See Kai Run, Shoes for your Little One

What great shoes I have found! See Kai Run, with stylish and hip designs, will definitely give Pedipeds a run for their money. These shoes were created by a mom, who was looking for comfortable and flexible shoes for her son, Kai. She developed a great shoe, that is healthy for your little one's feet.

See Kai Run shoes have extremely flexible rubber soles that move with your child's foot. The rubber provides enough support that you don't need to worry about your child playing outside, as you would with other soft soled shoes. The sheepskin, buttery soft leather is more durable than other material and will hold up to even the most toughest players out there! These shoes have a breathable liner and a padded collar that adds comfort. They are very easy to get on and off, with a Velcro closure. The APMA has provided their seal of acceptance to these beautiful and "healthy" shoes. These shoes are also available in soft soles for your little ones that are not walking yet. These shoes are competitively priced, most shoes being between $30 and $40.

See Kai Run has partnered with Soles4Souls and has provided thousands of shoes to children in need.

Infant Cruizer

I know that everyone out there struggles with carrying their infant carrier. It can be so heavy and awkward, especially when you have your diaper bag. GoGo Babyz has come up with an innovative, safe and functional 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!

BestEver Baby Mats

Are you looking for a soft mat for your little one to have tummy time on? I have come across this great product, Baby Mats by BestEver. They are plush mats that look like animals and are super soft. They are large enough for your little one to have wiggle room, 31", definitely large enough for even the larger baby! Your little one will love to have tummy time on this big baby mat, playing on the Big Blue Dog or the Cuddly Giraffe! It also has a non-slip back for those of you that may have wood or tile floors. Check this site out, there are many other great products that they have to offer. As for price, at $41 I think it is a bit pricey, however, it would make a great shower gift or even Christmas present-it is something that is unique and maybe would be overlooked if you were buying it for yourself.

GreenGuard

I have had the great pleasure to be in contact with a wonderful woman, Hilary Abbott, who has been able to send me so many products to review. She has introduced me to the GREENGUARD Certification program. I wanted to try and sum up her words, but she tells it best.

"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. "

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.

Great Food Pairings

I was reading October's issue of Parents magazine and I came across a little article that I think many of you will find helpful. This article gives 4 examples of food that when paired together, they become more nutritious. Apparently, certain vitamins and minerals feed off of each other and become more absorbable. The following pairings sound very yummy:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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!

Organic Dreamsie by Kiddopotamus

When my little one was first born, I loved putting her in those sleeper bags for bedtime. I was comforted by the fact that even though we were not using blankets, she was kept warm in her little sleeper bag. That is just how our reviewer felt about the 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.

Simplicity Crib Recall

Simplicity has voluntarily recalled about 600,000 units of their drop side cribs. If you own one of these cribs, you should stop using it and visit the recall website. Due to hardware sizing problems, the drop side of the crib can come off the track. When this happens, a gap is created which could cause entrapment or suffocation. Check the website to see a list of model numbers, stores the cribs were sold at and to get more information (including contact numbers).

Hoohobbers...What? Hoohobbers!

What is a Hoohobber you ask? Hoohobbers produces "unique speciality products for Baby & Toddlers." I am specifically going to talk about their diaper bags. These bags are a stylish modification to the every day diaper bag. They have over 40 different designs in 3 different styles; the messenger bag, the tote and the backpack. You can even get these bags monogrammed for an added $12 (which gets you free shipping).

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.

China Recalls Baby Formula

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.

Upcoming Reviews

I have several reviews in the works, so be sure to look out for them in the coming weeks.

• 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

SwaddleMe by Kiddopotamus

When Grayce was born, the nurses at the hospital swaddled her to help recreate the womb. When I got home, what a struggle it was to try and wrap her up like the nurses had. I wish I had the Swaddleme by Kiddopotamus, because struggling with those blankets and trying to wrap up my little one was a nightmare! I have several friends that swear by this product. I struggled with swaddling her just right so the swaddle wouldn’t come apart while she was sleeping. I was awful at it, not to mention the hassle during nighttime diaper changes.
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

I fully know that I am being so silly about this, but I am starting to have separation anxiety as we prepare to get rid of Grayce's baby carrier and move strictly to a convertible car seat. We have been using an Evenflo convertible car seat on and off for some time now. However, I am clinging to the infant carrier with all my might! This is partially because once it is put away in storage, that means my little baby is growing up. However, that is not the main reason. It is so easy to tote Grayce around with her carrier. She has not out grown it yet, she is very petite! I can run errands and take her in and out of the car with ease. With the convertible car seat, the in and out of the car does not make her a happy camper. She hates it! She often falls asleep in the car and the carrier makes it so much easier to take her in without waking her. Which let me tell you, makes for a very peaceful dinner out! Think if I had to take her out of the car seat, wake her up and then stick her in a high chair she does not want to be in! Yikes, we will definitely be having less dinners out. I have grown quite attached to my infant carrier. Everyone is telling me that I have to let go and move on. Is this really necessary?

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:

1. removable front panel to allow for easy packing and cleaning
2. my favorite, quick access wipes window under the front panel, which has a refillable container included. This is patent pending.
3. 2 large pockets on the interior for diapers
4. 2 bottle pockets on the side that are accessible from the outside or the inside
5. 2 tall skinny pockets on either side of the wipe window, for lotions or sprays
6. changing pad, that is in a separate back pocket, to avoid cross contamination
7. heavy duty fabric and very durable hardware
8. large adjustable strap with a shoulder pad for comfort
9. optional 3 point harness

My husband loves this bag. And to tell you the truth, so do I! It has so much room and you can just stuff it full without every having to worry that it won't close. We have gotten so many compliments on it. There are several styles you can check out at the Dad Gear site and each comes in a variety of colors and patterns. You are sure to find one that fits your style! You can check out Daisy Gear too, for the ladies.

Indie by Bumbleride

I am one of those moms that is crazy for strollers (and diaper bags). Even though I can only push my daughter in one stroller at a time, I would own 12 if I could. And of course, they have to be the chicest stroller around. I had the pleasure of testing out the stylish Indie stroller by Bumbleride. I had the limited edition with fabric designed by the artist Bwana. For 3 months, my little one got a smooth and comfortable ride in this great attention getter, with its colorful and fun graphics. I definitely felt that the Indie was extremely easy to push and manuevered quite well. With the provided directions, it was a breeze to put together. The great features are:

• 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

I am going to start by saying that I will not call the Short Haul by Baby Sherpa a diaper bag. I am going to call it a multifunctional and ergonomically designed bag for the active parents. This bag is great and has so many advantages:

• 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.