Celebrity Baby Blog Reviews

Munchkin Feeding Supplies: Sippy cups and snack catchers that really hold

I'm a fan of Munchkin products, they're generally well made and work like they're supposed to. Take for instance the Munchkin Mighty Grip Spill-Proof line of cups. They're made to contain your child's drink and keep it inside! They feature a soft, silicone spout providing comfort for baby, ridged hourglass figure for little hands to grasp, and a built-in valve to prevent leaks. And if your child has succumb to Dora the Explorer, Go, Diego Go! and/or  SpongeBob SquarePants they'll love that Munchkin has these characters on some of their cups. And, as a mom I love the fact that they sell replacement parts, so if I lose a valve or even a straw I can just order one instead of ordering a whole new cup.

Another Munchkin product that I adore is the Snack Catcher. This great little snack bowl features a handled body and soft flaps that help keep snack inside the cup. I'm also very pleased with the amount of snack this cup can hold, it's quite roomy and says it can hold 9 oz. of dry snacks. My daughter actually uses it and likes it, unlike some other snack trap-type cups. And my favorite part about Munchkin products is the price tag, they're not expensive. I love that I can afford to pick up several of their great items and use them as needed, again and again!

Kolcraft Contours Options Tandem Stroller: A good low-budget option for two kids

With Additional Reporting By: CBB Fashion/Gear/Reviews Editor Bronwyn and Guest Reviewer Wendy

Readers are always asking for recommendations for lower priced strollers. With a retail price of $200, the Kolcraft Contours® Options® Tandem Stroller may be a good choice for parents who need a double stroller on a tight budget -- It is suitable for two infants, two toddlers, or an infant and a toddler.

Click Continue Reading for the entire Kolcraft Contours Options Tandem Stroller review.

Little Tikes Football Training Bouncer: Get your bounce on

When I first saw the Little Tikes Football Training Bouncer one word came to mind ... "WOW!" After I set it up in my backyard I was still saying, "WOW." When I watched my child run through it like she had hit the jackpot, I was still saying, "WOW." And when I took it down (and my child cried watching through the window), yes you guessed it, I was still saying "WOW!" Everything about this outdoor toy screams amazing.

Click continue reading for the entire Little Tikes Football Training Bouncer review.

Playtex's Embrace Deluxe Double Electric Breast Pump: Express yourself

Looking for a powerful breast pump? Then the new Playtex Embrace Deluxe Double Electric Breast Pump ($199) is for you. It can be used daily, for long term use. The pump system comes with the pump unit, breast cups and storage accessories, and a cute black microfiber tote bag with three smaller bags that fit into it. The three smaller bags make for great organization and include a cooler, an accessories bag and a bag that will hold your wet or used breast cups -- a very smart idea. 

Click continue reading for the entire Playtex Embrace Double Deluxe Electric Breast Pump review.

Lexie Barnes Darling Diaper Bag: Hip to be square

Just when I think that the diaper bag market has exhausted itself, that the options for a diaper bag are so limited that everything has been done -- at least once, if not twice -- before, I stumbled upon Lexie Barnes. This New England-based designer and mom of four boys brings over a decade of experience in the performing arts to her collection, and there's no doubt about it: these bags are high on the drama quotient.  We recently tested the Darling bag ($110) in Diablo, a new print for spring/summer 2008, and its never been quite so hip to be square.

Click 'continue reading' for the full review.

MommyTrackd.com giving away a $500 gift card to BenefitCosmetics.com

Mommy Track'd is running a giveaway that is really too good to be true (but it is!) leading up to Mother's Day with Benefit Cosmetics. You could win a $500 gift card for benefitcosmetics.com.  $500 at Benefit could take care of an amazing Mother's Day gift for oneself and your whole Mother's Day shopping list all in one fell swoop! Plus they're offering runners-up prizes of five $50 gift cards. I don't enter giveaways but I just entered this one.

Check it out at http://www.mommytrackd.com/Giveaway.

What would YOU buy with $500 at Benefit? That high beam and moon beam stuff looks good to me.

My Fancy Princess: One-stop shop for little princesses

I've already mentioned that my little tot is taking ballet lessons, and while they aren't going the way I hoped (let's just say she doesn't quite "participate"), she truly looks the part. And this is due to her killer ballerina wardrobe. My Fancy Princess is a great place to purchase all the little things every little ballerina princess needs, like dresses, jewelry and, of course, tutus!

I have to admit that I didn't initially realize all the different variations tutus could come in. But the perfect example is the Petite Pirouette Red Tutu with Pink Petals which comes with actual silk flower petals embedded in the layers of tulle and finished with a silk ribbon and flower at the waist. My little princess looked just like a flower child in this adorable tutu. If you prefer a more basic tutu, My Fancy Princess is your spot, they carry all different kinds, they truly aim to please. And don't forget the dance leotards.

BabyWit.com: What the cool kids are wearing

Looking for cool baby clothes, I googled something along those lines and came across an online store that I've been spreading the word about to everyone who will listen: babywit.com. Their motto, "You May Not Be Cool, But Your Baby Can Be," really says it all. From the political (they have tees and onesies that do everything from plug Obama to put down Bush, a.k.a. "President Poopyhead") to the best of pop culture (on a recent visit to Miami, my daughter was the hit of South Beach in a Steven Colbert onesie - see picture below!)

The company also sells organic lunch bags, dresses for toddlers in prints you'd only expect to find at some very funky Fashion Week shows (psychedelic kitties, floating hamburgers, or funny skulls), and some grown-up tees for moms. There's also a "baby clothes by artists" section with unique designs by amazing artists like Dana Dekuyper and Steven Weissman. Aside from a huge assortment -- I could spend hours on this site -- I was happy to find that the clothing is also very high quality and super soft. 'Cause what's the point of your kid being cool if he or she isn't comfy?

Exclusive for CBB readers: Get 10% off your order at babywit.com with code "CELEBBABIES" (expires May 31).

Tsukihoshi: Fun, functional and full of features

When I was a kid, a sneaker was ... well ... a sneaker.  But as well all know, those days are long gone.  It has only taken me four years of motherhood to figure out that not all children's sneakers are created equally; Technology has advanced to such a degree that sneakers are now full of features my own feet could have only dreamed of 30 years ago.  And if it's feature you desire, then features you shall receive, because it's my pleasure to introduce you to Tsukihoshi. 

With fun, but fully functional, selling points like a green-tea based deodorizer, its no surprise that Tsukihoshi would be the sneaker of choice for celebrity babies like Liv Freundlich, 6, and Sam, 4, and Lola Sheen, 2 1/2. 

Click 'continue reading' for the full Tsukihoshi review. 

SweetSpice: All the good stuff for your skin

At the itchy scratchy end of my last pregnancy I had a rather grumpy bump. Well moisturized but not exactly soothed. I had one last balm in my arsenal -- the SweetSpice Bloomin' Belly balm ($7.50).

This organic and handcrafted formula was unlike the oils I had tried. It comes in a soft solid form, about the consistency of lip gloss in a pot. The balm is concentrated and contains healing butters (Avocado, Mowrah, Hemp Seed , Aloe) and organic beeswax and lavender oil. It's extremely luxurious feeling - not too greasy or  heavy. And it stopped the itch on contact.

Click continue reading for the entire SweetSpice Review.

BOOB Nursing Tops: Stylish nursing mamas rejoice!

Even though I never thought it could be possible, my favorite nursing tops in the world just got even better. 

The Boob Nursing line has been my breastfeeding uniform since I discovered it three years ago after the birth of my son.  With the recent birth of my daughter, I get to wear their beautiful shirts all over again and I couldn’t be more excited.  The fact that there are organic options in their Spring line (only three items now, but Boob plans to have 25% of the line organic by the Fall season) and that the rest of the jersey used is now certified OEKO-Tex Standard 100 (a guarantee that the clothes are completely free from toxins) just makes me even more giddy.

Click Continue Reading for the rest of the Boob review and a coupon code.

Outside Baby: Get outside, and stay there!

Recently I had one of those totally vivid, totally surreal 'why didn't I think of that?' moments, as I tested the Cooler Backpack by Outside Baby.  You know the feeling.  Empty.  Bitter.  But whatever self-loathing I might have been feeling over having not been the person to come up with the idea behind the backpack -- which combines all the elements of a diaper bag with a built-in cooler -- was tempered by my downright glee over getting to use the backpack in the first place.  Celebrity moms like Christy Turlington, a fan of Outside Baby and mom to 4 1/2-year-old Grace and 2-year-old Finn, know that its hard to stay bitter when you're toting a bag like this! 

Click 'continue reading' for the full the review. 

myubby Personalized Blankets: Wrapped in comfort and love

You might think that baby blankets are a dime a dozen, but the myubby Personalized Blanket will change your mind. I have NEVER held something so lush and soft and it makes me happy to tuck my daughter into that softness every single night. First of all you get to design the myubby Blanket of your dreams for your little one (they have Pre-Built ones at discounted price), choose a one-sided or two-sided blanket and then pick the material, colors and patterns that adorn the blanket. Next choose the border trim and then decide if you want a 54-character or less inscription or a monogram.

I personally went with Side A: Swirly Marshmallow, Side B: Fluffy Sky with a Cholocate Plum Standard Edging, I chose not to personalize my blanket. The swirly side of our blanket is like sleeping in down feathers without the itchiness or allergic reaction and the fluffy side helps give the blanket a little weight and extra softness. I am not exaggerating when I say this is the softest and most cuddly blanket I've ever touched. My mommy friends have all drooled over it, as well -- oh, and drool is very easy to clean, just throw it in the wash on the delicate cycle and do a gentle cycle dry or let it air dry. Prices range from $27 - $74 and the blankets are approximately 35"x45". With the personalization this makes a FABULOUS baby shower gift!

Start creating your myubby Personalized Blanket today at myubby.com!

2008 Cameleon Bugaboo features some improvements

Bugaboo just released their 2008 Cameleon model. And for the first time since the Cameleon arrived on the scene two years ago they have made some changes to the beloved stroller. Bugaboo used customer feedback to drive the changes they made to the 2008 Cameleon. The new and improved features are:

• Easier-to-use adjustible handlebar mechanism
• Replacement of its pneumatic tires with foam-filled tires
• Shoulder pads for the harness system
• Microfleece bassinet lining
• Easy visual brake adjustment
• Updated carry handle and canopy holders

If you have wanted a Bugaboo Cameleon and none of those things sound like a big deal to you, you will be DELIGHTED to know that the 2007 Bugaboo Cameleon models are on sale! To make room for the new and improved model, retailers everywhere are cutting the price tag. Discounted 2007 Bugaboo Cameleon prices are averaging about $720 -- a nice savings from the $900 regular price tag! We suggest hopping over to Let'sGoStrolling.com to order your 2007 Cameleon or to check out the 2008 Cameleon.

phil&teds Vibe Stroller: I'm feeling it!

I'm totally feeling the phil&teds Vibe Stroller , imported from New Zealand by Regal+Lager. It's the higher-end version of their very popular inline buggy (which they are now selling the Classic, Sport, Dash and Vibe versions of it). Click here to read my recent review of the Sport. Parents love this inline buggy because it can accommodate from one to two children, with the addition of their doubles kit and still has the footprint of a single stroller.  It can be configured 4 ways (newborn, toddler, toddler/baby and toddler/toddler- the last two ways with phil&teds doubles kit). The number one new feature is that the Vibe folds with the doubles seat on!

Celeb fans of phil&teds are: are Holly Hunter, Mary-Louise Parker, Brooke Shields and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Click Continue Reading for the rest of the phil&teds Vibe review & a free gift with purchase

CLENE Change Mat: Make a CLENE Change!

I've found a new perfect changing mat! Not only is the CLENE Change Mat well designed and affordably priced at $25, it’s huge, cushy and folds into its own carry pouch. It's made from NeoClene® (not PVC) with natural bamboo, so not only is it nicely padded, but antimicrobial and mold-resistant too! With a 30”Wx231/2”L surface– it is large enough for backseat diaper changes. Storage pockets are smartly placed for easy access during changes. Easy to clean and quick drying too.

I'm really impressed with this mat. I keep one in my diaper bag and one lives in my stroller. I love the turquoise color and the Velcro stroller strap comes in handy.

Celebrity fans of the CLENE line include Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck, Adam Sandler, Denise Richards, Carnie Wilson, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Tia Carrere, Renee and Scott Baio, Angie Harmon and Jason Sehorn, and Brooke Shields and Chris Henchy.

You can get your CLENE Change Mat by visiting OneStepAhead.com.

Plus, visit my favorite coupon code site RetailMeNot for a current coupon code (right now they list BDAYAPRL for 15% through April 30th).

How to have your product reviewed on the Celebrity Baby Blog

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Click Continue Reading.

2008 Mountain Buggy Urban Double: Love at first push

Mountain Buggy recently sent me their 2008 Urban Double Stroller ($899)(dubbed the MBUD by parents in the know) to test out. Mountain Buggy, made in New Zealand, is a wonderful, strong stroller brand that will handle anything in its path. The company says, "We were built to last, to handle the roughest of terrains or the most extreme of conditions. Our products have been designed to be durable and immensely practical, living and breathing the values of strength and safety".

Celebrities who love their Mountain Buggies are Russell Crowe, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, and Molly Shannon.

Click Continue Reading for the rest of the review & for a free gifts with purchase.

Plain Mary Kensington Baby Play Mat: the ultimate soft landing

I admit I get a little jealous of my kid sometimes. Her whole day consists of playing and eating, and then she gets to sleep 12 hours a night. Now, I have another reason to envy her, because of her Plain Mary's Kensington Baby Play Mat. Made of quilted micro-suede, the 56X36 floor blanket, which comes in five tasteful, rich colors and can also be monogrammed, feels like a little cloud, even when it's placed on the hardest of floors.

My daughter is still a little shaky on the whole sitting thing, so I'm used to hearing a "thud" here and there. Trying out the Kensington Play Mat ($180) today, she landed so softly I didn't even notice. Neither did she. Amidst her toys, she became transfixed by the fabric, running her hand back and forth along it and grinning at me as if to say "Can you believe how soft this thing is?!" Then she drooled on it. I can't blame her. This is one gorgeous product, which moms like Samantha Harris and Brooke Shields can attest to; they were among the many stars who popped by one of the gifting suites that Plain Mary hosted at the Golden Globes and Emmys last year. Machine washable, the Kensington is also great for outdoor use. Perhaps when my husband and I get a minute to ourselves some day, we'll borrow it for a picnic. Today, though, I'm planning to take a nap on it right after I put the baby down for her own snooze in her crib. It's just too tempting to resist.

Silver Cross Dazzle: Show off your dazzling side

We'd like to introduce you to a marvelous, new stroller from Silver Cross. The Silver Cross Dazzle ($299) is an amazing lightweight stroller that offers style and luxury in one simple frame. Silver Cross has long been known for their fabulous, luxury infant prams, the Kensington ($1800) and the Balmoral ($2500), yes you read right, these prams cost upwards of $1700! With a price tag like that, you can only imagine the Hollywood elite who have pushed them. Celebrity fans of the Silver Cross line, including the Freeway and Micro, are Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck, Charlotte Church, Jennie Garth, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard, Denise Richards, Brooke Burke, Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, and Brooke Shields.

Click continue reading for the full Silver Cross Dazzle review.

Think-Ets: For Moms Who Have Got Game

Remember how before you ever had kids you swore you'd be a really cool, really fun mom? The kind of mom who always had a game up her sleeve? And would let her kids have ice cream sundaes for dinner? Well perhaps you might have to forgo the ice cream for dinner but with Think-Ets ($9.99), you can be that cool mom with a game.

This infinitely-entertaining little game literally fits up your sleeve, or in a pocket of any purse. It's open-ended and perfect for travel, waiting rooms, or restaurants. Basically, the game consists of a small pouch filled with tiny, interesting trinkets. There are numerous ways to play - 10 different game instructions are included and when you have exhausted these, you can make up your own games. You can also buy additional trinket "sets". Some of the games suggested include memory/what's missing games, story telling games, sequencing games. All engaging pastimes that have your kids flexing some mental muscle thinking critically and creatively. While having fun!

These are appropriate for ages four and up but you should be aware that as the trinkets are tiny, they are not really for kids under 3. However, school aged kids on up to adults, will find Think-Ets an incredibly amusing diversion that turns waiting time into fun time and turns you, into that cool mom you always knew you'd be. Kudos!

Purchase Think-Ets from the Think-a-Lot website.

pediped Spring/Summer Line: The feet have it

CBB has made it no secret, we're HUGE fans of pediped's adorable children's shoes. And just when I thought it couldn't get any better, I got a peek at pediped's Spring/Summer 2008 line. The shoes are stunning! The girls' pediped Originals (their soft-soled version) are all crafted in a fabric upper that adds a nice light feel to the shoes. The girls' pediped Flex come in prints similar to the originals line but are crafted with toddlers' rougher play in mind. The boys' options, both Flex and Originals, are a little limited, but still super-cute.

My favorite pair for girls is the Jane - Pink Camo, an adorable mary jane in a subdued pink camoflage print. And, I also love the Annie - Potpourri (Original and Flex), a beautiful floral print with so many colors that it will match just about anything -- believe me I've tried!

For infant boys I like the Will - Navy, there is nothing not to like about this shoe. It will go with everything and is classic in pretty navy nubuck. And for older, toddler boys I like the Demetri - Navy/Gray, it's an edgier sneaker that will flex and bend with each step your boy takes.

Shop online at pediped.com or use their store locator to find a store near you.

DwellStudio Weekender: Have tote will travel

When I travel with my toddler I'm always at a loss. If it's a short weekend, or even a long day trip, I can never find the "right" bag. All that ended the day I found the Dwell Studio Weekender. It's the perfect duffel bag, equal parts functional, comfortable to tote and stylish! Whether you're traveling solo or with the kids, you'll find this bag does the trick.

I recently used it for an all-day family outing and was so glad that I did. I was able to stuff it with blankets, snack bags and more. The lightweight, coated-canvas with leather handles never felt heavy or bulky and the optional shoulder strap helped me carry it with ease. I love the shape of this bag and it features two outer pockets, one magnetic closure and one zipper one to keep important things close to you. I absolutely love the coated-canvas, the prints are totally beautiful and the coating ensures that I need not worry about placing this bag IN or ON something.

Shop for the Dwell Studio Weekender at dwellstudio.com.

Rileyroos: Soft-soled shoes with serious spunk

When our first son was born and started walking, I confess, I didn't understand the importance of soft-soled baby shoes.  I crammed his feet into some ridiculously stiff sneakers and set him off on his awkward, peg-legged way.  Now I know better.  Pediatricians universally agree that besides going barefoot soft-soled shoes are best for a baby's developing feet, not only because they allow baby to feel the ground beneath him, but also because they allow for proper growth while strengthening the muscles of the feet and ankles. 

Based on that recommendation, it was only a matter of time before the market for soft-soled baby shoes exploded -- and explode it did.  In the four short years since Owen was born, our options for purchasing soft-soled baby shoes appear to have grown exponentially.  That said, we've used a variety of different soft-soled shoes with our second son -- and we think we have a real winner on our hands (and his feet!) in Rileyroos.  We recently were happy testers of this up-and-coming brand, and if you're been searching for soft-soled baby shoes that combine function and style, I'm confident in telling you that your search ends right here and now.

Click 'continue reading' for the full Rileyroos review. 

Basic Comfort's Ultimate Crib Sheet Color & Grow Bedding

I swear by Basic Comfort's Ultimate Crib Sheet. This crib sheet is amazing because it's the only cotton-topped waterproof sheet that snaps onto the bars of your child's crib.  Which makes it really easy to get it on and off, especially when you really need to put a fresh sheet on -- at 4 am.  What I didn't know is that it comes in several different colors and has matching cute bedding. The top is 100% cotton, with the middle is polyester/rayon middle and the bottom is 100% vinyl.

The Ultimate Crib Sheet in Color comes in natural, cool blue, warm orange, purple with green dot, green with blue dot and rose. It's a quick change sheet, a mattress pad, a waterproof pad and a super absorbent pad. In the two years since we've owned the original version, no liquids have ever leaked onto our mattress and it really does install and remove in seconds (without undoing bumpers, etc). Finally, I've been liberated from the boring white sheets that have covered our crib for the last 2 1/2 years!! Since Ben is still in the crib, he is currently testing out the Ultimate Crib Sheet in purple with green dots. It's actually thicker than the regular Ultimate Crib Sheet (I recommend washing it a few times to get it softer).

Click Continue Reading for the rest of the review

Miss Priss Tutus: Tutus that are too-too cute

My little girl recently took up ballet dancing, OK she's only 2, and I enrolled her in the class. But I know I'm not alone in enjoying watching my little one rock the tutu! So to get her appropriately dressed for class I simply had to find her a tutu, and I found a great one at Miss Priss Tutus.

All of Miss Priss Tutus' tutus are made by Dallas, a work-at-home-mommy who started making tutus as props for photographs. All of her tutus are very well made and totally adorable. My tiny tot looked nothing short of Prima Ballerina material in hers and even though she rarely does the right moves, she always looks the part! Prices and styles vary, but if you have specific requests you can contact Dallas and she'll do her best to work with you. I loved that she had many color combos, not every Prima Ballerina wants to be pink and/or purple, after all!

Shop online at missprisstutus.com.

Babylicious: Oh so pretty and fresh

The very first time I laid eyes on Babylicious products at my local baby boutique I literally drooled. From the gorgeous prints and designs to the luscious fabrics, I was hooked. Their line covers everything you could need from blankets, to towels, to bibs,  to the newly added breast-feeding pillows. If you like a certain print, you could deck your entire nursery and gear out in it, or you can mix and match prints for the best of all possible worlds.

Click continue reading for my favorite Babylcious products.

Ju-Ju-Be BeTween: What goldilocks would carry if she were a mom

So you're heading out for a quick trip to the park with your newly-potty trained toddler.  She hasn't had an accident in a week and you're both feeling really good about things staying that way.  You don't need to bring a stack of diapers and wipes, nor do you need a cache of bottles and baby food.  Just a change of clothes, a sippy and some snacks.  Therein lies the problem:  You're packing too much to fit in a diaper clutch, but too little for your standard diaper bag.  Ju-Ju-Be has the answer!  The company that brought you the PackaBe and the BeSpicy has added a new bag to its arsenal:  The BeTween.

We recently tested the BeTween in the 'Groovy Garden' pattern (shown at left), and as advertised, its the perfect bag for those outings where you need to bring some things, just not everything. 

Click 'continue reading' for the full Ju-Ju-Be BeTween review.

Erbaviva: It's baby spa time

Yep, my baby has cradle cap. Little scaly flakes all over the top of her head. Gross, eh? She's got thick hair, so I'm probably the only one who can see it, but still ... ewww. Looking for a natural remedy, I tried olive oil, but there's something wrong about a tiny little girl smelling like Mario Batali.

I found a far better solution in Erbaviva, a husband and wife owned company out of California. Their cradle cap oil, like all their products, carries the USDA  certified organic seal, but besides that, it smells delicious. Now I do what I call "baby spa time" every evening. Just after dinner, I apply the treatment, which contains organic almond oil, organic safflower oil, organic rosemary extract and vitamin E, to her head. She looks like John Travolta a la Grease for 15 minutes, then we wash it out in the bath. In just a few days, I noticed a big improvement.

After toweling her off, I use another new favorite product: Erbaviva's luxurious baby cream, to give her a little massage before bed. Soft, clean, flake-free and smelling divine, she's ready for bed. By the way, the company makes great bath and beauty products for moms, too. If only I had time for mommy spa time!

Exclusive for CBB readers: 10% off any order at erbabviva.com (Expires 5/15/08).

 

Orbit Baby: A space age stroller for the new millenium

If you're the kind of person who thinks that spending more than $500 on a stroller is unfathomable no matter how many bells and whistles it has, you might want to skip this review.   

The Orbit Baby Infant System is the stroller I wish I had when Anya was born. But I was still able to try it out because the car seat accommodates up to it's approved for use up to 22 pounds and 29 inches. As long as your child's shoulders are below a green line sewn towards the top of the car seat, you are fine still using it. Most children actually get moved too soon from their infant seats because they "look" too big for it.

The main selling points are ease of transition from strolling to driving, full integration with other products, and high level of safety.

Yes, a ton of celebrities have the Orbit, but that's not why I love it. (But in case you're curious, Melissa Joan Hart, Marcia Cross, Halle Berry, Poppy Montgomery, Nicole Richie, Naomi Watts, Tori Spelling, Bridget Moynahan, Jaime Pressly, Goran Visnjic, Elvis Costello and Diana Krall, Salma Hayek, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Christina Aguilera, and so on and so forth...)

Click continue reading for the full Orbit Baby Infant System review.

CleanRest Covers: Spring clean your house and your sinuses

I've been enjoying the nicer, warmer temperatures and they've allowed me to air out my home and do some serious spring cleaning. I, like much of the world, suffer from TERRIBLE seasonal allergies. I've been through every medicine you can imagine and even have to follow a course of treatment for seasonal asthma during the spring. All of this has created a desire in me to rid my life of all potential allergy triggers. Factor in my child and you could almost call me OCD, I pray she doesn't suffer from my allergies and I try to keep the harmful stuff out. That's why I LOVE CleanRest Mattress and Pillow Covers.

Click continue reading for the entire CleanRest Covers review.

Deal of the Day: Playtex offers free non-BPA baby bottles

Playtex Infant Care has announced today that it will distribute one million free samples of their Playtex® Drop-Ins® Original Nurser System, which are free of bisphenol A, a chemical used to manufacture polycarbonate plastic products. It is not clear which product is being given away- one of their gift sets or just the single bottles (probably the single bottle).

The Playtex® Drop-Ins® Nurser system uses disposable Playtex® Drop-Ins® liners that are made of polyethylene and are BPA-free.

Get your free Playtex® Drop-Ins® Original Nurser System at www.playtexbaby.com/bpafree/info.html.

It also announced that the rest of its product line will be BPA-free by the end of 2008.

All of their bottle nipples and pacifiers (including Ortho-Pro® and Binky®) are BPA-free.  In cups, the Playtex® Sipster®, Insulator®, Coolster®, Quick Straw® are all BPA-free.  To see if any of the Playtex products you own contain BPA, visit www.playtexbaby.com/bpafree/info.html.

In a related story, Wal-Mart announced last week that it will immediately stop selling baby bottles, sippy cups, pacifiers, food containers and water bottles made with BPA in its Canadian stores.

 

Why I bought my… Learning Tower

By CBB Reviewer Stephanie

My son has always been a curious fellow.  When I’m cutting food at the kitchen counter, he wants to help.  When I’m washing my hands at the sink, he wants to know what’s going on.  Like most kids, he likes to be kept informed of his mama’s latest activities.

But that isn’t always easy when you’re about three feet tall.  Which is why we’re constantly thankful for our Learning Tower.  It has been a faithful companion in our kitchen for almost two years and I really don’t know how I would survive without it.

Click Continue Reading for the full review.

Inca Kids: Fair and fashionable stuff for kids

Looking for a gift that stands out? Sick of the mass market and want to give a gift that feels a little more personal, hands on and earth friendly to boot? Inca Kids offers fair trade, hand made and fashionable apparel, accessories, and artisan toys. Their products are made of natural fibers and materials that are their trademark in apparel and accessories.

Their line of toys include more than 25 hand knitted finger puppets characters (from a butterfly to a fireman, a llama to a clown fish), traditional musical instruments. Their charming line of "Arpillera" items include a storybook, a mobile, a backpack, a small bag and tapestries. The "Arpilleras" are exquisitely detailed hand-sewn three dimensional textile pictures that illustrate the stories of the lives of the people in Peru: Stories of planting and harvesting, stories of spinning and weaving wool; stories of country life, of tending llamas, sheep and goats; stories of weddings and fiestas. Their artists painstakingly hand stitch every single detail.

Click continue reading for the entire Inca Kids review.

Vincent Shoes: A step towards spring

While I hate how fast my child grows out of her shoes, I hate it even more when her shoes don't hold up to her rough play. She's two, she doesn't care if she scuffs her shoes -- But I sure do! So I was psyched to check out some adorable warm weather options from Vincent Shoes.

Their Spring/Summer 2008 line features some great sandals and even a couple pairs of shoes that are completely pool-ready. The Tor is what they dub "the perfect summer activity sandal!" And I have to agree. Whether your warm weather, outdoor plans include the pool or the park your child's fee will be comfy and stylish. The Tor is crafted from a man-made material that dries quickly with a Velcro closure and padded heel strap great for younger kids. Lastly it has a clear rubber slip-resistant sole that looks like water! Equally cute are their Maja shoes with cute butterfly design. Best of all, to address my scuffed toe complaint, they have a rubber tip to protect the shoes and of course little feet.

Shop all of Vincent Shoes' great styles at vincentshoestore.us.

My favorite ... nursing bras

I am often asked about my favorite nursing bras but bras are like shoes -- everybody's got a different pair and therefore different needs. For example, I have a high instep and arches that kind of flatten out (but I'm not flat-footed) so shoes that are really comfortable for me might not be for you. So I can tell you what worked for me in the nursing bra department.

I was always well-endowed in the chest department despite my short stature, and after giving birth, my boobs settled down into a 34DD-DDD. Nursing bras are kind of like regular bras -- a huge selection of cute ones for smaller cup sizes but if you are bustier, you're limited to grandma-like styles. However, this IS changing and towards the end of nursing, I started finding a larger selection of prettier bras. (Now I'm down to a smaller size, perhaps 34D-DD.)

Here were my favorites:

Le Mystere Florence Underwire Nursing Bra style 161 (left, $52)
Hands down my favorite nursing bra. Made of lace and cotton, it is very supportive, comfortable and even a little sexy.
Grenier Mater Nursing Bra ($36) 
Cotton underwire with a smidgeon of lace.  My third favorite bra.
Eve Alexander Lycra Nursing Bra ($30-38)
Really supportive for a soft cup bra.
Eve Alexander Lace Nursing Bra ($30-38)
Very pretty, comes in white with pink or black.
Bravado Designs Nursing Bra ($36)
A great comfortable bra for your pregnancy and early nursing days, especially to wear to bed.  I didn't find the larger sizes to be supportive enough for going out of the house but I will wore them at home when my other bras are in the wash.
Elle Macpherson Intimates Maternelle non-underwire drop cup bra ($50)
I really liked this bra but it is cut pretty high in front.
Anita Nursing Bra style 5075 ($39)
I had a whole bunch of these  and loved them.

What are your favorite nursing bras?

Dimpleskins Naturals: A balm for every baby

I've been blessed with two boys who are not diaper rash-prone.  That said, when a course of antibiotics several weeks ago left our 16-month-old Sam with a red, irritated bottom it left me feeling a bit out of my depth.  The old standby tube of cream in my diaper bag was doing nothing to heal the rash, let alone prevent it from worsening, and the situation was deteriorating rapidly.  And then, as if on cue, our samples of Dimpleskins Naturals Bum Bum Balm ($12, shown at left) arrived in the mail.  With a motto of "never a chemical, never a worry," this company brought a great deal of relief...to all involved! 

Click 'continue reading' for the complete Dimpleskins review. 

Kissaluvs: All-natural luv for your baby's tush

As a former cloth diapering (CD) mom I’m often asked what brand of diapers I recommend. Like most moms who CD I have a few brands that I’m loyal to and Kissaluvs is a brand that falls into that category. Hand-made form all natural fibers, Kissaluvs diapers are unbleached, dye-free and are a blend of organic hemp and certified organic cotton.  This brand specifically is one of the better known ones in the industry, however,