I'll admit the first thing that gets my attention when it comes to a stroller is it's appearance. But lets be honest - you do want a stroller that has a little "wow" to it. That's certainly not all that matters but it definitely factors in to the equation. Bumbleride's soon to be released Movement Edition has the WOW going on! The pictures alone have got my interest very peeked. Not just a pretty face - this new creation will have some pretty special features. The fabrics are not only sleek but they offer water-resistance and SPF protection (on the canopy) for your child. It's just perfect for active parents who spend lots of time outdoors but don't want to compromise on style. You can get the movement look on the Indie, Indie Twin, and the Flite.
Shipping starts in April and you can choose from the two colors pictured - Jet and Fog. You can see more info by checking out the Bumbleride updates here.
Cue Gasp! This baby gate doesn't kick in my gag reflex. I would actually be excited to see it starring at me each time I near my staircase. Although I haven't actually tested this one out - beauty alone earned it a spot at the top of my new baby wishlist. The Numi Dark Wood Gate by Munchkin retails at $129.99 and you can get your own at online at Target. However, I'm pleased to be able to giveaway one of these stylish protectors to one lucky reader!! How do you enter this one? The rules are a little different because it is sponsored by NWB and going on in honor of our new Facebook Page. The entry is quite simple and way too easy for such a fab prize (but hey - I love you gals!).
To enter - just like us on Facebook. How do you do that? Just click the little blue box at the bottom of the post (you do need a facebook account). That's it - you are now entered to win!! The deadline to enter is 4/1/2011 at midnight EST - April Fools is your last chance. Open to US residents only. There are no extra entries for this giveaway. THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.
I wish I had discovered the Exergen Temporal Thermometer before I bought three other ones. I tried the basic thermometer but I was never able to get my child to hold it in his mouth and the whole rectal thing just grosses me out. So I tried the pacifier thermometer and I will say that one worked really well. The downside is that your child will outgrow it quickly and you will have to purchase another one. Next I bought an ear thermometer, that one really freaked out my child. He still does not want me to put anything near his ears, so there went more of my money down the drain. Finally, I bought the Exergen Temporal Thermometer! I love this product. It is quick and very accurate. Since I don't have to place it anywhere in my son's body it's no problem with him. All you have to do to use is run it gently across your child's forehead. No longer do I have to wake my finally sleeping sick child to see if they still have a fever - the process is so invasive that they will sleep right through it. Then there are the lack of battles to get your child to let you take their temperature - it even works on your little baby. This is the perfect thermometer to me and for only $30 - it works hard for the money! You can get one pretty much anywhere, including Walmart, Target, BabiesRUs, and Walgreens. I can only hope that you read this before you bought as many thermometers as I have.
Why babies love tags so much is beyond me but regardless of the reason, they just love to pull and wrap their fingers around them. Wee Rascals will create a custom Taggie Blanket to captivate your little ones exploring hands. The 14x14 squares are the perfect size for a tiny hand to hold or to toss in your diaper bag. I was very pleased with the quality and construction of the blanket I received for review. The 15 satin taggies are seriously budge proof and the edges were serged, double sewn, and top stitched. My two favorite things about the Taggie Blankets from Wee Rascals are the ability to customize and the price. It only costs $10 and you get to decide the fabric, satin color, and you can even let them know if your have a ribbon color preference. That's a whole lot of customizing for your dollar.Wee Rascals also has great products like changing table covers, extra large receiving blankets, crib sheets, pee pee TeePees, and more. Right now if you spend $30 you save $5 using the coupon code WEERAS01.
You can also enter to win a $25 gift certificate to Wee Rascals!! To enter to win visit Wee Rascals and comment back sharing what you would use the gift certificate to buy. The deadline to enter is February 9th at midnight EST. THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.
Congrats to our winner: Nicole! Here is her comment: "I would get a Minky Taggie Blanket."
I'm constantly looking for something for my little guy to chew on that is actually meant to go in his mouth. He will pretty much chew on anything (even table corners) but for some reason most teethers don't appeal to his gums. The new Teethers from LifeFactory have won his approval! My table is safe again! He loves the easy to hold shape and the various ribs & nubs are fun for him to chew on. I'm assuming it feels better than his usual non conventional teething devices since he has since left them behind. Perhaps it's how soft & easy it is to hold or that it can go in the fridge/freezer to provide even more soothing power. Whatever his reason; I know mine! First of all, I know that it is safe for him to put inside his mouth. It's USA made with medical grade silicone and without any harmful bpa, phthalates, pvc, or latex. I can toss it in the dishwasher for easy cleaning but since it's designed like a bracelet it is easy to use with those toy tethers, so it spends much less time on the floor. This would make a great gift for your one-toothed munchkin!
Wrap it up:Just the right size for a stocking stuffer or try getting one in each color (raspberry, sky, & yellow) and wrapping them together with a ribbon.
A teether that doubles as a gum brush? The silicone teether from BornFree is the easy way to clean plaque and bacteria from your baby's gums. The teether was designed by a pediatric dentist and it's unique shape is also perfect for massaging gums. In addition to being bpa free and it's also free from phthalates and pvc. You can feel safe about your baby chewing on this one. I love the odd the design and the way it fits perfectly into my son's mouth. The sides make for great handles and the 3 different textures make it fun to touch or chew on. You can even toss this one in the fridge to maximize it's soothing power. Something tells me baby would like one of these in their stocking!
I have bought SO many different types of cups for my children. I want something that won't leak (even after it has been used 20 times), something that is easy to clean, and something that is easy for them to use. BornFree's Trainer Cup is all of those things. I have to admit the price tag is a little high at $9.99 a cup but it is seriously worth every cent. I even went out and bought a second one after testing one out. I can't go back to my old sippy cups. This one never leaks! It is so easy to clean. There are no straws with impossible to reach crannies or weird plastic suction pieces I can never put back on correctly. My little boy loves smoothies and many cups will not allow him to get the teeny tiny fruit through the spout - not the case with the soft spout on this cup. It's very easy for him to drink from and still it somehow never leaks. I'm kind of amazed by it! Even my family is - both grandparents commented on how easy it was for him to use the cup and my husband said "wow that is a nice cup". Previously I have never heard any of them even notice what cup my son was using. It's also bpa free too! Think about how many 5 dollar cups you have bought and replaced. Think about how many of them have leaked on your carpet or floor. After you think about that $9.99 does not sound bad at all. Time to toss out the old. I would like a set of these for Christmas please!!
Wrap it up:Put the teether in their stocking and the cup would be cute tied with a ribbon. The cup will please moms too!!
Remember his funny name, this natural rubber teether will have your child in tears if he gets misplaced. Created by the genius minds responsible for the uber famous Sophie the Giraffe teether, the Chan Pie Gnon teether series is equally impressive. I am loving the unique shaped heads, each teether has something different to offer and the way it keeps my little guy happy. So much more than a cute face, this teether series is handmade in France from all natural rubber and non-toxic paints. The little guy even squeaks when you squeeze him!
Wrap it up:This one is easy - either toss it in a stocking or get the whole trio of Chan Pie Gnon buddies (all available at the Soft Landing) and package them up together.
Let's just be honest...little babies aren't that into toys. They are however, into putting stuff in their mouths. They like to chew on everything in site. With the Natursutten Chill-it Fish you can trust that your little one is chomping on a sea buddy that is not full of toxins. Designed with safety in mind, it's made from non-toxic EVA plastic (which contains no bpa, phthalates, or pvc). This teether is not meant to freeze, just to chill in the fridge. My little guy seemed to like it better that way, plus - it does not have that funky scent that all those freezable teethers seem to have. That scent really bothers me.
Wrap it up:This one is perfect to stuff in a stocking or try wrapping it up with the Natursutten Chill-it Apple teether (you can pick up from Zoe B Organic too). The pair of them make a really cute gift that needs only a dainty tag and a ribbon to tie them together with a bow (plus baby will like the ribbon too).
No adult would complain about the gift of a relaxing nap. I would be elated. The Downtime Organic Sleepy Hat is a wonderful present for any wee one. It's not like they don't have enough toys already and nap time is actually a present to the entire family. Young ones need to nap all over the place and this cute little hat makes peaceful rest much easier for them. This 100% organic cotton hat allows you to fold down the top to reveal cute eyelashes and the ability to block out the light. It's amazing how much better you sleep without light creeping into your eyes (I myself sleep with a mask) and this little hat makes it clear to anyone around that baby is sleeping. The breathable fabric is ultra soft. It works like a charm if you just put it on like a hat when they are getting sleepy and after their eyes close unfold the hat to cover their eyes. They get a restful nap and then everyone is much happier.
Wrap it up:This would make the cutest gift if you packaged it up with a stuffed naptime buddy and perhaps a cuddly blankie or one of those animal shaped pillows that support the neck.
Protecting my children is always a top priority on my list when shopping for their gear. When it comes to their car seat that is my #1 concern. I was lucky enough to get the chance to review Safety 1st's Complete Air Car seat with Air Protect Technology and I am so thrilled with it! It has so much to offer in all categories but it really excels where it counts - keeping my little one safe.
Air Protect technology is a innovative new technology that protects your child's most vulnerable spot - their head. This unique technology recognized the need for a car seat that was made to protect the head during the most dangerous types of car crashes for young children - side impact collisions. These deadly car crashes are responsible for one third of child fatalities, most of which have to do with head trauma. Scary statistics to know but it definitely is better to be informed than in the dark. Once I learned this I couldn't help but notice how little protection my current car seat provided to my son's little head. There is a pretty big gap on both sides before his noggin actually touches the car seat. When we put him in the Complete Air Car Seat I instantly saw a huge difference - his head was very close to the side impact head wings at the top of the car seat. These special wings are the amazing safety feature of this seat - when your car is hit they will release air upon impact which reduces the amount of time it takes for your child's head to come to a complete stop.
The car seat holds children from 5 - 40 lbs and can be both rear facing & forward facing. This means that not only is it providing my children with top of the line protection but it will also last them a long time. I will no longer have to keep purchasing one car seat after another as they grow. I can use this one right up to the booster seat. I also like the look of the seat. It looks modern and stylish - the brown color was genius for our family. I basically hides all stains - including chocolate milk. But if you prefer a different color there are several different options. No need for a car seat cover with this one! You can easily adjust the harness height on the front of the car seat - so glad to see someone decided to make a car seat that can be adjusted with out being removed!
My son seems to really love the Safety 1st Complete Air Car Seat. He no longer whines and fusses when I buckle him in. He looks completely comfy and I can rest easy knowing he is safe in his seat. You can find out more and view a video of this stand out seat here and you can buy your own pretty much anywhere - from Target, to Walmart, even Babies R Us, and of course online.
L'il Monkeys makes the cutest personalized blankets! Your little one is sure to treasure theirs and it will eventually become a keepsake. The creator of L'il Monkeys started by making two blankets one with the name of each of her soon to be born twins. Her children loved theirs and so did everyone who saw them - thus L'il Monkeys began! I love how you get to have input into so many aspects of the design of your blanket. You choose from 6 different super soft waffle fabric colors for both the front & back, choose the letter colors, even the positioning of the name on your blanket. My little guy adores his blanket and can be seen dragging it along with him everywhere. It is just the right size for him to take in the car & stroller but it is also plush enough to make a wonderful playmat! The blanket also has 20 little tag loops to stimulate your child. What it is about fitting their fingers into the loop or checking out the taste of each color...no clue, but it certainly is engaging for my son. L'il Monkeys offers blankets in not just baby size but also twin, double and family. I am aching to buy the family sized and have it say our names. How fun would it be to cuddle underneath?!? They even offer a blanket just for your family pet. You can order your own custom blanket by visiting the L'il Monkeys website and while your there check out the gallery filled with adorable faces posing with their special blanket.
I love Queen. Unfortunately it doesn't make for the best soothing baby music when bedtime rolls around. I had my doubts that anyone could turn Queen into a lullaby without destroying the melody. I was proven very wrong when I listened to Rockabye Baby! lullaby renditions of Queen. This is one of those things you just have to hear to appreciate. Although the soft and soothing sounds of this cd are without vocals you'll catch yourself doing a little impromptu karaoke as you rock your munchkin to sleep. They included all of my favorites in this fun cd, even Fat Bottom Girls and We Will Rock You. How did they make those baby friendly? Somebody was really talented when they put this one together because they pulled it off beautifully. Spare your child of the dated nursery songs and give them a jump start on the music you love. Rockabye Baby! also hascds filled with lullaby renditions of tons of your favorite artists. You can browse the full selection here, listen to some of the tracks and even get some cool apparel to go along with it. Don't forget to cast your vote for who the next Rockabye Baby! album should be....The Who has my vote!
We've all been there. You are trapped in a bathroom that is far from clean and you have to change your little one's diaper. More often than not these lovely places are pretty cramped to boot. I usually carry the disposable changing pads in case of this emergency but it can be a struggle to get to my diaper bag (while keeping it off the nasty ground) and to keep my son safely on the changing table. The Baggino is a great solution to changing diapers in difficult situations. Think of it as a diaper bag that doubles as a tool belt. You can actually wrap it around your waist and snap it in the back. Then you have easy access to the pockets and you are hands free. I feel like a super hero when I use the Baggino. It makes diaper changing quick & easy. I love how organized the Baggino makes me. It is jam packed with so many features that make is so easy it use! It includes built in rings on the sides so you can attach additional items (like bottle holders), it has clips on the sides to allow easy attachment to pretty much any stroller, it has an instant access key ring (no more frantic searches through the bottom of an overflowing bag), it comes with an easy to roll up changing pad, a removable shoulder strap pouch (perfect for cell phones & gadgets), and so many roomy storage pockets! One of my very favorite things is the built in wipes compartment that makes pulling out baby wipes a breeze! I also love how it is gender neutral and my husband is not embarrassed to be the one toting it.
Take a moment to visit the Baggino site and watch the quick video of it in action. You can also order your own ingenious Baggino while you are there!
Finally someone has updated the back carrier in a way that is not only comfortable and simple to use but that is also stylish! I am in love with my Kokopax!! Seriously - it is amazing. I can do so many chores and errands without my back hurting in the least. It is so simple for me to put on and off - with other carriers I needed some help to remove them but this is one I can do all by myself. It is so lightweight and comfy that I would rather use it than my stroller most of the time...I usually end up carrying my son when I use the stroller anyhow. It's also so cozy for my little man. He loves riding in it and he really likes how high up he is. He will ride happily in it for hours!
There are many things that make the Kokopax carrier different than other carriers available. One of the stand out features to me is the kickstand for easy loading. You can put your child into the carrier before you load it onto your back. It is really helpful! You'll also appreciate the padded shoulder straps and padded waist support! It is really so comfortable - the shoulder straps don't dig into your shoulders at all. I love that it has a storage pocket on the back and a toy loop to secure his playthings. Its great for travel and will fit into an airline overhead bin. This carrier will fit kids all the way up to 35 pounds and it features a 5 point harness to be certain they will stay safely put.
This is an incredible carrier. We take it everywhere and use it in place of our stroller whenever we travel. It is perfect for taking walks and for when we are playing at the park. I really like the stylish fabric options as well! They offer 6 chic fabrics to choose from. I am just loving the ability to be hands free again. My son had gotten a little too wiggly for the majority of slings and I was having to tote him everywhere. No longer are we attached at the hip...instead at the shoulders but at least I can get something accomplished this way. You can purchase a Kokopax Classic Carrier of your own online on the Kokopax website. You can also check out the cute totes, sunhats, and sweet organic monkey toy that they offer! You can also use this code:nwbab2009 to save 10% off your purchases from Kokopax.com!
This is genius. Hands down the best portable high chair I have ever had the privilege of using. The Minui HandySitt makes mealtime so much simpler! This Danish designed high chair is lightweight and easy to tote. The same Minui HandySitt will fit your child from 6 months to 5 years. It is extremely well made, handcrafted from FSC-certified Baltic Birch and steel - so you can actually count on it to last you for a very long time and for all of your children...perhaps even your grandchildren. It passes the baby lick test because all the paint & varnish is formaldehyde free and the plastic guard is without any phthalates.
The Minui HandySitt will fit onto most adult chairs and transform it into a child seat. You simply place the hooked top onto the chair and then buckle the strap around the bottom. It is very quick and easy to use. It even folds completely flat which makes storage a breeze. You can easily fit it wherever you would like, even fit into a suitcase for travel. We are always taking ours along wherever we go. It has become a necessity like a diaper bag for us and we keep it right next to the diaper bag. If you wanted to use it in your home instead of a bulky high chair it would be perfect as well. You can check out the Minui HandySitt site to be certain that it will fit your chairs from the detailed measurements & photos.
I love using this when we are eating out because it doesn't stick out into the aisle awkwardly like a high chair. It slides up to the table perfectly and doesn't create any obstacles for passerby. It makes my child feel like they are not separated from the table and it isn't covered in mysterious grime from the unknown children who used it before us. Cleanup is easy to do with this chair as well. Usually all we need to do is run a baby wipe over the sides and give it a good shake out in the parking lot. However if you run into a really big mess - all the parts are removable for easy cleanup.
If you have a child under 15 months you can get the baby cushion to give them a little extra padding and a better fit into the Minui HandySitt. They also offer a basic cushion. Some other cool accessories are available to go along with your high chair. They offer a travel bag to easily tote & store your Minui HandySitt. You can add a 5 point harness to your high chair if you have a really wiggly little one. My favorite accessory option is the Stand Alone which mounts to your HandySitt and turns it into a stand alone chair that can be used in your playroom, living room, well...basically wherever you want your child to have a chair. You can also choose your Minui HandySitt from a selection of 7 different finishes!
A good high chair can come with a pretty steep price tag and I have to say that for your money - the Minui HandySitt is the best deal. At only $149 you get a high chair that can go anywhere with you. A high chair that is easy to store, will last your child till they are 5, is extremely well made, and it looks really sleek. I LOVE the Minui HandySitt. I have no complaints. You can purchase one here and you can even watch a quick video of it in action below!
I vividly remember watching my infant son's head bob around in uncomfortable positions when he was riding in his car seat. Even with the infant positioning head rest, he never really fit properly when he was younger. Snuggin Gois here to resolve the problem. It slides easily into your car seat and positions baby snuggly and safely. It has even been tested with car seats and it performed within the normal requirements for injury specified by the FMVSS 213 test procedure. The Snuggin Gowill also help to provide the proper positioning for your child's airway. That alone will help parents to breathe a little easier! The Snuggin Gois made using memory foam which is not only comfy but it also displaces 4 pounds of pressure. The shoulder bar fits behind baby's shoulders and causes their chest to be pushed forward - which in turn opens the airways. The shoulder bar is even adjustable by sliding up & down till it fits your child just right!
You can also use your Snuggin Gofor so many other uses. It will go in your high chair, your stroller, the baby swing, you can even use it for help positioning your child on the changing table. The minky fabric is not only extremely soft but the entire Snuggin Go can be washed (it has a removable cover!). One thing that we have been using it for lately is bedtime. When we position our son on the Snuggin Gohe sleeps so much better. I realize that wasn't an intended use but for some reason the unique form makes him feel safe. We struggle so much to get him to sleep through the night and this is one of the few things that has been helpful for us! It's also been so helpful in the high chairs at restaurants that usually overpower my little one. He sits in the better and he doesn't look as though he is about to fall out the bottom. I am very impressed with the overall versatility and construction of the Snuggin Go. It is a product that will grow with your child and can be used for so many purposes. You can watch a video and check out the full selection of color options & prints at Snuggin Go!
Snuggle Me'z are such a great way to keep your little one feeling cuddled and cozy in their car seat. Up until your little one outgrows their infant car set it is so much more than just a safe place to ride. You carry it along with you, you snap it into your stroller, and you attach it to your shopping carts. Your baby spends a great deal of time inside their carrier and with a Snuggle Me'z you can make that time more pleasant. It is so easy to use. You just pull the elastic cover over the edges of your carrier. You can zip baby inside to keep them feeling warm & cuddled. It also comes with an attached blanket that can be rolled and secured to the back of your carrier with the velcro straps. Instead of tossing a blanket over the top of your carrier and struggling to keep it in place as you lug the heavy thing around - the Snuggle Me'z is attached so it will stay put. Using a Snuggle Me'z basically eliminates your need to pack a blanket. There is even a thoughtfully designed loop on the front to hold your child's toy or pacifier.
You can get a Snuggle Me'z in one of 7 beautiful fabrics, all of which are backed in luxurious ivory minky. It is incredibly soft. In my opinion - if you have one of these there is no longer any need to purchase a car sear cover. You really get a blanket, cover, toy holder, and a sure fire way to keep your child warm all in one product. I really like that they thought to design it with a zipper because then your child can't poke any toes out from in between buttons and it truly blocks the cool air from sneaking inside. If you had to spend as much time sitting in your car seat as your little one does - I'm pretty sure you would appreciate having a Snuggle Me'z to give you the most comfort possible. You can order your own cover online at Snuggle Me'z.
You can also enter to win your own Snuggle Me'z. To enter visit Snuggle Me'z and then fill out the form below. The deadline to enter is May 30th and as always you can double your winning chances by subscribing to Now What Baby!
Barn Dandys has a wonderful collection of retro inspired products created with the motto "when you think like a child, magical things happen". I for one would have to agree because they certainly have a magical collection of products guaranteed to get your child's imagination turning. I love the vintage fabrics and the old fashioned appeal of the products. The cute lunchboxes with matching thermos deserve a place in your child's bookbag and the old fashioned appeal has proven to never go out of style.
You'll discover great options like sweet stuffed animals and dining sets, to bookbags and beach chairs. Some of my favorite items are the Treasure Desk (be sure to look at this cool product) - I can see my son hiding all of his favorite toys inside and also having a great time using it as a coloring surface! If you really want to make your little one jump up and down in delight, the teepees and tents are the way to go. Even as an adult those things appeal to me. There is something so fun about having your own special place and it can provide countless hours of pretend play. I love the vintage feel of Barn Dandy's teepees & tents - they would look cool in any room! I had the privilege of checking out one of the sleeping bags from Barn Dandys. It was the fabric that attracted me to it initially but when I saw it in person I was seriously impressed. This sleeping bag is super thick! It will not only keep your child warm but it will keep them comfortable as well. I am pretty sure it would be more comfy than an air mattress and in all honesty I have never seen a sleeping bag that was so well padded.
Everything at Barn Dandys is worth checking out and bookmarking for your next gift opportunity. The hardest part for me is picking which vintage fabric is my favorite! We are giving away the adorable sleeping bag you see below with the space print. This is such a great sleeping bag!! You can enter to win by visiting Barn Dandys and then filling out the form below. The deadline to enter is May 27th.
How many times a day do you and your baby play fetch? How often is it because you WANTED to play fetch? My little boy loves to toss his stuff to the ground and wait for me to pick it up. He tosses toys, pacifiers, blankets, drinks, well pretty much anything I give him to hold. Leave it to a creative mom to come up with a simple but incredibly useful product. The Toy Wrangler and it's little sibling the Mini Toy Wrangler will save you from playing pick up sticks every 2 minutes and it will keep your child's stuff from bonding with the nasty crap on the floor. These stretchy tethers velco easily to anything from your high chair to the car seat, the crib to the stroller, or my personal favorite my little boy's hand. The ring on the bottom allows you to attach whatever you would like and then to easily swap it out with something new. You can feel safe using the Toy Wrangler too because it has been tested just as any toy would be and even the plastic rings have been tested as food grade plastic. Once you try this one out you will be hooked!
2 lucky readers will win their own set of Mini Toy Wranglers! To enter to win visit the Luvloo site and fill out the form below. The deadline to enter is May 14th at midnght EST.
If you haven't baby-proofed your outlets there is no better time then now. Socket-Lockits are the first stylish option I have seen for preventing baby from making sparks. They have a huge array of options from letters to animals (even animal prints), polka dots to owls, flowers to nautical....the options are endless and you are sure to find one you would love to have in your home. In addition to the unique way Socket-Lockits makes child proofing a type of decor - they are also extremely safe for your child. They are made using non-toxic ink and use unique self-locking barbs that make it pretty much impossible for your little one to remove them! I tried them out and even my 3 year old was stumped as to how to remove them. He even resorted to using his plastic tools to try and hammer & pry them off with no avail. If they can keep my preschooler out I am a fan instantly!
2 lucky readers can win your own set of Socket-Lockits! To enter to win visit Socket-Lockits and then fill out the form below to enter. The deadline to enter is May 13th at midnight EST.
