even easier when you’re on the go – and for babies who eat more. The Dispensing Spoon.  What it lacks in creative naming, it totally makes up for with usefulness. In conjunction with Plum Organics, the Dispensing Spoon screws directly on to Plum Organics’ squeezable, portable pouches of flavor combinations like apple/carrot, pumpkin/banana and blueberry/pear/purple carrot to make mealtime as easy as squeezing. Brilliant!

What I love:

* great for meals on the go, in the car, at the park and any other situations where one-handed feeding is needed

*  each package comes with two spoons and a storage case

*  dishwasher safe (top-shelf only)

*  free of phthalate, PVC and BPA

Heading on the road this summer or even just to your neighborhood park for lunch? Take the stress out of feeding baby on the go, by throwing a Boon Dispensing Spoon and two Plum Organics packs in the diaper bag. Buy the two pack of Dispensing Spoon for $3.99 at Boon’s website or at EcoMom.

Filed Under: Babies, Feeding Baby, On The Go Tagged With: , ,

I’m a Parent Ambassador for Healthy Child, Healthy World

June 4, 2010 By Whitney 17 Comments

I’m really excited to announce my participation with Healthy Child, Healthy World as a Parent Ambassador. I’m in great company along with 18 other bloggers and actress Amy Brenneman (Private Practice, Judging Amy) and I’m thrilled to be a part of this movement.

About: Healthy Child, Healthy World is a non-profit organization devoted to expanding global awareness and understanding about the environmental hazards that are potentially hazardous to children that unfortunately exist in today’s modern world. They aim to increase awareness one parent at a time – so we can make better choices for our children.

To me, it’s about making small, daily changes.  Global change starts with one family, and over the last few years, I’ve been trying to make subtle changes in my family’s living on a daily basis.  The world isn’t what it was when we were once kids.  There are chemicals everywhere and they are harmful to our children.

My hope is that in being a part of this volunteer position, I can not only help to spread the word but help to learn what changes I can make in my own home to make it a safer environment for my children.  Because I’ll be the first to admit that while I’ve made a lot of changes in the last few years (eating more organically, buying all-natural products when I can), I’m still pretty mainstream and I’m looking forward to educating myself and my family towards living a healthier lifestyle.

Some info for you guys.  First off, watch this video.  If it doesn’t move you to want to make a change, then you weren’t paying attention and need to watch again.

A Wake-Up Story from Healthy Child Healthy World on Vimeo.

I could go on and on but we’ll start with this intro post.  In the coming months, I hope to bring you tons of useful information via Healthy Child, Healthy World that will help to educate Mommies with Style readers on ways to have a cleaner and safer home.

Giveaway: Along with this announcement, I have one prize pack available from Healthy Child, Healthy World.  It includes a copy of Healthy Child Healthy World: Creating a Cleaner, Greener, Safer Home, and other print materials including a pocket shopping guide (awesome for trips to the store).

To enter, leave a comment below.  Get a second entry but retweeting this post or posting about this giveaway.  Be sure to @mommieswstyle so I know you’ve done it!  One winner will be selected after June 14.

Filed Under: Breastfeeding, Child Safety, Eco-friendly, Feeding & Mealtime, Feeding Baby, For the Home, Housewares, Misc Tagged With: , , ,

Disney Store spreads the Earth Day love

April 18, 2010 By Whitney Leave a Comment

As a part of their Friends for a Change – Save Planet Earth campaign, Disney has come out with a line of Save Planet Earth products that are being sold at the Disney Store.

I came home last week to a neat little package full of a couple of the products – including a plush Toy Story Alien, who is the official mascot for this campaign.  With many of the items, Disney will donate $1 to the Nature Conservacy.  Just look for the little green button, like on this product pictured.

They have a bunch of stylish and sustainable products for sale including a Tree Making Kit, a reusable water bottle and shopping bags made out of recycled plastic water bottles.  Love the Mickey Cosmetic Bag!

Filed Under: Eco-friendly, Feeding Baby, Housewares, Misc, Paper Products & More, School gear, Toys Tagged With: ,

The Go Pillow!: A must have item for on the go travel

March 8, 2010 By debbie Leave a Comment

comfy-rest-webAnother product we brought along on our trip was the GoPillow! My son and daughter loved the Go Pillow! so much that they actually fought over whose turn it was to have it! The GoPillow! is a portable pillow that has a built-in blanket tucked away inside. My kids loved snuggling with it on the airplane (of course taking turns), since it is super soft and cozy. The portable pillow consists of an inner core of soft, pliable cushion/foam and a soft outer fabric covering.

The Go Pillow! reminds me of a cylinder type pillow that you can place your hand on up to your elbow inside to securely cradle your child while feeding them. The built-in blanket tucks neatly inside, providing easy access to pull out while on the go to allow for mother and baby privacy while out in public breast feeding.

Besides being great for snuggling and breast feeding, it also makes a fabulous nap blanket since your child can rest their head on the pillow while lying on the blanket. Additionally, it makes for a nice place to change your child’s diaper. The GoPillow! is washable (we were thrilled since we took it on the plane) and is available in pink and blue. Check out the GoPillow! where you can see pictures of the fabulous ways it can be of use!  Receive a free breastfeeding guide with every purchase-no code required.

Filed Under: Babies, Baby Bedding, Breastfeeding, Diapering, Family Travel, Feeding Baby, Kids, On The Go Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Happy Baby Food Made Us Very Happy!

March 4, 2010 By nancy Leave a Comment

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We love Happy Baby Food in my house! This organic baby food company, recently finalists for NBC’s Shine-a-Light award, has some terrific, healthy products for your children. We swooned over their Happy Bites (the salmon fish sticks were awesome),  but our absolute favorite products were the HappyTots and the HappyPuffs.

We’re crazy about their HappyTots – which are handheld toddler meals. I actually found these at Target and keep a few in the car for quick nutrition when we’re on the go — which is pretty much all te time. The pouch looks like the Trader Joe’s pouch applesauce that we buy, so my kids knew instantly how to eat them. My 4 year old was into them, as much as my 2 year old. He loved the Spinach, Mango and Pear flavor and didn’t realize he was eating a vegetable (which brought a smile to my face).   HappyTots come in flavors such as: Green Beans, Pears & Peas, Sweet Potato, Carrot, Apple & Cinnamon, Banana, Peach & Mango, Spinach, Mango & Pear, Butternut Squash & Apple, and Banana, Peach, Coconut & Prunes.

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*Reviewer’s note: There was a recent voluntary recall of HAPPYTOT Stage 4 and HAPPYBABY Stage 1 and Stage 2 pouches (not the HappyBites, as mentioned incorrectly) for possible bacteria contamination due to a packing defect. The products were sold at certain Whole Foods and Targets. The company handled themselves admirably, being open and honest about the recall, which made me like them even more. At press time, no child had become sick.

We also loved their Organic HappyPuffs– which are larger and actually puffier than the standard popular non-organic puff. I was pleased to see they have a organic greens version!

Reviewer received vouchers for product samples.

Filed Under: Babies, Feeding & Mealtime, Feeding Baby, Kids Tagged With: , ,

Dining Baby Style with Plum Organics & the Baby Dipper

March 1, 2010 By julie Leave a Comment

Little Little is eatting big time. The teeny tiny one has been reaching out for foods for weeks and she can finally join in on the fun. And she just loves it.

plumPlum Organics : My friend was shocked the other day when I told her I taste baby food. Of course, I was just as shocked that she didn’t. So, apparently, I’m quite the baby food connoisseur as I’ve now tried several brand (in addition to my own, homemade baby food). Point being, Plum Organic baby and toddler foods are actually yummy. As in, if I was going to be the baby food eater, I’d be asking for Plum rather than others. Their new Just line of fruits taste wholesome and rich, the flavor really jumps out of the taste. And I’ve noticed that while she’s not being too picky, she’s definitely responding to their foods. I also love Plum Organic’s easy to use and reuse packaging. The resealable packaging vacuums in what is left in the package as it squirts out onto the spoon or into the bowl, so that you aren’t mixing in bacterias and making any uneatten remainder uneatable. Apparently, more flavors are coming soon to the Just line, and I’m really hoping some of those flavors will be veggies. Plum Organics offers a Tots line that includes mixes of vegetables and fruits and Little (and I) will be tasting those soon, too.

babydipperThe Huz and I decided that the Baby Dipper Bowl is another one of those lightbulb moments. You know, the one where a lightbulb goes off in your head because you thought of this great idea. Except this wasn’t our idea. This was the brilliant idea of Barbara Schantz, mom of 2 sets of twins. The Huz loves the Baby Dipper because of the friction it provides.  The bottom is a rubber that makes it very difficult to easily slide across a surface. Additionally, its thicker around the sides and the shape is hard for a baby to grip, so babies aren’t likely to pick up this bowl and toss it. (yay!) My favorite innovation about this bowl is the slope: it slopes down in one corner so that I don’t have to tilt the bowl to pick up food in the spoon. Its one of those simple things that no one else thought of.

Thanks to Baby Dipper and Plum Organics for the samples for review.

Filed Under: Feeding Baby Tagged With: , ,

NUK Introduces New Products for 2010

February 26, 2010 By nancy 1 Comment

Image and video hosting by TinyPicI’ve been a fan of NUK since my first child was a baby, 4 years ago. He loved their orthodontic pacifiers — and would only use them. They’ve been updated for 2010 and are now called GeniusTM pacifier (around $4.50 -$4.99 ). Designed by orthodontists, they’re BPA-free and go up to size 3 (which is for 18 months plus). It allows additional space for the tongue, enabling better oral development.

Besides the redesigned GeniusTM pacifier, Nuk is introducing many more products for 2010. They’ve got breastfeeding support products, like a Gentle Moisturizing Balm, breast milk storage bags and containers, and reusable nursing pads (as well as disposable ones).

I liked their EZ-to-Hook Pacifier Carry Case. Just stash your child’s pacifier in it,  hook it onto a diaper bag, purse or stroller. It will hold up to 2 pacifiers and it has ventilation holes to prevent moisture build up. Looking for a great first cup –  NUK’s Learner Cup (between $9.99 and $10.99) is suitable for ages 6 months on. This BPA-free cup features a spill-proof soft spout, easy-grip handles, and an extra wide neck make for easier filling and cleaning.

Gerber’s Graduates line of cups, utensils, and tableware are also made by NUK, as well as the Gerber First Essentials line.

I attended NUK’s 2010 Preview Breakfast in and received a gift bag containing samples.

Filed Under: Babies, Breastfeeding, Feeding & Mealtime, Feeding Baby Tagged With: , ,

Earth’s Best Wishes: Share Your Wish For Your Child & Get a Chance to Win a $25,000 Savings Bond

February 11, 2010 By nancy Leave a Comment

Image and video hosting by TinyPicIn honor of Earth’s Best’s 25th anniversary, they are inviting parents and grandparents to share their own wishes for their baby’s future. The company wants to hear about the hopes and dreams parents have for the next generation. These wishes will be shared with the online community and entered into a sweepstakes where one lucky child will win a $25,000 savings bond from Earth’s Best.

To enter:  Visit www.earthsbest.com and submit a wish to be entered.

Sweepstakes Prizes:

* 1 Grand Prize: $25,000 US Savings Bond

* 4 First Prizes: Earth’s Best Organic Birthday Bash ($850 value)

*25 Second Prizes: Earth’s Best Gift Pack ($38.99 value)

Monthly Prizes: Each month, 25 winners will be randomly selected to receive a $25 US Savings Bond and $25 in Earth’s Best coupons to help them save for their baby now and in the future.

Everyone who submits a wish will be mailed $4.00 worth of coupons for the complete array of Earth’s best products. Parents can also print and frame their wish – choose from 12 wish styles, all are printable and will fit 6×4 frame as a keepsake (for free).

Go to http://www.earthsbest.com/earths-best-wishes/wishes for more information. Wishes can be entered from now to March 31st, 2010.

Filed Under: Feeding & Mealtime, Feeding Baby, Giveaways, Kids

The Great Trade-In Event at Babies “R” Us

February 2, 2010 By debbie 3 Comments

greattradeinbruHave a used car seat/stroller/bassinet, etc. lying around? I have a few old car seats that are from my daughter and I don’t think they are safe to use for my 2-year old son. So when I heard about the “Great Trade-In” event, I was thrilled!

Through Saturday, February 20th, Babies “R” Us and Toys “R” Us stores are holding the “Great Trade-In” event providing their customers with the opportunity to trade-in any used car seats, strollers, cribs, bassinets, travel systems, play yards, toddler beds or high chairs in exchange for a 25% off savings on the purchase of a new baby item, in any of the product categories from select manufacturers. Participating brands are: Britax, Babi Italia, Baby Cache, Baby Trend, Bergamo, Bertini, Carter’s, Chicco, Contours by Kolcraft, Cosco, Delta, Eddie Bauer, Evenflo, Graco, Jeep, Little Tikes, Safety 1st, Sorelle and Step2.

The “Great Trade-In” event places an emphasis on specific baby products, that due to safety concerns, may not be the best candidates to be handed down or resold. Beyond recalls, certain older and used baby items can be potentially unsafe for a variety of reasons, including damage or lack of compliance with recent advances in product safety standards.

You don’t need to have purchased the item you want to “trade-in” from TRU or BRU. You can bring in multiple items and you will be given one 25% off discount for each item traded in. The discount must be used that day on another item from the participating categories and manufacturers. Trade-In items and purchased items can be from different categories.

Filed Under: Babies, Carseats and Boosters, Child Safety, Family Travel, Feeding & Mealtime, Feeding Baby, Infant Car Seats, Kids, Nursery, On The Go, Strollers Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,
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