Does Mommy Love It?

As you have probably seen time and time again on this site, I am huge advocate of wooden toys.  I believe that the tactile element of wood is wonderful for a child’s learning as well as a springboard for their imagination.

My son’s latest obsession with all things with wheels has been more than satisfied with Jack Rabbit’s wooden fire truck with seven firefighters and a Dalmatian puppy companion!  This beautiful fire truck with moving wheels also includes magnetized figures that help them from getting lost and add a fun component to your child’s playtime.  Every time we are out and about, and my son spots a fire truck, his excitement is through the roof.  Spending hours paying with a wooden toy one is the next best thing for him!

What makes this fire truck extra special is the company who designs it.  Jack Rabbit Creations is a small company that sells only to specialty markets.  Their products are original and designed by them!  They tend to use wood, tin, cotton and other natural materials and are supporters of the “no batteries required” philosophy.   What I love most is that they are truly a “mom and pop shop” with husband and wife Erica and Jim Lancaster in the office and one employee!  So, please do check out Jack Rabbit Creations when searching for a quality toy for your child or some else’s!

Be sure to check out the Jack Rabbit Creations website for more toys, clothing, and games all made with natural materials!  Jack Rabbit Creations is offering free freight on orders $50 or more using discount code: mommylove

This review is based strictly on my opinion.  Others may have a different opinion or experience with the products listed above.  I was not compensated for this review aside from the sample provided by Jack Rabbit Creations.

2 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Toys | tags: Fire Truck, handmade, Jack Rabbit Creations, organic, wooden toys. | #

Smafolk is an utterly adorable Danish clothing line for the little people in your life.   The designs seem to overlap basic and trendy, country and urban – and whimsical for all.  I received a couple shirts from Smafolk for review, and my son was thrilled to see a shirt with hippo prints all over.  (For where else can you find shirts with hippo prints?)  From infant crawlers to toddlerhood toddles to preschool sprinters, these well-made pieces have the longevity of many laundry cycles to come.

Fun prints aside, I personally love the clothing fabric – a blend of cotton, spandex, and modal, the latter being a fiber made from beech trees and is apparently 50% more water-absorbent than cotton.  I’m actually surprised that more clothing isn’t made with this uber-soft blend.

Widely available in Europe, Smafolk clothing is also found at select boutiques in the U.S.

This review is based strictly on my opinion.  Others may have a different opinion or experience with the products listed above.  I was not compensated for this review aside from the samples provided by Smafolk.

No Comments | In: Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Apparel | tags: Clothing, danish, smafolk. | #

When choosing the comfort blanket for your baby, its important to choose wisely as it will likely become the textile your child loves the most for his or her first few years of life. I would trade 30 cheaply made blankets for one well-constructed, high quality baby blanket.  Longevity is important, as I plan on using one blanket as my son’s only comfort blanket.  Mini McGhee “reinvents traditional handcrafted techniques with a new range of baby blankets and nursery items.”  They are all hand knitted or produced by a local manufacturer in Scotland.  “Made in Scotland” is important to the designer, so she only uses yarn spun in the UK and local sources for all of her fabrics and materials.  The majority of items are hand-made and made to last for a few generations.

I fell in love with Mini McGhee’s baby blanket with vintage gift bag.  It is beautifully hand knitted and crocheted with 100% soft Lambs wool.  I chose the blue for my second son.  It is small enough to be carried around and durable enough to be slept with as his “blankie” for long time use.  The gift bag it is stored in comes from vintage and dead stock textiles.  How charming!  The designer makes a coordinating pillow to go with it for separate purchase.  Mini McGhee’s blankie definitely adds a warming touch to his very bland bassinette.  You can find Mini McGhee’s full collection of hand crafted products on her website.

Mini McGhee is offering a this blankie to one of our readers! Simply visit her site and leave a comment here that you did.

For additional entries:

1) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? then leave a comment stating you did so.

2) Twitter about the contest and leave us a hyperlink to the tweet!

3) If you haven’t, please join our FACEBOOK FAN PAGE!

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment with thepermalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

6) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPY us on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

This contest ends Sept 5th, 2010 Midnight EST. Click here for contest rules at DoesMommyLoveIt.com!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Mini McGhee provided the blanket, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

28 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Toddler | tags: blanket, Mini McGhee. | #

In order for my son to work on the many arts and crafts I have been writing about, I needed a space or area for him to work in.  As I was searching around for a cute little cubby to store the growing number of art supplies for my little guy, I came across a new toy company called Justb-byou.

Justb-byou launched about six months ago with their main focus being making toys that make a difference.  They are committed to the protection of the planet through their use of eco-friendly, recyclable materials.  For many of their toys, they have eliminated packaging altogether, instead offering the toys in reusable bags made from recycled polypropylene plastic.  The packaging reverses into wrapping paper!  I found this ever so thoughtful!  Though their toys are made of plastic, you can be sure it is lead and phthalate-free.

You can find a toy nearly for every age group broken down by B. curious, B. smart, B. creative, B. sculptural, B. lively, and B. caring.  We have the You Hue toy under the category of B. creative and absolutely love it!  It is a terrific “comfy creation center” that comes with 10 chunky washable markers, lift up storage, and 3 sided pockets and compartments below.  It is great having a home to store my sons’ ever growing art supplies and projects.  He is slightly obsessed with the use of crayon, markers, and pencils at the moment.  His passion for art is so extreme we have to monitor his time with it or the crayon ends up everywhere including wall, floor, or any other “canvas” once his paper is filled.  The You Hue is also very pleasing to the eye with its “fashion forward” colors and simplicity in design.

Justb-byou toys are funky, fun, and playful for any child.  They strive to be a voice to children in helping them explore all sides to who they are.  I love their motto, which reads:

“We want to be a voice to children that says it’s okay to be curious, to be pensive, to be loud, to be happy and sad all at the same time, to be generous, to be afraid, to be quiet, to be wild, to be fun, to be open, to be specific, to be poetic, to be giddy, to be serious, to be smart, to be free, to be you.  Just B. Just You. B. You”

Be sure to check all their website for their full collection of toys!  Available at Target and specialty stores only.

This review is based strictly on my opinion.  Others may have a different opinion or experience with the products listed above.  I was not compensated for this review aside from the samples provided by Just b.-b you.

1 Comment | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Arts & Crafts, Toys | tags: Justb-byou. | #

Ola & Olek produces tailored and casual clothing for children.  I received two wonderful tops for my son- a tee shirt with a modern desk light print, and a short sleeved tunic with a wonderful ship print.  Both of these pieces are magnificently crafted with the highest of quality cotton.  The light tee shirt is unbelievably soft and an adorable fit my little guy.  The tunic is unlike anything in my son’s wardrobe!  My husband loves it so much that he asked me if Ola & Olek made clothing for adults as well!  While they don’t carry adult clothing, I would highly recommend Ola & Olek to all discerning parents who seek the highest of quality combined with beautifully unique designs.

In addition to their fabulous prints and affordable boy and girl pieces, their advertisements are frame worthy.  They truly make you want to have a ginger haired child!  Definitely invest in a few pieces from this artsy and adorable line!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Ola & Olek provided the tees, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

No Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Apparel, Clothing | tags: Ola & Olek. | #

The Piggy Story is a company that makes childhood crafts and distractions that attempt to lure youths away from television and videogames and toward using their imagination and creativity.  After reading their passionate ethos on their website, I was very intrigued with their creative products.  I received the “Piggy Pirate” Art Set for my lil’ “Leonardo Da Vinci”.

He has had a riot using the colorful markers, pencils, and child friendly scissors (under Mommy’s supervision of course) to create all sorts of compositions.  Best of all the set which also includes a glitter glue pen and pencil sharpener, folds up neatly for easy storage and transportation on long car rides, or for bringing to school.  Stir out the creativity in your the little artiste with this wonderful art set.  Be sure to check out their full range of creative items for children on their site!

The Piggy Story is offering a Little Picasso Art Kit to one of our readers! Simply visit their site and leave a comment here that you did.

For additional entries:

1) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? then leave a comment stating you did so.

2) Twitter about the contest and leave us a hyperlink to the tweet!

3) If you haven’t, please join our FACEBOOK FAN PAGE!

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment with thepermalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

6) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPY us on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

This contest ends August 30th, 2010 Midnight EST. Click here for contest rules at DoesMommyLoveIt.com!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. The Piggy Story provided the Kit and Coloring Book, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

20 Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Arts & Crafts, Craft, Educational | tags: coloring, crafts, pencils, scissors, The Piggy Story. | #

If you are athletically inclined, perhaps you are aware of the new barefoot movement that has begun gaining momentum.  The philosophy basically states that many traditional athletic shoes with their firms soles and arches don’t give your foot and leg muscles the complete range of movement that nature intended, leading to muscle and joint strain and sometimes even injury.  My husband, who recently took up running, is a firm believer in this and after using a “barefoot” style running shoe was amazed by how easier it was on his hips and knees.  While there is still much research to be done in this area, it is proven that a child’s foot and bones are quite malleable up until the age of 9 to 11.

Soft Star Shoes is a phenomenal footwear company that produces comfortable shoes, boots and sandals for the whole family here in the USA!  I received their “Dorado” shoe in a beautifully rich chocolate colored leather with an orange leather strap at the top.  The shoe is simplistic in design with a very malleable soft rubber sole that will mold to your toddler’s foot rather than the shoe molding your child’s foot! The designs Soft Star Shoes are absolutely adorable for your little one.  If you don’t happen to be a big fan of leather Soft Star makes a vegan variety.  Definitely check out this site when considering a pair of proper shoes for your child!  Kudos Soft Star!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Soft Star provided the shoes, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

1 Comment | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Pregnancy, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Uncategorized | tags: barefoot running, made in the USA, shoes, Soft Star, vegan shoes. | #

Restaurants can be the place where a total meltdown of a child can happen.  You need to have all the great weapons on hand to diffuse or prevent them.  I have found bringing activities that will keep them occupied will do just the job!  Hello Hanna has designed some of the best activity products for your child for trips out or simple craft ideas to do at home.

The Get-Set Placemats can be a perfect accessory to any excursion that requires your child to sit for a prolonged period of time.  Each special themed set comes with eight placemats and eight sticker sheets with four different designs.  They also get an important lesson on proper place setting with a coloring of a fork, knife, and spoon printed on the mat in the appropriate place.  The “Hello Me” placemat is the cutest for a four or five year old girl.  Each mat has a cut out of a girl that can easily pop up and be personally designed using the included stickers!  How unbelievably adorable and brilliant?  What a great idea to keep the little one occupied!  Hello Hanna also makes placemats with a robot and jungle theme. These mats would make a wonderful craft time activity for any child’s party.  The kids will love personalizing them and then throwing them in their goodie bag!

Along with their fanciful placemats, Hello Hanna has designed Hello Books. They are accordion card size books that include custom die cuts and 5 sheets of removable stickers shapes to build various images.  I love craft ideas that allow my son to create using his imagination with simple steps and little to no clean up!  My most favorite aspect is that each card is printed on FSC-certified recycled paper!  My son has the Monkey Business card and loves making the monkey sound as he creates a storyboard, with my help of course.  When he has tired himself with this card, we can mail it to grandma in a 5.5X5.5 envelope!

You can never have enough simple, yet clever craft products for your child.  I love the idea of lots of free and imaginary play for my son.  Hello Hanna is a company that is making well designed and creative modern ways of making imaginary play possible on outings that can be retraining for your child.  I am so thankful to have discovered this company and hope that you will journey along with them too!  Order a set, you will not be disappointed!!

Hello Hanna is offering a product to one of our US readers! Simply visit their Hello Hanna and leave a comment here that you did.

For additional entries:

1) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? then leave a comment stating you did so.

2) Twitter about the contest and leave us a hyperlink to the tweet!

3) If you haven’t, please join our FACEBOOK FAN PAGE!

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment with thepermalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

6) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPY us on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

This contest ends August 20th, 2010 Midnight EST. Click here for contest rules at DoesMommyLoveIt.com!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Hello Hanna provided the Mats and Book, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

23 Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Arts & Crafts, Craft | tags: cards, crafts, entertaining, Hello Books, Hello Hanna, parties, Placemats. | #

In my humble estimation, I find Swedish people to be some of the most fashionable on the planet.  If this sounds like a generalization, I encourage you to check out some of the many street style websites this small country boasts.  The same can be said for the children of Sweden!  A while ago, I happened upon the wonderful Vyssan Lull website (named after the pronunciation of a Swedish nursery rhyme) which carries a number of fabulous Scandinavian children’s clothing lines.  All of the products carried are expertly made using the greenest of practices.

I received a few pieces from two of the lines carried that included a hand made short sleeve tee shirt by Vouffen, a pair of knit drawstring shorts and a zip up hoodie by Plastisock.  All of these pieces are made from 100% certified organic cotton, and dyed using eco friendly, chemical free colors.

In addition to the superb quality of materials and construction, I am most impressed by the designs of these pieces.  I adore the retro association they convey while simultaeonsly maintaining a modern look and feel.  These are basics that will become the go-to pieces for every day use for their durability as well as their fantastic appearance.  Leave it to the Swedes to give us a helping hand to making our children a little more fashionable and comfortable!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Vyssan Lull provided the clothing pieces and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

1 Comment | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Apparel, Clothing, Uncategorized | tags: organic, Scandanavian, Swedish, Vyssan Lull. | #

Why is it that so many of the most innovative bicycles are often designed, manufactured, and sold overseas?  Perhaps it’s the emphasis on fuel-efficient modes of transportation such as bicycling, walking and public transit found in so many European countries.  This may create the demand for new and exciting ways to get from point A to point B without the reliance on the automobile.    Thank goodness that some of the best of these advances tend to eventually come to North American Shores.

The Dutch company Taga has brilliantly combined the simple pleasure and ease of use of cycling with the functionality of a high-end stroller all in one easy to use self propelled vehicle!  The Taga’s two primary modes are from that of a stroller to a tricycle, switching easily in a matter of seconds.  This allows for this to essentially be the all in one vehicle for you and your child in an urban setting.  My family uses the Taga on a regular basis for both recreation and enjoyment in Central Park and along the Hudson River.   Additionally, we use it as a very legitimate way to travel moderate distances in the city without the use of a Taxi or train.  Best of all, upon arrival to our destination, we don’t have to worry about bike locks and storage as we simply transform the cycle into the much more compact stroller and continue easily on our way indoors.  It also gives my husband and I some great exercise!

Quite simply, the Taga is a true breakthrough in transportation for the urban family.  For our family in New York City, it is our replacement for the automobile.  It also plays a vital role in our recreational enjoyment, and is an obvious favorite of our son.  As the birth of my second soon looms in (very) near future, I look forward to purchasing one of the many accessories available from Taga, which allows for two small children to ride in the frontal compartment!

For purchasing information and a clearer picture of how the Taga functions, check out the wonderful video found on their website…

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Taga provided the stroller bike, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

3 Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Recreation, Strollers | tags: bike, stroller and bike, Taga. | #

Do you recall the simple pleasure of a new coloring book waiting for you to add your own choice of hues to the black and white pages?  Because coloring is one of my son’s favorite activities, I have enjoyed sitting alongside of him and joining in.   Charley Harper, a wonderful graphic illustrator of animals and wildlife fills the pages of our favorite new coloring book released from Ammo Books.  Recognizable shapes are found aplenty in Harper’s wonderful illustrations, and create phenomenal learning opportunities for your child.

Also from Ammo, is a set of Charley Harper’s beautiful flash cards and floor puzzles all in one!  The set of 26 beautifully illustrated cards shows your child the alphabet along with wildlife themed words, and the backs of the cards for two floor puzzles!  The importance of using flashcards to begin to introduce toddlers to reading has been proven to be vital and I can think of none more colorful than this gorgeous set.

Check out Ammo’s wonderful website for more of Charley Harper’s illustrated products and for a number of other inspirational creative products for your little one’s education.

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Ammo Books provided the coloring book and puzzle, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

2 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Arts & Crafts, Educational | tags: ammo books, charley harper coloring book, charley harper floor puzzle. | #

Direct from France with love, come the wonderful Deglingos character toys!  These gloriously tactile toys come from 48 different fabrics and string making them a wonderful feast for the eyes as well!

The Deglingos each come with their own back-story along with a double portion of personality.  They have been designed and crafted with a great deal of care and it shows in each of their adorable appearances.

The Deglingos line has something for every age group such as rattles and Baby Deglingos for infants, bath toys, and original Deglingos for those a bit older.  I am loving the mini Deglingos that can easily clip to any stroller, car seat, or backpack.  These mini characters add spice and décor to an object.  If you are really digging the Deglingos style you can invest in a pair of their machine washable “kicks” for your 6-24month old!

Deglingos has definitely taken stuffed animals up a notch with their funky detailed characters.  These are great for teaching kids about textures, colors, and designs.  Check out their funky site for more Deglingos!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Deglingos provided the products, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

No Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Toys | tags: bath toys, Deglingos, shoes, stuffed animals. | #

Getting toddlers to get excited about brushing their teeth is no easy task.  My son is prone to total meltdowns when I brush his teeth before bed.  One way to help this is personalization of the toothbrush where your toddler is a participant.  The Arm and Hammer Kid’s Spinbrush My Way, allows your child the excitement of an electric toothbrush (I encourage my son to pretend it is a “choo choo train”).  This version includes 140 stickers with themes like letters, animals, fun phrases, rock star motifs, and many more!  Electric toothbrushes are proven to help kids to brush 38% longer and more effectively, and will help your little one to look forward to brushing their teeth each night before bedtime.   For less than seven dollars this personalized gadget will put to ease some of those toothbrush tantrums!  Right now on their website they are offering a two dollar off coupon.  Be sure to get one!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Arm & Hammer provided the toothbrush, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

1 Comment | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Bathroom & Potty | tags: spinbrush, toothbrush. | #

It seems to me that baby carrier designs seem to just keep on improving!  Designers Philippe Soeters & Robert Jurgens have created the sleekest of baby backpacks I have had the privilege of using.  Dadanana’s JoinUs is the ultimate baby carrier for men or women.  The Netherlands based company was started in 2006 and continues in the long tradition of excellent Dutch design.

The carrier doubles as a functional backpack, and as such, fits like one as well.  This design aspect makes for maximum comfort.  The backpack expands with the simple unzipping of the middle section.  The child (ages 6 months – 2.5 years and beyond) is then placed in and strapped with an easy to use safety harness.  Best of all, there is still plenty of room in the pack for storage, even while carrying your child!

This pack provides maximum comfort for both child and parent and is quite simply the best design I have seen for a baby carrier.  How lovely to have a diaper bag and carrier in one pack on your back!  Be sure to be on the look out for their new nursery bags coming soon.  As for now check out the Dadanana on their site and possibly purchase one from here!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Dadanana provided the JoinUS, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

No Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Diaper bags | tags: backpack, carriers, child carriers, Dadanana, JoinUS. | #

Reading picture books to our son is something that my husband and I both take great pleasure in doing.  While reading to him throughout the day is rather common in our household, it is a tradition to read him at least three books every night before bedtime. After his teeth have been brushed and he’s wearing his pajamas, my son giggles with glee when we ask him to grab some books for story time!  One of his new favorites is “There Was An Old Sailor” written by Claire Saxby and illustrated by Cassandra Allen.  The book is a new rendition of the old nursery rhyme, “There Was An Old Lady”.

I have to assume that one of the primary reasons my son is so drawn to this book is the same as me, which are the beautiful and unique illustrations.  The title character is depicted with a great deal of personality and humor as he attempts to gorge himself on increasingly more robust sea life.  Also key to the appeal is the repetitive nature of the rhymes, which my son is often prone to begin to chant along with me as I read.

This is a contemporary classic that you and your child are sure to enjoy again and again!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Walker Books provided the book, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

No Comments | In: Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Books | tags: Books, There was an old sailor. | #

I get rather frustrated by many of the diaper changing pads that are included with diaper bags.  They are typically too narrow, and not long enough to cover the length of a baby on dirty surfaces.  I am less likely to use them because they defeat much of the purpose of why I am using them.  The size and shape of the Patemm pad has solved these issues with flying colors!

The Patemm is an award winning, spherical changing pad that you won’t want to leave home without.  It is large enough to prevent messes and protect the squirmy little one while changing them.  I’ve had so many messes caused by my son twisting and turning while changing his most horrid of deposits.  I’ve definitely appreciated the full 30 inches!  The pad has four straps for easy folding and can be placed easily into your diaper bag.  While folded, they create little pockets for storing items such as diapers, wipes, or a change of clothes!  Patemm pads are mom-invented and receiving national and international acclaim.  They truly do make the best baby shower gifts!

I have the limited edition New York City Momma pad.  The design comes in stylish black and white, but they carry an array of designs and colors perfect for any mother!   I feel safe using these pads because they are free from BPA, PVC, lead, and more! I use my pad as a play mat in Central Park so I was thankful that it can be thrown into the washing machine to rid of all the scruffs and stains.  Patemm is now even selling a 100% organic cotton pad and all of their pads and accessories are made in the USA!

The Patemm changing pad is, in my estimation, a must-have accessory for any new mother.  This pad improves greatly on all of its predecessors, and its multi-functionality helps make it the obvious choice.  Check out their site for the full range of pads!  Patemm is offering our readers 20% off a pad!  Please use coupon code:  MOMMY (all caps–case sensitive) to receive 20% off when ordering fromwww.patemm.com!!

Patemm is offering one pad to one of our US readers! Simply visit their site and leave a comment here that you did.  In addition, please join their facebook page

For additional entries:

1) Subscribe to Does Mommy Love It? then leave a comment stating you did so.

2) Twitter about the contest and leave us a hyperlink to the tweet!

3) If you haven’t, please join our FACEBOOK FAN PAGE!

4) Write a post on your own blog about this giveaway and comment with thepermalink to this post.

5) Grab our button and put it on your sidebar and comment with a link to your blog.

6) Email 5 of your friends and tell them why they should check out DoesMommyLoveIt?. Be sure to COPY us on the email (doesmommyloveit@gmail.com)! Then comment stating you did so.

This contest ends August 18th, 2010 Midnight EST. Click here for contest rules at DoesMommyLoveIt.com!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Patemm provided the product, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

35 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Toddler, Diaper bags | tags: patemm pads. | #

Dear DMLI Readers,

Over 2 million cribs were recalled today (see list below).

Nearly half of these cribs were manufactured 10 years ago. This means that hundreds of thousands of kids slept in these cribs for a decade before they were finally recalled.

• Bonavita, Babi Italia and ISSI Drop-Side Cribs Recalled (about 306,000 units)
• Bexco Enterprises, Inc., d.b.a. Million Dollar Baby Cribs Recalled (about 156,000 units)
• Simmons Juvenile Products Cribs Recalled (about 50,000 units)
• Jardine Drop-Side Cribs Recalled (about 130,000 units)
• Evenflo Recalls Drop-Side Cribs (about 750,000 units)
• Delta Recalls to Repair Drop-Side Cribs (about 747,000 units)
• Child Craft Brand Drop-Side Cribs Recalled (number unknown)
• Child Craft brand “Crib ‘N’ Double Bed” full size stationary-side cribs with dowel (about 40,000-50,000 units)

For more information, click here.

1 Comment | In: Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Toddler, Nursery, Safety | tags: Child Craft, cribs, Delta, Evenflo, Jardine, Million Dollar Baby, recall, Simmons. | #

After bringing my first son home from the hospital in the heat of summer I always worried about the temperature of his room.  Was it too cold or too hot?  The air and heat units in our apartment do not have thermometers on them so I would have to gage by my own comfort level.  Thankfully the next newborn experience will go a little different with the Gro-egg planted in his room.

Gro-egg is a color changing digital room thermometer brought to you by the makers of grobag baby sleeping bags.  All you have to do is plug it into a wall and voila the egg lights up in a color based on the temperature of the room.  There are four color changing options ranging from too cold to too hot.  Luckily, when the temperature is right a little smile face appears on the screen.  I enjoy seeing what the temperature is in my home.  In order to conserve energy I am trying to keep my apartment at a certain temperature.  This gadget has been a perfect reminder!

With Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) so prevalent I am thankful for products like Gro-egg to combat it.  I had no idea that a temperature between 61-67 degrees helps reduce the risk of SIDS.  I will now look for the color yellow on the egg when I walk in the room.  In addition to being a great safety item this egg makes for a great nightlight.  My son has loves calling out the color as he lays down for bed.

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Keen Distribution provided the Gro-egg, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

1 Comment | In: Accessories, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Toddler, Safety | tags: gro-egg, keen distribution. | #

My son and his playmates are often participating in outdoor activities.  The older he gets, the harder it is to keep his items in one place.  With all the sippy cups, toys, and other belongings flying around, name labels have now become a necessity.  My favorite is Name Bubbles!

Name Bubbles carries waterproof and water resistant vinyl kid labels that can be personalized in name and design.  You have so many options for your child’s stickers so that your items are easily recognized.  They also make a line of Baby Labels that are waterproof, durable, and laundry and dishwasher safe!  I place as many of my son’s containers and drink cups as possible in the dishwasher, and these stickers haven’t aged one bit!  I’ve yet to see labels with this much longevity.

Once you decide which kind of label you need, it is time for the personalization part.  Name Bubbles allows for a variety of details for your stickers such as, Allergy Alert Bubbles, Mini Bubbles Shaped Bubbles (football, flower, car, heart), super sized bubbles, and more.  In addition to shape and size you have an array of color options.  I was a bit overwhelmed when designing my sons’ labels.  I could not believe all the options they provided.  We settled with blue, red, and white car labels and they have worked perfectly for his items!

As many of you mothers know, leaving a bottle or snack container at the park or a friends home can happen often, so personalizing your child’s things is imperative.  Whether you are dropping your kid in daycare or Sunday school, or sending your kid off to camp, these labels make sure their belongings are secured.

Name Bubbles is  offering a label pack to one of our readers! Simply visit Name Bubbles and leave a comment here with your thoughts and favorites!

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This contest ends August 10th, 2010 Midnight EST. Click here for contest rules at DoesMommyLoveIt.com

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Name Bubbles provided the labels, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

57 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Pregnancy, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Organization, Personalized | tags: labels, Name Bubbles, stickers. | #

Collegien, the chicest of French companies, makes slippers for adults and children.  The slippers are made from a strong knitted material and have a non-slippery, ergonomic, aerated PVC sole.  They come in three styles, which are ballerina, low sock, and high sock.  They come in a variety of marine stripes and colors.  Our personal favorite is the Englantine.  I just love how fashionable the blue and white stripes look with his outfits!

My son wears his in our home for warmth, and also for traction on our sometimes slippery, bamboo flooring.  They can also be used as shoes due to the sturdy PVC sole.   The slippers are so cute on him and comfortable too!  These slippers have been a great way for my son to learn to put on and take off his shoes as well.  They are easy and take very little time.  This is something of importance for a soon to be mother of two.  Best of all, when they are looking a little grubby these slippers they can easily be thrown into the wash!

After seeing the quality, comfort, and chic French style on my son’s feet, I hope to get a pair for myself as well, specifically for my upcoming delivery stay in the hospital!  Check out their site (#mce_temp_url#) to find out more!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Collegien provided the slippers, and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

1 Comment | In: Accessories, Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Uncategorized | tags: collegien, french, shoes, slippers. | #