Product Review: Britax Frontier 85 SICT

The BRITAX FRONTIER 85 SICT Combination Harness-2-Booster Seat offers excellent safety features, multifunction capability, and an adaptable design to keep your child safe and comfortable for years to come. The seat serves as a forward-facing harnessed seat for children up to 85 pounds, and as a belt-positioning booster seat for children up to 120 pounds.  The Frontier 85 SICT is designed to provide the ultimate in safety for high capacity car seats. Loaded with comfort and convenience features, such as an easy-remove cover, comfort foam, integrated cup holders and fixed armrests, the Frontier 85 SICT is the ideal seat for your child graduating from their convertible car seat without compromising safety.

In my opinion: the Cadillac of booster seats!  This seat has all the safety features of a convertible seat but can hold a child of just about any size after 25 lbs.  In fact, this seat can hold ME!  So it’s PERFECT for car pool, sharing rides with kids of varying ages and sizes.

The features I always recommend people look for when shopping for a car seat, whether infant, convertible, or booster, are 1) safety, 2) ease of installation and use and 3) car compatibility. The safest car seats are not the most expensive, they are the seats that are installed correctly in your car. However, not all car seats are made the same, and Britax has been making car seats for over 70 years and is the leader in safety.  A trusted name for sure!

You may ask, “When do I move my child to a Booster seat?”  Good question!  A booster seat is a type of child restraint that does not typically have a five-point harness system, but rather rely on the vehicle seat belt system to keep your child restrained. The booster seat elevates your child so that the vehicle seat belt is positioned properly over your child. Booster seats should be used in the rear vehicle seat with a lap and shoulder seat belt system, never a lap belt-only.


However, the Frontier 85 and Frontier 85 SICT  are a combination seat that starts out as a forward facing seat with a 5-point harness, and then transforms into a belt-positioning seat.  You should keep your child in a 5-point harness as long as possible, as it is much safer than a lap belt alone.

Designed with advanced technology to keep children protected and in a five-point harness for as long as possible, the FRONTIER 85 SICT Combination Harness-2-Booster Seat helps safely graduate children who are at least two years old and weigh at least 25 pounds from their convertible car seats. By removing the harness, the FRONTIER 85 SICT is easily converted to a booster seat for older children who are at least 4 years old and 40 pounds.

Some other features of the Frontier 85 sict:

• Side Impact Cushion Technology features energy-absorbing cushions on the exterior of the child seat to reduce side impact crash energy by 45 percent
• True Side Impact Protection distributes crash forces, shields from vehicle intrusion, and keeps the head, neck, and spine aligned to limit injury
• Versa-Tether features a staged-release tether webbing that minimizes forward movement in a crash by anchoring the top of the child seat at two points
• Adjustable five-point harness ensures a safe, snug fit for children up to 85 pounds
• Tangle Free, Five-Point Harness with 10 harness height positions (up to 20") and three buckle positions for a snug and secure fit as your child grows
• Compatible with SecureGuard which works with the vehicle safety belt in booster mode to prevent the child from sliding under the lap-belt portion of the safety belt during impact, thus minimizing the risk of abdominal injury (accessory sold separately)
• Quick-Adjust, No-Rethread Harness repositions the harness shoulder height without disassembling the harness straps

Age/Weight Requirements:
Two years and 25 to 85 pounds in harness mode; 40 to 120 pounds in booster mode

I received the Frontier 85 sict for review and I can tell you that my almost four year old son likes riding in it as much as I love the safety features of it!  It’s a big seat, no doubt, but sometimes bigger does mean better (when safety is concerned).

Product Review: Green Your Air plants for nursery

We often worry about the smog outside, but did you know that research shows the enclosed space indoors (in our own homes) can be as much as ten times more polluted than outdoors? And considering we spend about 90% of our day inside, that’s a big ol’ reason to keep the air in your home as healthy and clean as possible.

The mission behind the company Green Your Air is to help you do just that. 

How can my own home be so polluted?  Chemicals are emitted from every day items in our homes, such as formaldehydes and alcohols from carpets, ceiling tiles, grocery bags, cleaning supplies, and even cosmetics.  Plants help clean the air in indoor environments by ridding it of pollutants and toxins, counteracting outgassing and contributing to balanced internal humidity.


Green Your Air chooses fresh plants from a locally owned nursery that you can purchase for your home.  They use non-toxic, biodegradable pots made of bamboo fiber, rice husks, wheat straw, and corn stalks.  I was drawn to their website because they have a specific plant just for baby’s nursery!

The Mini Fortis is the perfect little size for any nursery and has the super power to filter formaldehyde from the air.  New nurseries can be packed with chemicals like formaldehyde from new paint, upholstery, carpeting and furniture (the particle board, adhesives and glues holding the furniture pieces together).  This cute little plant comes in a cute little blue or pink pot just right for decorating your baby’s space! (you can also add decorative stones for an extra $3.50)


Best of all?  They ship anywhere in the US!  Mine arrived perfectly packaged and ready to use.  Even better yet, this plant requires no light and very little watering – so you can give all your attention to baby instead.

I ordered the Mini Fortis with the pink vase for my new baby girl’s room, and I absolutely love it.  I have pretty much the opposite of a green thumb, and I previously sadly did not have a single plant in my home!  I have had the Mini Fortis for about three weeks now and it still looks as perfect as the day it arrived.  I specifically wanted a plant for my baby’s nursery and Green Your Air was the perfect solution.  I think this would make such an awesome gift for a baby shower!

Check out Green Your Air and help green your baby’s nursery!

Biddy Belly for Tummy Time!

The Biddy Belly is a fabulous new invention by Robin Tacchetti, a Physical Therapist and mother of three, who observed all three of her children struggle with tummy time.  She knew how important tummy time was for muscle development, yes she was unable to keep her babies from getting frustrated and crying in the prone position.  She put her ideas into play and the “Biddy Belly” was born!

Some of the benefits include:
* Increases strength in shoulders, arms, back and head
* Decreases risk of gross motor delays such as rolling, sitting and crawling
* Decreases risk of “flat spots” on the back of the head
* Decreases risk of neck muscles tightening on one side of the neck
* Promotes cognitive development (thinking and reasoning skills)

Biddy Belly’s unique shape and gradual incline help promote correct muscle development.

Robin sent me one of her great inventions and I have been able to test the Biddy Belly with some little ones.  My testers, ages three weeks and three months, both did great on the Biddy Belly.  The three week old obviously had less strength and ability to hold her head up, but both babies seemed content on the Biddy Belly to look at the giraffe’s face and the cute distractions on the Biddy Belly, like the the attached toys on either side of the giraffe’s head (which, by the way, are removable so you can add your own instead – big plus).  One other thing I really liked about the Biddy Belly is the removable side bars between the giraffe’s paws.  When your baby starts to get bigger and use his legs when on his belly, it’s nice you can remove the bars for more leg room.   It’s also imperative to have a washable cover with spitting up babies, which the Biddy Belly has!  Overall, I think this is a great little product for your little ones to assist them in valuable tummy time.

To find out more or to order your Biddy Belly visit www.biddybelly.com!

SmartMom Teething Bling

I swear moms are the most ingenious people out there!  Yet another fabulous product created by moms Kendra and Amy in 2002…the SmartMom Teething Bling.  If you haven’t seen moms around town or celebrity moms wearing these, you probably don’t need to look very hard.  They are super popular!

This adorable pendant is not only fashionable but it’s also a teething toy for your little one!  How many times have you been standing in line, sitting on an airplane, sitting in church, or any place else with your baby when she wanted something to chew on?  Instead of your hair, your keys, your cell phone, or their hands (which have been who knows where), you can just let them chew away on your necklace!  How convenient is that?!?

SmartMom uses only the highest-quality, phthalate-free, federally approved silicone in our Teething Bling® line. The material is non-toxic, latex-free, food–safe, even dishwasher-friendly! It is the same silicone used in many other popular teething products and SGS test reports are available upon request. Although they stress that this is adult jewelry not intended for children to wear, all of their pendants come with a breakaway clasp as an added safety feature.

I have to confess.  SmartMom was so sweet to send me a Teething Bling to try out and even though my son is well past the teething stage I’ve been wearing my Bling all the time!  It seems to be the perfect accessory for my summer dresses. :)  I love it!
And as if cute, stylish, and convenient aren’t enough, in honor of the many mothers and children who inspire daily, SmartMom donates from their profits to these worthy organizations:
http://www.curesearch.org
http://www.dressforsuccess.org
(in special memory of Maria Jankowski Maurer)

SmartMom has expanded their product line to include coordinating bangle bracelets and other fun items like Shakespeare quoted onesies and tween bling for older kids.  Check it all out at www.smartmomjewelry.com!

Hurray it’s a giveaway! Pirose Fashion Scarves and Nursing Covers

A stylish and innovative nursing scarf with endless fashion potential!



Pirose, by Reno Rose, is a mom created and invented absolutely gorgeous lightweight nursing cover that you would never know is a nursing cover (they are far too pretty), AND they are much more than just a nursing cover.  The Pirose also can be used as a scarf, shawl, head band and stroller or purse accessory.  Talk about multi-tasking!  We love this!



I met the creators of this product (an adorable couple) at the ABC Kids Expo in Vegas and they were kind enough to ship me a couple of their Pirose covers to try.  The shawls are even more beautiful in person when I put them on!  Something else I was really excited about when I opened the box was that I discovered each shawl comes with it’s own matching fabric carrying bag.  The bag is just about the size of a 4x6 photo and the whole lightweight shawl fits inside perfectly!  What a fabulous way to carry around your nursing cover that often gets crumpled and lost in the bottom of a diaper bag.

Another thing that amazed me about these shawls was the many ways you can wear them.  They are cut with a bias cut that allows for many fashionable ways to wear them.

These fabulous scarves/shawls/nursing covers can be found in a few select stores, but sadly none in Charlotte.  You can view and order their entire collection online at renorose.com

The Pirose comes in two styles – the nursing styles have a heavier pattern and are less see-through, while the fashion styles have some lighter patterns and are perfect for dressing up any outfit.  You can truly buy any of the shawls for nursing or fashion however.  The company does suggest that you buy a medium or large size for nursing (for more coverage).

Enter to Win!
For your chance to win a Pirose shawl/nursing cover in the style and color of your choice, simply send an email to abby@littlemiraclesbabyplanning.com with your name, style and size preference.  Make sure you check out their website at www.renorose.com to check out their whole collection!  If you become a friend or follow Reno Rose on Facebook or Twitter you will get up to two extra entries!  Just let me know in your email.  Contest ends Friday, March 11th.

Yookidoo Stack 'N' Stream Tub Fountain

I’ve been in search of  a new, non-toxic bath toy for my two year old son who is starting to shy away from bath time.   It’s definitely hard to find a fun toy that is also BPA, PVC, and Phthalate free, but this one fits the bill!

The Yookidoo Stack 'N' Stream Tub Fountain is a winner in my book.  It is battery operated and I usually shy away from toys with batteries, but I still love this toy.  The battery power pushes the water up through the toy like a fountain, and as you stack and unstack the different boats and characters with the toy, you get different effects with the water (sprinkler effect, spray effect, spout effect, etc).  There are so many ways to use this toy that it will definitely keep your little one entertained.  My son enjoys playing with all the little people and boats separately as well!

This toy is fascinating for both babies and toddlers, and I think it will last a long time in our house.  Just one word of caution…be prepared to get wet…both you and your child!

P.S. The cheapest place I found this toy (by far) was on Amazon.  (There’s a video of the toy in use on Amazon as well)

Kidco Go Pod: Great Activity Seat for On the Go

from Rated By Mom



We saw a great baby product that is fabulous for camping, sporting events, trips to the park, grandma’s house or even your own backyard.  The Kidco Go Pod is a compact, lightweight activity seat that is super portable and a great alternative to those bulky, non-traveling activity centers.

At first glance, it looks like a camping chair all folded up in its bag.  But unfold it (in like 5 seconds flat!) and you have yourself an activity seat for your baby that resembles a camping chair.  Same fabric.  Same fold.  Same frame.  But this seat is for your baby!

The Go Pod is great for indoor or outdoor use.  Plus, simply fold and store when not in use.  Great for small spaces!




Features of the Kidco Go Pod:

• Locking Button – Ensures Go·Pod is locked in place; safe for baby

• Floor Pad – Keeps baby’s feet from touching undesirable surfaces
• Four Seat Height Positions – Grows with baby for appropriate leg/feet positioning
• Drink and Snack Holders
• Five Nylon Toy Loops – Holds baby’s favorite toy
• Storage Bag – Includes pocket for wallet, keys, ipod, etc.Age range: approximately 4 months (or when your baby can hold it’s head up unassisted) to walking
• Product Weight:  an amazing 7 lbs!!!Folded Dimensions: 6.5”W x 6.5”L x 29.5”H
• Open Dimensions: 24”W x 24”L x 19.5”H (at its lowest seat level)Three models available:  P7000-QuickSilver, P7001-Sorbet, P7002-Pistachio
• Retail approximately $49.99 at Buy Buy Baby and other retailers

A Sneak Peak at ABC Expo Coolness…Origami Electronic Stroller!

I’m about to leave on a week vacation so it will be a little while before I get up all my posts about all the great new stuff coming out in the baby world, but I wanted to share a sneak peak of a CRAZY new idea in strollers…an electronic folding stroller!

This stroller, The Origami, is made by 4Moms, the same group of women that designed the now popular Mamaroo -- the coolest baby bouncer/swing on the market.  I have to say that at first I thought “are we really too lazy to fold a stroller ourselves??  I mean I know it can be a pain, especially with multiple children, and sometimes those strollers are back breaking, but do we really need to waste batteries to fold our own strollers?  But THEN I learned the facts about this stroller.  It is powered by motion!  No batteries, no charging, just push your stroller around and while the stroller is in motion it CHARGES ITSELF!  Pretty cool.  Okay, maybe it’s alright to be lazy every now and then.

The Origami also comes with this cool tiny computer at the handle bars that shows you the temperature outside, and among other things you can also plug your ipod into it.  This is definitely the stroller for the 21st century!

Hurray, It’s a Giveaway! SwaddleDesigns Ultimate Receiving Blanket

SwaddleDesigns are truly my favorite swaddle blankets.  I first bought one just after I had my baby and soon realized I couldn’t live without it!  It became my favorite all-purpose blanket and it went everywhere with us.  It is such a perfect size and weight that I used it as a nursing cover, to create extra shade over my baby’s car seat, a play blanket, and more. 

SwaddleDesigns swaddle blankets were created by an RN and mother of two.  Her inspiration came when herself, her friends, and her patients were constantly frustrated when trying to swaddle their babies – either they would forget the correct technique or the blankets were too small or not the right shape or fabric to swaddle baby successfully.

SwaddleDesigns blankets come in three fabrics (cotton, lightweight marquisette, and organic cotton) and are the perfect weight for swaddling baby.  Keeping baby the correct temperature while she is sleeping is very, very important and SwaddleDesigns blankets are made to do just that (the marquisette fabric is perfect for summertime or warmer nurseries).  And in case you forget the correct swaddling techniques, they are printed on a tag right on the corner of the blanket for easy access!



SwaddleDesigns now makes not only swaddle blankets but wearable sleep sack blankets, crib sheets, security blankets, burp cloths and bibs, towels and more.  Many of their items can be purchased in just about any baby store around, including boutiques and big box stores.  To view their complete selection check out their website.


SwaddleDesigns blankets come in a huge assortment of adorable colors and patterns.  Their newest pattern, The Triple Paisleys (seen above), can only be purchased on their website OR enter our contest today to win one!

Discount!!  Get 10% off anything  at www.eswaddle.com with the promo code “MadeInUSA”

Enter to Win!

To win one of two swaddle blankets just send an email to abby@littlemiraclesbabyplanning.com with the subject “SwaddleDesigns” and let me know which blanket you want to win:
1) Triple Paisley cotton blanket in pink
2) Triple Paisley marquisette blanket in blue/green
To receive an extra entry to win fan us on Facebook and let me know you did!  If you’re already a fan let me know and you’ll still get an extra entry.
Winner will be chosen at random and all are eligible to win.  Contest ends Friday September 17th at 12 noon est.

Safe Swaddling

Speaking of swaddling, here are some essential tips directly from SwaddleDesigns to help you swaddle your baby safety and effectively:

Natural Position

Experts recommend swaddling baby in a natural position with elbows, knees and hips flexed for proper joint development, and with baby's hands within reach of mouth so baby can suck on his or her fingers to self-console.
You may also choose to wrap baby with one or both hands down inside the swaddle with baby's elbows in a flexed position and offer baby a pacifier once breastfeeding is established.

Wrap Snugly

A loose swaddle is ineffective, so wrap baby snugly, but not so tightly as to impede baby's breathing. You should be able to slide your hand between the blanket and your baby's chest. It should feel snug, not loose.

Custom Fit

SwaddleDesigns large square blankets allow for a custom fit swaddle whether your baby is small, medium or large.
Place blanket on a flat surface in a diamond position in front of you with the 123 Swaddle Tip Tag visible on your upper right hand side.
Fold the top corner down about 6 inches, and place baby in the center of the blanket with their neck at the fold.
Follow the steps on the 123 Swaddle Tip Tag

1. Starting on your left, bring the 1st corner over and tuck snugly behind baby.
2. The bottom corner goes over baby's left shoulder and behind baby's back. The weight of the baby on the tucked under corners will help to keep the swaddle secure.
3. Take the 3rd corner across and all the way around behind baby, tucking the tail of the blanket into the fold in the front.

Avoid having the blanket touch baby's cheek, this can stimulate baby's rooting response and wake baby.
Our swaddling blankets are designed with good stretch when they are in the diamond position for swaddling.
Every baby is unique. Ask your baby's pediatrician about swaddling your baby.

Always Place Baby on Back to Sleep

Always place baby on his or her back for sleep. The side and tummy positions are unsafe.
The back sleeping position reduces risk of SIDS. Baby should sleep on a firm sleep surface, in a bassinet, cradle or crib near the mother's bed, without any soft toys, pillows or loose bedding.

Baby's Sleep Environment

Room Temperature

Medical experts recommend a sleep environment of 65-70°F (18-21°C)
It is an important responsibility of the caregiver to dress baby appropriately for sleep based on the temperature of their environment. Parents should not overdress or underdress baby for sleep. As a general guide, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends dressing baby in no more than one layer more than an adult would use to be comfortable in the same environment.
Cool hands and feet are considered okay due to baby's immature circulatory system, but tummy and chest should be warm and dry. A sweaty neck and back is a sign of overheating and a layer of baby's clothing should be removed.
Babies are not good at regulating their own temperatures. No blanket can naturally regulate baby's temperature for them, so parents need to touch and feel their baby to ensure baby is not too warm or too cold.

Smoke-Free Environment

Always keep baby's environment smoke-free by not smoking when pregnant, near your baby, or in an area where your baby spends time or sleeps.

Ventilation

Be sure air can circulate freely around baby's face. A fan in baby's room can increase ventilation, but should not be blowing air directly on baby.

Allow Baby to Suck on Fingers or a Pacifier

Infant researchers state it's in baby's best interest to have baby's hands within reach of mouth, so baby may self-soothe by sucking on his or her fingers. Sucking is the most organizing behavior of the newborn – it helps baby with sleep/wake control. Sucking is an early form of communication - by vigorously sucking, a baby communicates that he or she is hungry.
As your baby grows stronger or if you have a very active baby, you may tuck one or both hands down into the swaddle with their elbows flexed and offer baby a pacifier. Babies who suck on pacifiers have reduced incidence of SIDS.
As you learn more about your baby, you will find which hand position works best for your baby.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is encouraged. Breastfeed, if you can.

Hurray, It’s a Giveaway! Nature Certified Skincare Products for Baby

Nature Certified is a brand new company created by a mom who cares, a mom who wants to put safe and natural products on our babies skin.  This line of products is100% natural and certified organic, using almost all edible whole ingredients.

I know there are several companies out there that claim to offer natural products for babies, but they really aren’t (just look at the ingredient list).  There are very few brands that I really love and trust, and since there are not that many choices I was definitely excited to learn about Nature Certified.
I love the philosophy that this company lives by, as stated on their website:

• To be consistent with the concept of natural products, and not compromise on quality.
• To take the best elements of natural care remedies from around the world, and introduce them to the baby-child personal care market.
• To use edible, whole ingredients, as well as organic ingredients whenever possible.
• To present the product in a consumer-friendly manner. The company is committed to identifying at least 70% of the ingredients in each product on its front label.
• To avoid any product that we would not use for our own babies.

Nature Certified offers a varying array of products, and a few products for baby that I have never seen or tried on the market:

• Organic Grapeseed Oil for Baby and Child: A combination of food grade organic oils, such as grapeseed and coconut.  This oil can be used in the bath, in place of lotion, of for massages.
• All Natural Lotion for Baby and Child: There are no artificial ingredients, fillers, or harmful substances. Even the preservative is natural. Use it daily for moisturizing yourself and your little one.
• Organic Oil Blend for Baby and Child:  Unique combination of food grade oils and cardamom for aromatherapy.  Great for massage or moisturizing.
• Organic Baby Bath Tea: One-of-a kind bath tea bags for children. Soothes, relaxes, and indulges. 100% organic. These tea bags dispense the correct amount of bath product required, so you don’t have to worry about how much should go into your baby’s bath.
• Foaming Body Wash and Shampoo: Delicate and mild fragranced foam comes out of the bottle foaming and leaves your baby clean from head to toe!

I received samples of all these products and I was so excited to give them a try!  I was very pleasantly surprised that the oils were not at all overly potent (as many can be), but were just the right smell of “relaxation.”   I especially love the Foaming Body Wash and Shampoo for children, because I love using shampoo where you don’t have to create your own lather, and I love the soft, natural scent of it.  My baby definitely came out clean and smelling nice!

I still put lotion on my two year old every day to keep his baby skin soft.  When I tried using the Grapeseed Oil and Organic Oil Blend instead of lotion I was reminded of the massaging component that I’m often forgetting when applying moisturizer on him.  Babies and children can greatly benefit from soft massages, both physically and mentally.  The oil blends worked great as a lotion replacement and my little guy actually liked his massage so much he kept asking for more !  I love that using oils reminded me to take the time to spend a little more skin-on-skin contact with child.  These oils are non-greasy and I truly would like some for my own skin!

I love, love, love that Nature Certified has created this great line of completely NATURAL products for our children – something that is so often missing from the mass retailers.  Right now they are only available online, but hopefully we’ll be seeing them in stores nearby soon!

Enter to Win!

To win a free sample kit, complete with travel size containers of the foaming body wash & shampoo, all natural baby lotion, organic oil blend, and organic grapeseed oil simply send an email to abby@littlemiraclesbabyplanning.com with the subject “Nature Certified.”  Contest ends Thursday, Aug. 2nd at 12 noon est.

New Britax Convertible Car Seats Coming Soon

I had the privilege of receiving one of these brand new, redesigned (not in stores yet) Boulevard Britax car seats to test out.  I have used two of Britax's seats so far with my own child -- the infant Chaperone seat and the convertible Diplomat seat.  I may have had a few suggestions for improvements on both of those seats, but this newly remodeled Boulevard stands alone as a seat of perfection.  Britax's focus on safety is incomparable with any other car seat manufacturer.  But besides the fact that their car seats are possibly the safest car seats out there, they are also brilliantly designed for ease of use for the parent and comfort for the child.  I can't say enough about Britax right now and what great new products they are putting out there.  If you haven't checked out their awesome new single and double B-Ready stroller, check it out too!

There are many great reviews out there already on these newly redesigned Boulevard and Marathon seats, but here's my favorite from Spilling the Beans:

from Spilling the Beans

Britax is a company that is totally obsessed with car seat safety. A few years ago, research started coming out that revealed head injury to be the leading cause of death for children in automobile accidents. Britax took a good look at those findings and then took their existing line of car seats to the crash test lab, wondering if they were doing enough to protect kids’ heads. While all the older seats already exceeded the federal standards for head excursion, the Britax engineers still thought they could do better.


After many hours at the drawing board, the results are really impressive. The new seats look better and perform better than their predecessors. They offer better features and higher weight limits but (surprisingly) there will be no price increase.

Here are some of the highlights:

~ New contours - the shape of the new car seats is really different. The center of gravity is lower, to create a downward rocking motion in a crash, instead of a forward thrust. The shell is more enclosed and protective.

~ Steel reinforcements - the new models have steel bars running down both sides of the seat for extra strength.

~ Crumple zones - Britax has introduced a new SafeCell technology - a honeycomb-shaped plastic zone at the base of the car seat that’s designed to crumple, absorbing and dissipating the impact from a crash.

~ Foam galore - the sidewalls of the new seats are fully lined with energy-absorbant EPP foam.

~ Versa-Tether - it’s not a new feature, but now’s a good time to point out the thought behind the design of this safety feature. The webbing is sewn so that , in a crash, it releases its seams in stages, slowing the forward motion.

~ Easy to clean - the new seats (except the Roundabout 55) have an Easy-Remove cover that comes right off without having to uninstall the car seat - so you can dread those spills just a little less from now on.

~ Quick adjusting - all the new models (except the Roundabout 55) have a quick-adjust harness, which allows you to change the height of the harness straps without needing to rethread the straps.

~ No Slip - there’s a rubberized strip on the base of the car seat, which prevents it from slipping around - a small but very nice touch.

~ Simplified LATCH - the LATCH connectors are now “one handed” meaning they’ll work fine in either position, so you don’t need to switch them around when moving from rear- to forward-facing.

~ Improved lock-offs and belt path - the location of the built-in seatbelt lockoffs has been moved to the center of the seat, and the belt path is more open, so you can comfortably pass through the seatbelt and lock it off even if you’re standing outside the car.


Take a look at the full line of next-generation Britax seats for 2010 and pre-order now.

Bellybar Giveaway!

Bellybar offers prenatal nutrition for you and your baby in tasty little packages!  Bellybar makes prenatal vitamins, chews, bars, and shakes that are all delicious, nutritious, and OB endorsed.

NutraBella (the company that makes Bellybar products) was founded to improve the nutritional wellbeing of women by delivering delicious, nutrient-enriched products that are uniquely formulated and conveniently portable. Created by women for women, NutraBella's all-natural food products promote good nutrition – the foundation for a healthy and active lifestyle. We at NutraBella strive to be the trusted source of tasty, convenient and nutrient rich foods to fuel you toward your personal best.

You can find Bellybar products at many locations including Target, Babies R Us, and Amazon.

Enter to Win!

Enter to win a gift pack of Bellybar products, including chocolate and citrus chews, a chocolate shake drink, and a variety of bars.  Perfect for the expecting mama (or to give as a gift to the expecting mama)!  To enter just send an email to abby@littlemiraclesbabyplanning.com with the subject “Bellybar.”  Contest ends Friday, July 23rd at 12 noon est.

Product Review: EIO Kids Cup

We’ve tried just about every sippy cup there is, but when I saw the EIO Kids Cup I was immediately anxious to see what it was all about!  Unlike a traditional sippy cup, The Kids Cup is a spout-free, valve-free cup made without BPA, Phthalates and PVC, and is designed to transition young children properly from bottles to real glass dinnerware. Sippy cup spouts and valves necessitate a bottle-like sucking motion, but EIO’s unique cap promotes correct sipping, quickly and with less mess!

The Kids Cup is made with glass and surrounded with a silicone sleeve available in three colors (orange, purple, and green).  The cup feels just like a jar with a lid, and in fact the twist on cap does fit on ANY 8oz canning jar!

EIO says the following about their cup:
EIO’s cap is specifically designed without small parts, like the easy-to-lose valve. According to the ADA’s recommendations for better dental development, children over the age of one should drink from a cup without a valve.* Spouts can also be detrimental, as they tend to become chew toys. EIO encourages a healthy, natural transition to cups.
*From The Journal of the American Dental Association, Vol. 135, No 3, 387

Another great feature of the Kids Cup is that you can use warm or cold beverages and smoothies as well (without getting build up in the lid). 

The one thing to note about the Kids Cup that is VERY different from any other cup – it is NOT spill proof!  Due to the fact it has no valve, liquid flows freely from the cup.  My just turned two year old just loved using this cup, because he loves drinking from a regular cup but this allowed him to do it himself (I always have to have my hand on the cup with a regular glass).  Yes, there may be some spilling, but it teaches him how a real cup works (liquid comes out quickly) and he loves to drink from it all by himself!

That said, this is not the cup you want to hand to your toddler in the back seat of the car.  This is, however, the perfect cup for mealtime when you are teaching your child mealtime skills.

The EIO Kids Cup is currently available in select retail locations and online at the EIO website, The Soft Landing, Mom 4 Life, and other sites.  Check out the list of other retailers HERE.

Hurray, It’s a Giveaway! Bamboobies Super-Soft Organic Bamboo Nursing Pads

If you’ve ever nursed then you are fully aware of all the problems with disposable nursing pads – they bunch up and show under your clothing, they don’t mold around your breast well, they’re uncomfortable, and, oh yeah, they fill up landfills!

I received a pair of Bamboobies to try and even though I’m not currently nursing…oh baby, these are soooooft!  I get the feeling any sore, nursing breast would find these to be a great relief. :)

Bamboobies are washable and reusable nursing pads.  They are unique because they are softer and waterproof, aka "milk-proof," Bamboobies are the new choice for breastfeeding mothers who want a washable nursing pad that doesn't show through clothes.  Bamboo, organic cotton and hemp make these pads super-absorbent and unbelievably soft.

GREEN FACTOR: 
Our fabric producers meet the Global Organic Textile Standards and are certified annually by OEKO Tex 100, OCIA or USDA.

We go 'Beyond Organic' to ensure that fibers are not treated with toxic chemicals and that only water-based dyes are used.

Bamboobies come in two varieties:

And of course Bamboobies are mom created!  Designed by a mother of two in Boulder and handmade in Colorado of organic and sustainable fabrics.  I have tried a LOT of nursing pads in my day and I have to say I'm really happy to have found these and to get to use them next time around.  You will be too!

Enter to Win!

To be entered to win a pair of Bamboobies (ultra-thin or ultra-thick, your choice) please visit the Bamboobies website at www.buybamboobies.com and read about the two products offered.  Then simply send an email to abby@littlemiraclesbabyplanning.com with the subject “Bamboobies” and let me know which type of Bamboobies nursing pad you want to win.  You can get an extra entry if you become a fan of Bamboobies on Facebook!  Contest ends Tuesday, July 6th at 12 noon est.

Hurray, It’s a Giveaway! SmartMom Teething Bling

 

I swear moms are the most ingenious people out there!  Yet another fabulous product created by moms Kendra and Amy in 2002…the SmartMom Teething Bling.

This adorable pendant is not only fashionable but it’s also a teething toy for your little one!  How many times have you been standing in line, sitting on an airplane, sitting in church, or any place else with your baby when she wanted something to chew on?  Instead of your hair, your keys, your cell phone, or their hands (which have been who knows where), you can just let them chew away on your necklace!  How convenient is that?!?

SmartMom uses only the highest-quality, phthalate-free, federally approved silicone in our Teething Bling® line. The material is non-toxic, latex-free, food–safe, even dishwasher-friendly! It is the same silicone used in many other popular teething products and SGS test reports are available upon request. Although they stress that this is adult jewelry not intended for children to wear, all of their pendants come with a breakaway clasp as an added safety feature.

I have to confess.  SmartMom was so sweet to send me a Teething Bling to try out and even though my son is well past the teething stage I’ve been wearing my Bling all the time!  It seems to be the perfect accessory for my summer dresses. :)  I love it!

And as if cute, stylish, and convenient aren’t enough, in honor of the many mothers and children who inspire daily, SmartMom donates from their profits to these worthy organizations:
http://www.curesearch.org
http://www.dressforsuccess.org
(in special memory of Maria Jankowski Maurer)

SmartMom has expanded their product line to include coordinating bangle bracelets and other fun items like Shakespeare quoted onesies and tween bling for older kids.  Check it all out at www.smartmomjewelry.com!

Enter to win!

To be eligible to win a SmartMom Teething Bling (in the light blue/Lapis Lazuli color pictured above) just send an email to abby@littlemiraclesbabyplanning.com with the subject “Smartmom” and tell me what you love about this product and why you would like to win.  Contest ends Monday June 21th at noon est.

Hurray, It’s a Giveaway! The Modern Baby Company Organic Clothing

I bought a Modern Baby Company onesie recently and was so in love with it that I had to contact them for a giveaway!  They were so nice to send me a giraffe onesie (pictured above) as well as several of their mini art cards (pictured above).  They just came out with a whole new line that includes modern designs in bright colors of various animals.  Their last line included stunning crib sheet sets  and blankets and I hope they bring those back!

About The Modern Baby Co:
As parents we understand the need for kid friendly, fun and practical children's products. We believe in the possibility of bringing sophistication and modernism to parenting by providing stylish color pallets and clean, simple designs. We also believe in taking steps towards offering eco-conscious items at affordable prices. This is why we choose to work with USA based printing companies, provide a line of baby apparel that is created with eco-friendly inks, and limit our packaging to only that which is necessary. We take pride in our ethics, partners and the quality of our product line. At The Modern Baby Co., we look forward to sharing our enthusiasm for beautiful modern design with you.

I <heart> The Modern Baby Company because it was founded and created by a mom, and because it produces eco-friendly and adorable products for baby.  Visit their website or blog for more information.

Enter to Win!

To be eligible to win a Modern Baby giraffe onesie (size 12 months) and matching mini art cards, simply send an email to abby@littlemiraclesbabyplanning.com with the subject “Modern Baby.”  Contest ends Tuesday June 8th at 12 noon est.

Eco-Friendly Cookware

I’m always looking for more healthy ways to prepare and serve meals to my family.   There is a lot of talk nowadays about the harmful effects of PTFE and PFOA used in Teflon based non-stick cookware.  Studies have shown that  Teflon coated pans release perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a "likely carcinogen" and other chemicals when heated to 360 celsius, admittedly far above normal cooking temperatures. PFOA has been linked to cancer and birth defects in animals and is in the blood of 95 percent of Americans, including pregnant women.

I came across the Cuisinart GreenGourmet Eco-Friendly Cookware and was pleasantly surprised by what I found out.  I try to cook mostly without my non-stick cookware but I hate using oil when I don’t have to and I hate the messy clean-up from my regular pans.  So I decided to give the GreenGourmet skillet a try.

WOW.  That just about sums up my description of this product.  I’m seriously so impressed that I just had to share my find with other mothers who might be looking for similar products.  This skillet is truly better than any non-stick pan I’ve tried.  Eggs come right off without using any oil, butter or spray!  Nothing sticks to this pan, and you can cook extra healthy meals by not needing to use oils or butter.

A little more about the cookware:
Cuisinart GreenGourmet cookware is good for the environment because is uses manufacturing techniques that reduce harmful carbon emissions by consuming less energy. Featuring a ceramic-based nonstick coating made without the use of petroleum, exclusive Cuisinart Cermica cookware helps to conserve our natural resources and lets you cook with a good conscience. Rest assured that Cuisinart uses only packaging that is made for 100% recycled materials and is printed with soy ink. Beautiful stainless steel handles stay cool on the stovetop and are constructed of 70% recycled stainless steel-great protection for you and the environment! It can go directly into the oven and be used for top-browning and broiling foods unlike traditional nonstick surfaces. Energy-efficient and eco-friendly with the same high standard of quality you expect from Cuisinart, this collection proves it's easy being green.

Made with scratch-resistant nonstick ceramic-based surface

Water-based Ceramica nonstick surface won't peel off, free of PTFE and PFOA

Superior heat conductivity resulting in less energy use; oven- and broiler-safe

70 percent recycled, riveted, stay-cool stainless-steel handle

Limited lifetime warranty; hand wash only; oven safe up to 500 degrees F

I truly recommend this cookware for anyone looking for either a greener/safer way to cook or an all-around better non-stick pan!

Hurray, It’s a Giveaway! Baby Star Quick Change Diaper Pouch

Quick Change Diaper Pouch by Baby Star

The QUICK CHANGE is the perfect pouch for carrying diapers and wipes and is available in Baby Star's 16 exclusive design. The pouch has gusset sides and a reinforced base that allows for expansion and it fits four large diapers plus a wipe case comfortably.

size: 6"x10"
styles: decorative fabric pouch.
detail: 100% cotton, imported and machine washable.
 
All products are FORMALDEHYDE-FREE, making them safe for baby and the environment
Functional style for those unexpected emergencies, Baby Star's quick change diaper pouch can hold up to four diapers and a flat wipe case. Perfect for short trips with your baby star. All of their products are made of 100% cotton and plush fabrics that are formaldehyde-free and AZO-free, making them safe for baby and the environment.

Lots of colors to choose from!  Click HERE to see them online.

BOYS

 

GIRLS




UNISEX

ABOUT BABY STAR

We believe a baby star is born every day. Baby Star is a baby apparel and accessories company that creates products for the design-savvy parent and the texture-loving child. Born out of the desire to balance style and functionality, Baby Star strives to create essential items for both baby and parent in a clean, simple and modern way. All of Baby Star's products are made out of combinations of 100% cotton and formaldehyde-free fabrics, making them safe for baby and the environment. Baby Star believes in responsibility, sustainability and creating safe products for children.

ENTER TO WIN!

To win a Baby Star Quick Change Diaper Pouch in your choice of color, send an email to abby@littlemiraclesbabyplanning.com with the subject “Baby Star.”  Winner will be chosen at random.  Contest ends Thursday, May 27th at noon est.  Even if you’ve won other contests with us you can still ender to win!