We were recently sent one of the softest hooded towels by Bebe au Lait for our baby.  Honestly, this is the softest towel I have  felt.  I love wrapping our soon-t0-be one year old in it after she’s played in the pool or when she’s fresh out of the bath.  It’s not scratchy on her delicate skin like other towels I’ve had.  Have I mentioned it’s the softest baby towel ever?

We have the Bebe au Lait hooded towel in Capri, a modern Asian-inspired pattern (it’s beautiful).  The towels are made of 100% plush terrycloth and the trim is 100% cotton and they are the perfect size for babies up to 24 months.

Do not hesitate to purchase one of these hooded towels as a gift for a new mom.  Bebe au Lait also has coordinating nursing covers, bibs and burp cloths in many appealing patterns.  Their gift sets and towels are packaged beautifully.

If you’re going to be at the pool for any amount of time over the summer, you should definitely have one of these hooded towels on hand to snuggle around your precious summer baby. 

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Here is a run-down of some fantastic products that are perfect for traveling with kids.  Whether we were gifted with some of the items or if we purchased them, the following are our own, honest opinions.  We hope you’ll find these products just as useful as we have.

Plum Tots

On my mission to find travel-friendly food items for the baby, I discovered Plum Organics.  I purchased about a dozen packs of Plum Tots fruit “mish mash” blends for our 11 month old.  Little did I know how handy these travel-friendly packs would be.  I threw these into the diaper bag, along with a disposable spoon and whenever we were at the pool for the afternoon or a not-so-kid-friendly restaurant, I squeezed some of the organic fruit puree onto the spoon and voila, the baby was a happy camper.

MD Moms Baby Silk Babysafe Sunscreen Towelettes – 30 SPF

These soft, sweat-proof sunscreen towelettes are a must-have.  There were so many instances on our two sunny vacations when we didn’t have one of our bottles or sticks of sunscreen readily available and we wanted to re-apply sunscreen.  These baby silk babysafe sunscreen towelettes were a godsend.  There is enough sunscreen in one wipe to completely cover a baby or kid from head-to-toe.  A big pat on the back for the MD Moms for these indispensable sunscreen wipes.

FruitziO

We love, love, love the new FruitziO freeze-dried fruit snacks from Crispy Green.  We brought several packs of these 100-calorie healthy snacks with us on our vacations and both the kids and adults enjoyed them immensely.  It was nice to have a handy, healthy snack along where it was quite easy to indulge in treats that are not-so-good for you (like those all-you-can-eat 24 hour buffets).

ColourCollection from Goody (new!)

If you have girls, then you already know that Goody products are a staple.  We were sent Goody’s new ColourCollection hair accessories and have been making extremely good use of them.  When we were in the Dominican Republic, the ouchless hair ties, Ribbon Weave Gentle Elastics and snap clips helped tame our humidity-struck locks.  In Florida, the above Goody products helped keep our hair up and out of the way as we braved the 100+ degree heat.

Trunki

I can’t tell you how many glances, giggles and compliments we have gotten about Trunki (and how many adults wish they could have ride-on luggage, too!).  That’s not the only reason we like her, she’s been an incredible  travel companion for our preschooler.  Inside of this kid-friendly luggage, we tucked everything she needed to feel safe and entertained away from home and we were able to pull her while she rode on Trunki through the airport.  We couldn’t have made a better decision in a carry-on for our little one.

Bendaroos

We were gifted with a box of “Fun Food” Bendaroos and admittedly, when I opened the box, I was unimpressed with this product.  I had different expectations on the quality of these bendable, wax-covered pieces of yarn BUT my 4-1/2 yr old LOVES THEM.  That, to me, is more important than my initial disappointment.  I like activities that the kids can do with their hands and minds.  They provide hours of entertainment for the kids and make a great travel activity.

Pipila

The Pipila, a portable pacifier (and nipple) sanitizer was a product that I used religiously on our trip to The Dominican Republic.  There were signs right on the faucet in our suite that read, “don’t drink the water”.  So, the last thing I wanted to do was wash the baby’s pacifiers or nipples with it.  I rinsed them a bit with bottled water and then 6 minutes in the Pipila and they were 99.9% sterilized.  This product worked like a charm.

butt-ums up baby Diaper Changing Pad

Now that I’ve been there, done that (ie: traveling via flights with kids), I can attest to the use one gets out of this product.  I would have been lost without the butt-ums up baby diaper changing pad.  I used it on the plane (in the bathroom and while in my seat!), at the pool, in the stroller and in many baby changing stations around Walt Disney World.

Baby Banz

This company knows all about warm weather.   Baby Banz is an Australian based company that specializes in UV protection for babies and kids.  We were gifted with the items pictured above.  The one piece, UV Banz swimwear is for babies 0-24 months, UPF 50+.  There is a front zipper and zipper closure on the leg inseam for easy diaper changes.  Baby Banz is known for their baby and kid’s sunglasses (and accessories).  Do not pass up this company when you’re shopping for sun protection for your kids.  We highly recommend Baby Banz.

SecuraTrac

We took the SecuraPAL (Personal Automated Locator) along with us on our trip to Disney World.  I will soon post my detailed review of how we used this GPS tracking device with our preschooler as we braved the crowds at the parks.  SecuraTrac offers a very smart, tech-savvy way to keep those you love from getting lost.  We also very highly recommend this product (SecuraPal) and service (SecuraTrac).  Check out a demonstration of this service.

Little Honey Bug Repellent Bands

These things are freaking awesome. We were surrounded by flying, blood-sucking insects while we were out of the country and then when we came back into the country.  When they started to attack, we just set out one of these 100% Natural Bug Repellent Bands near us and suddenly, our blood was of no interest.  We have many more summer nights where we’ll be prime targets for those nasty mosquitoes, therefore, we will have plenty more bug bands on hand.  It’s a no brainer.

Vincent Shoes

We’re long time fans of Vincent Shoes.  I have trusted the quality and durability of their kid’s shoes and they have not let me down.  Tor (pictured above) proved to be worthy of keeping my preschooler on her feet on wet, stamped concrete walkways and while running to and fro around Walt Disney World.  Did I mention they have ridiculously awesome sales all of the time?  Well, they do.  So check out Vincent Shoes.

Britax Blink Stroller

I can’t say enough good things about this lightweight stroller.  We take our Britax Blink everywhere with us.  This stroller has been through airports, checked at gates, folded and unfolded to transport on and off trams, through security, on bumpy, stamped-cement walkways, in and out of elevators, all over Disney World, etc.  No complaints from the 11 month old.  No complaints from the parents.  This stroller is a must-have.

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Speaking of diapers, I know I’m going to want to have something for the baby to lay on for diaper changes, considering we will only be in our suite first thing in the morning and at night to sleep, so I’m bringing our butt-ums up baby Changing Pad.

There is a convenient clip for attaching the changing pad to your stroller or diaper bag when you’re on the go.  I have a feeling I will end up changing my little one on our four hour flight, so mine will be clipped to my carry-on luggage.  This changing pad holds 2-4 diapers and a travel wipes container.  One side is made of vinyl (easy to clean…) and the other side is ultra soft chenille (…and machine washable).

Stacy Sager is the mompreneur behind butt-ums up baby.  Aside from creating products that come in handy for the on-the-go mom, she’s also somewhat of a travel expert and I had the chance to chat with her when she was on The Mommy Mentor show back in February.  She offered some valuable tips to me, as this will be my first time traveling abroad with my children.

Some of her family travel tips include:

Try to be relaxed and calm because babies pick up on your emotions.  Preparation is key when you’re traveling with kids and you have to expect the unexpected.  Kids learn and grow by sensory, so don’t leave them behind!  Planning ahead will ensure you and your family have a fantastic time when you arrive at your destination.

Regarding international travel, allow for delays and enough time to check bags and get through security with your little ones.  Airlines suggest two hours before boarding.  We’re giving ourselves a little more time than that since we have to take a tram into the airport from parking.

Airlines allow you to bring formula or breast milk onto the plane for the baby, as well as snacks and medicine.  It’s important to have something for the baby or child to drink, eat, suck on during take-off and landing.  Most importantly, landing.

Bring disposable bibs, utensils, placemats, so you don’t have to carry around the messy stuff.  Bring some ziplock bags and hand sanitizer/sanitizing wipes on your flight, so you can dispose of dirty diapers.  I may even stick a dryer sheet in the bags for extra “scent control”.  Pack a change of clothes for the kids in your carry-on, in case of accidents.

Stacy has so many more useful tips in her article in Expectant Mother’s Magazine.  You can read and print-out her informative checklist here.

Be sure to check out butt-ums up baby for fabulous, made in the USA baby items.  Excellent place to shop for brand new mamas where you can find matching blankies, burp clothes and changing pads among other fabulous things.

*A special thanks to Stacy for the gorgeous changing pad and all of the useful tips she has provided me.  I am feeling quite confident about traveling with my kids and she has a lot to do with that!

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Well…I stand corrected.

My second baby is a pacifier baby.  Those “paci’s” help her stay calm.  Here we are, 10 + months later and not a whole heck of a lot has changed in the fussy department.

Initially, I scoffed at the idea of pacifier sanitizers or sterilizers.  If the binky falls on the floor, whatever, just wipe it off on my sleeve and stick it back into her mouth.  Well, the older she gets, the more she drops it.  The more she drops it, the more I think about the nasty stuff it comes into contact with.

So, as I gather all of my travel necessities, I think about those pacifiers and how I am going to make sure they are sanitary enough to put into my precious baby’s mouth.  She’ll drop them on the floor of the airport, airplane, on the bus from the airport to the resort, and so on.  I’m not too keen on the idea of rinsing off her pacifiers with the tap water in the hotel and I don’t really want to have to find a place to boil my bottled drinking water.

We heard about Pipila from our PR buddies for DesignRoom Group and Little Honey.  Right away, I’m thinking, “Ok.  This thing has to come with us on our vacations.”  If it does what they say it’s supposed to do, kill up to 99.9% of germs residing on the pacifier, then I can’t complain.

I don’t have an “official” way to test the results from the 6 minute sterilization process, but I have to believe that this portable UV pacifier sterilizer works.  Pipila retails just under US $30 and for the money and peace of mind you get, I can tell you it’s worth it.  It’s quiet, quick and convenient.  I’m throwing mine into the diaper bag and it’s going to travel thousands of miles with us and I imagine it’s going to get quite a bit of use.  I can even use it to sterilize the bottle nipples.  I love a product that can serve a multipurpose.

Pipila is easy enough to find throughout the US.  Designroom Group sells them for $29 (they also have a lot of other fun things to browse through).

You’ll hear more about Pipila in a “travel” conversation I recently had with the owner of Little Honey.  Will soon post for your listening pleasure.

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So many people comment on my 10 month old’s stunning blue eyes, so, I feel the need to protect those baby blues while we’re spending our days outdoors, underneath the hot, glaring sun.

I know how bad that beautiful sun can be for our skin and eyes, so it’s my job to make sure my kids have reliable eye protection.  Said 10 month old is going to rock the above Pink Camo Baby Banz (sent to us from Baby Banz), at the beach next week.  With 100% UV protective lenses, I can feel at ease about her gorgeous baby blues.

Speaking of her gorgeous eyes, just last week I had her vision checked under the FREE InfantSEE program.

It was easy enough to do.  I just went to the InfantSEE website and used their Dr. Locator search to find an InfantSEE provider in my area.  I made a phone call to one of the AOA members and made the appointment.

A series of vision tests were performed on the baby and she only fussed a little when the optometrist was trying to get a really good look into her pupils (all he did was try to hold her eyelids open so he could look in, nothing terribly traumatizing).  It was easy as pie and now, I have peace of mind.  Second best part was – we walked out of the office without paying a dime.

If you happen to live in the Chicago suburbs – I highly recommend Scott Eye Care in Oswego, IL.  Dr. Ronald Weingart was simply amazing with the baby.

Another reason I bring up the InfantSEE program is because Baby Banz is a member of the InfantSEE Family Tree.

Baby Banz was founded in 2001 in Australia and debuted in America in 2002.  Since their beginning, Baby Banz has added just under a dozen styles of different baby sunglasses to their collection, as well as, UV clothing and accessories.  Their kid-size wrap-around sunglasses have 100% UV protective lenses and retail around US $20.

We’re kicking off summer with a Baby Banz giveaway.  Winner gets a pair of Baby Banz sunglasses of their choice.  This giveaway is open to continental US residents only.

To enter:

1. Leave your entry comment on this post with your favorite style of Baby and Kidz Banz.  Choose from: Adventure BanZ (ages 0-5), Ultimate BanZ (ages 0-5), JBanZ (ages 4-10), Retro Banz (ages 0-5)

2. Want a second entry?  FINE.  Head over to Baby Banz Facebook fan page and “Like it”.  Come back, leave another comment and let us know.

3. Really want to win?  You can leave another entry comment on this post if you Tweet about this giveaway.

Just come back here and leave a comment with the link to your Tweet and your Twitter “handle”.  I’ll make this part easy, you can copy and paste the following text for your Tweet (it just fits, I checked):

Do you know how cool @babybanz 100% UV protective sunglasses are? Just ask @ParentSphere – they’re giving a pair away http://bit.ly/chnsVj

(Whatever you end up Tweeting, just make sure you mention @babybanz and @ParentSphere in your Tweet!)

You have until midnight PST on Monday, May 24, 2010 to enter.  Winner will be chosen using Random.org’s number generator and will be emailed and publicly announced on Tuesday.

Please check out these fantastic sun-safety tips on your way out.  Good luck!

***ParentSphere readers can also take advantage of 10% off all orders from the US Baby Banz site now through June 30, 2010.  Enter code:  PSPHERE

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I just found out about Infant Swimming Resource.  I watched this video and my chest tightened as my eyes welled up with tears.  The 11 month old baby in the video is an ISR student, so he has the skills to survive if he ever finds himself in an unfortunate situation, like the one in the video.  While I watched, I thought about my own 10 month old.  I pictured her falling into a pool or lake.  She wouldn’t have the skills to be able to survive.  That thought is extremely hard for me to handle.  I’m planning to enroll her in Infant Swimming Resource lessons at a local facility.

I recently had an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Harvey Barnett, founder of Infant Swimming Resource.  He founded the program in 1966 when he was 18 years old and ever since, along with his team of professional ISR swim instructors, has been teaching infants from 6 months to children up to 6 years old, the skill of surviving in the water.

Have a listen to our conversation.  You will learn some excellent tips to help you while you’re at the beach, lake or pool.

Conversation with Dr. Harvey Barnett – Infant Swimming Resource

These 7 Water Safety Tips have been provided by Infant Swimming Resource:

7 Water Safety Tips:

CEO (Constant Eyes-On) Supervision – Never turn your back on your child around water. It takes just seconds for him/her to be in serious trouble. Assign supervision responsibilities so there are never questions about which adult is responsible for watching the child.

Safeguard Your Pool – Build layers of defense around the pool. Permanent four-sided fencing that encloses the entire pool area should be four to six feet high and equipped with self-closing, self-latching gates.

Put Toys Away – Remove all toys from the pool when they are not in use. These colorful objects can be very attractive to little eyes. This also includes furniture and other objects in the pool area that children might use to climb over the fence.

Eliminate Distractions – The leading cause of distractions around the pool is an adult leaving to answer the phone, attend to something inside the home or helping someone else in or around the water. If you must leave, take the child/children with you.

Teach Water Safety – Learn and enforce all the water rules and, above all, teach by your example — never swim alone, obey lifeguard warnings, refrain from running around pool decks, follow ‘no diving’ signs, and always wear a life jacket when boating, fishing or playing in or near deep or fast-moving water.

Flotation Device Dangers – Flotation devices such as armbands, floatation rings and inflatable toys give parents and children a false sense of security. These devices can shift suddenly, deflate or slip from underneath, leaving a child in a very dangerous situation.

Self-Rescue Swimming Lessons – Do your research in selecting an effective swimming program. Choose a program that will teach your child the skills to survive in the water. Self-Rescue skills are vital for infants and young children if they were to end up in the water alone. Instructors should have current CPR and first aid certification. Confirm that the instructor is certified to teach survival swimming skills.

Find a certified ISR Instructor in your area (the Instructor Locator is located on the left-hand side of the site).

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The nice weather is here (for the most part) and we’re ready to get out of the house.  Our Britax Blink stroller arrived just in time.  The stroller was sent to us from Britax for review.

Upon arrival, there was some assembly required.  I snapped on the front wheels, the canopy and the two hinge covers (from the remedy kit provided by Britax due to a voluntary recall) and ladies and gentleman, we’re in business.

I took some time to review the stroller’s User Guide to familiarize myself with the strollers features and operating instructions.  Aside from the superb quality, Britax products are easy to use.  I feel confident enough about Britax to say that you are pretty much guaranteed excellence, so don’t even hesitate if you’re thinking about purchasing anything from this brand.

Now, back to the Blink.

The Blink is currently available in five contemporary patterns.  We have the Double Dots fabric and I must say, my nine month old looks pretty adorable sitting in it:

This stroller is compared to umbrella strollers due to it’s light weight (16 lbs.) and compact features.  It is suited for your 6 month old up to kids weighing 55 lbs. (my 4-1/2 year old can ride in it).

The ride is smooth (suspension in a lightweight, umbrella-like stroller, people!).  Pushing the stroller is a breeze and the foam grip handles make it even more comfortable.  The ease of steering is phenomenal (front wheels swivel).  There is a storage pack in the back of the stroller and basket underneath (big enough to fit my Bumble Bag).

We put the Blink to the test yesterday by taking the nine month old on a three hour shopping trip.  Not one complaint.  She laid back, did some people watching, and kicked her leg around off the side of the leg rest.  Today, we took a walk through the neighborhood and once again, she enjoyed the comfortable ride.

The Blink is compact and super portable, with a shoulder strap attached and it’s own storage case with two straps (hand and shoulder strap).

You can check out all of Blink’s features on the Britax site.

What you need to know is that right now, the Blink is on sale for $99 until supplies run out and the 2010 models are available. (MSRP $149.99)

Have I convinced you enough to consider getting one?  I hope so.  I can confidently tell you that you won’t regret it.

Britax and ParentSphere are giving you a chance to WIN a Britax Blink stroller of your own.

I’m going to make you work (a little) for this one, people.

Entry number one:

In the comment section of this post, please give me your best “traveling with kids” tip(s).  We have many trips planned this year, two of which include flying.  Yes, our Blink will be coming with us!  Your entry comment should include your best advice for traveling with an infant.

Additional opportunities to enter.  After you have left your first entry comment on this post, you can do any of the following for extra chances to win:

Entry number two:

• Tweet this post.  After you’ve Tweeted about the giveaway, come back here and leave another comment with the link to your Tweet and your Twitter username.  I’ll make this part easy, you can copy and paste the following text for your Tweet:

” I just entered to win a @britax Blink stroller on @parentsphere  http://bit.ly/cK6Xgi ”

Entry number three:

• Become a fan of  Britax on Facebook.  Leave a comment on their wall letting everyone know that you just entered to win a Blink at ParentSphere.net Then, come back here and leave another comment letting me know that you are a fan on Facebook.

Entry number four:

• Follow Britax on Twitter.  Come back (again) and leave another comment letting me know that you and Britax are Twitter friends.

There you have it.  FOUR chances to enter.  Good luck!

This giveaway will end on Friday, April 30, 2010 at midnight PST.  I will randomly choose a winner the following morning and the winner will be notified via email and announced @parentsphere on Twitter.

This giveaway of your choice of a Britax Blink stroller is open to residents of the continental US and Canada.

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In case you weren’t aware, there’s a product out there called Wonder Bumpers from a company named Go Mama Go Designs.

This is not your typical crib bumper.  Wonder Bumpers are individual, padded pieces of material that attach to each rung of the crib.  They can be purchased in sets of 24 or 38 (MSRP $99-$159) or a 2 pack for around $10.

Seems like a safe option (as opposed to a traditional bumper pad) and there are many designs to choose from.

I was able to take a first-hand look and feel of the Wonder Bumpers and was pretty impressed with the quality.

I haven’t used them on our crib, as I don’t have a full set but if you have used them, I would love to hear your thoughts!

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When the press release for Spa Baby came through in my email, I was instantly curious about this new way (new to me, anyway) of bathing a baby.  I giggled at first and the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to experience it for myself.  The timing was perfect, as baby Teagan had just made her arrival and I received the Spa Baby tub to try out.

The above photo is Teagan between 5 and 6 months old.  I’m posting snapshots of her bath in our Spa Baby from a video that I had taken.  I ultimately decided that I didn’t want to post the video of me bathing her.  You can see a baby being bathed in a Spa Baby Tub on the Spa Baby website here if you would like.

I had mixed feelings about the tub, at first.  I had trouble getting Teagan to settle into the tub.  She was kicking her legs a lot and I had to wait for her to calm down a bit before washing her.  When she finally did calm down, things went much more smoothly.  I don’t believe that it’s because she didn’t “like” the tub, it’s that she’s not used to taking baths.  It’s freezing here in the Midwest and I tend to do a lot more sponge bathing until the weather warms up.

The Spa Baby website has great tips that I highly recommend following if you have purchased or are planning on purchasing one of these European-style baby bath tubs.

My own tips would be to use a shampoo, conditioner and/or body wash from a pump.  It’s much easier for you to hold on to the baby (if the baby is smaller and can slip around easier) and pump the wash into your hand.  What I did was use body wash and squeeze a bit into the water before I put the baby in and I just used that to wash her up.  As you can see, she doesn’t have much hair, so no need to go crazy with shampoo at this point.

Roll your sleeves up ahead of time or wear a short-sleeved shirt!  As you can see from my photo, I had a long sleeve shirt on and mid-bath, tried to roll it up.  It wasn’t all that easy because I was trying to hold on to the baby from slipping everywhere.  You really have to get a good grip on the baby  because they do slip around.

Wear a terry-cloth bathrobe or drape a towel over the front of you for when you’re ready to take the baby out of the tub (so you don’t get soaked and so you can quickly warm the baby).  Have another towel ready to throw over the baby.

The tub is like a bucket, the sides are higher around the baby and so is the water, so you do need to be more hands-on with a tub like this than with your basic baby tub.  Preparation is key.

Again, the Spa Baby website has excellent tips that you should read before bathing your baby in the tub.

Overall, I do like the Spa Baby tub.  I like that it keeps her warmer than sitting up in standard baby bathtub.  I think if you use it often enough, the baby really enjoys the bath and you become much more comfortable and in control.  I do think this would make a really fun, unique shower gift for someone.

A great thing about this tub is that it’s made from a safe and non-toxic plastic (polypropylene).  No polycarbonate, no bisphenol-A, and has no paint (per the Spa Baby website).

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I have had the opportunity to try out a new product from The Natural Baby Company; GroBaby All Natural Baby Wipes and I happen to really like them.

I have used a handful of different brands of baby wipes over the past four years, so this comparison is quite easy.  These wipes are very soft, with almost a satin-like feel to them.  In my opinion, they have the perfect amount of moisture to clean baby’s bottom.   I really feel like I’m “cleaning” her bottom.  I guess that’s hard to describe but I just feel like she’s truly clean after I wipe her.  Because of the softness and the solution on the wipes, I don’t feel like these wipes are irritating her skin.  I suppose you’ll just have to use them yourself to see what I mean. 

According to the description on The Natural Baby Company website, these wipes are made from Ingeo™ Fibers (a man-made fiber derived from 100% natural renewable resources).  The reason these wipes are appealing to me is because I used all of the popular brand baby products with my first child and I promised myself that this time around, I would try to do better for the baby and for the environment.  This is a step in the right direction.

GroBaby wipes are available online ($5.99 for a pack of 80 wipes) and at select retailers (hopefully there is a Whole Foods near you).

For more information on GroBaby products, check them out on Facebook and Twitter.

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