Traveling With Tots Guide

Have Tot Will Travel 

No, it will never ever be the same again.  Jaunts to the tropics will now include buckets in the sand (and we don’t necessarily mean the kind filled with beer) and urban explorations will have you cursing the lack of parking (and we aren’t talking about parking your car).  But it’s not all gloom and doom, with the right tools and sanity savers, traveling with kids can still be downright fun. Having just survived my own family vacation with toddler in tow, I know the excitement turned anxiety you can feel planning the perfect getaway.  I turned to the experts, the Mama Speaks archives, and refreshed my memory on already tried and true products that are must haves for sane travel.  We’ve compiled them all here in our first Traveling With Tots Guide and have introduced even more goodies that are worth that extra suitcase.

To and Fro, A Traveling We Will Go

Baby B’air Safety Vest ($35)

Getting there is half the battle, even if you are ditching the car seat at baggage check and opting for the free lap fare.  But we never want to compromise on safety.  Although nothing can replace the safety of a car seat, Baby B’air is a must for little lap riders.  A vest, available in infant and toddler size, which attaches to Mama’s seat belt, this will help keep your most precious cargo in place in the event of unexpected turbulence. See Win it!

CARES Safety Belt ($75)

Once you’ve graduated from the car seat all together and there is no getting around paying for that extra child fare, you’ll feel a little more secure knowing your youngin’ really is securely fastened.  The CARES safety belt is a portable safety harness which easily installs to the airplane seat and is FAA approved. See Win it!

 

Baggage, With You For Life

Sammies Funyface ($60)

There is no escaping the desire for the young but independent to stroll their own luggage through the bustling airport. Instead of an adult sized suitcase, get one they can handle.  And no, we don’t mean the $13 one from the local discount department store, trust us, the wheels will break off and you’ll want to take off from the chaos sure to follow.  The Sammies Funnyface by Samsonite provides the same quality we expect from such a name and a look that will make any kid proud among the business travelers. 

Trunki ($40)

This is one suitcase that needs to bypass baggage check.  Designed to be pulled along by ages 3 and up, Trunki provides plenty of space for the little one’s things and a place to rest the little one’s rump.

 

Little Kid Backpack ($36)

Everyone needs to pull their weight.  Whether you are looking for some extra snack storage or vacating the emergency entertainment to their own domain, the Little Kid Backpacks from Dante Beatrix are truly toddler sized.  They are light, extremely roomy, durable and the straps won’t slip for real all day comfort. Enter mamaspeaks 20% in the notes to vendor section at checkout for 20% off through June 15.

 

Tame the Hunger, Tame the Beast

Foogo Leak-Proof Food Jar ($19)

We’re not suggesting you prepare a full course meal while vacationing but snag some extra pieces of sliced fruit from your free continental breakfast and skip the $8 overpriced tourist apple.  But make sure to toss it into your compact insulated Foogo Food Jar by Thermos for your day’s excursions which will keep your cool things cool (or your hot things hot) for hours.  It’s durable, considerably light and safe - BPA, Phthalate and PVC free, so you can snack without worry. 

Cotton Snack Sacks ($5+)

We don’t leave home without our nuts for protein, ever, but we’ve long since ditched the disposable baggies for obvious landfill reasons. These cotton snack sacks from ECOBAGS, in both recycled or organic cotton, are the perfect portability solution for dry goods.  Available in two sizes for the easy portioning with drawstring or Velcro-like closure.

 

Portable Almond Tin ($2.50)

California Almonds is already one step ahead of us with their very own compact “perfect portion” portable tin for their finest almonds.  Load your suitcase up with enough for every family member.  Each tin holds exactly one ounce of almonds, just the boost you need to make it that final stretch back to your hotel.

 

Klean Kanteen ($15+)

Save all those dollars you’d spend on water from the vending machine and buy some kitschy souvenir.  Klean Kanteen can outfit your entire family with a portable, safe water bottle, from sippys to family sized versions.  Also available is every kind of accessory you can think of from loop caps to insulated totes.  Water on the go has never been so convenient.

 

 Kiipis Bib Clips ($12)

With all this snacking on the run, messes are sure to strike, but do you really want to be slowed down by pounds of dirty bibs? Keep a set of Kipiis Bib clips handy and always be ready to whip up impromptu protection by grabbing the nearest absorbent anything and clip away.

 

Hungry Tote ($20)

And just where will all this snackage go?  The PVC-free, machine washable Hungry Tote by Built NY will keep your food and drinks cool and accidental spills where they belong.

 
 

Don’t Leave Home Without It

SafetyTat ($20)

If your toddler is anything like mine, he will do everything he can to sight see solo.  If you’re among gobs and gobs of tourists, it can be all too easy to lose sight.  You can find some peace of mind with SafetyTat.   Whether your child has special needs or just needs help finding his way back to Mom and Dad, SafetyTat provides you with 30 customizable temporary, latex-free tattoos.  You’ll always be just a phone call away.

Cleanwell Sanitizer ($10+)

Chances are if you are touching it, so did a billion other people.  You can either live in complete paranoia or spend your entire trip scrubbing away germs in the public restroom (and ew, talk about germs).  Cleanwell is an alcohol-free, all-natural hand sanitizer that is only toxic against infectious bacteria.  The individual wipes pack make sanitizing on tour a breeze. Enter mspeaks at checkout for 20% off your entire purchase.

 

California Baby Suncare ($10+)

Most vacations result in many hours in the sun regardless of which pole you’re heading towards.  Make sure your baby is protected with something chemical and PABA-free like the complete line of sun protection from California Baby.  The Sunblock Stick can easily slip into your pocket for effortless touch ups and the DEET-free bug repellent will keep unwanted pests at bay.

 

When the 7 Wonders Still Aren’t Entertainment Enough

 

Ring Flash Cards ($12)

It’s hard to find portable playthings that won’t leave you looking for the pieces.  The Ring Flash Cards from Mudpuppy will provide entertainment and education while sticking together thanks to their reclosable ring which can easily hook on to your diaper bag.  And if Europe is your destination, you can brush up on your Spanish or French on the flight over.

Peek-A-Boo Bag ($15)

Your plane has been taxiing for hours and you can’t bear the sound of anymore electronic playthings.  Break out your Peek-A-Boo Bag for some good old exploration with your child from the comfort of your cramped seat.  Fun for the both of you, I Spy-style.

 

Crocodile Creek Two-Sided Puzzles ($4)

These compact puzzles are travel-friendly in their own box measuring just 3.5” x 2.5.”  Just toss one in your diaper bag and break it out when the dining in Italy is a little slower paced than our fast-food nation is used to and way too slow for a jet-lagged tot. The 5”x7” when complete puzzle is challenging enough to pass the time between courses and if you complete it before dessert is served, just flip it over to the printed reverse side for a whole new challenge. 

 

Attire That Won’t Tire

Congratulations shirt ($20+)

Sometimes the only thing to do is to make light of a potentially very heavy situation.  Hopefully your neighbor will find the humor in this “Congratulations! You get to sit near me.” Infant and toddler tee from Milk Bomb. If he doesn’t find it funny, he can’t say you didn’t warn him.

BabyLegs ($12)

Weather is unpredictable and you can either pack for 4 seasons or think easy layers.  BabyLegs would have saved us all on our recent trip to the where’s-the-Sunshine State.  Easy on, easy off and easy diaper bag storage, they’ll be a lifesaver if the day’s events go on longer than the warmth.  Mama can even slip them on for instant long sleeves.

 

Around the World Onesie ($24)

Maybe you just went to Grandma’s on the other coast but to your babe, it can feel as though he just took a trip around the world.  He survived, you survived, so we think the Around the World onesie by mini globetrotter will be a nice reminder of his first and surely not his last trip.  He’s just getting started racking up the frequent flier miles. 

 

Overwhelmed?  Start and End Here.

Little Jet Set (Prices vary)

Don’t panic, there is no need to hop around from store to store before you take off.  You’ll find many of the above items and then some at this one stop Mama Speaks approved shopping destination.   The traveling duo behind Little Jet Set collected everything you’ll need to make traveling with your children as easy and enjoyable as possible and brought it to us in one online shopping haven.   You’ll find everything you need from kid sized luggage to a wide selection of child-powered, portable entertainment.  With such a great selection you’ll be looking for reasons to get away, with children in tow.

Want it?
Enter MAMASPEAKS10 for 10% off your order at LittleJetSet.com

Win it!
We're giving away a $25 gift certificate to Little Jet Set. To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Jet Set as your subject. Let us know which item your Tot must have for your next getaway. Giveaway ends May 28, 2008.

Win it! #2
We also have a CARES Safety Belt for one reader! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with CARES as your subject. Giveaway ends May 29, 2008.

Win it! #3
Baby B'air is giving away FIVE safety vests to our readers! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with B'Air as your subject. Please let us know if you'll need the infant or toddler size and where you're itching to jet off to this summer! Giveaway ends May 29, 2008.

-Cara

Earth Day 2008: Simply Green

What is Earth Day? 
Earth Day broadens the base of support for environmental programs, rekindles public commitment and builds community activism around the world through a broad range of events and activities.  Since the first Earth Day, April 22, 1970, Earth Day has been an annual event for people around the world to celebrate the earth and renew our commitment to building a safer, healthier and cleaner world for us all.

Earth Day is the only event celebrated simultaneously around the globe by people of all backgrounds, faiths and nationalities. More than a half billion people participate in Earth Day Network campaigns every year, and we at Mama Speaks are thrilled to give you our take on this massively important day.

Where to begin?

The first place to start bringing the heart and soul of Earth Day back to your family is by taking an overview of your lifestyle. Author Sophie Uliano has written the book Gorgeously Green: 8 Simple Steps to an Earth-Friendly LIfe to help with just that--lifestyle change.  Gorgeously Green is practically the bible on green living for women who are new or veteran to the eco-conscious way of living.  You'll find ideas for your beauty, body and bungalow, and that's just scratching the surface.  There's a handy checklist to see where you fall in your green living ways that is very helpful in really evaluating what you can and cannot change.  I love Sophie's commitment to "simple", as I have a hard time committing to green principles that aren't also simple.  The book is full of ideas and resources, and I think that it's a must-have for new eco moms-in-training.

Want to get in on the action?

There are many ways you can get involved. Volunteer. Go to a festival. Install solar panels on your roof. Organize an event where you live. Change a habit. Help launch a community garden. Communicate your priorities to your elected representatives. The possibilities are endless! Do something nice for the earth, have fun, meet new people, and make a difference.  You can go here to see the Earth Day 2008 Calendar (even though a lot of events were held over the weekend, there are still plenty of things to attend, so be sure to check it out!) and find out where to head first.  Also, the peeps at We Add Up are starting a revolution of awareness with the idea that "no one can do everything, but everyone can do something". Using organic cotton tees, they've come up with a fun and immediate way for each of us to get "counted" in the fight for our Earth.  Go to Wee Add Up to get your own number hand printed on a tee, or on a tote saying "Neither" (as in, "Paper or plastic?  Neither."), and help show the world that each of our choices really do add up.

A fun and easy change to make at home is getting rid of the plastic bags.  We are a big fan of reusable bags, having reviewed several here at Mama Speaks.  The latest we've added to our reusable family is Hero Bags. Not only are they made from recycled cotton and come in a large and medium sizes [$15-17], Hero Bags has also come out with a kicky little Mini Hero [$16.50] that you are sure to find irresistible.  Perfect as a lunch bag, the Mini Hero also became the perfect reusable companion for my kids while we're out and about.  I swoon over Hero Bags' simple and funky angel wing logo, and have happily added them to our growing collection.

We all know that breast is best for it's health benefits and it's the most environmentally sound as well. But if you're reaching for a bottle we have one safe and sound for you. With all the fuss in the news about toxic plastics, it's a good idea to focus on which plastic products we CAN bring home to the kids.  Green To Grow has come out with a line of BPA-free plastic baby bottles [$8-11] that are as cute as they are healthy.  Made from PES plastic, these bottles have a natural golden color to them that we simply love.  We work to make sure what's going into our babies is safe, so it's important to take that concept all the way and ensure a safe bottle to boot.

Not only is it crucial what we put IN our bodies, but also what we put ON our bodies.  Most of the creams, body butters and lotions on the market today are full of chemically laden fragrances, a disturbing amount of alcohol, and many other frightening and unnecessary fillers.  We're big fans of all natural body skin care that actually works, and one of our favorite's can be found on Etsy.  FlipFlopMamma has created her own perfect blend of ingredients to make some seriously soft and delicious body creams.  My favorite, the cookie dough scented Bee Good To Your Body Butter [$12.50] leaves me in a predicament of whether or not to eat it or put it on my skin.

As you can tell, we really care about your health and the health of our planet, which is why we review scores of green products and run weekly green speak features to give you the low down on what's good and what's not.  Also, our friends at Ideal Bite offer fresh, down to Earth green living ideas in "bite-size" servings--right in your inbox.  You'll love the easy and simple ways they think of to explain and encourage us all to live healthy and guilt-free.  Go here to sign up for their daily newsletter.

Enjoy Earth day, and remember that even one change can make a difference!

Want it?
15% off with Green to Grow with code mamaspeaks.
20% off the Mini Hero tote with code mamaspeaks.
10% at We Add Up with code earthday.

Win it!
We're giving away Bee Good to Your Body Butter, a We Add Up tee, and a copy of Gorgeously Green! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Earth Day as your subject. Let us know which prize you'd like and share on thing your family is doing to be a little more green this year, you may enter up to 3 times, once for each prize. Giveaway ends April 22.

-Arianne

Win it!

Our Mama's Day Giveaway basket will feature a copy of Momma Zen, Huggalugs, and Engrave pocket journal, $20 gift certificate to Tracey Joy and $100 gift certificate to nest Baby Sling!

To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Mama's Day as your subject. To receive 4 additional entries, post our Mother's Day Guide button on you blog [or email 5 friends] and send us an email with your link.

Giveaway ends May 2, 2008.

Yoga for All

Yoga. I can't sing it's praises enough, and whether you currently practice or not, it's a great way to connect with the kids. Plus there's that added bonus of amazing exercise and caaaaaaalming. We're big believers in the power of getting out and taking a class with the little one's if you can, but there are some great options for getting into the swing of things at home, even if you've never seen a yoga mat before.

Yoga for the Kid in All of Us by Yogamazing [$15]
Instructor Chaz Rough has brings the silly with a fun filled yoga session for little ones and parents to enjoy together. Classic poses are paired with kid-friendly actions and segments reminiscent of a group of Wiggly dads break up the exercise. I will admit that there were a few eye-roll moments on my end, but my toddler was definitely intrigued. If you're looking for die-hard yoga practice, this is probably not for you, but we think it is the perfect intro for parents and kids, just getting into the yogic swing.

Itsy Bitsy Yoga for Toddlers and Preschoolers [$17]
Helen Garabedian does it again. Her latest book of 8 minute routines for 18 month to 5 year olds, brings the bliss of baby yoga to the older set. Packed with over 50 poses and games that you'll love just as much as the kids. IBY raises the bar on fitness and fun. We're thinking the proclaimed "Baby Yoga Expert" needs to add tots and tykes to her title.

Of course, you'll need a nice surface to practice on and Itsy Bitsy Yoga's new collection of baby safe yoga mats [$25] are the perfect place. Lightweight construction and the carrying strap make them easy to tote and the playful animal design invite you to climb on top and work it out.

Yoli Poli Yoga Tee's [$28]
We've found that kids are often inspired by the clothes they wear and the collection organic, yoga inspired tees available from Yoli Poli are the perfect encouragement off the mat. Now available in baby, girl and boy styles each comfy, fashionable tee promotes the healthy lifestyle we all want our little one's to lead.

To complete the look, they are perfectly paired with a pair of American Apparel Karate Pants [$12-$14].

Win it!
We're giving away a pack of yoga goodies valued at $85! One winner will receive a Yoga for the Kid in All of Us DVD, Itsy Bitsy Yoga Toddler/Preschooler book and mat set and Yoli Poli tee! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Yogi as your subject and let us know one product you love from each site (other than those listed here). Giveaway ends April 03, 2008.

Related links:
Zen Is In Yoga Guide

Paint By Letter's - NO VOC

As our country starts to get a clue and green things up a bit you may have heard the term VOC pop up a time or two. But what exactly is a VOC and what the heck does it mean for you? To give you the short of things VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) are nasty little chemicals lurking all over your house. We'll let you dive in a little deeper to the science speak on your own if you'd like, but you should know that they are released by things like carpet and paint contributing to the fact that our air indoors is generally 2 to 5 times more polluted than that outside.

Once the chemicals are in the air, we breath them in and that's where things get scary. In addition to causing annoying issues such as eye, nose and throat irritation, VOC's can also cause memory loss and are known to cause cancer in humans and animals alike. Not quite the environment we'd like to to house our healthy family.

So, what can you do to make a difference within your four walls? We can all easily start with the paint we slap on them. Many mainstream paint suppliers are coming out with "green", low or no VOC paints these days (just be sure to read the fine print) but since we like to stick to the smaller guys, we've found some amazing options for adding a little color to your space without bringing home the funk.

Bioshield Kinder Paints [$40 gallon] - Created with baby in mind this line of premixed, ready to use, chalk based paint is perfect for any nursery or play space. With a cake batter texture it takes some time to get the application down, but once you get in your groove you'll be rolling away. All ten muted colors are available in a flat sheen, but don't worry, we've had no problem wiping sticky fingers prints and a pint-sized Picasso remnant away.

Milk Paint's SafePaint [$46 gallon] - Reminiscent of the way paint used to be. This powder based paint is as green as it gets- non-toxic with zero VOC's. A bit of elbow grease is required as you'll have to mix up powder with water at high speeds, but just think of the packaging and extra transport saved by leaving the water before it reaches you.

Safecoat Zero VOC [$36 gallon] - Available in flat, eggshell and satin finishes this gorgeous green paint in the closest to conventional. Smooth application, very low odor on application and no odor at all upon drying. Plus it's LEED Qualified so you know you're getting a product that stands up to it's claims.

Because Everyone Poops, They Just Aren't Born Knowing Where To Do It. A Potty Training Guide

There comes a point in our little one's lives when we must introduce them to certain processes that us grown-up folks take for granted. Alright, I'll drop the pleasantries, we're talking toilets here people. Isn't it amazing how that transition to parenthood removes all taboos that come with talking about bodily function?

There are methods galore from raising diaper free babies from birth, to slowly following your child's lead and interest, to waiting until your babe is not such a babe and taking care of the whole diapers to toilet process in one day. We know that different methods work for different families, so we're not here to push any one your way. But speaking from experience with our pooping prodigy, naked booty's and LOTS of cleaning supplies are a good start.

If you're in need of little help, we've put together some fun stuff that should make this stage a little easier.

Essential #1: Reading Material
  Judging by hubby's mini-library next to the commode, this is one area to be taken seriously.   

One of our favorite parent reads Elizabeth Pantley's No Cry Potty Training  Solution. This easy to read guide by a true parenting pro provides gentle guidance in making potty training a simple pleasant process.    

For the kids we're huge fans of Taro Gomi's Everyone Poops, because well, they do. And the great Mo Willems Time To Pee, provides positive prose for your little whizz-ard. (that was too much wasn't it)

Essential #2: The Perfect Throne
Accommodating your bathroom for it's newest occupant is a must in successful toileting. There are tons of options out there, (we even spied a potty that lights up, sings and does a little dance) but we think simple is good.

The Baby Bjorn Little Potty is a favorite amongst EC guru's and we love it's sleek simplicity. It's the perfect height for your little one to keep her feet firmly planet on the floor and the built in splash guard helps keep little boy's sprinklers at bay. Best of all the one piece design makes dumping and cleaning a breeze.

Similar in styling to the BBLP is the ingenious Clear Potty by Babywunder. Sometimes it's hard to tell if your tot is done doing his business, mama lifting him up in the middle can be annoying and sitting there until he tells you he's done can mean spending hours in the bathroom. For obvious reasons, this one makes things pretty clear.

If you're looking for something a bit more substantial the Boon Potty Bench is for you. A favorite of modern moms this complete potty features side storage perfect for special books, toys or wipes and even features it's own toilet paper holder. We found the "deflector" a bit awkward as our little one sat down but it can easily be removed. Our favorite feature is the fold down lid that transforms the Boon into a sturdy stool, making it fun to go from wiping to washing in one simple step.

For those that would rather use the "big" potty the Flip N Flush will easily attach to any standard toilet creating a smaller seat for smaller bottoms. Best of all it's made of non-toxic, recyclable plastic and can be folded away when not in use.

The creme de' le' creme in the realm of potty seats, however, is Kohler's  Transitions Quiet Close Toilet Seat with Quick Release Functionality. This all in one seat has a standard size ring for adults and a smaller one for the kids. The quiet close feature means it won't slam shut squishing fingers or scaring children and the quick release hinges allow for easy cleaning tough to reach spots.

Where to go on the go? Public restrooms can be a little frightening to little ones, with the shared space and auto-flush toilets I don't blame them. We recommend keeping an extra Baby Baby Bjorn Little Potty in the car for pit stops. We were, however, at a loss at what to do with the pee until we got home, I guess you could dump it on the side of the road but that's just not acceptable in the grocery store parking lot.  Travel John to the rescue! The disposable urinals are a little advanced for our toddler to use as is, but it's perfect for dumping the potty into on the go. The spill proof bag is non-toxic, biodegradable and is safe to toss in the trash.

Essential #3: Ditch Those Diapers

Your potty trainee will love the big kid adventure of going diaper free. If you're not quiet ready for undies a few pairs of good training pants are a must, they look like the real thing with a little added protection for accidents. Good ol' fashioned Gerber's will do, but we love Bright Bots colorful options and Fuzzies Fleece are super soft and snuggly.
And when you are (finally) ready to completely ditch those diapers, celebrate by crowning your King (or Queen) of the Throne with a special tee from Cute as a Bug, a cute little tee shop from one of our favorite bloggers. Oh, and these Tiny Undies are just way too precious not too mention.

Win it!
We're giving away 3 potty training packs including a Flip N Flush Toilet Seat, Travel John Jr. and Toilet-Time Targets! Just send an email to reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com by Midnight October 25 with "Number 1" as your subject

Zen is In - A Guide for Yogi's, Yogini's and Your Average Joan.

Yoga makes the world go 'round. Ok, so maybe it doesn't but it definitely makes for a more peaceful planet. Yoga is fun, it helps center you (if just for a moment), plus, it's great exercise. And it happens to be all the rage for the kids these days.

Itsy Bitsy Not Just For Spiders Anymore 

I didn’t have much interest in Yoga before I became a mom, it was a little too passive for me.  Enter years of lugging around extra people and co-sleeping in contorted positions, yoga has become my new best friend.  If it can work magic on my aching and stressed muscles, imagine how beneficial it would be for those little people trying to figure out exactly how their bodies work work.  Itsy Bitsy Yoga was developed to nurture babies body, spirit and mind.

Itsy Bitsy Yoga is made up of simple gentle poses designed specifically to help develop your baby’s motor development.  The benefits for baby and Mama are endless from a better night's sleep to less fussiness and it's the best thing around to solve those tricky tummy troubles.  Best of all, it deepens the parent/child bond and gets that new mama out of the house.

Itsty Bitsy Yoga classes are available in most states.  When my son was a newborn, we had to travel a bit to find an Itsy Bitsy Yoga class but in just the past two years, IBY is popping up in yoga studios, gyms and even children’s bookstores world wide.  Classes are available for pre-crawlers, crawlers and toddlers through age 4.   If you’re a slave to the nap and unable to find a class that fits into your schedule, check out the new DVDs for your own home-based session. (Cara)

Yogi-Poli

We know you want the little one's to be comfy and look fashionable while they perfect their downward dog. The Organic Kids line from Yoli-Poli offers up cozy cute tees that are perfect for yoga class or the playground. Available in a variety of colors for boys, girls and baby, the tees feature "lil-yogi's" in some of our favorite poses. They are the perfect inspiration for your little one to show off that tree pose he's been working so hard to master.

For us Mommy-Folk

Of course yoga is great for us grown-ups too. There are countless kinds of classes available ranging from slow paced, gentle Hatha to the super physical Ashtanga (or power yoga) and everything in between. We recommend asking around and checking out YogaFinder.com to find what's available near you.

Prenatal yoga is essential to help you feel comfortable in your growing stretching body and once baby arrives an adult class a week can provide you with some special Mama time. Many adult studios also offer Mommy & Me classes, where mom practices and occasionally incorporates baby as a counterbalance or weight. And of course you can always pick up a DVD to practice your moves at home.

Peaceful Pretty

Let us not forget to pick up something to celebrate our zen status. Soft, colorful and made from the finest materials, OMgirl's line brings separates that are perfect for yoga practice and everyday. Their pants are definitely something to write home about, super soft and durable they've quickly become our go-to for class, bed-time, grocery runs and play dates. Ok, so we'd live in them if they didn't ever need to be washed.

"OMgirl clothing is made with love and is meant to inspire joy and encourage the world to discover the Yoga within." And since we can't go a minute without thinking of our kids you might want to check out the Teeny Yogini collection for infants, toddlers, boys and girl.

Namaste.

Win it!
We're giving away a copy of the Itsy Bitsy Yoga Sleep n' Grow DVD [$20]! Just send an email to reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com and let us know the name of the amazing woman who developed IBY by Midnight, October 21.

Cloth Confusion? A Diaper Guide

Cloth diapering is best for the environment. Some would say it's best for your babies bum, but is it best for you, Mama? Many of us shy away from the cloth scene worried about laundry and stink and where to begin. There are so many cloth diapers out there it's easy to get overwhelmed before you get started. All-in-one's, prefolds, pockets, are there pins and liners and stinky pails to be fussed with?

Our guide to the world of cloth gives you a sneak peak at the best of what's out there for baby bottom.

All-in-One (AIO's) - A completely fitted diaper with a waterproof outer, these are the closest thing to disposables. No folding or stuffing required, but they're also the most expensive option.

The PVC, phalate and lead free, made in the USA, AIO's available from Bumkins are a favorite. While one of the priciest at $25, the 6 interior layers of cozy flannel are pure luxury. And the extra "air flow panel" makes laundering a breeze.

Fitted Diaper - Similar to disposables, these have a contoured shape, gathered legs and fasten with snaps or velcro. Fitted diapers require a separate water proof diaper cover.

Kushies Classic [$8] are a great option. With oh, so soft cotton and a large range of solids and prints you'll find one you love. The patented interior flap for extra absorbancy makes dumping solids mess free.

Pocket Diapers - The newest thing to hit the cloth diapering world. These are similar to an AIO but have a pocket to slip in an absorbent insert. The waterproof outer layer makes these another easy option for diapering on the run.

It's no surprise that Fuzzi Bunz ($18), the first pocket diapers, are still the best. Super soft with a whispery outer layer, easy to stuff- super absorbent insert and adjustable fastening system that ensures all babies get a leak free fit, make these top notch. We also like the trim underwear like fit. In fact, our sometime diaper wearing toddler likes to slip these on just like undies when we need to run.

Prefold - The cheapest option in cloth diapering. A rectangular cloth (more absorbant in the middle) is folded to fit. Prefolds can be pinned or fastened on alone or folded and tucked inside a cover.

Our fav? Bummis can't be beat. Their unbleached cotton prefolds quilt up beautifully and the Whisper Wrap is comfortable and easy to use with flat or fitted diapers! If you're new to cloth they also have a cloth diapering kit [$118] with all you need to get started.

One Size - Well, this one's pretty self explanatory. While you save money in the long run, one of the deterants to cloth diapering is the large start up cost. Thinking you might have to shell that out 2 or 3 or 4 times as your little grows can seem daunting.

The geniuses at bumGenius have thought up our favorite solution. Their One-Size Cloth Diaper 2.0 [$19] fits babes 8-35 pounds! With a simple snap system the diaper will grow with your little one from their birth day through potty training.

Win Win Win!
Diapers anyone? We have a Fuzzi Bunz pocket diaper, a mini Bummis kit (Whisper Pant, 6 prefolds, roll of liners!) and a Kushies Classic fitted diaper to give away to some lucky readers. Just send us an email (reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com) by midnight, September 26 with Cloth as your subject.

Check back for some awesome discounts on our favorite nappies.

If you're still in need of more info Diaper Pin is a GREAT resource.

The Right Stuff for Walls

Not too long ago I helped a friend (who I love dearly and shall remain nameless) prepare a nursery/play space for her baby-to-be. It was an excuse to get together and tackle a task that needed to be done (soon!) and it was a blast, well mostly. Her husband had painted in two-toned pastel shades and it was our job to add the finishing touches. Let me just state, for the record, I had nothing to do with the design scheme.

Our afternoon was spent applying wallpaper border. Yeah. You heard me right. And it gets worse, there were teddy bears and fluffy lambs involved. I kept my mouth shut for the most part and just prayed for that poor kid. Maybe I'm being too hard on her, it's just, I thought we were beyond those days!

In attempt to save the rest of us (and any future children) from a similar fate, we've painstakingly researched and tested some really cool replacements.

B is for Baby
We've always been fans of graffiti, but the urban variety generally doesn't bode well with interior design. Wonderful Graffiti, however, is a gorgeous way to bring a little text to your day. They have tons of awesome designs to choose from but we're particularly fond of the Graffiti Monograms, the modern take on classic flashcards are the perfect way to spruce up a nursery or any room of your house. Just prep, stick and peel away.

Peel and Pop
If you're looking to add some dimension, Wallter's wall applications will do the trick. The simple 3-D shapes can be painted to pop in any space and the 3M adhesive backing means they'll stick and stay with ease. While these are a favorite for grown up rooms the shapes will add a fun tactile element to any play space.

Stuck on You
dVider is famous for well, dividers, but their offering of stickers will blow your mind. These over sized vinyl decals can be stuck just about anywhere to transform a room in minutes.  You can stick one or use a bunch to create amazing murals. And with tons of variety, from a whimsical kids collection, to classic nature designs and hip edgy pieces you'll find the perfect ones for you.

Chalk the Line
Alright, so we shouldn't totally rip on the idea of wallpaper based design. Wallies has several collections of prepasted vinyl coated designs that the kids will love. The Olive Kids Big Mural, is truly out of this world, but our favorites by far are Wallies new peel & stick chalkboard panels.  These are pure perfection. The thin chalk friendly panels are a breeze to post on any surface and perfect for quick notes or doodling away.

Win it!
We're giving away two packs of Wallies Chalkboard panels! Just send an email to reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com by midnight September 20.