Wagamama Baby, Baby Zabu Play Mat

I have a “soft spot” for my baby’s booty

Oh, the ever important floor time. We have heard over and over again how important it is for our babies to get down to the nitty gritty for the sake of their physical development. But what if your floor is, well, nitty and gritty?

The Baby Zabu play mat [$88-$135] from Wagamama Baby is a totally versatile, totally tote-able play mat for babies at all stages, from back-laying, to tummy-time, to sitting, to crawling, to trying to escape over the sides, this mat is where it’s at. Lay the smaller-sized Zabu flat for an ample play area, or go with the biggie for serious acreage. Fold up the sides and tie the corners to create an enclosed space for baby to lounge. When it’s time to get on the move, roll up your Zabu and use the convenient, color-coordinated carrying strap that makes this mat easy to throw in the car and be on hand whenever you need a clean, safe spot for your child.

But be ready for passersby to stop and ask you about it. With a range of nearly a dozen gorgeous prints and several materials from which to choose – corduroy, brushed canvas, denim, and the new bamboo/cotton blend – the place where your babe’s bottom sits will be bound to turn heads.

Be aware though, when it’s time to wash your Zabu, you need to remove the pads, and getting them back in is quite a challenge. Each side pad needs to fit through a small opening, and although I did this as gently as possible, two of the seams on mine ripped several inches. Wagamama has assured us that they've made the openings bigger on the new season’s styles. I’d like to see some reinforced stitching along the edges of the openings as well.

For our peace of mind: The Wagamama website and the Zabu’s tag suggest inserting this mat into a crib or playpen as a mattress pad and bumper combination, as well as using it as a place for your child to nap. This product has not been approved by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association or any other organization as a safe sleep surface for infants, however, and so Mama Speaks is recommending the Zabu be used as a play mat only.

Want it?
Readers get 15% off your purchase with code MAMASPKS15

- Beth

Cuddlebee

Cuddle Me

As I lay on the couch with my one year old son on a beautiful sunny afternoon, I think to myself that there is no better feeling. Now, in the Midwest, it is very well possible to experience all 4 seasons in just one 24 hour period, so even though the sun continued to shine, a pretty cool breeze shifted in the air causing the open window across the room to make it many degrees cooler within seconds. Luckily, I had my son's new Cuddlebee Chenille Blanket [$40-$50] within arm's reach. I was able to cover him up and keep him warm, all without having to wake him up in the process.

Cuddlebee's Chenille Blankets come in a wide variety of colors and prints suitable for boys and girls alike and they are the perfect size to cuddle under as well as take along in a diaper bag. Besides blankets, Cuddlebee also makes Bibs [$12-$16] and Burpies [$14] in coordinating prints. You can buy them individually or go ahead and get a Gift Set for your precious little ones.

Created by a fashion-forward designer mom who, like most mom-preneurs, was having problems finding fashionable baby accessories to match her style. Cuddlebee products are handmade, pre-washed, and triple stitched and ready for your little one to "cuddle" with, right out of the package. Cuddlebee's mission is to make products that make mommies AND babies happy, and that makes me…well, happy!

-Jen

Bounce-a-Bye Baby Ball

Save the Fussies

We all have either had or know someone who's had a fussy baby.  The long nights, the 5 'o clock witching hour, the inability to go anywhere but your own house, it all takes a toll.  These little fuss-cherubs are made of an unique cloth, and require unique parenting.  My own boys, two of which are fussies, were no different.  They needed all the usual things--shushing, swaddling, swaying, slinging, and more.  Their most requested (via The Scream That Would Not End) technique was to be bounced.  Not rocked, not walked, not run, but bounced.  We'd tire ourselves (and our knees) out quickly, until we realized that we just needed a big exercise ball to sit on to get our bounce on.  So, you can imagine that when I stumbled across the Bounce-a-Bye Baby Ball, I was more than intrigued. 

Created as a stylish ball that you won't have to hide when the company arrives, the Bounce-a-Bye [$52] is colorful without being too obnoxious.  Upon it's arrival and inflation, I thought it seemed too small for my family of long-legged peeps at first.  However, once the need arose (and it always does, fussy babies like to fuss!) we quickly realized that this new little ball chair was worth it's weight in gold.  It comes with a stand, so it's safe and won't be rolling down your hallway anytime soon.  Another perk--this ball is perfect for pregnant moms and their massage therapists (aka, husbands) to take a load off and to get some weightless sitting time.

Want it?
Enter Mama10 for 10% off your order through the end of 2008.

Win it!
We're giving away a Bounce-a-Bye Baby Ball to one hoppin' reader. To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Bounce Baby as your subject and tell us what three animals are featured on the ball. Giveaway ends April 07, 2008.

 -Arianne

Adrift Mobiles

Minimum Form, Maximum Beauty

We at Mama Speaks sift through a whole lot of bright colored scariness to find the best form for your function.  When I recently got the chance to test-drive the breathtakingly beautiful Adrift Camber mobile [$168], I knew you all would love it.  As most mamas know, baby mobile's have not historically been an item of style in our little one's nursery.  More of an eye sore, mobiles tend to be ugly and loud.  Sure, they keep baby occupied, but at what cost? 

Any style maven knows that sacrificing a happy room for a happy baby is well worth it, but what if you didn't have to make that sacrifice?  Adrift has come out with some of the most gorgeous, peaceful mobiles I've ever seen.  The Camber has been in our home for a little while, and my baby loves to watch the smooth motion of the wood and examine the lines of the flowing, floating, pieces.  At first glance, the mobile doesn't seem like something a baby would take much interest in, but my guy was glued to it whenever it was within his steel blue gaze. 

The mobiles are made from sustainable materials such as bamboo and walnut, and are finished with a non-toxic natural oil.  The nursery isn't the only place these mobiles can go, their beauty can be displayed in your bedroom, the living room, the sun room and more.  Their modern, slick nature brings a peaceful, minimalist vibe to most any corner of your home. 

-Arianne

Night Time Pals by Lumisource

Light the Way

Bedtime can be a hectic and stressful time for parents and kids alike.  If it's not the screaming in the bath, it's the crying over pajamas, the arguing about which book to read or the demanding of yet another drink.  One thing I can always count on to get everybody back to the routine is our little Soupy the Snail light by Lumisource. Once we turn on Mr. Soupy, everyone knows to get under the covers and quiet down.  The kids might not listen to me all the time, but Mr Soupy is never ignored.  He’s the perfect “trigger” we need to get back on track, and the soft warm glow Mr Soupy gives us is just enough to be able to see the room, without having an intrusive bright light keeping everyone awake.      

Lumisource has an extensive line of night time pals, ranging from Harriet the Hippo to Ernie the Elephant. All the pals are made from Kumo translucent paper, and the electric cord can be easily removed to make the pal a decorative accent to baby’s room.  Be aware--the tops of these little lamps are open to tiny fingers, and the lamp should be put high enough that a rogue pinky won’t get burned.   

Check out all the pals to find one that fits with your family, and watch as bedtime get a little bit warmer, a little bit sweeter, and whole lot easier

Win it!
How about a Soupy to light your way? Send an email to giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com by midnight December 01, with Lumisource as your subject.

Aden and Anais

Mod Wrap Must Have

When I first read about the Aden and Anais Australian Muslin Wraps, I was intrigued.  A blanket that has multiple uses and gets softer each time you wash it?  Sounds impressive.  Then I took one look at the various designs that Aden and Anais offer in their wraps and I had to have a set, or three. 

Since I've been washing and using the wraps, I've found that they are my one must have item every where I go with my baby.  I've used them as blankets (swaddling, yo), burp clothes, a diaper changing pad, and stroller cover, and even as a place to sit for one last impromptu fall picnic (they are nice and big).  We get compliments every where we go on their fresh and slick style, and the best part about these wraps is that they keep baby warm if he's chilled, and keep him nice and cool if he gets too warm.  Pick up a set for your boy or girl, or get my favorite--the Camo Set--for your little baby hipster-in-training.   

-Arianne

Time For A Change? Put That Booty On A Pedestal

If you live in a house with more than one room it seems there's always the problem of where to change the baby. Sure there's that lovely padded, well stocked changing palace, but it's in the bedroom. Upstairs. And this baby can't make it through that flight.

I felt like I was always dumping diapers in random rooms and quickly discovered that a "simple" diaper change on the couch or the floor is anything but. Seriously, the next time they open submissions for new Olympic sports I'm first in line. Eventually I bought an extra one those cheap foam pads for down stairs, but it was an eyesore that got tripped over more that it got changed on.

Aren't you glad us mom's think alike? Also, tired of the diapering Olympics, mama Sue Wong set out to find a solution and ended up inventing the Ubi Modern changing table [$90]. This baby is make you gasp gorgeous, and best of all it delivers. The low slung, bent plywood table gets baby off the floor and positioned perfectly for a change. The retro-mod (is that an oxymoron?) fabric selection is easy on the eyes, a breeze to clean and resistant to germs.

Thanks to the belly buckle baby won't be going anywhere and the fastener strips keep will keep that fresh diaper where it's supposed to be. The verdict is still out on the deluxe version's [$119] spring loaded diaper dispenser,  but we're pretty sure we're sold.

Win it!
Who wants one? We have one Ubi changing table for one of you! Send an email to reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com by midnight October 24 and let us know what fabrics are available. We'll choose one winner at random and your table will ship directly early December.

A Little Help Here?

Remember that old adage that a womans place is in the kitchen? Yeah, um, no. Makes you grit your teeth right? Thankfully times have changed, but nevertheless us Mama's still find ourselves in the kitchen, a lot- breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and "oh, you need cupcakes for tomorrow sweetie? And the store is closed?" So we cook. Some of us love it. Others do it for no other reason than the fact that well, we must eat to live.

The biggest problem most Mama's have is what to do with the kids while you're cooking. Unfortunately the consensus in one of my Mom's groups is that this is the time the kiddies get parked in front of the TV. In our house that isn't an option so we've struggled with how my son can help safely. When he was tiny he would hang out in the sling while I cooked, once he was sitting there was a special safe spot on the counter, once he could stand we pulled up a stool or a chair. Wonderful! We could chat and measure and stir, it was such a special time. Until that day he fell. Saw that one coming didn't you? He's fine, but needless to say from that day on he was sent off to play when meal-time came.

Until, the glorious day we discovered The Learning Tower by Little Partners [$170]. They boast it is "a child's special place to learn, observe and create" and it definitely is. The sturdy wooden structure features a stable no tip base, an adjustable height platform that can easily adjust as your child grows. And it holds up to 500 pounds, so when you need to get to that cabinet above the refrigerator (why are those there?!)  you can climb on up yourself.  We'll admit it is a bit of chore to put together but the construction is such that we don't see it coming apart any time this century.

The platform is enclosed on all four sides so there is no chance for falls, meaning you can stir and scramble worry-free. Recommended for children 18 months and up and we see it being useful for years to come. In between tower time it is the perfect desk or snack tray and the optional Playhouse Kit helps you create a fort or puppet theater with a quickness.

All that and the fact my toddler now asks to help wash the dishes?  Need I say more?

Head over to the BabyCenter Store where The Learning Tower is currently 10% off [$152.99] and you can get free shipping on all orders over $29 (enter FREESHIP29 at check out)

Mini Modern

You just found out you’re expecting and you’re immediately launched into a panic.  But not for the same reasons as most new-parents-to-be, like how will you keep another human alive.  Your first thought: “Oh no, how will all of that plastic baby crap mesh with our ultra-mod décor?”  One look at Offi’s complete line of modern kid furniture and you’ll realize like most new parent fears, this too is unwarranted. 

Offi allows you to easily combine an urban yet playful look with functionality for all of your baby and kid needs as demonstrated in their Bebe crib and matching changing table all the way up to their Doodle Drawer Desk for ages three and up.  Most importantly, they even make playtime look cool without the help of flashing lights and sounds making you count the seconds down the end of the battery life.  I’m completely enamored with the Spaceframe Sculpture Kit but I know my little one would love the “you mean I can draw on the furniture?” Woody Chalkboard Table.  And if these items still don’t coordinate with your pre-baby style, then we recommend looking at the rest of Offi’s line just for us big kids.

Since you’re already a fan of modern design, the price tags on some of these items may not surprise you.  But for the rest of us, you’ll be happy to hear Offi is extending a very generous offer to Mama Speaks readers. You can purchase anything from the Offi at wholesale pricing.  No, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you, we did say WHOLESALE PRICING.  Now is your chance to modernize that playroom with high quality, designer products, unlike the stuff from that big blue and yellow place I like to avoid on the weekends.

If you're interested in making a purchase just shoot us an email (reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com) and we'll hook you up with the details.

Due to awesome demand, wholesale pricing is only available through the end of business Friday September 28. We thank Offi for their amazing generosity.

-Cara

Happiest Kid Around The Block

Put that bulky double stroller away and be prepared to be the center of attention when you take a stroll around your neighborhood with the new Bibi Swiss Strolli Rider.

The Strolli is the latest must-have product for parents. Fastening to most any stroller frame, the Strolli allows one child to ride along while you push your other child in the stroller.

Assembly is easy and quick, and the Strolli comes complete with tools and adjustments to fit a large variety of strollers. The padded seat, footrests, and handle bars make it a smooth, exciting ride for your little one. You’ll find it a great investment as it’s adjustable to grow with your child, from about 15 months of age and up to 44 lbs.

We’ve strolled our Strolli up and down curbs, through grass, sharp turns, and even over bumpy railroad tracks. It’s sturdy and safe with wheels that practically let you off-road it!

For long trips at the amusement park or short walks around the block- the Strolli makes life easy for the parents and happy for the kids!

US Mama Speaks readers can get 20% off plus free shipping until the end of 2007 by entering Mama20 at checkout!

Take Flight

While pregnant I was determined to plan the perfect nursery (even though I knew my babe would spend, oh, no time in there) All was going well until I decided to hunt for a mobile to hang above the changing table. I couldn't deal with mass produced little bears wearing NFL uniforms and most of the cool modern mobiles I found looked like they could take an eye out. After hours, and hours, and hours- I gave up.

If only I'd stumbled upon KLT Works sooner! Kristin, a talented artist (and first time Mama-to-be!) hand makes the most beautiful mobiles. The "Flights of Fancy" mobiles [$180] are full of vibrant colors (a stark black and white version is also available), soft textures and simple bold shapes. The hand made wool felt and cotton birds take flight around a wooden turquiose egg. The modern, whimsical design will delight kids (or us kids at heart) and is the perfect addition to any nursery.

If you're past the mobile stage or just looking for something your little one can squeeze, you'll also find a collection of adorable hand made plush animals and puppets. If you just can't get enough, your little one can wear the animals and our favorite "nest" on an organic onesie or tee.

Be sure to check out Kristin's watercolors and drawings in thread(!). Gorgeous! This is one talented woman!

Win it!
We're giving away a hand-made plush "nest" perfect for you're baby bird! She's due sometime in January- the person closest to her due date wins! Send your guess to reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com by midnight September 11.

Orange is the New Black

All too often our Mama sense of design stops at our children's doorways. In an attempt to cater our kid's decor to their interests we fall into the trap of buying lots of junk that poses as furniture for a short time before being hauled out to the trash heap. Little by little, we're realizing the nursery can be the coolest room in the house.

Duc Duc makes it simple to create a nursery or kids room that suits your and the kiddies sense of style. From cribs to credenzas this beautiful furniture is designed "to grow with your child, both aesthetically and in construction, which means that it is stylish, not trendy, and made to last for a long time." All products are designed with four principles in mind: self-expression, nurturing, versatility and environment- which equal truly sustainable style. And in addition to being gorgeous all of Duc Duc's furniture is made of sustainably harvested hardwoods and non-VOC lacquer paints.

It doesn't stop there- with their line of textiles and accessories you can furnish and finish a room. We're especially fond of the cotton knit alphabet blanket. This custom knit beauty will hold up to all the snuggling your little one can dish out. And of course all of these items are made of eco-friendly materials and natural fibers.

Duc Duc has done it all, creating a child centered company that focuses on design while being kind to our planet and sharing the love (10% of all profits are donated to children's charities!). We love 'em, need we say more?

It’s Summer All Year ‘Round

The Summer Infant Baby’s Quiet Sounds Color Handheld Video Monitor [$160] is the extra pair of eyes you’ll definitely appreciate as parents. Now you really can always hear and see what your baby is doing when you can’t be in the same room. 

Take the handheld color monitor with you up to 350 feet or even plug into your TV. It’s a great gadget for Daddy, too, as he can watch baby via TV split-screen and still watch the game (or play Xbox) at the same time! 

Features like rechargeable batteries that last up to 10 hours, option for just audio only, and night vision when baby is in a darkened room are a convenience and comfort for your peace of mind. 

We also, of course, love Summer’s Nature’s Purest Collection with a full range of organically grown and naturally colored cotton nursery products; good for baby and good for the earth. 

Find knowledgeable answers and helpful information in Summer’s For Moms By Moms Online Forum. Share your feelings, give and receive advice, provide Summer Infant product feedback, and more. 

Trust Summer’s affordable and safe products for your priceless little one.

-Steph

Yummy Baby

If you're anything like me when you find something you love you stick with it. From food to fabrics once I'm hooked I'm all the way in. Babylicious delivers beautifully in fabric department. Their collections feature a variety of products available in coordinating designs so you can mix and match everything from babies nursery to their bath gear. And aside from just looking great this stuff will stand us to the wear and tear a little one brings. 

One of our favorite offerings is the get messy bib, available in two sizes for babies and tots. Whether you're looking for a cover all as your little one learns to feed himself or a smock for your budding artist this bib will keep the messy away from the clothes. And the Yummy Blanket is just that. Style meets warmth and comfort here with a smooth cotton print on one side and cozy fleece on the other. And the generous size means its well suited for swaddling or snuggling up with your yummy bundle of joy. Delicious!

Win it!
Would you like your very own Yummy Blanket (Groovy Pink)? Just send us an email - reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com by midnight August 15.

Neato!

It started with a search for a toddler tee to indulge my son's tractor obsession. I was on the hunt for a shirt featuring a tractor that didn't look like it'd been airbrushed at the county fair or mass produced by children. I looked high and low and finally, finally, followed a readers suggestion to Jeeto! where I found just what I was looking for.

Jeeto!'s to go! collection [$19-$23] features cool kids tees that are simple- Tee shirt. Graphic. Color. Yet unique enough help your little one stand out in Tuesday mornings playgroup. From happy skulls to Pegasus (and of course that beloved tractor) in onesies, tees and long sleeves, you're sure to find a favorite. And if you're getting tired of sneaking your tots favorite tee away every night to wash it, so they can wear it again the next day (am I only one that falls for this?!) you might just want to check out the home collection [$40-$80] and pick up a stretched canvas (or three) in that favorite print.

Now that that problem's solved... if you have a little one with allergies it can be scary to send them off to school, or nursery, or a friends house. Even with warning people forget and slip ups can have serious consequences- what better way to play it safe than to wear the reminder. Jeeto!'s allergy collection [$5-$35] features tee's, patches and stickers that proudly display your little one's gluten, egg or dairy free status (great for tiny vegan's too!). And if nuts make 'em, well, nuts there's a shirt for that too.

Win it!

We have a "Band" Stretched canvas [blue, 9x12 in -$40] for one lucky reader! Let us know what Jeeto! is offering in Limited Edition by emailing reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com by midnight August 14.

Enter code "mamaspeaks" at checkout for 10% your entire order!

Thanks Sarah Q!

Wee Heart Wee Art

Simply stated babies need art too. The high contrast repeating patterns in Wee Gallery's designs will delight babies from birth on up and their parents too. Our little one's are partial to the Art Cards featuring whimsical animal prints. The laminated 5"x7" cards can be hung mobile style for babies or shuffled around for the toddler set (and shuffled, and shuffled, and shuffled).

You can take your gallery on the go with Wee's baby clothing gift sets. And their peel and stick wall graphics and stretched canvas prints are the perfect addition to any nursery or playroom.

Black and white we love Wee Gallery! You an enter win a stretched canvas in stingray just email the name of the baby behind the wee to reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com

Stuffed

There seems to be an unwritten rule that babies breed stuffed animals. Before I became a mom we had maybe 5 stuffed animals in the house, the day my son was born the bundles of fluff started pouring in until we had amassed quite the army. And since these creature don't do much but lie around we're left with problem of finding something to do with them all. I wouldn't dare turn to the netted animal hammocks of my youth so I defaulted to sticking them all in a storage tote and calling it a day. Thankfully Boon has come up with something to solve this problem that's function to boot. The Animal Bag ($59.99) is an oversized plush bag with several zippered mesh windows. Stuff your animals inside and viola you have a funky bean bag chair. We should also mention that in addition to solving your storage dilemma the Animal bag is earth friendly since unlike most bean bag chairs it does not rely on foam fillers.