Canada

Nov 3,2011 / By Maria / 7 Comments

Victoria began Canadian Wooly Snowballz when she was frustrated by the amount of time that it took for her cloth diapers to dry and was worried about what chemicals were being released by the plastic dryer balls she was using.

Why wool dryer balls?

The dryer balls bounce around, separating your laundry and cutting down on dry time. There are no chemicals like with dryer sheets and no residue to hurt your diapers. You simply put 3 or more in with wet clothes, and be sure to check your laundry early, since they will cut down on drying time!

I received three dryer balls in the natural color. They are really pretty, which is weird to say about something that’s supposed to be utilitarian (and I chose the natural, the colors are even prettier!)

I’ve used them in every load of laundry since I’ve received them (several weeks x at least 10+ loads per week.) Over time they may become “fuzzy” which doesn’t affect their performance, but you can use a sweater shaver if it bothers you!

You may be curious about how noisy they are. They are supposed to be quieter than plastic dryer balls, but I’ve never used those. I took two short videos.

First is the dryer balls with a very small load of laundry (about 12-15 cloth diaper inserts only.)

Next I used them in a regular sized load of laundry.

They are a little loud with the tiny load of laundry, but in the larger load you just hear an occasional thump!

I want to get a few more (the more you use, the more they cut down your dry time) and see if cutting a few hours of dryer use per week out will lower my electric bill!

Receive 10% off your entire Wooly Snowballz order with coupon code CD10OFF (expires November 30th, 2011.)

Giveaway: One winner will receive three wool dryer balls in his/her choice of brown with cream accents, cream with brown accents, cream, or multi-colored (ARV $20.) Entries go in the Rafflecopter form.

Cloth Diapers Inserts Microfiber Pocket Diapers Review Side Snapping Sized Diapers Snap Closure Wool

Ecobubs Wool Pocket Cloth Diaper Review

Nov 1,2011 / By Maria / 3 Comments

Ecobubs are wool blend diapers from New Zealand that mom & daughter run company Grin Unlimited, has brought to the U.S.! Grin Unlimited gives back with 1% For the Planet, uses 100% recycled paper products, LED lighting and even recycled office furniture! They work with local vendors whenever possible, and the inserts for the diapers they sell are sewn at a local factory.

I was intrigued by the idea of a wool blend pocket since I love pocket diapers and I love wool! I wondered how it would work in a pocket diaper, since you don’t typically machine wash wool, but can reuse wool covers. The Ecobubs wool pocket is a little bit different. Think of the wool blend outer replacing the outer most layer of any pocket diaper. The wool blend outer is durable, doesn’t need to be lanolized, and can be washed like any other diaper. There is a thin layer of PUL in between the wool blend outer and the soft microfleece inner. The big benefit of wool is that it is natural, breathable and keeps skin cool in summer and warm in winter. Since there is still a layer of PUL in the diaper (and a microfleece inner) this isn’t the diaper for someone looking for a 100% natural diaper.

Ecobubs are sized diapers. I received a large, which is estimated to fit 24+ pounds. Small fits 7-16 pounds and medium fits 11-26 pounds.

The diaper is side snapping and has a front pocket opening.

I received a microfiber insert for daytime use, as well as 2-layer inserts for nap/night time. The 2-layer inserts snap together rather than being sewn together, which makes them easier to clean and dry. I haven’t used the inserts at night since I know from experience that only a microfiber/hemp combo works for my son at night. Even when the inserts were pretty soaked, I didn’t experience any leaks.

Edit: The single insert I received is exactly the same size, shape and thickness as a typical pocket diaper’s full size insert. However, I’ve been advised that this is in fact EcoBubs’ booster, and is not intended to be used by itself. The snap together insert is the standard insert.

2 years of cloth diapering and nearly 100 diapers used, and I have never seen a booster/doubler this size. They are typically considerably narrower, shorter and/or thinner. So, when EcoBubs said they were sending me two inserts (one for daytime & one for night time) as well as a booster, I assumed they made an error & sent me 1 daytime insert and two night time inserts. I do apologize for my error.

Even though the booster is not intended to be used alone, if you typically do not have trouble with leaks when you change pockets diapers every 2-3 hours and use just one insert, the booster alone would likely work just fine.

Here is the size large measured folded and stretched:

Here’s my son in the size large, I think he is somewhere in the neighborhood of 27 pounds (?) at almost 2 1/2 years old.

He still has plenty of snap settings to go!

Naturally, the diaper is quite a bit fluffier with the 2-layer insert, but not unreasonably so.

The Ecobubs Wool pockets come in the navy/cream stripe I received, plus chocolate/petal pink, ruby/cream, red/chocolate and chocolate/sky blue. Each diaper comes with one microfiber insert, retails for $32.95 and comes with a 12 month workmanship warranty. Though a bit pricey, they perform well and are adorable. I want to see a small pink/chocolate on someone’s newborn baby girl! I think these would make great “special occasion” diapers for photos too. How cute would the ruby/cream diaper be in holiday photos?

Right now you can only buy directly from Ecobubsdiapers.com. If you use coupon code “Change” you will receive free shipping on your order. (Offer ends 11/15/11.)

Be sure to “like” Ecobubs on Facebook so you don’t miss promotions and chances to win diapers! “Like” the page to be entered to win a wool pocket (EcoBubs will draw a winner on 12/1.)

FTC compliance: While I did receive a product at no charge for review purposes, I was not compensated for this post and all opinions are my own. Although a shopping link is available on my affiliates page, links within this post are not affiliate links.

Baby Products Giveaway Review Virtual Baby Shower Event

Serta Royal Sleeper Crib Mattress Review & Organic Mattress Pad Giveaway (CLOSED 11/4)

Oct 28,2011 / By Maria / 5 Comments

I received a Serta Royal Sleeper crib mattress to review for the new baby. My son is using an almost 7 year old crib mattress, which has been in near constant use for those 7 years between my daughter using it in a crib, then toddler bed, then passing it along to him. Don’t worry, we will be buying him a new one for sure!

I’m not even sure what that mattress is, but it’s the typical white/pastel flower print, vinyl exterior, stiff crib mattress. The under side of it (the side my daughter used) is actually cracked. I don’t remember how much it was, maybe $80 or so, but really, it should have been replaced at least 3 times by now!

The mattress is not 100% organic however, it’s an excellent compromise. It has 221 continuous coils for support & durability and fully clipped perimeter border wire for firm edges and balanced support when your baby is standing. 4 corner supports and 2 side flex clips provide additional support. Over the coils, there is an ortho-insulator layer, a layer of organic cotton, then a Serta Fireblocker layer. Everything is covered with a water resistant, hypoallergenic jacquard cover. I haven’t tested the cover to see just how water resistant it is, but I initially didn’t think it was, until I read the packaging. It feels like a lovely mattress, not the plastic you expect from a crib mattress. There are also 6 vents to keep air circulating. The cover is secured with heavy binding and lock stitching.

The mattress I received actually sat in the plastic for a good month+ while we waited for our crib to ship. When we took it out we discovered a small defect where some of the lock stitching was missed. I contacted the company (the mattresses are actually made by Lajobi) not expecting much…the mattress was “free” after all, but I did want to let them know. I received a speedy response and they replaced the mattress for me! Excellent, courteous and professional customer service.

The Serta Royal Sleeper is sold at Babies R Us with a list price of $159.99. At the time I’m writing this, it’s on sale for $129.99, and there’s an additional $20 off $125 savings. I’m sure that will be over by the time this post is published, but if you’re on their mailing list, you will likely have a 20% off coupon to use! Anyway my point is that while this mattress seemed pricey at first, you can really get it for about the same as the “cheap” crib mattresses, and it is so much nicer. I don’t doubt that it will last through crib and toddler bed use, as opposed to our “cheapie” mattress, that didn’t make it through my daughter’s crib days intact.

The mattress is a standard crib mattress size, and will fit in both cribs and toddler beds. Since it is water resistant but not water proof I think I will buy a Serta Organic Mattress Cover like the one I have to give away to one of you! The cover retails for $24.99, and is 52″ x 28″ and fitted. It’s elasticized end to end so it doesn’t shift, is PVC and Phthlate free and machine washable. The top is 100% organic quilted cotton and the underside is 100% waterproof!

~~Giveaway: I have a Serta Organic Crib Mattress pad to send one winner! (ARV $24.99.) Entries go in the Rafflecopter form.~~

Baby Products Giveaway Review Virtual Baby Shower Event

SwaddleDesigns Swaddle Duo Review & Giveaway (CLOSED 11/1) US/Canada

Oct 25,2011 / By Maria / 157 Comments

Founded by Lynette Damir, RN, in 2002, SwaddleDesigns was the first company to introduce the large square swaddling blanket to the US and many countries around the world. SwaddleDesigns is known for their premium quality fabric, fabulous colors and prints, decorative edge, and the innovative 123 Swaddle® instructional label that helps new parents master the art of swaddling. SwaddleDesigns swaddling blankets are perfect for swaddling and have many uses such as a privacy throw for breastfeeding moms, a tummy time play mat and a cover over the stroller.

SwaddleDesigns strives to help new parents care for their baby by providing accurate and up-to-date information, so parents may make informed choices. SwaddleDesigns Safe Sleep Program includes recommendations from the AAP and the NIH as the company strives to increase awareness of Safe Sleep practices and help parents reduce risk of SIDS.

According to leading SIDS researchers, both overheating AND overchilling are risk factors for SIDS. In addition, it’s important for parents to understand that when baby is too cool during sleep, baby will use valuable energy to stay warm instead of growing and thriving. Over the past few years some juvenile product companies have over focused on overheating as a SIDS risk factor, and there has been a lack of balanced conversation regarding insufficient thermal insulation – the danger of baby being too cool – as a risk factor for SIDS. It is time for a balanced information where parents are educated and reminded of their important responsibility to make sure baby is not too hot or too cold, but comfortably warm.

The SwaddleDesigns Goldilocks Guide™ says baby should not be too hot, or too cold, but just right ~ comfortably warm. The Goldilock’s Guide helps new parents remember the importance of keeping baby comfortably warm. Visit the SwaddleDesigns Safe Sleep page to learn more about Safe Sleep Practices and the SwaddleDesigns Goldilocks Guide.

SwaddleDesigns is best known for their Ultimate Receiving Blanket and Marquisette Swaddling Blanket, and they are now introducing the SwaddleDuo.

SwaddleDuo offers two premium, yet different, baby soft cotton swaddling blankets – two swaddle blankets in a wonderful gift box:

The Ultimate Receiving Blanket® is a lightweight premium cotton flannel blanket – for moderate to cooler environmental temperatures

The Marquisette Swaddling Blanket® is a very lightweight openweave cotton blanket – for warmer environmental temperatures

With the SwaddleDuo, parents will be prepared for a variety of environmental settings – cool, moderate and warm

SwaddleDesigns Cotton Marquisette is similar to muslin but is made from premium quality yarns.

SwaddleDesigns Cotton Flannel is made from premium preshrunk domestic cotton.

Swaddling instructions are sewn right to the blanket, and you can also visit their “How to Swaddle” page to view “How to Swaddle” and more information regarding sleeping environments and the benefits of swaddling.

SwaddleDesigns sent me the Swaddle Duo “modern duo” in lime with brown

The blankets are packaged perfectly for gift giving, are soft and generously sized. I can’t wait to swaddle the new baby!

The SwaddleDuo is available in 17 styles with MSRP of $38, so you’re sure to find one you love!

Follow SwaddleDesigns on Twitter and “like” SwaddleDesigns on Facebook. Facebook fans get the inside scoop, previews of new collections and Fan discounts. SwaddleDesigns would love for you to leave a comment on their Facebook wall stating your favorite print or product!

Join SwaddleDesigns’ exclusive email club and get the inside scoop for special offers (and receive a promotional code in your email for 10% off full priced items in your first purchase!)

~~Giveaway: One winner will receive a SwaddleDesigns swaddle duo classic peace love swaddle duo in blue or pink (ARV $38.) Entries go in the Rafflecopter form.~~

Baby Wearing Giveaway How To/Demo Retailers Review Virtual Baby Shower Event

Maya Wrap Ring Sling Review & $30 Eco Mom Gift Certificate Giveaway (CLOSED 11/1)

Oct 25,2011 / By Maria / 5 Comments

EcoMom sells eco-friendly and organic products for moms, kids and babies. I received a $30 gift certificate to spend on a review item for the virtual baby shower, and I had a hard time choosing. I felt like a kid in a candy store with a pocket full of money! EcoMom sells organic food, cloth diapers, natural/organic bath and skincare products, wooden and organic toys and way more eco-friendly gear than I could possibly list.

EcoMom is offering free shipping on all U.S. orders for a limited time. If you buy an Ecopass, you get free shipping all the time, plus 15% on all your orders! They have my favorite…a sale section! All products EcoMom sells are EcoMom approved, and their customer service is excellent!

EcoMom has quite a few slings and carriers, and I finally decided to put my $30 gift certificate towards a Maya Wrap Ring Sling. I love the plum and olive colors, but I decided on the neutral chocolate. The slings retail for $74.95 and are available in small, medium and large sizes. There’s a 6″ length difference between sling sizes, and the small is recommended for people under 5′ 2″ and/or who are slender. Even though I’m not exactly slender right now at 34 weeks pregnant, I am petite and small framed, so I went with the size small so I don’t have to worry about tripping on, or getting tangled up in the sling’s tail!

The slings are recommended for babies from 8-35 pounds, and the strong, light anodized aluminum rings are smooth, weld free and tested to 250 pounds. The 100% hand loomed cotton is soft, cool, breathable, durable and gives without stretching, for support and comfort. The shoulder is padded for comfort, and the unpadded tail can be used as a nursing coverup. The sling came with an instructional DVD, and it also has a zippered pocket to store keys, phone, burp cloths etc.

I was a little overwhelmed when I first opened the sling, but I was determined to figure it out before the baby came! I took lots of photos and videos to share with you. I’m sure I made mistakes and some seasoned ring sling’ers will point them out for me. 😉 I think it will be easier with a real baby vs. a teeny, squishy bear too.

To get your sling ready to use the first time, hold each end of the sling with the tags facing each other. Gather the edges of the tail to the middle.

Put the rings over your wrist to make this next step easier, then bring the tail through the rings.

Then you bring the the tail over the closest ring and under the other ring, then spread the fabric over the rings, making sure it isn’t twisted.

Hold the ring at your shoulder and pull the tail through the rings until the bottom of the pouch is around your hip bone.

Quick video demo (and yes I know my videos aren’t very good! They look so darn dark now, but they didn’t look that way on the camera or my computer. I need to find time to edit them more (just added fill light in YouTube!), but I’m hoping to do this better after I’ve used it with the new baby!):

Once you have done this, you’re pretty much ready to use it every time.

Put your arm through the sling, then bring it over your head.

You will make a pocket for the baby, then support the baby’s weight while you place them in the pocket.

Continue to support your baby’s weight while you tighten the ring sling. Make sure you have read all about babywearing safety! The material that came with the sling had lots of good info about using the sling safely. You want to make sure the baby is positioned correctly, is snug & secure, has his/her face/airway clear and head supported

Again, I’m sure I didn’t do this perfectly!

It wasn’t nearly as difficult as I thought it would be though!

The zippered pocket on the tail is really convenient.

Here’s another terrible video, this time of me putting the sling on:

One reason I really wanted a ring sling is that it’s really easy to take it off without disturbing/waking the baby.

Just support the baby’s weight while you pull the rings away from yourself to loosen the sling. Then lift the fabric over baby (while still supporting the baby’s weight of course!) and you’re done. Then it’s just as easy to put it back on again!

Be sure to follow the EcoMom blog, EcoMom on Twitter and “like” EcoMom on Facebook!

~~Giveaway: One winner will receive a $30 Gift Certificate code to spend towards anything you want from Ecomom. Entries go in the Rafflecopter form.~~

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Category : Review

Canadian Wooly Snowballz Wool Dryer Balls Review & Giveaway (CLOSED 11/10) US/Canada

Ecobubs Wool Pocket Cloth Diaper Review

Serta Royal Sleeper Crib Mattress Review & Organic Mattress Pad Giveaway (CLOSED 11/4)

SwaddleDesigns Swaddle Duo Review & Giveaway (CLOSED 11/1) US/Canada

Maya Wrap Ring Sling Review & $30 Eco Mom Gift Certificate Giveaway (CLOSED 11/1)

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