Mama Speaks

Designer Diner

Chalking Boredom Away

This isn't the first time we're sharing our love for the goodness that is Bella Tunno. Already one of our first stops in the realm of mealtime mess prevention, they've added a new product to the line up that will keep the germs away and your little one busy while waiting for your lunch to arrive.

The Designer Diner [$22] is a funky little place mat on one side and a reusable chalk mat on the other. It comes complete with non-toxic colored chalk in a removable pouch and rolls up and ties with one of Bella Tunno's signature ribbons. The bundle is perfect to toss in the diaper bag for those much needed lunch stops on the go, and in addition to the invaluable less whining, more creating bit, it makes us feel a little better to know our little one's munchies aren't mingling with the unknowns of strange tables.

Want it?
Enter MAMASPEAKS20 for 20% off your order.

Pediped Flex

Flexing Their Foot Hold on Fashion

After unusual aches and pains during my childhood, it was learned that I was flat footed. I know, I’ll wait while you shed a tear for me. As parents we’re always determined to prevent such awful fates from happening to our own spawn so I made sure to follow the Podiatric recommendation of leaving my baby in bare feet for the first 2 years (being the niece of a podiatrist also played a roll). When the occasion called for footwear it was nothing but a thin piece of soft suede between my boy’s sole and the earth.

This was an easy feat to accomplish then something happened. He grew up and with that he was a running and jumping machine. Jumping off of playground platforms and attempting to climb trees and kick rocks. That thin piece of leather wasn’t doing my baby’s feet justice anymore. But still just a toddler, his tender toes weren’t ready for the harsh stiffness of some of the athletic shoes out there. Fortunately the minds behind pediped™ were in sync as their new Flex line for ages 2-5 was just launched today.

pediped™ is best known for providing infants with soft-sole stylish kicks but they are now able to add protective rubber sole shoes to their repertoire. We found the Navy and Grey Demetri Flex [$48] to fit perfectly in our active toddler’s lifestyle while the throwback styling of a retro running shoe completed his outfits perfectly.  The easy on/off Velcro closures also aid his budding independence.  pediped Flex ™ is available for all running, skipping, hopping boys and girls. While they won’t prevent any broken arms as our kids dangle from the monkey bars, we can at least take comfort the shock of their landing won’t shoot all the way up their shins. Every bit of protection helps.

Win it!

We have a pair of Pediped Flex shoes for one little boy and one little girl! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Flex as your subject and let us know if you which gender you'll need. Giveaway ends Feb 28, 2008.

- Cara

Georgie Tees

Because, um, they do. Especially when you're postpartumly hormal and sleep deprived.

Things change. Have you found yourself humming and bopping along to what you thought was your favorite rock tune in your head only to realize it's an amped up rendition of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star? Thought so. Depressing isn't it?

Ok, so maybe not depressing, just a very definitive reminder that lullabies are rocking our worlds more than we'd like to admit. Wait? What's that? Someone should totally put that on a shirt? Done, thanks to the Mama's at Georgie Tees. They've slapped Lullabies Rock and the cutest guitar graphic on a comfy organic tee that's perfectly for proclaiming your shift in musical prowess.

If you're not so much the rocking type, Georgie has a complete collection of slogany tee's for babes and tots that you'll enjoy. And don't worry Mama's, there's also a line of maternity tees just as novel as that bun in your oven.

Want it?
Several onesies, just so happen to be 50% off so head on over.

Re-think Reusables

The word is getting out about the fact that we as Earth citizens (you Martians are totally exempt) need to gather together to consider how we are consuming up our planet at a rapid pace.  If you think about how all those little trips to Starbucks or the Sprinkles cupcake shop can add up and take a toll on your wallet and your thighs, you know that every little thing each of us can do to clean up around this world can--and will--make a difference.

Since we weren't created with more than two arms to carry things (I envy you, Henry the Octopus), bags are a necessity for anything from regular grocery shopping to the impulse buys we make throughout the week. Every time we shop, we come home with yet another plastic bag made of petroleum that will never go away (biodegrade) and will likely end up killing marine life somehow, somewhere.  I wish I was being over dramatic or making this stuff up, but I'm not that slick.  The stats don't lie:  it is estimated that there are 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags consumed and discarded annually worldwide--that's over 1 million per minute.  Yes, it's that bad.  What's worse, 96% of these bags end up in landfills where they will never, ever go away since they're made of petroleum.  That same petroleum kills off birds and sea mammals who mistaken the shiny, slippery pieces of doom for food.  If you think you're helping out by saying "paper" instead of "plastic", think again.  It actually takes more energy and creates more pollution to manufacture the paper bags.  Let's not discuss the loss of the magnificent trees, because this is beginning to be a sad and scary pile-on.  All in the name of convenience.

Thankfully, there are plenty of companies out there providing other options for bags, and we're able to reuse to our every mood swing and daily whim. We've reviewed a couple brands before, and now we've tried out a few more that have also obtained the Mama Speaks seal of approval.  For the bag you'll want to keep in your purse for those impromptu shopping trips or when a friend wants to hand over a bunch of apples or some clothes for the kids, Reisenthel is a great choice.  Their Mini Maxi L [$10] shopper looks like a nylon/polyester version of your typical plastic grocery bag, but bigger.  It easily rolls up into a tiny carrying case for keeping in your purse or diaper bag.  It also comes in eleventy-thousand colors, so any taste and style can find a home with these bags. 

Next up is Skeeda [$15], whose cotton, sturdy bags are that perfect shape for the farmers market or any larger shopping trip.  They are wide, just-right-deep, and light as can be.  A great item to stash in your car, and unless your purse is tiny, they'll fit in there too.  Skeeda carries plenty of preppy and funky colors, so take a gander at all the options. 

Lastly we come to Get Hip Get Green.  Their flat bottom style is perfect for groceries, and at a price you can't beat [$6], and more you buy the more you save, it's my go-to bag for those big shopping days when I'm tempted to forego the reusables just on account of ALL THE FOOD.  A portion of their sales goes towards a charity helping to educate kids on going green and cleaning up the planet, so you get much more for you money than just a rockin' bag. The hardest part in reusables is remembering to take them with you, so making a habit of keeping one in your purse, and your grocery ones in your trunk is the best way to make this lifestyle change.  It might be an investment at first, but you can use these bags for much more than shopping--think about bringing things to parties, going to the beach (if only!) or when traveling.  Getting a cute bag AND helping the planet is a combo we can all get behind.   

Want it?
$5 off an order of two or more bags with the coupon code MAMA at Skeeda.

-Arianne

Mom 4 Life

The site: Mom 4 Life
All the essentials of mothering, from conception to toilet training, in one sweet site.

The stuff:
Mom 4 Life is a true one stop shop for pregnancy, baby days and beyond, featuring over 700 handpicked products that are all invented by Moms! Here you'll find the latest styles from the hottest brands and the prices can't be beat. Also features an easy to use gift registry for Mama's to be.

The best sellers:
Baby legs, Baby Au Lait Nursing Covers and LilyPadz

Giving back:
10% of all proceeds are donated to Open Arms Pregnancy Care Center.

Save:
Mama Speaks readers get 6% off all purchases at Mom 4 Life.

Win it!
We're giving away a pair of LilyPadz, a must for newly nursing moms. To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com, with Mom4Life as your subject. Giveaway ends Feb 26, 2008.

Baby Love Slings

Try This Ring On For Size

   

The number one question I am most often asked about babywearing is which sling to choose first. While I definitely recommend finding the right style and type of carrier that works best for you, I always suggest a ring sling.   

   

I’m a new fan of Baby Love Slings ring slings [$60], with light but sturdy batik fabric and many styles and colors for every Mama’s personality. The Orange Mandala looks like the pricier slings you’ll see the celebs wearing these days, but don’t be fooled- this one is much easier on your wallet. The Baby Love Sling collection is vibrant and colorful for those with flair and also includes classic pieces with the simple bestseller Metro Black or the new Black and White Jazz.

       

View more fabrics available at Baby Love Slings here and have your carrier custom made at the same affordable price! Each Baby Love Sling is recommended for newborns up to children weighing 35 lbs, and a detailed instruction booklet is included, complete with photographs demonstrating proper use. Imagine a happy baby that cries less and has better emotional and physical development- all while Mama looks good wearing their sweet baby. We love slings. Babies love slings. Wearing your baby just makes good parenting and fashion sense.

Want it?
Use coupon code mamspeaks for 15% off a $50+ order

   

-Steph

 

Cause of the Week - Goods for Girls

the cause: Goods 4 Girls 

the purpose: To help young women gain access to better menstrual products. Our goal is to help these girls live their lives and go to school without fear that what they are using during their period will fail.

We provide coordination for women who are interested in sewing or otherwise donating new, reusable menstrual pads to areas of Africa where obtaining high-quality products is difficult.

Working in concert with aid and relief organizations, we identify areas of need and have the ability to distribute the donations where they are most needed.

give: Sew your own or purchase and donate

Thanks Amy!

Mutsy Spider

Itsy Bitsy Spider

My days of all day babywearing are slowly coming to an end and for the first time in my guys two years, traveling with a stroller has become essential. Ahh, strollers. Have you ever googled stroller? I wouldn't recommend it. And, to add to the quadrillion options, we don't have a large car, van or SUV we can just toss any stroller into, but a Mini Cooper with a 1 foot trunk, which means that traveling with anything other than our bodies can be a challenge. Seriously, not even an umbrella stroller will fit.

After much searching, and dimension manipulating, I finally found what might just be the one stroller that will work for us. It comes to us by way of Mutsy and the ultra cool Spider [$199]. Available in 5 colors and basic black, this lightweight stroller easily folds up to about the size of a carry on suitcase, and the built in handle makes it easy to tote if you need to. And while we've fallen for it's traveling size the Spider is anything but small.

Your little one will ride high in a buggy with full featured, innovative design. The reclining seat, protective hood and adjustable handle ensure Mama and your cargo are comfy. While, the storage basket is a bit to small to store anything substantial, the stroller itself is sturdy enough you can slip a bag over the handle with no tipping. And the three wheeled design makes navigating just about any terrain do-able, you can even jog it with ease. The only problem we've come across is the wide footprint of the rear wheels. I'm sure this contributes to it's ability to fold up nice and tight, but the rear wheels sit much wider than the rest of the stroller and after a month of pretty significant use, I'm still running into walls (and people) left and right.

Accidental hit and run's aside, we're more than impressed with our new traveling companion. Mutsy, my arms and trunk thank you. And as my two year old will tell you, "It's a not the scary spider kind."

 

Win it!

Want to stroll in style along with us? One reader will win a Mutsy Spider! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com, with Spider as your subject. Giveaway ends Feb. 25, 2008.

Wee Go Bottle

Wee Go Green

 

11 months ago, breastfeeding just wasn't in the cards for me. I had been on a medication that was safe during pregnancy, but was unknown as to the effects when taken while breastfeeding a baby. I am hoping by the next little one we have, that problem won't be an issue, because I am seriously envious of all those mama's out there that get to take part in that sort of experience. You are so lucky!

 

I searched high and low for a bottle that met the needs of my son, who ate more at 3 months of age than an average 10 month old and let me tell you, it wasn't an easy task. They all had some sort of "feature" that I didn't like, but I eventually settled for a bottle that became mine (and my son's) favorite. Then while scouring the internet for safer bottle, I came across the Wee Go Bottle [$18] by Babylife. Truthfully, I thought glass baby bottles were a thing of the past and I figured the safety of them weren't so great (due to breakage mainly). But Babylife has that "covered" with their sleek and modern bottle covers. They come in a variety of colors and provide the utmost protection. Did I say protection? Because they also have more than just your baby's skin in mind when it comes to safety, they also want to protect your baby's insides as well. The Wee Go Bottle is 100% non-toxic and free of plastics, bisphenol A, phthalate's, PVC's and polycarbonate's. The nipple is latex-free and non-toxic and the cap, ring, and plug are all food grade, FDA approved and fully recyclable. This company makes it real easy to keep up that green lifestyle that is so important to us.

 

Now, if all those reasons aren't enough to motivate you to ditch the plastic bottles, I don't know what is.

Win it!
We have a Wee Go for one reader! To enter, email giveawasys[at]mamaspeaks.com by midnight Feb. 23, 2008 with Wee as your subject.

 

-Jen

Pleo

A Real (Almost) Baby Dino

Oh, our lives have not been the same since Ugobe's Pleo came to live with us. A house without pets but with children that would love some, this baby dinosaur is the perfect fit. Just about the size of a small puppy and about the same price at $349 (but no vet fees, allergies, or food bills- bonus!), Pleo will warm the hearts of the whole family. His coos and sweet voice had even me snuggling him and rocking him to sleep- which he actually does, complete with a precious little snore.

With amazing technology, this little dino is made up of real sensors, cameras, & microphones to imitate real life emotions and feelings. Aside from the obvious motorized sounds and having to recharge batteries, Pleo might convince you for a moment (and for sure will leave young ones in amazement) that he's actually a real living thing.

Not recommended for children ages 8 & up is a bit harsh- as my 2 year old was in heaven with having his own baby dino and my older boys just weren't as impressed. Proper supervision at all times is a must (at his age, my youngest thinks everything should go in the bath- a big no-no for Pleo!), but I also found this a great way to teach responsibility and respect to "animals" without using a real-life animal as the guinea pig!

-Steph

Take Two

My dino-crazed 2 year old was also delighted by the sudden appearance of a REAL baby dinosaur in our house! He is generally absolutely terrified of moving robotic toys, but Pleo was accepted (quite literally) with open arms. His realness in response and action is so spot on it was creepy at times and the fact that my techie husband and rough and tough toddler were equally enthralled was amazing to say the least.

In house already featuring a couple of dogs it was easy to jump right in and let him become one of the pack, and I think we often forgot he was just a toy until he zonked out in the middle of a rambunctious play session and we realized his batteries needed charging. In fact, I now find myself wishing all I had to do with the other four legged family members.

Pleo arrives as a baby and matures to do more the longer you play with him. His stay with us was short, but long enough we were able to see him become the dino equivalent of a rambunctious tot. I'm just waiting for another holiday to roll around so I can find an excuse to adopt one of Pleo's brothers and put an end to the daily of chorus of "MAMA! Where'd Pleo go'd?" Baby Dino, you are missed.

-Ashlee