Baby Gourmet was created by Jennifer Broe, a mom herself, who wanted to feed her babies food that was healthy and tasty, but was disappointed by grocery store options. Every package of Baby Gourmet passes strict nutritional and food safety guidelines. We pass all USDA and organic certifications. I am comfortable feeding my child a snack knowing it was created by a mom and passes all the guidelines and organic certifications.

There are three different stages to the Baby Gourmet line and each stage is designed to meet baby’s needs as he/she grows. Also, each Baby Gourmet meal is:

-Organic
-No thickeners or fillers
-No added sugar
-No added salt
-Kosher
-BPA-free re-sealable packaging
-USDA, FDA and organic certification

My daughter had the opportunity to try all nine flavors in the Baby Gourmet Line. I knew she would be particular about the temperature, as we have tried other squeezeable packed meals, so I would put one in the refrigerator the night before using it. Now, the squeezeable pouches are designed differently from other ones we have tried and I actually prefer the design over the others. The Baby Gourmet meals are mess free, as long as your child doesn’t squeeze the pouch hard enough to make all the food come out of the top. When we first started using pouched meals my daughter was around six months old and she did not understand the concept to suck out the food and squeeze when it needs to be moved to the top. At two years old, she definitely has the technique down pat. Also, you can squeeze the meal onto a spoon and spoon feed children who aren’t ready to be independent feeders. I really like the Baby Gourmet meals because of the convenience, ease of use, slim design for easy storage in purse/bag, and the fact that they are absolutely delicious. I have always tried everything my daughter has eaten, even the nasty foods in a baby jar. If I didn’t like it, I wouldn’t feed it to her. So far, I haven’t disliked one of the Baby Gourmet meals and the only one she was kind of “iffy” about was the Roasted Squash and Fruit Medley. Her favorites have been:

*Old Fashioned Apple Crisp
*Tropical Banana Bliss
*Vanilla Banana Berry Risotto

I fully recommend Baby Gourmet products for moms who are always on the go. Baby Gourmet products can be purchased in many stores and even on Amazon.com (you will save 35% shopping at Amazon).

Disclosure: I did receive the nine flavors from the Baby Gourmet line free in order to try the product and form an opinion for this review. I was not compensated in any other manner. The opinions expressed above are my own any claims should be verified on the sponsor’s site.

*Gripe Water
*Belly Bouncing
*Warm Baths
*Swings
*Carriers
*Bouncers
*Different Formulas/Bottles

Nothing helped. Our colic adventures lasted twelve weeks. I say, “ours” because the entire house was affected by our baby having colic. I was blessed to have a husband who helped out and would take shifts to give me a break. I have heard of households where a baby has colic in the middle of the night for 5-6 hours. I am glad we did not experience the late night colicky stage, but I know it can happen. I am currently 30 weeks pregnant and the thoughts of colic actually scares me especially with having a toddler to take care of. Dr. Greene has 10 tips to reduce colic and how to deal with fussiness while breast-feeding.

There was a recent survey conducted by Clarity Research on 100 moms with colicky babies. Results of the survey showed that parents of colicky babies feel overwhelmed and stressed, experience severe strain on their marriages, and were often confused about best practices on soothing their babies. Findings include:

-Nearly one in five said that having a baby with colic almost led to a divorce.
-More than 1/3 responded that having a baby with colic made them doubt whether they wanted another baby.
-More than 1/3 said that having a baby with colic greatly contributed to their post-partum depression.
-Nearly 3/4 revealed that they felt as if they were failing as a parent when they were not able to make their baby feel better.

I understand the strain colic can have on a household. Not only was I a first time mother of a preemie with some minor health conditions, I was also experiencing postpartum depression myself. I encourage mothers and fathers to have a support system during the colicky stages. If at all possible, take a date night, recruit grandmothers and friends to give you a break for a few hours, and always try to take care of yourself.

Born Free, a leader in juvenile feeding products, has declared March Colic Awareness Month. I believe having a month dedicated to colic awareness will help parents who are struggling with current colicky babies and educate parents to be on the do’s and don’ts with colic. Born Free which was acquired by Summer Infant in March 2011 actually has bottles clinically designed to reduce colic and gas. The Active Flow Venting Technology of Born Free bottles is a two-part venting system modeled after a mother’s natural milk flow in order to reduce the amount of air ingested when compared to other bottles. The goal is to offer babies a calm feeding experience.

Born Free is generously giving away the Classic Bottle Gift Set to one lucky reader of Pajama Mommy, in honor of Colic Awareness Month. I had the opportunity to review the set myself and am extremely pleased in the natural aspect of the Born Free bottles. We did not have the opportunity to use Born Free bottles with our first child, but will be using them with our baby boy. We want to be fully prepared in every way possible for the colicky stage by having a natural choice in feeding with Born Free bottles.

THE GIVEAWAY

The winner will win one Classic Bottle Gift set (Valued at $65) and the set will include:

3 -5 oz. Classic Bottles
3- 9 oz. Classic Bottles
3- Level 3 Silicone Nipples
1- Formula Dispenser
1 – Twister Bottle Brush Set
Features:

-Natural Milk Flow, controlled by baby for an experience closer to breastfeeding
-Naturally Fuss Free, ActiveFlow™ Venting Technology clinically designed to reduce colic symptoms
-Naturally Safe, free from BPA and PVC
-Premium, durable material that is ideal for sterilization
-Dishwasher Safe

HOW TO WIN

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I did receive the Born Free Classic Bottle Gift Set free in order to try the product and form an opinion for this review. I was not compensated in any other manner. The opinions expressed above are my own any claims should be verified on the sponsor’s site.

Now that I am pregnant with baby number two, breast feeding is an option I am considering. This time around, I’m not totally committed to it as I know the possibilities of having issues with breast feeding. But, to prepare myself, I have been looking into bottles that will cause less nipple confusion. I was introduced to the mimijumi “Very Hungry” bottle and had the opportunity to review one. The mimijumi is designed by a physician father and a psychiatrist. The mimijumi is manufactured in Austria, made from Swiss polyamide plastic and German medical grade silicone to ensure a toxin free feeding experience without BPA, lead or other contaminants. The nipple is soft silicone, colored to resemble skin, and has an integrated ventilation system to aid in baby’s digestion. I was very impressed with the quality, design, and durability.

First off, the design of the nipple mimics the shape of a breast nipple. When drinking from the bottle, baby will latch on to the nipple of a mimijumi just like they would latch onto their mother’s breast. My favorite part: baby must latch on to the nipple to make the bottle express milk, exactly what happens during breast feeding. After trying many bottles with my first child, none of them had this amazing feature to help mom’s who struggle to breastfeed.

My second favorite feature is the super wide mouth on the bottle which makes it easier for pouring and for cleaning. I compared the mimijumi to Avent bottles, and the wide mouth definitely helps with less spillage especially when it is late at night and you are trying to prepare a bottle for a hungry baby. Also, the wide mouth feature makes it easier for cleaning. My husband has larger hands than I do and scrubbing the inside of a bottle can be difficult without a bottle brush. The mimijumi is wide enough for him to wash the inside of the bottle with a washcloth and dish soap.

Lastly, the mimijumi is extremely durable. We tested the durability on our two year old daughter. When our daughter was younger, we were always replacing nipples during teething stages. She would bite into the nipple and the nipple would tear causing us to replace them more often than we wanted. When the mimijumi arrived, I let her explore the bottle herself. She chewed on the nipple and pulled it with her teeth, after five minutes there was no damage. I was extremely impressed and it was definitely approved for our household.

mimijumi has partnered with Pajama Mommy to giveaway two mimijumi bottles to one lucky reader! The “Very Hungry” baby bottle (8oz) and nipples retail for $14.99 and the “Not So Hungry” baby bottle (4oz) retails for $14.99.

Disclosure: I received one mimijumi bottle free in order to try the product and form an opinion for this review. I was not compensated in any other manner. The opinions expressed above are my own any claims should be verified on the sponsor’s site.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Ouidad KRLY Kids line has three products: No Time for Tears Shampoo, No More Knots 2-in-1 Conditioner, and Pump ‘n Go Styling Spray Gel. Each product is extremely gentle, moisturizing and easy to use.

PRODUCT REVIEWERS

The little girl on the left side is my daughter’s friend, she was the main product reviewer for the KRLY Kids products.

No Time for Tears Shampoo

The shampoo has a gentle formula designed to cleanse curly hair without the tears. Many products are not tear free. Once the shampoo gets into a child’s eye, bath time is no longer enjoyable. We have had this happen in our own household, especially with fragranced products. We have always used Johnson’s in my daughter’s hair, just to avoid the tears. My friend tried the shampoo on her daughter and did not have any issues with fits from burning or tears. The shampoo also has proteins and amnio acids to create more luxurious curls. The KRLY Kids shampoo retails for $12.00 and comes in a 8.5oz bottle.

No More Knots 2-in-1 Conditioner

The conditioner is actually a detangling rise and a leave in conditioner. My friend raved about the conditioner after using it on her daughter’s hair. Like most children, her daughter does not like to have water dumped on her head and rinsing out products can be a task. She felt comfortable using the conditioner knowing it was okay to not fully rinse the product out and could actually leave it in her daughter’s hair. The condition helps prevent split ends and doubles as a leave in moisture treatment. There were no tangles with her curls and a comb glided through with ease. The conditioner retails for $14.00 and comes in a 8.5oz bottles.

Pump ‘n Go Styling Spray Gel

The spray gel is an easy spray on application for quick styling on the go. With a toddler it is difficult to hold them down to put bows in their hair, or even get a comb through it. The spray on application helps complete a quick ‘do without having to worry about styling. The spray gel has special wheat proteins which define curls and protect against humidity with a soft hold. Our personal toddler reviewers hair was soft without the hard/tough feeling most spray gels leave in hair, also her curls were more curly instead of frizzy. Even after a couple of hours at the park, her hair stayed curly. The spray gel retails for $15.00 and comes in a 8.5oz spray bottle.

My friend was extremely impressed with KRLY Kids products and recommends them for curly-haired toddlers/kids.

Disclosure: I received the products above free in order to try the product and form an opinion for this review. I was not compensated in any other manner. The opinions expressed above are my own any claims should be verified on the sponsor’s site.

Hyland’s is a line of products from infants to elderly, which is completely homeopathic without any side effects.

“The active ingredients in Hyland’s homeopathic medicines work by stimulating the most effective healing force known – the body’s own natural defenses – and are therefore not heavy or overpowering. The medicines are virtually free of side effects and can be taken by nearly anyone at any time, from infants to the elderly, including anyone taking prescription medications.” – Hyland’s Website

 

 

The first products we tried from Hyland’s Baby line were the Colic Tablets, Teething Tablets, and Teething Gel. Hyland’s Teething Tablets were our favorite for months. We were those lucky parents blessed with a baby who had colic. For the first two weeks of her life, we dealt with colic without any help. We were rocking her endlessly, holding her, putting her in a swing, rubbing her belly, nothing seemed to console her. Our colicky nights would last 3-4 hours a night and it started to wear on our bodies and minds. We tried the Hyland’s Colic Tablets and I cannot say whether or not the colic tablets were the miracle that soothed her colicky nights, or if it was us changing formula and routines, but it didn’t seem to hurt at all.

Our daughter was blessed with her two bottom teeth at 12 months of age. But, for six months, she went through the teething pain until those bottom teeth broke through her gums. After her bottom teeth arrived, teeth started coming in left and right. We gave her two teething tablets at a time, as directed, and her discomfort seemed to be eased with the tablets. As a mom who always wants to try natural/homeopathic methods, I was relieved to find something to help her without any side effects. I also was able to win my husband over and he now believes in the homeopathic medicines.

I was actually saddened when Hyland’s Teething Tablets were recalled, because we depended upon the tablets every single day. But, to our luck, we discovered the teething gel! Our pediatrician always warned us about using Orajel because of the chance of overdose with excessive use and was the one to recommend the Hyland’s Teething Gel to us. Therefore, while the tablets were off the market, the gel was on her gums. At 18 months old, we didn’t have to worry about teething for awhile. I knew her “eye teeth” and molars would come in eventually and I figured she would be able to tolerate the pain. I was wrong. Two months ago the teething pain started back with one of her eye teeth trying to break through the gum at the top. She was uncomfortable. My husband and I went out and bought her some Hyland’s Teething Tablets (YES, they have been back on the market for awhile now!) and we haven’t had any issues with discomfort.

I was blessed with the opportunity to review all the products in the Hyland’s Baby homeopathic line.

Since we had already used the Teething Tablets, Colic Tablets, and Teething Gel in the past, we already knew how wonderful they worked for our daughter. I was excited to receive extra teething tablets during our “eye teeth” horror, along with the gel. We have been alternating between the two for day time and night time use. We haven’t been able to fully review the following, as my daughter hasn’t had any symptoms yet but I wanted to provide information for each one:

1.) Hyland’s Baby Cough Syrup: Recommended for babies 6 months to 3 years old and there is no honey used in the new formula! As most of you know, honey is not recommended for children under one.

2.) Hyland’s Diaper Ointment: I am sure we will be using this periodically, but she hasn’t had any red bums lately. The ointment is fragrance free and color free. I’m not sure if this ointment is safe to use on cloth diapering, as this is the method we will be using with our baby boy due in May and it does contain Petroleum. I will have to seek advice and research on this before attempting it in a cloth diaper with our son.

3.) Hyland’s Tiny Cold Tablets: These tablets are recommended for ages 6 months to 3 years old. The tablets are dissolvable and temporary relieves the symptoms of runny nose and sneezing due to common head colds. Luckily, we have avoided a cold over the past few months but is a product we will definitely try in the near future.

4.) Hyland’s Infant Ear Ache Drops: We haven’t had to use drops in our daughter’s ears since she has had two surgeries for tubes placed in both ears. We were actually told not to use any drops for her ears, but Hyland’s does have ear ache tablets we may use in the near future with her if she does experience any type of ear pain. We will be using the drops with our son if he does experience ear pain during babyhood.

We have been using the Hyland’s Vitamin C Tablets since they arrived at our front door. My daughter says they are “yummy” and she’s used to taking them during lunch time now. The Vitamin C Tablets are lemon flavored and dissolved quickly like other Hyland’s tablets. Although we do give her a multi-vitamin, we are happy to add in the extra Vitamin C for her.

All Hyland’s Baby Products are now at Walgreens! We have always found the products at Wal-Mart, so I was happy to hear that Hyland’s will now be available at Walgreens, which is closer and more convenient for us.

GIVEAWAY!

THREE LUCKY WINNERS WILL RECEIVE EVERY ITEM IN THE PICTURE.

1.) Teething Tabelts
2.) Colic Tablets
3.) Teething Gel
4.) Cough Syrup
5.) Diaper Ointment
6.) Vitamin C
7.) Tiny Cold Tablets
8.) Ear Drops

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received all the products above from Hyland’s Baby free in order to try the product and form an opinion for this review. I was not compensated in any other manner. The opinions expressed above are my own any claims should be verified on the sponsor’s site.

The SheaMoisture’s Organic Baby Head-to-Toe Wash & Shampoo retails for $9.99 and can be purchased at Walgreens. Product information includes:

-Shea Butter: Deeply moisturizes and heals dry skin with its high content of fatty acids and vitamins
-Argan oil: High in vitamin E, this rare oil softens and renews the skin
-With frankincense & myrrh: Given as a gift of beauty throughout history, these precious extracts repair and rejuvenate skin
-Suitable for all ages
-No parabens, phthalates, paraffin, gluten, propylene glycol, mineral oil, synthetic fragrance, PABA, synthetic color, DEA, or sulfates
-Cruelty free, no animal testing
-Made in USA

My favorite features are:

-Made in USA
-Organic
-Suitable for all ages

We used the SheaMoisture’s Wash and Shampoo last night during our normal bath routine. The wash smells very pleasant and it isn’t too strong. I noticed after the bath you couldn’t even smell the wash on my daughter’s skin, which was a plus for us. We were still able to smell the wash on her hair, as we did have to apply more to her hair to lather it well. I also noticed that you will have to use a bit more wash than a regular body wash, in order to lather and clean, but this was perfectly fine with us. The wash/shampoo did leave her hair kind of tangly afterward, so I hope one day a conditioning product will be added to the SheaMoisture’s Organic Baby Collection.

The SheaMoisture Organic Raw Shea Chamomile & Argan Oil Baby Healing Lotion retails for $9.99 and can be purchased at Walgreens.

Product Features:

-Shea Butter: Deeply moisturizes and heals dry skin with its high content of fatty acids and vitamins
-Argan oil: High in vitamin E, this rare oil softens and renews the skin
-With frankincense & myrrh: Given as a gift of beauty throughout history, these precious extracts repair and rejuvenate skin
-Suitable for all ages
-No parabens, phthalates, paraffin, gluten, propylene glycol, mineral oil, synthetic fragrance, PABA, synthetic color, DEA, or sulfates
-Cruelty free, no animal testing
-Made in USA

The SheaMoisture’s Healing Lotion was by far my favorite product we tried. First off, I love that the smell isn’t too strong and can be used for a girl or a boy. The texture is thick and creamy, lathers on nicely, and left toddler’s skin with an exfoliated feeling. We did shake the bottle as directed and apply from head to toe. The lotion did not leave any rash, or residue on her skin. I even used the lotion on my hands, which are currently extremely dry from the weather, and my hands felt soft and smooth all night. The bottle is large enough to last for months with a baby. With adult use from head to toe daily, I see the bottle lasting 1-2 months. I love the fact that the lotion is free of any chemicals and made in the USA. I will be using the same lotion on our baby boy due in May, as I am confident it will be great for his delicate newborn skin.

Disclosure: I received the Baby Wash & Shampoo along with the Healing Lotion for free in order to try the product and form an opinion for this review. I was not compensated in any other manner. The opinions expressed above are my own any claims should be verified on the sponsor’s site.

My daughter has always enjoyed bath time since she was two weeks old. We have never had any issues with bathing her, except when it comes to using bath wash. At 19 months old, she has very sensitive skin. Since birth, we have only been able to use natural products with her – fragrance free, hypoallergenic, with no harsh chemicals. We tried fragrance products a few times with her, but it usually causes a rash or makes her skin dry. Therefore, I was a little fearful in bathing her in the Jason Natural Bath Gel (Berry Burst), so I bathed myself with it. The bath gel is actually wheat and gluten free, I’m not for sure if these products can affect a child through skin if they are allergic – but I imagined it could if the child had a severe allergy to wheat or gluten. The smell is tolerable, I actually liked it and it didn’t stay on my skin too long after showering. The gel isn’t sticky, it squeezes onto a washcloth well, and washes well. I am not sure if the gel can create a bubble bath or not for kids, as I wasn’t able to test it out in a bathtub. When my daughter gets a little older and is not as sensitive to many products, I will be more than willing to test out the bath gel with her. The Bath Gel for Kids comes in an 8 oz bottle and retails for $7.87.

Disclosure

We were on the market for new all natural (no medicine added) pain relief for teething. I remember going to Blogher ’10 last year and having the opportunity to try natural alternatives from Boiron and thought I would check their website for teething pain relief. To my surprise, they actually had some – Camilia. I found a new love. Not only is Camilia benzocaine free, but it is has no preservatives, flavors, dyes, sugar or artificial sweeteners. It’s truly all natural. Camilia arrived just in time, our daughter is getting a molar teeth on the right side – yikes! My favorite part is Camilia comes in convenient, sterile single-use doses. I no longer have to squeeze gel onto my fingertips and rub them on my daughters gums – yuck! All you have to do is twist cap to open and squeeze into mouth. She didn’t gag, show disgust, and we didn’t even have to hold her down. Camilia can be used every 15 minutes for two more doses. Even though it’s all natural and I know she cannot overdose on it, I still space out the doses for ever 2-3 hours for two more doses. Other great news, you can start Camilia at one month old (if you have an early teether) and not worry about any side-effects! I would say that one box of 15 single-use doses will last us a week, or so. Even though we will be spending more on teething pain relief, we do not have to worry about medications (so hopefully no recalls!), overdoses, or holding her down to give her something to relieve the pain. Totally worth it in our opinion.

my nineteen month old’s teeth

Disclosure

Sports drinks have been getting a ton of bad press lately. Google the subject, and you’ll find a myriad of newspaper articles and blog posts “exposing” sports drinks for what they are—water with sugar and a little artificial coloring. But it’s no surprise that sports drinks have sugar in them; that’s something that’s never been hidden. The real question is, will that extra sugar be bad for your kid? Well, as most things, it depends.

Dental Health: One mark against sports drinks like Gatorade is that they can be bad for your teeth, if you drink them often enough. They all are relatively acidic, which can lead to enamel degradation. Juice and soda are acidic too, though, so it’s not like sports drinks are special in that regard.

Performance: The literature review of the effectiveness of sports drinks on preventing dehydration and increasing performance is mixed. In most respects, water and sports drinks perform equally well. After working out however, kids who have had the sports drink have been shown to have a higher body weight—meaning they lost less fluids during their workout. This is one potential benefit of choosing a sports drink over water.

Calories: Sports drinks are generally full of high-fructose corn syrup, providing many sugary calories to whoever drinks them. For example, 20 ounces of Gatorade Performance has 122 calories! That’s less than 20 ounces of soda, but it’s still nothing to sneeze at.

And, many studies have correlated a higher intake of sugary beverages, like soda and sports drinks, to higher body mass index and worse diet in children. It makes sense right? If a kid is drinking soda all the time, they’re consuming more calories, and drinking less of the beverages that are actually beneficial, like milk or 100% juice; greater intake of those beverages correlated to an adequate intake of calcium, vitamin C, vitamin A, and magnesium.

In Moderation: If you look at all the scientific studies I mentioned above, you might want to make a knee jerk reaction and pull that sports drink right out of your kid’s hands. Those studies aren’t about your specific child or family, however, and it’s important to realize how your particular situation could come into play here.

If you live in a house where kids rarely have soda or other sugary drinks, letting them have a Gatorade at sports practice isn’t going to make them obese. If your kid is already guzzling soda at home, then adding a sports drink isn’t going to help—but sports drinks are only one thing that should be on your list of dietary worries.

What you do want to avoid is having your kid think that sports drinks are somehow “healthy,” when the truth is that they’re not. And, you don’t want a situation where your kid drinks sports drinks in place of water, because they think the sports drink will somehow make them feel better. However, as long as the drinks are had in moderation, like being consumed only at a specific activity like sports practice, they aren’t going to make your kid unhealthy.

Other Possible Beverages: I would caution parents to avoid replacing regularly sugared sports drinks with lower-calorie artificially sweetened ones. The trouble with these? In studies, greater intake of diet soda has been linked to higher BMI. Why? People rationalize that they are consuming less calories, so they “make up” for it by eating more.

Instead, try creating your own fruit-infused water. Cut up strawberries, cucumbers, and apple slices, and let them sit overnight in a pitcher of water. The result is delicious and low-calorie. Or, pick up a low-sugar 100% fruit juice from the store.

The Bottom Line: If your kid eats a healthy diet and avoids most sugary beverages, letting them have a Gatorade at their practice or game isn’t going to hurt. Just don’t let sugary sports-drinks replace water in regular day to day activities.

The first of its kind, Nourish, is a patented ready-to-serve bottle for babies and spill-proof bottled water for toddlers.

Nourish Baby comes in a formula-ready bottle with a nipple top.  Each 8 oz bottle can be recycled and reused. Nourish Toddler comes with 10oz of purified spring water and a no-spill sippy top that won’t let water out or food in. http://www.nourish-inc.com/

My granddaughter just loved these bottles for her 8 month old!! We just had to open and add formula and shake and we were off! The nipple is sturdy but soft and just right for the formula flow.  I love that you can wash out and re-use.  The sippy cup was just as great and no leaks which is so important when you are on the go!

Nourish-Inc. received the 2010 MAX Award for most innovative new product in Georgia. In the meantime, The Nourish Relief Program has donated more than 5,000 Nourish bottles to bring clean water and clean bottles to infants and children in Haiti and to homeless shelters and disaster areas in the United States including the Genesis Shelter in Atlanta.

Nourish is the convenience solution for young ‘on the go’ families. Nourish Baby is eight ounces of purified natural spring water that is ready to mix with powdered baby formula.

Nourish Baby’s slim bottle is designed for tiny hands to hold. The wide neck aids in the spill-free addition of powdered formula and the bottle’s measurement markings assure mixed proportions are correct. The nipple has been sanitized and kept sterile with a tamper-evident seal and liner. To use Nourish Baby simply open the top, pour in the formula, close the top, and shake. Now active parents can lead their busy lives with out the cumbersome tasks of preparing and carrying adult-size bottles for their infants.

Nourish bottles are BPA free and created with the most highly recyclable PET plastic.

Please note that Nourish baby water contains 8 ounces of water and is not filled to the top to allow the addition of formula.

But this isn’t the best part of giving the American Express Children’s Health FundGift Card is that the $3.95 purchase fee is donated directly to Children’s Health Fund. Children’s Health Fund supports children and families who cannot afford health care on their own.

Visit American Express to make this very important purchase. Give the perfect gift and help out children in need!

Then, I was miraculously introduced to Zarbee’s Children’s Cough Syrup. Seriously good timing! It is an all natural product made with honey and contains antioxidants and a full day supply of Vitamin C. There are no harmful ingredients like in other cough syrups. Plus, it comes in great flavors.

I gave Hailey some Zarbee’s before she went to bed. She spent the whole night in bed. Not once did she get up crying or asking for some water. It was a great night!

Developed for kids by pediatricians and moms, Dr. Sears Family Essentials is a line of all-natural snacks and supplements that taste great by world renowned pediatrician Dr. Bill Sears.  Dr. Sears has been building his brand name for over thirty years and has written over 32 books, with over 4 million in print in four languages, and a website that attracts 1.5 million unique users each month.

Omega-3 DHA Acai Fruit Chews

• This product is an excellent source of Omega-3 DHA
• These chews contain no artificial flavors or colors
• These are Great tasting flavors that kids love

DHA is an essential nutrient for a healthy body and is a key component of the brain, eye and nervous system. Most children don’t eat enough fish, and we know it’s important for children to get DHA on a daily basis. But if they didn’t taste great, it’d be a no-go, you can’t fool kids. So we gave our Omega-3 DHA Fruit Chews delicious all-natural flavors that young ones crave. Which means you’ll see shinning smiley faces during supplement time.

MultiVitamin Mixed Berry Fruit Chews

Our Multi-Vitamin Fruit Chew formulation is something we are very proud of. The delicious mixed berry flavor is a perfect combination of sweet and tart. So yummy, it will have your kids reminding you that it’s supplement time. But, don’t be fooled, each chew is packed with 18 essential vitamins and minerals. Use promotes healthy development of bones, teeth, eyes and more.

• Mulit-Vitamin Chews contain No Artificial Colors or Flavors
• Chews are 100% All-Natural
• Chews provide 18 essential vitamins and minerals

Immune Citrus Fruit Chews

Our Immune Plus Fruit Chews feature Vitamins C and D, Zinc, Selenium and a remarkable super-nutrient called Wellmune. Our proprietary blend mobilizes and fortifies you child’s immune system while they play and work. Immunity is a key part of a healthy childhood. The puckering tangerine flavor will produce ear-to-ear smiles in your little ones at supplement time.

• Immune Plus Chews contain No Artificial Colors or Flavors
• Chews are 100% All-Natural
• Chews provide Vitamins C and D, Selinium and Zinc + Wellmune

POPUMZ™ All Natural Caramel Crisps -

Kids’ schedules are crazy these days at school. Sports, activities and homework dominate their time. The result of this busy lifestyle is more snacking. The answer? Popumz snack crisps. Popped whole grain crisps with protein for power and fiber to fill ‘em up. Plus a decadent 100% All-Natural drizzle in Chocolate, Vanilla and Caramel flavors fortified with 100mg of Omega-3 DHA. The delicious anytime snack you can give your kids (and yourself) without guilt.

• DHA is an essential component of the Brain, Eyes, and Nervous System
• Popumz are 100% All-Natural
• Chocolate/Vanilla/Caramel flavors that kids and parents love

All these items and more are available for order at:  http://www.drsearsfamilyessentials.com/  . They are tasty and packed with the essential vitamins all children need. Finally a vitamin you don’t have to fight with the kids to take.

The Original flavor has a hint of garlic which you don’t expect, but you truly cannot stop at just one.  I also ate the Sour Cream & Onion, Homestyle Barbeque and the Sea Salt & Vinegar.  Each one was better than the next, but the Original was still my favorite.  Pirate Brands are not greasy, and I didn’t get any acid reflux afterward like I do from a competitors greasy, salty brand.

Potato Flyers are baked with pressure, which makes them crisp and tasty, proving that you don’t have to “sacrifice” taste and fun for health when it comes to your potato chips.  Like all Pirate Brands snacks, Potato Flyers are all-natural, trans-fat and gluten free and provide a first-class crunch.  Plus, the chips are only 120 calories for a one ounce serving!  They are perfect to pop in the lunch box or bag for your kids for school.  Don’t forget your own bag!

Stretch Island Fruit Strips – an all natural and healthy option to consume your favorite fruits when they’re not in season. Offering a half serving of fruit per strip and only 45 calories each, it’s a nutritious option with no added sugar or artificial ingredients. Slip them right in your pocket! Available in Starbucks.

FruitaBu Fruit Rolls – Parents can pack these in lunches for their children or even hand them out as tasty treats on Halloween as bundles of candy are the typical choice. It’s a great way to sneak fruit into your children’s diets, as they offer a whole serving of fruit in each roll! Plus, your kids will love them because they’re fun to unroll, eat, and share with friends.

The Stretch Island Fruit Strips are delicious and will easily be gobbled up by kids as well as adults.  We all taste tested these and had no problem asking, “Oh! What other flavors do they have?”  They were that good.  Look, kids are inundated with so much sugar and junk these days, why not offer a healthier snack for them (and you) even if they don’t realize they’re eating fruit and something good for them.

Follow CVS/pharmacy on Twitter for great deals, money-saving tips
and discounts at: http://www.twitter.com/CVS_Extra

CVS Hand Sanitizing Spray For Kids

<http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/cvs/gateway/detail?prodid=417726&previousURI=/CVSApp/cvs/gateway/search?ActiveCat=499%5eQuery=hand+sanitizing+spray>

: Shaped like a pen for easy storage in backpacks and discreet usage, this non-alcoholic, citrus-scented hand sanitizing spray is a perfect way to keep kids germ-free when there isn’t a spot to wash their hands. The misty spray won’t run or make a mess like gels can, which makes cleaning up easy for kids. With 43% of school-aged children<(http:/www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/series/sr_10/sr10_244.pdf)> missing three or more days of school due to illness or injury – these germ-killing sprays can help keep kids healthy!

Caliber Recycled School

Box<http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/catalog/shop_product_detail.jsp?filterBy=&skuId=687875&productId=687875&navAction=jump&navCount=3>

or Caliber Pencil Case with Zipper<http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/catalog/shop_product_detail.jsp?filterBy=&skuId=970301&productId=970301&navAction=jump&navCount=3>: Send the kids to school in style with high-quality school supplies from Caliber, an exclusive CVS/pharmacy brand. The line also includes more Basic staples such as index cards<http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/catalog/shop_product_detail.jsp?filterBy=&skuId=239815&productId=239815&navAction=jump&navCount=3>,

notebooks<http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/catalog/shop_product_detail.jsp?filterBy=&skuId=687738&productId=687738&navAction=jump&navCount=3>,

scissors<http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/catalog/shop_product_detail.jsp?filterBy=&skuId=687874&productId=687874&navAction=jump&navCount=3>,

and gel

pens<http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/catalog/shop_product_detail.jsp?filterBy=&skuId=452859&productId=452859&navAction=jump&navCount=3> to round out the supply lists.

Gold Emblem snacks like Whole Natural

Almonds<http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/catalog/shop_product_detail.jsp?filterBy=&skuId=409016&productId=409016&navAction=jump&navCount=3>, Trail Mix<http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/catalog/shop_product_detail.jsp?filterBy=&skuId=488840&productId=488840&navAction=jump&navCount=3>

or Dried Cranberries<http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/catalog/shop_product_detail.jsp?filterBy=&skuId=694917&productId=694917&navAction=jump&navCount=3>:

Make sure kids are snacking and eating healthily during the school year. Golden Emblem offers a variety of foods so delicious, they’ll be the envy of the cafeteria.

Enter My Little Beating Heart by Banana Design Lab. It’s a cross between a pillow and a stuffed animal, shaped like a heart. It is adorable. And the cover comes off so it is machine washable! But what does it do?

My Little Beating Heart mimics the sound of the heartbeat. Hold it close and soon your heartbeat will be in sync. It is the perfect way to calm down that racing heart when our children are in distress. They just simply need to hold it close and soon they will calm down. It really works. I had the chance to test it out with my five year old daughter, Hailey. Hailey was in a fit over something. I still can’t tell you why because I just don’t know. I turned on My Little Beating Heart and handed it to her. She held on to it and within minutes she was calm enough to try and explain her feelings to me. By then, however, even she forgot what her fit was about. Problem solved.

While My Little Beating Heart is aimed at children, I wondered if it would work for me as well. I suffer from moderate anxiety and every once in awhile, my heart will start racing. Later that same day (yes, she was tired) Hailey threw another hissy fit. When I threatened to make her take a nap, she ran to her bedroom crying, “I don’t like my Mommy. I only love my Daddy now.”

So, I grabbed My Little Beating Heart and held it close to my own heart. It worked. Within minutes, I felt more calm. My heartbeat was in sync with My Little Beating Heart and I was calm enough to handle the situation.

My Little Beating Heart by Banana Design Lab will work for you and your children too.

Now we have Triaminic Fever Reducer Pain Reliever to give our children. Triaminic has been in business for over 50 years and is a trusted brand by pediatricians, parents, and their children. Currently, Triaminic Fever Reducer Pain Reliever is the only acetaminophen product available to us parents to use to relieve minor sore throats, headaches, and reduce fever.

Dr. Jennifer Trachtenberg addressed the situation and had this to say, “It is important that parents know there are safe and effective treatment options now available from brands they know and trust.  If parents have any questions about which over-the-counter options are most appropriate for their kids, they should ask their doctor or pharmacist.”

We use Triaminic in our home and have always been thrilled with the results. Our daughter actually likes the flavor and it has reduced her cough and cold symptoms for the past two years. Now we have Triaminic Fever Reducer Pain Reliever to add to our medicine cabinet.

August 1-7 was World Breastfeeding Week. To bring attention to this special week, Ameda is running a huge contest for all women that have chosen to breastfeed their children. Simply go to www.ibreastfeedbecause.com to enter the contest. You will be asked to upload a 20 second video explaining why you have chosen to breastfeed your children.

This contest will run through September. The winner will receive a $2500 nursery make-over and 25 runners up will win $50 American Express cards. But this is not the only reason to enter into the contest. There is a higher purpose.

Every video upload, video comment, or tweet will result in Amdea making a charitable donation to the Human Milk Banking Association of North America.

So, why do you breastfeed? Answer this simple question and you could win!

LensCrafters for Your Children

As parents, we thoroughly prepare our children for back to school. We buy all their school supplies, get their physicals, and sign them up for fall sports. One thing we may neglect is our children’s vision.

This is not uncommon. We can easily overlook our children’s vision needs assuming that their vision has not changed; that they do not need glasses or need a new prescription. But we can be wrong. It wouldn’t be the first time and it won’t be the last.

This is why LensCrafters holds its semi-annual sale right before back to school time. They understand that a child’s vision needs may change. They also understand that the majority of learning a child does in school is visual and it is imperative that they can see properly.

So from this weekend through the month of August, LensCrafters is offering a 50% off prescription lenses sale with the purchase of any pair of frames. This includes bifocals, no-lines, and prescription sunglasses. Best of all, they have a 30 day money back guarantee. So if your child decides he or she does not like their new glasses, they can be returned or exchanged.

We need to be there for our children and sometimes they don’t understand everything that is happening with their bodies. It is up to us to make sure their vision is attended to. LensCrafters also offers on-site vision testing.

This is so NOT the average toothbrush, for the following reasons:

-It has a 2Minute electric timer in the handle with a 30 second quadrant guide
-3 month Wear Meter tells time for replacement head
-93% of waste is eliminated by replacing only the head, not the whole toothbrush
-Premium RADIUS Hex bristles with a radiating design to ensure accurate and effective brushing

The RADIUS toothbrushes have up to 300 percent more bristles and they are soft, fine bristles.  RADIUS has seven distinct and unique lines of toothbrushes for different styles and needs, which you can peruse on their website   http://www.radiustoothbrush.com/ The kids tootbrushes are great, and they have travel cases too.

I have sensitive teeth and wish I had brushed longer and more thoroughly many years ago.  However, with the RADIUS Toothbrush I have that clean, fresh feeling each time, each 2-minute time, I brush!  Of course they also come in an array of colors so you’re bound to find one you like.

On a scale from 1-5 with 5 being the highest, I give this toothbrush and honest to goodness 6, with a strong urging for you to check them out.  The toothbrush head is very comfortable and cleans my teeth better than any other I have used. (Even is I cheat and use it for less than 2 minutes!).

We were just thrilled to sample these bottles, as my granddaughter is ready to deliver her first baby in just a few short weeks, and I know in my heart these will come in handy and save a lot of time and energy that she can use in different areas where the baby is concerned! It is also ideal for breast milk too.

Features

• Fast Flow Nipples for Babies 3 months+
• Holds up to 9oz
• No need to wash or sterilize. Ready-to-use immediately.
• Perfect for travelling, for the daycare, or for night feeds

To purchase go to www.babiesrus.com!

BornFree, was the first brand to provide a BPA Free and completely safe line to consumers, even before all the hoopla… Parents are still stressed about the BPA controversy and for good reason… New health concerns are popping up seemingly every week and with no ban from the FDA in sight – it’s so important to be aware of the health concerns and know which products are best for you and your family.

BornFree, an all-natural, Bisphenol-A (BPA), Phthalates and PVC free line of bottles, cups, pacifiers, teethers and accessories for babies and kids.  BornFree, has a wide range of products – totally free of the potentially dangerous chemicals. The products also have unique venting systems that minimize vacuum pressure as well as orthodontic silicone nipples and pacifiers, safe for kids’ developing teeth (developed under the guidelines of biological dentistry).

Tested And Proven!

In a recent independent test, various leading brands of bottles were tested for the level of vacuum (negative pressure). The more negative pressure, the harder it is for your baby to feed. The BornFree™ bottle was proven to have the lowest vacuum level making it the easiest way for your baby to bottle feed in combination with our very soft range of nipples.

These stainless steel bottles are BPA free and will not leach any chemicals or residues into your child’s drink. They are lightweight, durable and super easy to wash. They come in an array of fun colors like green, racing red, pretty pink, aqua blue and tangerine. I’ve washed mine 8 times since I’ve had it and the color on the bottle has stayed the same and hasn’t chipped or anything. I love how the ounce markings are indented on the inside of the bottle so you can easily measure how much liquid you put into the bottle.

The bottle is thin which made it REALLY easy for my 11 month old’s tiny hands to grasp the bottle and hold it. It is light weight, even with liquid in it so she was able to hold it and feed herself. The only two things I would warn is be careful if you heat your bottles (I wouldn’t heat these, the metal will hold temperature (hot or cold) and will be felt from the outside of the canister) and if your child likes to throw their bottle or drops it on a hard surface, it could possibly dent or paint could chip off. We haven’t had any denting or chipping with ours yet, but we have other stainless steel bottles in the house that have had this happen to. It doesn’t affect the safety or the use of the bottle, it is purely a cosmetic issue. If you are a veteran stainless steel user, then you probably already know these things!

So, if you are a mama out there wanting to choose the greenest and healthiest option to feed your baby a bottle or from a sippy cup, look no further because the Pura Stainless Kiki bottle is for you! Don’t forget that Pura Stainless also offers adult stainless steel water bottles! It’s a one stop shop for getting your family on a greener path to a greener lifestyle!

———————————–

In a new study, infants averaging six months of age who exhibited positional plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) had lower scores than typical infants in observational tests used to evaluate cognitive and motor development. Positional or deformational plagiocephaly may occur when external forces shape an infant’s skull while it is still soft and malleable, such as extended time spent lying on a hard surface or in one position. This is the first controlled study to suggest that babies who have flattened areas on the back of their heads during the first year of life may be at risk for developmental delay. Led by clinical psychologist Matthew L. Speltz, PhD, from Seattle Children’s Research Institute, these findings suggest that babies with plagiocephaly should be screened early in life for possible motor and cognitive delays. “Case-Control Study of Neurodevelopment in Deformational Plagiocephaly” published online on February 15 in Pediatrics.

“Developmental plagiocephaly seems to be associated with early neurodevelopmental disadvantage, which was most evident when testing motor skills,” said Matthew L. Speltz, PhD, chief of outpatient psychiatric services at Seattle Children’s Hospital and professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Washington School of Medicine. “This suggests that babies with flat head syndrome should be screened and monitored for possible cognitive and motor delays. However, it’s also important to note that our study examined babies at one particular point in time, so we cannot say with certainty whether these observations continue to hold true as these infants grow older. Our future studies will re-visit this population at 18 and 36 months of age, to see whether this association persists as these infants mature.”

“Statistically, there has been a dramatic rise in the diagnosis of positional plagiocephaly since the 1990’s. This may be a result of multiple factors, including increased awareness and babies spending more time on their backs in strollers, car seats, infant seats, cribs and sleeping on their backs. This time period also coincides with the national Back-to-Sleep campaign designed to help protect babies against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), although it should be noted that a direct correlation with flat head syndrome hasn’t been scientifically established,” added Speltz. “For every ten babies, one or two may have at least mild plagiocephaly. Many parents and physicians have dismissed it as a cosmetic issue or one that babies will grow out of as they develop, but our study indicates that we should look deeper.”

In the study, 472 babies with ages ranging from four to 12 months (average age six months) were screened for cognitive and motor development using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development III (BSID-III), a series of industry standard observational tests. These common tests observe babies for basic cognitive, language and motor skill development. During the BSID-III, trained examiners present a series of standardized test materials to the child and observe their responses to simple tasks that require problem-solving and memory, such as searching for a hidden toy, as well as the ability to imitate, vocalize, observe and respond to their environment. Infant motor skills like crawling, rolling from side to side, and being able to lift up from a tummy position are also observed and measured. Half of the babies in the study had exhibited and been diagnosed at the Seattle Children’s Hospital Craniofacial Center with some level of flat head syndrome, while half were a “normal” control group.

For the study, cranial images and measurements of each baby’s head shape and size were also obtained using a 12-camera, 3-D system that allows for 360o imaging of the head. The study found that those babies who exhibited some degree of flatness at the back of the head were more likely to perform worse on the BSID-III, by an average of 10 points for the motor test scale. The most significant lower scores showed in large muscle motor functions, such as rolling from back to side.

Though the findings indicated an association between flat head syndrome and developmental delay, they do not indicate a direct causal link, the researchers say. There may be a reverse correlation, if, for example, babies with pre-existing motor delays are more likely to end up with flatter heads because they may move less or remain in one stationary position for longer periods of time.

“Physicians, psychologists and parents all need to know that it remains very important for babies to continue sleeping on their backs,” added Speltz. “Regardless of any suggestion of plagiocephaly or developmental delay, the safest way for babies to sleep still aligns with the Back-to-Sleep campaign’s recommendations to help prevent SIDS.”

For information on the national Back-to-Sleep campaign and the ongoing importance of babies sleeping on their backs, visit: http://www.nichd.nih.gov/sids/, http://www.healthychildcare.org/sids.html and http://pediatrics.about.com/library/blbacktosleep.htm.

For information on positional plagiocephaly, visit:

http://www.seattlechildrens.org/medical-conditions/chromosomal-genetic-conditions/positional-plagiocephaly/ or http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/positional_plagiocephaly.cfm.

tips for parents and caregivers:

• Flat spots in a young baby’s head can be quite common, and by itself they are not a cause for alarm. Ask your baby’s doctor about it
• If your baby is diagnosed with plagiocephaly, ask the doctor to screen for developmental delays in both motor and cognitive skills. Talk about the results.
• Remember that babies develop at different times, and at different rates. What is “normal” for your baby may be ahead of or behind what is normal for another baby. Babies who start out slower often catch up later.
• Always place babies to sleep on their backs: this remains the safest way to sleep. Place your baby’s head at one end of the crib and switch to the other end the next night.
• Encourage active “tummy time” when babies are awake: find ways to for baby to engage, play and move while on their tummy, several times each day. Watch your baby during tummy time.
• Choose different positions and ways for babies to play and be held: variety of stimulation is important. Switch the arm you use to cradle your baby each feeding session; right one time, left the next.
• Use strollers, car seats, infant seats, bassinets, cribs and play pens when necessary, but remember that babies need frequent lap time, cuddling, active play times and chances to move that aren’t limited to being in stationary positions.
• Develop motor skills: play with babies to get them moving. Encourage crawling, rolling, reaching, pushing, pulling, holding, grasping.
• Develop cognitive skills: play with babies to get them thinking and talking. Encourage interactions with their environment, looking, listening, imitating, babbling, singing, talking, reading.

Speltz’s study collaborators included Brent R. Collett, PhD; Marni Stott-Miller; Jacqueline R. Starr, PhD; Carrie Heike, MD, MS; Antigone M. Wolfram-Aduan; Darcy King, ARNP; and Michael L. Cunningham, MD, PhD.

Bemis is going to give one of our readers a NextStep Built-In Potty Seat for their toddler! Just follow the rules below and one of you will have this wonderful NextStep Built-In Potty Seat for your very own. Good Luck Everyone!

My grandaughter Chloe is two and 1/2 and we have started her potty training.  We had originally bought one of those plastic “mini” versions of the adult toilet, and she actually cried when we tried to put her on it! For some reason it scared her so bad we had to wrap it up and put it in the attic far away from her.  I was sent one of these Bemis Built in Potty Seats to try and share with our readers, and I am so thankful ! She loves to use the potty now and feels like one of us as she isn’t set aside in a corner all by herself, or heaven forbid she knocks into it and it tips or spills–YUK.  She tells us when she has to “go” and we have no scary scenes or crying , and we are all very happy! I feel better knowing that this potty seat is from a comapny that has built toilet seats for a long time and it is a respectable and trusted name.  We call it the “Perfect Potty” in our house!

Bemis Manufacturing Company, the world leader in toilet seat engineering and design, has simplified the realm of potty training for both parents and toddlers with the launch of its NextStep® Built-In Potty Seat™.

The durable wood, two-in-one toilet seat accommodates both adult and child users equally. The seat’s design features a built-in potty seat that recesses into the seat cover where it is secured magnetically when not in use. When the cover closes, the magnetic feature automatically picks up and secures the child potty seat in the cover recess, eliminating the need for adult users to manually lift the child seat. When it is time to use the potty seat, toddlers can easily pull it down into position by themselves, allowing them to exercise their growing independence and reinforce their “I can do it myself” sense of confidence. The built-in magnet is not visible to the eye and is just strong enough to secure the potty seat to the cover but not so strong that a child cannot pull the potty seat down into position.

“The way this seat integrates right into the cover to eliminate clutter is a huge benefit to parents,” said Melissa Glancey, product manager of North American Plumbing Products for Bemis. “They don’t have to have that additional seat on the floor, and it’s always ready to use. When you’re potty training a toddler, having a system that’s quick to react to your child’s need makes a big difference for everyone.

“The NextStep seat is designed to equally accommodate children and adults. It also appeals to parents who want to maintain an adult-style seat in their bathroom. The seat has a sleek design that comes in white, in both round and elongated sizes to fit all manufacturers’ toilet bowls. It features a chrome hinge that complements bathroom hardware.”

With the NextStep seat, toddlers are able to use the regular toilet immediately and foster a grown-up feeling instead of first learning to use a small potty chair and then transitioning to the adult toilet as potty training progresses. Toddlers can use the seat with confidence knowing it is sized to hold them, is securely attached to the toilet and will not shift underneath them.

The NextStep seat also improves hygiene and simplifies cleaning. No need to handle and store a portable insert seat to enable adults to use the same toilet. No need to empty the content of a potty chair after each use. And no need to clean an additional toilet.

The NextStep seat is available in the Bemis® brand at The Home Depot. The suggested retail price for the round NextStep is $29.99 and $34.99 for the elongated version.

Bemis Manufacturing Company, the world’s largest manufacturer of toilet seats, serves residential and commercial buildings and OEM industries. Founded in 1901, Bemis continues to be privately owned and operated. Headquartered in Sheboygan Falls, Wis., Bemis has worldwide distribution in North, Central and South Americas, Europe and the Far East. For more information, visit www.bemismfg.com.

Rules

1. Contest is open to U.S. residents only.

2. You must leave a comment.

Additional Entries:

1. You may join our RSS feed preferably through the email subscription having the same email address on the comment that you have in the RSS feed.

2. You may write about our contest on your blog!

3. Tweet about this contest and comment here to tell us!

CONTEST ENDS:  December 31, 2009 @ MIDNIGHT EST.

Eco-Friendly. Safe. Quality. Affordable.

From organic cotton plush toys to sustainable wood teething toys, we are the premier toy store for eco-conscious parents!

We understand that you want the best for your children. That’s why we have spent a countless amount of time looking for some of the best toys around. We look for toys that have substance, spark imaginations and last generations. Additionally, we only carry toys from manufacturers that place utmost importance on quality and safety. We believe these are all characteristics that will have a positive impact during the crucial early child developmental phase. We are also constantly roaming the globe searching for the highest quality toys to add to our ever-growing selection.

We are very selective in choosing the toys that we carry. First, we generally stay away from toys made from plastics. Second, all toys must be non-toxic, phthalate -free, and contain no harmful chemicals. Third, all toys must pass very stringent American and/or European testing standards. Fourth, all toys must be made from the highest quality materials and fabrics. Additionally, many of our toys are hand-made and/or made in small-production batches. They also may be made from recycled or sustainable materials.

So we welcome you to explore our magnificent line of eco-friendly toys. Our vast and diverse selection will allow you to find the right toy for your special little one! We’re sure that your children will enjoy our toys for years to come and you will be delighted at the quality and craftsmanship. If you would like to learn more about our toys, please visit our Green Toy Knowledge Base. We look forward to serving you and thank you for visiting ecoTimeToys.com – Toys for a GREENER time!

Rules for giveaway are as follows:

1. Contest is open to U.S. residents only.

2. You must leave a comment.

Additional Entries:

1. You may join our RSS feed preferably through the email subscription having the same email address on the comment that you have in the RSS feed.

2. You may write about our contest on your blog!

3. Tweet about this contest and comment here to tell us!

4) Following ecoTimeToys.com on Twitter

5) Following ecoTimeToys.com on Facebook

6) Joining the ecoTimeToys.com E-mail List

(All of the above links can be found on their homepage: www.ecotimetoys.com)

CONTEST ENDS: November 28, 2009 @ MIDNIGHT EST.

There is significant public concern over the ingredients used in children’s products. Clementine Art removes the mystery and worry by creating art products that have simple, natural ingredients. Clementine’s pure and natural products allow children to express themselves with materials that are safe for them and the earth.

Healthier Products, Healthier Children
Clementine Art produces professional quality and earth friendly art supplies with pure, simple ingredients. Clementine’s products are colored with plant and mineral pigments instead of artificial dyes, providing an innovative solution to chemical laden, artificially colored art supplies. For Clementine, “natural” doesn’t mean a sacrifice in quality. Clementine offers creamy, washable tempera paints that don’t flake or crack; crumble-free, long lasting modeling dough; soft, vibrant crayons, and rock crayons designed to help children develop their dexterity through creative play; and a clear, strong, washable glue for paper, fabric, and wood.

Clementine’s ingredients appeal to parents who are concerned about the products that their young children interact with every day. Clementine offers ingredients that are both earth and child friendly. Clementine is dedicated to the health of the child and the health of the planet. Its product ingredients, packaging, and business practices reflect a commitment to sustainability and the environment. Clementine Art’s products do not contain any synthetic preservatives, animal byproducts, or petroleum bases, and Clementine is the first art product company to list all ingredients on its packages. Clementine Art uses renewable resources; all packaging is made from 80 percent post consumer recycled materials and is printed with soy based inks in a wind powered facility. Clementine is gentle to kids and to the earth.

Think Outside the Box, Color Outside the Lines
Clementine Art was founded in 2008 by Diana Mercer, a former teacher with over 20 years of experience in the field of education, arts education, and child development. Diana created Clementine Art to encourage open?ended art explorations for children. The process of creating art is a powerful developmental tool for children, and Clementine Art products encourage children to dream, imagine, experiment, create, problem solve, and above all, express themselves. Explains Diana: “Real art is about creating. Early childhood educators know that the process of creating art is just as important to a child’s development as the outcome. I wanted to create products that not only engaged children in an open ended creative process, but that could also become an everyday part of a healthy and creative lifestyle.”

A Bold and Bright Future
Clementine’s Management Team is comprised of natural products industry leaders. CEO John Maggio co-founded Boulder Potato Company [Boulder Chips] in 1994 and has since brought more than 100 retail products to market. Gordon Cooper, VP of Sales and Marketing, joined Clementine Art from Larabar, where he served as Vice President of Sales until it was acquired by General Mills in 2008. Katherine Gregory, VP of Operations, joined Clementine Art from Williams Sonoma, where she held management roles in both operations and marketing. Founder and Board Chair Todd Woloson, is a managing partner at Greenmont Capital Partners in Boulder and a co-founder of IZZE beverage company.

For more information on Clementine Art’s natural art products: visit www.clementineart.com or www.twitter.com/clementineart.

To Eliminate Germs and Contaminants

Boy oh boy can it become a production just to wipe my grandaughters nose, let alone try to get her to blow it! And the thought of trying to use one of those rubber bulbs to suck out the gunk, well, its not pretty, and alot of yelling and crying (from chloe  too) goes on!  Oh, and then trying to clean all that gunk out of those nasty bulbs is just impossible, and it is so uncomfotable for the little ones.  Well, that has now come to an end! YEAH!!!  What a great idea!

Cleanoz^® from UBIMED^® is the first battery-powered Nasal Aspirating Kit® that uses disposable reservoir nozzles, offering today’s health–conscious parents and caregivers a revolutionary new and sanitary way to clear the nasal passages of infants and toddlers while reducing the spread of harmful germs and eliminating time consuming cleanup afterwards.

 Cleanoz^® is designed with safety and comfort in mind and uses soft flexible disposable reservoir nozzle tips that are gentle enough for even a newborn baby’s delicate nasal passages (unlike most bulb syringes that are awkward to use and can penetrate baby’s nasal passages too deeply). In addition, the disposable reservoir blocks the secretions from entering the inside, so it’s extremely hygienic while delivering a mild, yet effective suction that can clear a baby’s nose within seconds, eliminating the stress and anxiety usually associated with aspirating a child’s nose. Furthermore, the Cleanoz® battery compartment door is fastened with a protective screw for added security.

“I invented Cleanoz^® in response to several of my patients, who were unhappy using ineffective and unhygienic nose cleaners,” says Dr. Jose Bensoussan, President and CEO of UBIMED and a pediatric ENT.  “I spent several years researching existing products and began the development of disposable nozzle pieces to replace the difficult an unsanitary options that were available to my patients.  I also wanted to create an ergonomic design for Cleanoz^® to make it as comfortable and easy to hold as possible. My family and I came up with the smooth, ergonomic shape when we were on vacation and a dolphin jumped out of the water, surprising us. Thus, the dolphin shape was born”.

With Cleanoz^®, parents can rest a lot easier, now that there’s finally a safe, effective and sanitary way to help baby’s breathe easier without the health risks associated with obsolete nasal aspirators of the past.  To use; simply insert a new disposable nozzle into Cleanoz^®, place a few drops of saline solution into baby’s nostril to loosen thick nasal mucus, and then insert Cleanoz^® into baby’s nostril, and press the button for a few seconds to suck out the secretions. You can then empty the reservoir by pressing on the edge of the nozzle tip so that it can be used again in the other nostril or as needed.  Then throw away the disposable reservoir nozzle when done or at the end of the day.

Cleanoz^® complies with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements, as well as regulations of the Canadian Heath and CE ClassIIa regulation. The Cleanoz^® MB002 is packaged with three disposable reservoir nozzles, and three AAA batteries for $29.99 (MSRP) through www.cleanoz.com, Toys”R”us/ Babies”R”us, Amazon.com, Drugstore.com, Target.com, and specialty retailers nationwide.  Refill packages of 10 disposable reservoir nozzles are also available for $6.45 (MSRP).