Baby Product Reviews

IKEA Soft Toys for Education – Gifts that Give Back

If there was one store I wish we had in St. Louis, it is definitely an IKEA store. They have so many unique products and gifts at amazing prices. I could literally spend hours browsing their store online finding new fun products. During the holiday season, one of their hottest items are their soft toys. They offer countless different soft toys starting at just $0.49. This year, they have made their way onto Nifty Mom’s Holiday Gift Guide for obvious reasons.

We have been enjoying non-stop play with a soccer ball, TORVA Carrot and a basket of veggies. I fell in love with each of them immediately and my kids love playing with them all. The soccer ball is perfect for my 2 & 3 year old sons. When they see a ball, any ball, they HAVE to throw it. No matter what. Well with the soft toy, they can do it without breaking anything or hurting anyone. A huge plus for me!

As the boys pulled veggies out of the basket, we played a ‘What’s That’ game with them naming each one out loud: carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, garlic, mushrooms and peas. These are great toys to play pretend and for healthy food education. I like to get them out when I am making dinner and let them ‘help’ me and make dinner as well. The large carrot is part of the TORVA soft toy collection. Even though I love all the soft toys, this one is my favorite. It is extremely soft, huggable and as big as my 10 month old. He just adores it. These are high quality soft toys, tested to prove durability and to withstand rough play by my sons!

During November and December, for every soft toy purchased, the IKEA Foundation donates €1 (approximately 1.29 USD) to Save the Children and UNICEF, and is spent on children’s educational projects. Last year, they were able to donate €12.4 million! The Soft Toys for Education Campaign started in 2003 and since then has raised $61.75 million, supported over 70 projects in nearly 40 countries, and helped more than 8 million children receive a better education. That’s amazing! I love a great company that gives back.

For the latest updates, stay connected by following IKEA on Twitter, Facebook, and the IKEA Foundation on Facebook.

I received the named product at no cost to conduct this review and was in no other way compensated. All opinions expressed are 100% mine.

Boon Whale Pod – Drain and Storage Bath Toy Scoop {Review}

Normally if you would walk into our upstairs hall bathroom, you’d see foam bath letters and a few bath toys scattered in the bathtub. My two year old and three year old are really the only ones that use that bathroom, so I have been procrastinating in purchasing a toy storage for their bath toys. I have wanted one and know I need one. I have shopped around, but never found one that I thought was worth it. I receive a Boon Whale Pod that ended up working perfectly for my sons’ bathroom.

The installation of the Whale Pod was extremely simple with the easy-to-follow instructions. The whale is actually three pieces: the scoop, the head/top with built-in shelf, and the wall attachment piece. It comes with two options for mounting: hardware to screw it into the wall, or adhesive strips. I used the adhesive strips and had the wall piece up within minutes. As instructed, I waited 24 hours before attached the rest. The best part? I didn’t have to bother my husband to help me with it!

My sons were excited to have a new bath ‘toy’ to play with. Even though they were anxious, I had them wait until the end of bath time to use it and clean up all the bath letters. My three year old kept getting all the letters in the scoop, dumping them out, then repeating the cycle. He loved it. He also found it very entertaining to watching the water drain out of the scoop. My two year old found the most fun out of just moving it through the water. I have to say, it is a huge hit with the boys! Just seeing it hanging up get them excited.

There are many features I love about the Whale Pod. It keeps the toys from just sitting in the bathtub and as it hangs on the wall, it has a sleek clean look. The slits on the bottom sides let the water drain out, which reduces of chance of mold and mildew on the bath toys. Another great benefit is that my sons learn to clean up their toys at the end of bath time and actually enjoy it. It is very durable and I know will last a long time through all three of my little guys.

Purchase the Whale Pod for just $34.99 on their site here or on Amazon.com.

Learn more about Boon, Inc products at Booninc.com. For the latest information and updates, follow Boon on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook, and follow their boards on Pinterest.

Follow @booninc

Disclosure – I received the named product at no cost to conduct this review and was in no other way compensated. All opinions expressed are 100% mine.

A Baby Must Have – Kidsme Silicone Food Feeder {Review}

My youngest is almost seven months old and each little milestone he reaches is exciting but also a reminder of how fast our little ones grow up. I have waited longer to start solids with him than I did with his older brothers because I was still exclusively breastfeeding, and furthermore because I am having a difficult time coping with him growing up so fast. I want my little guy to stay a baby forever (don’t we all?). ‘Baby C’ has been very eager to eat solids and try new foods, as I frequently notice him staring eagerly at his older brothers as they eat. It was time. I have started very slowly introducing solid foods into his daily diet the last couple of weeks. He has been doing extremely well being spoon fed and even reaches towards the spoon for more. Right as I was starting the transition, I was introduced to what is now one of my favorite baby products: Kidsme Food Feeder.

When I received the Food Feeder Weaning Set, which included two food feeders (one small and one large), a 6oz anti-colic bottle and a Multi-purpose brush, I couldn’t wait to use them. I started with a small piece of banana in the small feeder. The feeder is simple to use, as you just put the food in the silicone sac and snap it closed. ‘Little C’ had no troubles holding it. After staring at it trying to figure out what it was, he started chewing and wouldn’t take it out of his mouth. He loved it! When he was ready for a refill, he was pretty upset that I had to take it away from him to add more food.

I actually have a bigger love for the feeders. My poor little guy is currently cutting six teeth. I put frozen fruit pieces or fruit bars in the food feeders for him to chew on. The coldness makes his gums feel better while he is getting some nutrition at the same time. I think this is his favorite. But really it doesn’t matter what I put in it. When he sees me get the feeder out, he gets excited.

Clean up is easy with the feeders because they are top rack dishwasher safe. The food sac is silicone, removable and easy to hand-wash as well. The brush that comes with the set works great to clean the feeders. Replacement sacs in the different sizes (for different ages) can also be purchased on Amazon.com if needed. It is also convenient to keep one in my purse for when we are on the go.

The bottle that comes with the set is a 6oz anti-colic bottle that is specially designed to reduce colic by keeping air out. It has a silicone nipple with sensitive response to the baby’s pressure and will respond with the right amount of liquid. I have only used it once so far since I am slowly transitioning to formula, but I love the bottle and he had no problems using it. I think it really will help the transition to formula.

To learn more about Kidsme and BabySquare, visit them on their website and become a fan of Kidsme on Facebook.

BUY IT – You can purchase Kidsme Food Feeders and other feeding products on the Kidsme site or on Amazon.com.

Disclosure – I received the named product at no cost to conduct this review and was in no other way compensated. All opinions expressed are 100% mine.

Baby Blast – Flavored Binky Spray {Review}

Having three little ones, I have learned it isn’t always easy to calm down a fussy baby. Sometimes a pacifier can do the trick, and other times they just spit it out and keep fussing. I have had this happen countless times with each of my sons, including just today with my 5 month old. I couldn’t get him to calm down and every time I would offer him the pacifier, he would spit it out a few seconds later. He wasn’t even happy with his thumb (yup, he’s a part-time thumb-sucker). I am pretty sure he is starting to cut teeth, so we’ve been having some rough moments throughout the day. I knew it was time to pull out the Baby Blast.

I have friends who use small amounts of maple syrup on pacifiers and bottle nipples to calm their baby or take a bottle. The great thing about Baby Blast is that it is an all natural vanilla spray created just for that. It contains just three ingredients: Vegetable Glycerine, water and natural flavors. Glycerine is a carbohydrate that is sweet but it does not increase blood sugar so much better than some syrup. The spray is also not sticky, which is a big plus. Not only is it easy to use, it is small enough to throw in a diaper bag or purse to always have on hand.

When my son continuously refused the pacifier today, a little spritz of the spray helped out tremendously. He finally calmed down and was able to take his nap, peacefully. He normally is a great sleeper, but he just needed that little something to calm him down, and today, that little something happened to be Baby Blast.

Baby Blast is not only for pacifiers, but can be used on a number of other things. If you are breastfeeding and your little one is having a difficult time latching on, the spray is safe to use to help them latch on. It can also be used on teething rings, sippy cups, medicine dispensers and bottle nipples.

I am anxious to use the spray when I introduce bottles and baby formula to my son. Weaning isn’t always an easy process and I hope, if there are any difficulties, Baby Blast will be my hero!

To learn more make sure you follow Baby Blast on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

BUY IT: You can purchase Baby Blast on their website for just $8.95. They also have a gift set, tote set and diaper cake.

WIN IT: Visit my Baby Blast Gift Set giveaway and enter to win!

Read more reviews from fellow Karma Media Members:

I received the named product at no cost to conduct this review and was in no other way compensated. All opinions expressed are 100% mine. This review is brought to you by Karma Media.

Mybabyclothes.com Review & $25 GC Giveaway

There are a few things I am addicted to and one of them happen to be baby clothes. I am always on the hunt for affordable unique items for my three boys. Even when I found out baby #3 was a another boy, and had a closet full of boy clothes already, I still felt the need to shop for him. I just love looking at and buying new adorable little clothing. I got the opportunity to review mybabyclothes.com, a great site to shop for the little ones.

Mybabyclothes.com is a leading online provider of baby clothes and accessories. It continues to grow exponentially, offering unique fashionable clothing at affordable prices. They have products for boys and girls, newborn to size 4t. I knew right away that I was going to fall in love with the online store because the website is very consumer-friendly. It is easy to navigate and search for products. My first couple of visits to the site was a long ones as I was trying to pick out a favorite item. With so many options, it’s not an easy thing to do! You can browse by category, including outfits, personalized items, formal, tutus, and outerwear. Some accessories you will found: baby headbands, diaper covers, blankets, bibs, baby hats and so much more. I really loved their gift sets they have available as well. They even have a clearance section for some really great deals.

I ordered the Mud Pie Lion Footed Sleeper, size 0-6 months, for my youngest. After I placed my order, it arrived very timely and nicely packaged. The sleeper is so cute! It is great quality and I can tell it won’t fall apart after it getting washed a few times. The lion’s mane is made of small ribbons and his tail is yarn. I love it because it gives my little guy some textures to feel and play with. It is a currently a little big for my one month old, but he’ll grow into it very quickly.

Win it – Mybabyclothes.com is giving one lucky Nifty Mom reader a $25 gift certificate to their site! All you have to do is enter using the Rafflecopter form below. ALL ENTRIES ARE OPTIONAL!

The giveaway is open to US residents 18+ years of age. The giveaway runs from February 22nd, 2012 to 12:01a EST March 8th. The winner will be selected via random.org, contacted by email, and have 48 hours to reply to confirm their winnings or a new winner will be picked. If you have any issues entering or have any questions, please email me at contact (at) niftymom(d0t)com.

GOOD LUCK!

Disclosure – I received the named product at no cost to conduct this review and was in no other way compensated. All opinions expressed are 100% mine.

Review – Learn N Turn Adjustable Training Spoon

Mealtime can have its ups and downs in my house. My 1 year old always wants to eat like his 2 year old brother but has yet to master using a spoon and/or fork. He’s always trying, but awkwardly twists and turns the spoon and by the time he gets it in his mouth, there is nothing on it. He tries and tries but he ends up getting frustrated to say the least.

I was excited to get the opportunity to try the Learn ‘N’ Turn Feeding Utensil. This Dad-invented product is designed to help your little one learn to self-feed easier. Since infants little bones and muscles are still developing, they have a harder time rotating and getting a spoon successfully from the bowl to their mouth. The Learn ‘N’ Turn helps that problem by allowing you to adjust the angle of the spoon in either direction to accommodate your little one.

My son loves using the Learn ‘N’ Turn spoon. When I gave it to him for the first time (and each time after that) his face lit up. It’s shape and size is just perfect for him. One of my favorite things about the spoon is with it angled, he cannot jam it down his throat. He gets so excited with a spoon sometimes it seems he tries to put the whole thing in his mouth and I get worried he is going to gag himself. He definitely cannot do that with the Learn ‘N’ Turn spoon. We have been through a few different angles so far and he is getting so much better using a spoon.

Another great thing is that the utensil comes with a fork attachment. So instead of having two different utensils, you can just pop off the spoon and attach the fork. I really like the fork because it has unique little grips to help hold the food on the fork. I have never seen anything that before.

I am very please with the Learn ‘N’ Turn and know I will be using it with the next baby as well.

BUY IT: You can buy the Learn ‘N’ Turn online or find a retailer near you.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Me4Kidz Diaper Bag Buddy – Review & Giveaway

Being a Stay-at-Home Mom, I am always on the go with my two toddlers. It seems some days it takes us 45 minutes to get out the door and I always end up forgetting something: my phone, our list of things we need, the diaper bag, or to check to see if the diaper bag is loaded with the essentials. Nothing’s worse than being at a store or the park and going to get a wipe out only to realize you ran out and forgot to restock the diaper bag.

I was excited when me4kidz sent me a Diaper Bag Buddy. It is a baby basics kit filled with 17 items that are natural and organic:

(3) Organic Tush Wipes
(2) Soothing Creams by Episencial
(3) Disposable Diaper Sacks
(1) Better Body Lotion by Episencial
(1) Sunny Sunscreen spf 35 by Episencial
(5) Latex Free Jr. Bandages
(1) One-Time Use Thermometer
Reusable & Recycled Carry Anywhere Case

I always forget sunscreen and never thought about keeping a thermometer in my bag. But I am sure glad to have it now!

I decided to put my Diaper Bag Buddy in my purse. That way on the days I forget my diaper bag or leave it in the car, I have my basics. The size of the case is perfect and easy to find without having to dig around my bag to find. You can also keep your Buddy in your diaper bag, in the car, in the stroller, and it’s great for travel. I am planning on getting one to keep in my car and stroller as well. You can never have too many ‘Buddies’ right?

The company, me4kidz, is also a great company to buy from and I love every concept about them. They are a family-owned and operated business that manufactures all products in the US. The family is environmentally conscious using only recycled, lead-free plastics. Their products also include items that are natural and organic. The best part? They are partnered with non-profit organizations and when you purchase any product, you are giving back to the disabled community.

me4kidz also offers other great products: Medi Buddy (first aid kit to go), Smile Buddy (kids oral care kit), Nail Buddy (girls starter nail kit), Medibag (family first aid kit), and they are adding more products.

BUY IT: The Diaper Buddy can be purchased on their site for just $5.95! You can also find a retailer near you or buy from Amazon.com.

WIN IT: me4kids is graciously giving one Nifty Mom reader a Diaper Bag Buddy of their own! All you have to do is enter using the Rafflecopter form below. The giveaway is open to US residents 18+ years of age. The giveaway runs from January 1st, 2012 to 12:01a EST January 15th. The winner will be selected via random.org, contacted by email, and have 48 hours to reply to confirm their winnings or a new winner will be picked. If you have any issues entering or have any questions, please email me at contact (at) niftymom(d0t)com.

GOOD LUCK!

Disclosure – I received the named product at no cost to conduct this review and was in no other way compensated. All opinions expressed are 100% mine.

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