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Heat Holders: The Ultimate Thermal Sock

December 17, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

Heat Holders: The Ultimate Thermal Sock

By Christine:

Heat Holders (www.usa.heatholders.com) was established in 1947 in England. At that time the company used to trade yarn. The last few decades they have been manufacturing, importing and distributing socks.

The Heat Holder sock was developed by their talented product development team in house in 2008. The challenge was to make a sock that would be the warmest sock ever and comfortable and practical to wear in daily life. Since then they have sold more than 10 million pairs worldwide and distribution continues to grow.

Heat Holders use a combination of soft cashmere-like fibers that are carefully blended together in a unique three stage knitting process. The patented extra-long looped pile adds to the overall warmth. As far as it is known, and has ever been tested, Heat Holders are the warmest thermal socks in the world.

The socks boast a 2.3 thermal tog (thermal overall grade) rating, placing them far ahead of normal ‘thermal’ socks in terms of warmth and heat holding capabilities. But these sensational socks are not only a fantastic example of thermal technology, they look great too! With separate ranges for men and women, as well as for little feet, Heat Holders come in a massive array of colors and styles.

Why Heat Holders are so warm:

Advanced Insulating Yarn
Long Looped Thermal Pile
Soft Brushed Inner

I was sent a pair of Ladies Original Heat Holders in Charcoal to try out and review. They came just. In. Time. My family headed over the mountains to an awesome Bavarian inspired town called Leavenworth, for the annual (outdoor) town and tree lighting. I emphasize the outdoor part because it was so very, very cold outside. When we drove through the mountain pass the thermometer on our vehicle read 3*. Yep, that’s 3* Fahrenheit. Yikes!

My Heat Holder thermal socks kept me warm & toasty all the time we were outside enjoying the snow and beautiful lights. I love how the Heat Holder socks are soft and fuzzy inside, wearing them feels like you’re wearing sweaters on your feet. I wear them around the house all the time instead of traditional slippers. They are warm and cozy, but breath a bit better then a slipper.

I absolutely recommend Heat Holders Thermal Socks to anyone who is looking for socks to keep them warm during cold or freezing conditions or for those of us who have poor circulation and endure cold hands & feet almost year ’round.

With prices starting at the ultra reasonable $19.99 for the socks Heat Holders are certainly a perfect warming accessory. For range details and colors please visit: www.heatholders.com.

About Christine:

Christine is our in house baby & household product reviewer. She has two daughters that are quite adorable. One is a very active 2 year old and the other is 5 1/2. She works part-time at the local children’s hospital

jijamas™ Incredibly Soft Loungewear for Parents

December 16, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

jijamas™ incredibly soft loungewear for parents

By Christine:

Recently jijamas™ (www.jijamas.com) launched as the proud project of parent entrepreneurs, Gustavo and Courtney Sanchez. Inspired by how soft their little daughter’s pajamas were and how the softness actually helped them unwind to go to sleep, they wanted adult pajamas that helped them relax too, and decided to createjijamas™. The name comes from their kids too, as they couldn’t pronounce pajamas and instead called them their “jijamas”.

The 2013 collection (The Soul Mate, The Therapist, The Lighthearted, and The Better Half) mixes sleepwear with a touch of loungewear and are made with 100% high-end Pima cotton – the same cotton used in pj’s for newborns – and was created with relaxation in mind.

I was sent a pair of The Therapist (http://jijamas.com/collections/the-therapist) in gray to try out and review. When I first opened the package I was a bit surprised by the size of the jijamas and thought that I’d be swimming in them. But the clever tag tied on top of the package gave instructions that they will be larger before washing, as they are 100% cotton. I decided to wash and dry my jijamas before even trying them on.

They did shrink some after drying and the pants fit perfectly. They are a little fitted and and the drawstring waist keeps them flowing but not sloppy. The top doesn’t fit me quite right, it’s a bit short in the body and long in the arms. I am partial to layering, so with a tank top underneath the top it’s a very comfortable combination.

I love the bottoms and know they will become a staple in my lounge wear and pajama rotation. I would also recommend a pair to a new parent to offer some comfort during all the sleepless nights in the beginning.

5 1/2 reasons to get a pair of jijamas™

1. Made from the softest pima cotton. They only use long staple Pima cotton which is used in sleepwear for newborns because of its extreme softness.

2. Two different length sizes to choose from. Pajamas are usually too long or too short. Theirs aren’t. They offer two lengths based on your height (5’5 & shorter, or 5’6 & taller)

3. Only $5.99 flat shipping anywhere in the US. And it’s free if you buy 2 items or more.

4. Sleepwear with a hint of loungewear. Made to be worn all day so you can relax. There’s even a Capri style for the warm at heart.

5. They make a great gift. Who doesn’t need a pair of pajamas? And who doesn’t need to relax?

5½. Free and easy returns. They we want you to be happy in your jijamas™, they’ve made returns easy and free (hence the one half a reason).

So whether you put on your jijamas™ after a long day at work or wear them all day on Sunday, we hope you relax. After all, that’s what jijamas™ are for. You can get your own jijamas™ for at jijamas.com and run $90 plus shipping.

About Christine

About Christine:

Crazy Cuisine: Easy, Yummy Meals for Crazy Fall Days

October 20, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

By Christine:

(samples received)

Crazy Cuisine is a line of authentic, high-protein Asian dishes inspired by classic Japanese, Chinese and Korean recipes. Fully cooked (ready to heat and serve) and high in protein, Crazy Cuisine’s dishes and free of preservatives, trans-fat and MSG.

Not only do they taste great, buy they are easy to prepare and ready in 18 minutes or less. Also, the versatile and time-saving recipes are perfect for lunch or dinner paired with your favorite grains or fresh vegetables, as well as at parties served as bite-size appetizers.

Although Crazy Cuizine’s all-natural, sliced white meat chicken and beef are cooked with authentic flavors from the Far East, the ingredients are U.S. sourced and the dishes are made at the company’s state-of-the-art facility in Southern California, which has received four consecutive "Gold" standard awards for food safety and quality practices by Silliker.

For the month of October, Crazy Cuizine’s popular Mandarin Orange Chicken will be available at Costco locations nationwide with a $3.50 discount. So NOW is the perfect time to try it out.

Mandarin Orange Chicken is one of Crazy Cuizine’s most popular products, as well as a favorite around our house. This recipe features lightly battered, sliced chicken breast in a delicately-sweet Mandarin orange sauce with 12 individual servings in each box, enough for dinner, lunch and leftovers.

Last night for dinner we had Mandarin Orange Chicken alongside jasmine rice and steamed broccoli. We alternate between brown & white rice, but since I was cooking we had white rice (my husband is more committed to brown rice). Thankfully, preparing a meal using Mandarin Orange Chicken from Crazy Cuizine is quick & easy as my husband was volunteering after work and I was making dinner while wrangling two young girls after a long day.

While holding a hungry, unhappy 2 year-old in one arm I lined my baking pan with foil and dumped a packet of the pre-cooked, lightly breaded chicken on and threw it in the oven. I thawed the sauce in a bowl of hot water in the sink and used the approximately 18 minute baking time to make rice, veggies, set the table, wash hands, unpack my kindergartener’s lunch bag, help someone in the bathroom and wash hands again. Once done I simply tossed the hot chicken in a bowl with the sauce and dished up alongside our side dishes. Viola!

In our house we usually serve the veggies first to our girls, working from the theory that they will be more likely to eat them if they are presented first when they are the most hungry. It’s also a stall tactic for my younger daughter who is a bit of a "Hulk" when she’s hungry. This theory proved true last night when the previously mentioned 2 year-old munched on broccoli until her plate of rice & Mandarin Orange Chicken was cooled off and presented to her. I believe her exact words were "no more this please" as she pushed away the broccoli and gobbled up her chicken & rice.

My husband came home right as dinner was ready and we had a great family meal sitting at the table talking about something good from our day and something not-so-good. My husband even went back for seconds of Mandarin Orange Chicken and rice, although curiously not broccoli?!?

We used half the Costco-sized package for this meal. It comes conveniently packed separated into portions appropriate for two meals for our family of four. Our children are still pretty small, so they don’t eat a whole lot, which left enough left-overs for me to package up two lunch portions for my husband and I each to take to work.

After dinner and clean-up my husband and I agreed that we enjoyed Crazy Cuizine’s Mandarin Orange Chicken and would definitely try out more flavors. Maybe the Korean BBQ Chicken next or Pork Potstickers .

Crazy Cuizine products are available at select Costco locations and BJ’s Wholesale Clubs across the country as well as at Albertons, Ralphs, Food for Less, Raley’s, SaveMart and Lucky Supermarkets throughout California and the Pacific Northwest.

Givebones: Buy a Collar, Save a Dog, Join the Movement!

June 23, 2013 by Momstart 2 Comments

Givebones: Buy a Collar, Save a Dog, Join the Movement!

By Christine:

(sample received)

Givebones is a charitable company committed to giving homeless dogs the life they deserve. Ultimately, their goal is to generate awareness and financial support in hopes of reducing the amount of homeless dogs being euthanized every year.

According to Givebones founder Tricia Andrews, “there are approximately 5 million to 7 million furry companions that enter animal shelters every year.” With this astounding number of shelter animals in need, Givebones wants everyone to “join the movement” and help shelters and rescue groups save dogs.

Tricia’s inspiration to start a movement happened while her husband was participating in a Giving Trip with TOMS in Central America. During his trip, he couldn’t help but notice the amount of homeless dogs. While homelessness is a global epidemic, they decided to start a movement in their own backyard.

For every collar sold, Givebones gives back 10% of sales to shelters and rescue groups dedicated to the cause of giving every dog the life they deserve.

I was graciously sent a small, red Givebones collar for our family dog Bailey to try out and review. He is due for a new collar and I LOVE the concept of buy-one-help-one. Our family is also a big TOMS shoes fan, so it is completely natural to extend that same love and passion to the four legged member of our family.

Beyond being part of a movement to save homeless dogs, the collar is sturdy and well made, as well as attractive and easy to clasp/un-clasp. I highly recommend Givebones collars along with the following celebrity supporters; Eva Longoria, Pink, Billy Ray Cyrus, Nick and Vanessa Lachey, Jesse Metcalf, Tony Romo, Troy Aikman and more.

Givebones collars are available in a wide variety of colors and in extra small, small, medium and large sizes for the retail price of $14.99 at www.givebones.com. A complimentary Givebones wristband comes with each purchase allowing animal lovers to show their support and help give their dog a voice.

Will YOU join the movement?

About Christine:

Christine is our in house baby & household product reviewer. She has two daughters that are quite adorable. One is a very active 18 month-old and the other is 4 1/2 and entering Kindergarten in the Fall. She works part-time at the local children’s hospital.

Epson LabelWorks Iron-On Kit: Take Ordinary to Extraordinary™

May 4, 2013 by Momstart 1 Comment

Epson LabelWorks Iron-On Kit: Take Ordinary to Extraordinary™

Christine received a sample from Epson for her review.

By Christine:

It’s fun & easy to create great looking iron-on labels using the LabelWorks Iron-on Kit from Epson. The handy kit includes a LabelWorks LW-300 printer, 2 iron-on tape cartridges, and an application guide — everything needed to create personalized iron-on labels for school items, uniforms, sports jerseys, and more.

Labels are easy to customize using a wide variety of fonts, symbols, and frames. The durable, machine-washable, iron-on labels can be cut to size and applied to almost any fabric in just a few seconds. The included carrying case neatly stores the LW-300 printer, two 12mm tape cartridges, six AAA-sized batteries (not included), and an optional AC adapter (not included).

I am a huge fan of organization, so much so that a co-worker gave me a small label maker for my birthday gift years ago. At the time I remember thinking that it was one of the best gifts I’ve ever received- seriously. I have used that label maker many times, but have unfortunately run out of things that require a label in my home, or at work.

Although I do love labels and organization, I am NOT a fan of labeling any of my girls’ belongings with their names in any place visible. I do not want strangers to read their names and speak to either of them as if they know them. We are having the stranger danger conversations with A in preparation for starting Kindergarten in the fall. Someone she doesn’t know calling her by name would be a confusing thing to figure how to deal with.

Up until now I used a black permanent pen to label items- coats, maternity clothes lent out, backpacks, etc. It looks a bit sloppy, but it gets the job done. But hello- now there is amazing, legible, cute, customizable & safe alternative to permanent pens & custom embroidery. The Epson LabelWorks Iron-On Kit is easy to use, and the labels are simple to iron-on with a household iron.

A and I spent some time together picking out two of her belongings that could use a label- she decided on her backpack and coat. She looked through the manual and decided on the font, size & border for her labels. After reading the directions and playing around for a few minutes I easily figured out how to customize her labels. She was so pleased with the labels that she made one for one of her friends at school to have.

With one daughter starting Kindergarten in the fall and another starting daycare I am so happy to have the Epson LabelWorks Iron-On Kit to quickly & easily label their belongings. At around $70 for the kit it is an investment, but for the cost of replacing a few lost coats or backpacks it is worth it. I am looking forward to using this label maker for coats, backpacks, lunch bags, sports equipment & school items for years to come.

The Epson LabelWorks Iron-On Kit (MSRP $69.99) is available at Amazon.com and Epson.com.

About Christine:

MUPS Shoes: One pair, for every wear

November 20, 2012 by Momstart 4 Comments

MUPS Shoes: One pair, for every wear

By Christine:
MUPS Shoes is a new and exciting shoe company for women and girls. And really, who doesn’t love new shoes?!

The idea of MUPS Shoes is "One Pair for Every Wear". There are many different styles of shoes and a very large selection of different ornaments. The ornaments are the genius part of these shoes, as they allow for many style changes with just one pair of shoes. Each pair of MUPS Shoes comes with two different ornaments; one with the MUPS logo monogram and the other that coordinates specifically with each color & style of shoe. Additional ornaments can be purchased to created even more looks.

The fashion concept was twenty years in the making for company founder Diana. As a teenager, Diana dreamed the dream of every fashion enthusiast; to own a unique pair of footwear for each and every outfit in her wardrobe. The MUPS line of uniquely interchangeable accessories has the ability to transform the very same pair of footgear from the elegant to the sophisticated and from the sporty to the sensible, as well as every look in between. With seasonal lines featuring dozens of shoe styles and colors, along with an endless array of ornaments and appliqués, the sky is virtually the limit.

Available in exclusive women’s’ and girls’ lines MUPS is ideal for every age featuring an array of classy, sassy, cool and trendy, as well as sensible school shoes and formal styles.

I was sent a pair of the Bella style of MUPS in violet suede as well as two additional ornaments to try out and review. When I opened the box my four year-old insisted that she need to try them on- just in case they fit her too. Unfortunately MUPS don’t come in her size, so she’ll need to wait a few more years to get her own pair.

I played around with the different ornaments to get a feel for the different styles, and to test out how secure the Velcro really is. It took a bit of pulling to get the ornaments off, which I was happy to find out, as I was a bit skeptical if the ornaments would really stay on. The ornaments are also very sturdy. I figured that out after I found my curious one year-old pulling them out of their individual boxes and banging them together. MUPS passed the real-life mom durability test.

As far as the shoes go they are very comfortable and well made. I have owned several other pairs of ballet-style flats and usually wear them out on the outer edge of the foot. I don’t see that happening with MUPS as the sole is thicker then my other flats. They are sturdy but also flexible, and the elastic along the middle allows movement without being loose around the Achilles.

I love that these shoes were born out of a dream and a desire to be both fashionable and budget conscious. I am looking forward to wearing my MUPS Shoes this holiday season and can’t wait for the spring & summer styles.

Gotta Love MUPS!

About Christine:

Christine is our in house baby product reviewer. She has two children that are quite adorable, one is 3 1/2 months old and the other is three and in my son’s preschool class. When she’s not taking maternity leave she works at the local children’s hospital

Samples received.

Innobaby: Practical Products for Today’s Parents

August 18, 2012 by Momstart 8 Comments

By Christine,

In 2006 two friends who happened to be moms saw an unmet need of innovative & practical baby items, and Innobaby was born. Founders, Jee & Kristen’s award winning products are sold through various retail channels within U.S. and overseas. Innobaby is a family owned business employing the nicest, honest, and qualified people – sometimes even neighborhood friends and families!

Innobaby understands how parents will not compromise quality when selecting products for their children. From raw materials selected to the manufacturing processes, they ensure that all products exceed CPSIA standards and are tested by 3rd party testing companies.

I was sent two great products to try and review; the Sippin’ Smart™ ez flow straw sippy and the Keepin’ Fresh™ Kids Stainless Divided Bento. Leakproof Spillproof Easy Flow Straw Sippy retails for $12.99. Double Insulated Stainless Divided Bento retails for $14.99.

Sippin’ Smart™ ez flow straw sippy / 10 oz

innobaby’s Sippin Smart™ ez flow straw sippy allows ez drinking in any position with its ez flow design.

SMART features include:

smart straw with weighted stainless ball follows the liquid to provide continuous flow
ez flex smart straw is designed to be leak resistant even when it is flipped
ez grip lid with leakproof silicone seal makes it 100% leakproof
silicone air release valve prevents liquid overflow and guarantees easy flow
wide cup opening and curved base makes cleaning easy
smart straw tip is designed to be durable & comfortable with its bubble shaped curve to prevent slipping while sipping
flip top cap keeps smart straw clean
tip resistant base
10oz capacity with embossed measurements on the cup
BPA-, Phthalates-, PVC-, Lead Free
straw brush included

At first glance this sippy cup looked a bit complicated with the stainless ball at the bottom and tiny cleaning brush. What I realized when I tried it out (yes I did drink out of it) is that creative little ball ensures that whether you hold the cup straight or tilt it, that the liquid will still come out because the ball floats in the water wherever in happens to be. As for the tiny brush- it’s genius to include a brush specific to the straw tubing of the cup. I have ended up throwing away several cups over the years because they just can’t be thoroughly cleaned.

I also gave the cup my own durability test before handing it over to baby M to try out. I filled it with water and shook it hard and also squeezed on the straw (think milking a cow) and not even a drop of water spilled out. I also appreciate that the cup has handles and a flip-top lid so it can be closed and kept clean even when out and about. Baby M is almost 10 months old now and is not a big fan of other sippy cups. One style is too difficult for her to get anything out of, and the other she can squish on the highchair tray and squeeze a big mess out.

I gave M the cup to try out and she didn’t know what to do with it at first, as she’s never used a straw cup before. She banged it around and played with the straw until I demonstrated for her how to use it. At this point she prefers to chew on the straw and play with it. But I know that as she develops her sippy cup drinking skills this will be our go-to cup.

Keepin’ Fresh™ Kids Stainless Divided Bento / 11 oz

Innobaby’s Keepin’ Fresh™ Stainless Divided Bento is a SMART storage solution for home and on-the-go. The stainless divided bento is specially designed to store with easy to use airtight lid, making it a versatile, safe, and eco-friendly food storage solution. Great for storing cut out sandwiches, pastas, salads and more.

Why Keepin’ Fresh™ Kids Stainless Divided Bento?

It’s Easy To Use! It’s Easy To Wash!

BPA free protective sleeve reduces temperature transfers to keep little hands from hot or cold foods, keep contents fresher by minimizing temperature changes, and prevent dents to stainless
Double wall insulated keeps food cold/warm for up to 2 times longer than standard containers.
Leakproof for mess free lunch.
Four hinged airtight lid is easy to snap open and close even for the toddlers.
Perfectly portioned stainless bento is easy-to-wash with its removable stainless body from the protective sleeve.
Locking lid with airtight silicone ring seals in the freshness and preserves the fresh taste to satisfy all taste buds
Available in 11 oz & 15 oz capacity
removable type 304 stainless steel
Freezer Safe
BPA-, Phthalates-, PVC-, Lead Free

I love any reusable food storage product, especially for my kids. The thought of throwing hundreds of plastic baggies into the landfill makes me feel a little sick. All of the Innobaby storage solutions can be easily rinsed out for quick reuse. I also appreciate that the stainless steel portion can be removed, as it makes the whole container feel a bit heavy to me for a pre-k kiddo. The Innobaby divided bento is a great piece for the back-to-school preparations. A loves the container and has decided to fill it with snacks to carry around the house. Now I just need to find it so I can use it for her lunch for summer camp tomorrow.

About Christine:

Tiny Tillia by Avon: Not Just Cosmetics Anymore

August 15, 2012 by Momstart 12 Comments

Originally sparked by a mother’s love for her children, Tiny Tillia by Avon is a world of charming baby products designed to turn everyday routines into special moments for mother and child. The softest cotton babywear and toddler wear. The smartest developmental toys. The most inspired nursery decor. The highest quality bath and body products. An entire Mommy Tillia line to pamper mom.

I was sent two Tiny Tillia products to try and review. The Summer Romper retailing for $22.00 and the Insulated To-Go Bag retailing for $18.00.

Summer Romper

Keeping cool during the hot summer days is a breeze with this adorable romper, which makes dressing for the sizzling temps so very simple. The eye-catching blue color is complemented with a pretty floral edge along the top and the straps.

I SO wanted to love this romper. The colors are great, fabric light & breathable and overall style is fantastic. Alas, it just didn’t work on baby M. I requested an 18 month size as she is a very "healthy" 10 month-old, and it was barely big enough. I had to wrestle her into it because there were no crotch snaps, so it had to be pulled up over her feet and then her arms maneuvered into the strap openings. Once I got it on I thought it was pretty cute until I thought about how much (more) difficult the subsequent diaper changes would be for the rest of the day. Once she started moving around the front dipped down to show a little bit too much baby skin for my taste. The style is great, but fit and function didn’t work for M. Perhaps it would fit better on an older, taller child or one who is a bit more cooperative when it comes to dressing & undressing.

Insulated To-Go Bag

Have your essentials with you whenever you’re on-the-go! This cute, colorful zip-up bag is roomy enough to hold up to three bottles and it’s fully insulated, so anything you fill it with remains at a constant, cool temperature. It measures 9" H x 7.5" W x 4" D and has an adjustable strap.

Amazingly this to-go bag arrived in the mail the very same day I had been telling one of my co-workers that I need to invest in an insulated, zipping lunch bag. Ahh! Perfect. The Tiny Tillia Insulated To-Go bag is perfect for either kid’s or mom’s food. I love the fabric colors- fun but not too juvenile. I also appreciate that it zips at the top, as fitting one’s lunch in the shared refrigerator at my work is like a game of tetris, and bags are often tipped over or squished somewhere in the corner. Another great feature is that the strap is adjustable, so I can shorten the length to put it in my larger work tote bag, or lengthen to carry on it’s own. I am actually (sort-of) looking forward to packing my lunch for work tonight.

About Christine:

Samples received

Tiny Love 3-in-1 Rocker Napper: A MUST have for newborns

June 9, 2012 by Momstart 20 Comments

Tiny Love 3-in-1 Rocker Napper: A MUST have for newborns

When you’re preparing for the birth of a new baby the long list of "necessary" baby items is overwhelming and confusing, not to mention expensive. I’ve been asked by a few friends who are expecting their first babies, "what do I really need?" One even asked me to go with her to register, and gave me the password to her registries to add or delete items as I saw appropriate because she was so overwhelmed. There are few items on my own "must have" list, which now includes the Tiny Love 3-in-1 Rocker Napper.

I was sent a Tiny Love 3-in-1 Rocker Napper to review and lamented the fact that I didn’t receive it 7 months earlier. Baby M had a fussy, rough beginning filled with crying, excessive spitting-up and horribly itchy, uncomfortable eczema. Turns out she had RSV (a respiratory infection), acid reflux, and a dairy intolerance. Once she was healthy, on medication and a hypoallergenic formula her truly joyful, engaging and amazing personality came though.

While M was in the throws of her discomfort we tried everything to help her get comfortable and get all of us some sleep. The swing, elevating her mattress, walking, baby-wearing, white noise, the vibrating seat and rides in the car- which she hated and screamed the entire time from when the buckle clicked until you got her out.

She needed to be elevated, but also in a safe sleep environment and the Tiny Love 3-in-1 Rocker Napper is just that, which is why I wish I had it then. It is a comfortable feeding or play seat with a musical mobile and vibrating base. And, when baby doses off, a simple one-hand release gently lowers the seat back to a fully flat recline. The sides raise to create a cozy and secure sleeping environment.

Because the 3-in-1 Rocker Napper would have made our lives SO much easier, it is on my "must have" list. Which is lucky for my friend, since I gave her the seat I was sent to use with her baby due later this month. I did, however mention that I want it back when she’s done. Just in case we have another baby.

I also really appreciate the contemporary styling and neutral color palate, and it actually looked nice, not garish in my living room. Baby M did try out the seat, and she was fascinated by the mobile and I thought for a moment I could use it. But then she tried to climb out, and I accepted the fact that she is simply too big for it to be safe.

Dubbed one of the best new baby products of the year by Babble, BabyCenter and other parenting blogs, the 3-in-1 Rocker Napper has just become available to consumers and makes the perfect baby shower gift. One of the most frequent comments by people when they see this product is "Why didn’t they have this when my kids were babies?" Please visit Tiny Love’s website for a more product features or a video demonstration.

About Christine:

MAM: Babies Need Oral Care Too

June 5, 2012 by Momstart 16 Comments

By Christine

Proper oral care for babies begins before many people think. With my first daughter we started her oral care well before her first tooth came in. Truth be told we used a principle we had learned in puppy training classes before she was born- the idea of getting her used to the toothbrush and having us or the doctor or dentist feeling around in her mouth.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD), parents can begin an oral care routine at birth by gently cleaning baby’s gums with a soft cloth and water. So proper oral care starts before the first tooth appears.

The puppy training inspired philosophy worked well for her and us. Because we started so early brushing, flossing or even going to the dentist has been relatively easy for her and she is quickly approaching her fourth birthday. Fast-forward a few years and baby girl # 2 is now 8 months old and the extent of her oral care is the occasional (washed) finger rubbing her gums to see if she has teeth – yet, so she can eat the chunky solid foods she is yearning for.

Thankfully for baby M’s sake I was provided with several products from MAM to try out. My favorites were the MAM Bite & Brush, MAM Massaging Brush & MAM Training Brush. Below is a bit more specific information about my favorites.

MAM Bite & Brush

The teether’s soft and pliable bristles soothe gums and gently cleans baby teeth at the same time
Extra lightweight design and ring shape make it easy for baby to hold
Recommended for babies age 3 + months. Suggested retail price: $6.99

MAM Massaging Brush

Baby’s perfect introduction to the toothbrush!
Features different surfaces to gently massage little one’s gums
Eases teething pain and cleans teeth
Recommended for babies age 2 + months. Suggested retail price: $3.99

MAM Training Brush

A round head gently fits baby’s mouth
Super-soft bristles clean teeth and gently remove plaque and bacteria from gums
An extra-long handle lets parent and baby hold the brush together for guided brushing
Recommended for babies age 4 + months. Suggested retail price: $5.99

Baby M was initially more interested in the packaging of the products, but once removed she immediately started exploring the textures of the MAM Massaging and Training brushes. I was able to get them into her mouth for some brushing and she preferred the textured ends of the MAM Massaging Brush on her gums. Her favorite product by far is the MAM Bite & Brush. She will hold it with both hands and chew on the formed biting end, and also turn it around to chew on the handle. All of the products are well made with parents and babies in mind and will be useful as we start to lay the foundation for good oral care.

Fun Facts, Interesting Information and More…

A full set of baby teeth is 20 teeth (a full set of adult teeth is 32 teeth)
Teething symptoms can appear 2-3 months before a tooth erupts, so babies can begin teething as early as 3 months old! Symptoms of teething include drooling, fussing, bulging gums, might waking and biting anything they can get in their little mouths
As soon as baby’s first tooth appears, start brushing baby’s teeth without toothpaste
Introduce toothpaste to baby at age 2. Remember children are learning how to spit and rinse, so only use a pea-size amount and always use children’s toothpaste
Children usually have their first full set of baby teeth by age 3

For more information on oral care, please visit www.mambaby.com.

About Christine: