The New York Times published a story yesterday about the Chinese manufacturer, Sanlu Group, a major producer of baby formula. They are recalling 700 tons of its baby formula after it was learned one baby died and kidney problems in at least 50 others. The formula is tainted with the same deadly chemical, Melamine, that was found in dog food earlier last year in the United States. The Chinese police believe that the formula was diluted with water to increase volume and then Melamine was added to disguise the dilution. The FDA has said that no formula from China has been approved for import. However, this formula may have been sold illegally in ethnic grocery stores in the United States.
My husband and I are always looking for new, fun and good baby products to use! So, I decided to meet with moms around the neighborhood about twice a month and discuss certain topics. So, I figured, why not start a blog to talk about all the products we test out! This way, I can share my findings with moms all over.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
See Kai Run, Shoes for your Little One
Friday, September 26, 2008
Infant Cruizer
It is great, I love it and wish I had it 11 months ago when my little one was born. Everywhere I went with this I was asked where I got it! Your infant carseat clicks right in and off you go! It has all terrain, airless tires and maneuvers so well. The convenience of the Infant Cruizer is unbelievable. It folds up so you can put it in your trunk and unfolds again with ease. You only need one hand to fold, unfold and click your baby right in, you can take it anywhere! This product grows with your child as well. You can buy a toddler seat adapter for the Infant Cruizer. This is great for air travel. When you have bought a seat for your toddler and want him to be safe in the seat, but lugging that big car seat around is such a hassle. The Cruizer takes care of that, just click and push away, right to the gate! This great product is also JPMA certified.
I do wish it was not as expensive though. At $149 it may not be affordable enough for most parents. However, if you plan to purchase the toddler adapter later on, it may prove to be a great investment. Another issue that I had with this was that it was so low to the ground. I often brought it with me to the grocery store when I just needed to run in. I was very worried that someone would not see my little one and run right into her with their cart!
Overall, I think this is a wonderful product and would strongly recommend it!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
BestEver Baby Mats
Sunday, September 21, 2008
GreenGuard
If you visit the GREENGUARD website, you can search for products that are certified. There are so many, and they must be tested annually! I am so happy that this non-profit organization is gaining recognition and that more and more products are becoming certified. You can also check out the different certification programs they have here."Children spend about 85 percent of their time indoors, where the air is
two to five times more polluted than the outdoor air. As a result, they face
long-term health risks due to indoor air pollution. The source for these
pollutants come from a variety of products in our homes and schools such as
furnishings, flooring, electronics, window treatments, mattresses, cleaners and
paints.
With increasing concern over pollutants and their impact on
children’s health, the GREENGUARD Children & Schools Certification Program
offers a solution to parents concerned about the indoor air quality of their
homes and in their children’s schools. The GREENGUARD Children
& Schools standard is overseen by the GREENGUARD
Environmental Institute (GEI), an industry independent, non-profit organization.
The Institute’s mission is to improve human health and quality of life through
programs that improve indoor air, tests and certifies indoor products based on
strict chemical emissions criteria.
The GREENGUARD
Children & Schools certification mark can be found on more than 110,000
products produced by over 100 manufacturers.
Given the growing awareness
of harm from indoor air pollutants, the GREENGUARD certification program is likely to be of interest to your readers. "
Great Food Pairings
- Strawberries and whole wheat toast-The vitamin C in strawberries converts the iron in the whole wheat toast to a form that cells can absorb.
- Oatmeal and milk-The magnesium in oats increases the amount of calcium your little one gets from the milk by keeping it from binding to fiber and other nutrients.
- Olive oil and veggies-Spritz spinach, green peppers, squash and other dark greens with olive oil. This healthy fat helps your little on absorb the veggies' antioxidants.
- Chicken and carrots-Everyone loves chicken noodle soup, don't just save it for when your little one is sick. The zinc in chicken helps the body metabolize the carrots' vitamin A.
Happy eating!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Organic Dreamsie by Kiddopotamus
The Dreamsie, by Kiddopotamus is an organic sleeper bag that comes with an adorable sleep cap. It is made from 100% certified Organic Cotton. Everyone knows how I feel about Organic products, so this item couldn't make me happier! This Organic Cotton Knit is ideal for your little one's sensitive skin.
It is a great alternative to blankets, when you know that blankets are big "no no" but you want to keep your little one warm during the night. It is safer than loose bedding and keeps your baby safely covered and cozy.
The Dreamsie even makes for easy diaper changes, with its' full length zipper. Don't worry, the zipper has a cute little star tab that closes over it at the top to keep the zipper from poking your little one!
Kiddopotamus products can be found at Babies R Us and Target. You can get the Dreamsie for "a well worth it" price of $24.99.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Simplicity Crib Recall
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Hoohobbers...What? Hoohobbers!
These bags are not only stylish, they are functional as well. They are made out of denier nylon, which makes them tough and durable. The bottoms are reinforced and the sides & pockets are lined. These bags come with the standard changing pad, as most bags do. There are 3 open bottle pockets and 1 zipper pocket across one side. What could make this bag better? It is machine washable! When they say machine washable, they mean it. I did not find any fading or fraying when I washed this bag.
There are two things I would change about my messenger style bag. First, I would make the strap longer, or at least adjustable. Second, I need more room. There could be more pockets and it definitely needs to be "expandable." It is great for a quick stroll or trip to the mall, when you don't have to pack everything!
Overall, Hoohobbers has great products and I would recommend the diaper bags. I love the style and got many compliments. It is competitively priced at $70 and if there are other things at their site you like, spend over $75 and get free shipping. And for all of you Chicago parents...this product is made right here in Chicago. Gotta love local products.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Upcoming Reviews
- See Kai Run Baby Shoes
- Amy Michelle Diaper Bag
- Bebe Au Lait Nursing Cover
- Best Ever Baby Mat
- Infant Cruizer
- JJ Cole BundleMe
- Kiddopotamus Dreamsie
Thursday, September 11, 2008
SwaddleMe by Kiddopotamus
I discovered the SwaddleMe while doing product reviews and have since introduced it to several friends. They love it!
From the Kiddopotamus site:
"SwaddleMe®Adjustable Infant Wrap
The One. The Only. The SwaddleMe.
Wrap your baby in the comfort of the SwaddleMe® and rest assured she will sleep safe, sound and secure. The renowned SwaddleMe® soothes infants and reduces symptoms of colic by recreating the soothing snugness of the womb. It also reduces the incidence of the startle reflex, helping babies to sleep longer. The award-winning SwaddleMe® has revolutionized the way babies - and parents - sleep around the world and it has forged an international renaissance in swaddling.
Swaddling Can Reduce the Risk of SIDS and help babies sleep through the night. New research shows that swaddling can help reduce the risk of SIDS by promoting better sleep when infants are on their backs."
This product is so easy to use and you can change a diaper without having to remove their arms from the swaddle. The SwaddleMe also gives piece of mind that the swaddle won't unwrap and end up over her head which is a fear I am sure all parents have!
The SwaddleMe has also won numerous awards, including the iParenting Media Award and the 2008 "Babble Best" 1st place award for best swaddling blankets.
The SwaddleMe Adjustable Infant Wrap comes in 3 sizes:
Preemie: 3 to 7 pounds
Small: 7 to 14 pounds
Large: 15 to 22 pounds
It also comes in numerous different fabric types, each with numerous colors & patterns:
Microfleece
Bamboo
100% cotton knit
100% cotton flannel
Luxe
100% Certified Organic Cotton Knit
You can find the SwaddleMe at my Amazon store or at the Babies R Us website.
Separation Anxiety
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Dad Gear
For all the dad's out there that hate carrying around pink flowery diaper bags, I have found the bag for you! Moms have been demanding stylish diaper bags for some time now, her is one for dads. It is a great Messenger Bag from Dad Gear. This great bag does not look like a diaper bag. It is rugged and stylish, with all the properties of a great diaper bag! Dad Gear is calling it a "hands free" bag, you can change, feed, and entertain your little one without ever having to put the bag down. It has some great features:
- removable front panel to allow for easy packing and cleaning
- my favorite, quick access wipes window under the front panel, which has a refillable container included. This is patent pending.
- 2 large pockets on the interior for diapers
- 2 bottle pockets on the side that are accessible from the outside or the inside
- 2 tall skinny pockets on either side of the wipe window, for lotions or sprays
- changing pad, that is in a separate back pocket, to avoid cross contamination
- heavy duty fabric and very durable hardware
- large adjustable strap with a shoulder pad for comfort
- optional 3 point harness
Monday, September 1, 2008
Indie by Bumbleride
- the front wheel swivels 360 degrees or can lock in position for joggers
- includes an air pump, foot muff and cup holder
- handle bar adjusts to accomodate the taller or shorter parents
- all the fabric is removalbe and washable
- large basket below
- fits a child up to 45 lbs
- car seat ready, it includes a car seat adapter for many car seats
- 5 point adjustable harness
- zip off canopy
- 4 position reclining back rest
I am sad to send this stroller back, however, there were several things that I felt could be improved upon. The Indie is listed as being a "mere 20lbs." To me, that is very heavy! I felt that this stroller was too heavy to be traveling with. I won't go into my trip downtown on the train with my daughter, diaper bag, car seat and the 20lb stroller! It is listed as a jogging stroller, however, I would not jog with it. Even with the front wheel locked it did not seem stable. I love strollers that have the reclining backrest. The Indie did have this, however, it was very hard to release and re-position. Finally, I have been using this stroller for 3 months, taking it everywhere with me (since it is so stylish) and I still can not figure out how to fold it. It takes me a lot of time (and words that should not be repeated) to finally figure out how to fold it!
Overall, I felt that there were way more advantages than drawbacks to this stroller and would recommend it to others (but keep your folding directions handy).
Short Haul by Baby Sherpa
- a soft-sided cooler
- a pouch with a key clip
- 9 organizer pouches
- pacifier and toy clips
- insulated bottle pocket and water bottle holder
- heavy duty handle
- over sized changing pad
- padded shoulder straps and sternum strap
- fits as a carry-on when traveling on airplanes
This bag is most importantly, comfortable! My husband and I go hiking quite often and love the outdoors. This bag was perfect. It fit everything we needed and the lunches we packed were kept cool! It includes, what they call an "optic pouch", which is simply a padded pocket for your camera. Which is perfect for those hikes when you want to capture the great outdoors. My husband love carrying this pack because it has a rugged look, no one knows there are diapers and baby food in there.
You can check out this bag at the Baby Sherpa website. It is competitively priced at $85. There is also a larger size available and that retails for about $89.