Does Mommy Love It?

Elodie Details, a Swedish accessory company, produces some of the coolest and most durable children’s accessories around.  I was fortunate enough to receive their stroller foot muff and cannot believe how heavy duty it is. Elodie Details puts some of the popular foot muffs to shame!  You don’t have to worry about those snowy days strolling to the park because Elodie the surface is wind and water-resistant.   And yes, it is compatible with most stroller models.  You don’t have to worry about dressing your child head to toe for quick strolls because they have a top end that can be used as a backrest or hoody. The foot muffs come in some of the best styles around.  This beauty is machine washable while still maintaining it’s immaculate shape.

Look no further for more trend setting accessories. Elodie even offers the most luxurious pacifiers!  Though my son’s pacifier days are coming to an end I am in love with their caps! Their PU-laminated fabric keeps your little one warm and cool at the same time and is wind and water-resistant.  My son looks super cool and comfortable sporting his hat.

Elodie Details accessories are created with style, luxury, and best of all, quality.  Be sure to check out their stroller shopper bags, bibs, bottles, and sippy cups.  This mama loves Elodie, and recommends it as a must-have!  Elodie Details is giving Does Mommy Love It readers free freight from Sweden using code: DMLI.

No Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Apparel, Bottle Feeding, Diaper bags | tags: bottles, caps, footmuffs, pacifiers, sippy cups, stroller bags. | #

With all the controversy of plastics and the constant dilemma of trying to find a safe plastic, a stainless steel bottle is a welcomed relief.  Organic Kidz has come out with an assortment of adorable bottles.  They come in 3 different sizes-4 oz, 7 oz, and 9 oz. Not only can you choose which size, but you can also choose from a number of cute colors and designs.

They are BPA free and are virtually unbreakable.  They come with a  silicone nipple and it’s entirely dishwasher safe.  The great thing about these bottles is that they are compatible with most narrow necked nipples.  So if your baby has already grown attached to a different brand of nipple, you can use it with this stainless steel bottle.

One caveat to stainless is the zero visibility.  You can’t easily see how much has been drank.  The other downfall is the price–one 4 oz bottle will set you back $19.99, and the 9 0z bottle goes for $23.99.  Given the fact that you can buy a whole set of bottles for that price, to commit to stainless steel only would quickly get expensive.  But if you are determined to insure that you are on the safe side of the plastic debate, it may be worth the investment.

1 Comment | In: Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Bottle Feeding, Feeding | tags: bottles, BPA free, stainless steel. | #

The Born Free bottles are the best in the market!  BPA and Phathlate free, made of Polyamide, a special plastic that is Bisphenol-A free and more resistant to detergents, the Born Free bottle system provides everything you want in a bottle. It features a new innovative air vent helps eliminate colic symptoms such as gas and spit-up by reducing the build up of vacuum and is also medically acknowledged to reduce the risk of middle ear infection. The unique inner valve prevents side-leaks, and unlike other vented bottles, allows you to shake freely when mixing.  My son loves these bottles.  The nipples are soft and comes in five various flows.  I find that my son sucks well out of these bottles and is definitely not gassy.  Although these bottles are expensive, I discovered that their training cup sprouts are sold separately as well as together with a cup.  The sprouts and the training handles fit the bottle and you can save money by interchanging your training cup spout and the bottle nipple.  This is a great option and saves you money.  It’s so easy for me to just throw in the  Born Free bottles into the dishwasher (top drawer only).  Plus, the nipples last a long, long time even after multiple washes.  Overall, the quality of these bottles is incredible.

No Comments | In: Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Toddler, Bottle Feeding | tags: anti-colicky, born free bottles, BPA free. | #

Argh!  I hated everything about this bottle.  Believe me, as soon as my son was born, he loved to eat.  So, being that I was suffering from major sleep deprivation, I was on an adamant search for the bottle that would assist in helping me take a break from breastfeeding.  I thought it would be the Adiri Natural Nurser since the bottle features the only nipple truly shaped like a mother’s breast.  It had such appeal with a petal shaped vent that  helps reduce colic, and the Fill, Twist and Feed system that is easy to use.  Also, made of soft polycarbonate-free and bisphenol-A free materials. In addition, the 8-ounce capacity bottle is dishwasher safe.  But to my dismay, I just couldn’t stand how much it leaked.  Trying to fill  Adiri Natural Nurser with formula is just a disaster!  The twist cap is  on the base of the bottle and you flip it over so that the nipple with the cover on becomes the base.  It is just illogical!  Even with the cap tightly on, it leaks and when I finish mixing the formula and ready to feed, as soon as I take the cap off, which takes a bit of strength, formula leakes through the nipple.  The idea of resembling a boob works, but the concept is only great in theory.  Carried out, there’s major leakage.  Also, there is no way you can heat the bottle.  Plus, it’s so pricey….$12.50 for one.

No Comments | In: Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Bottle Feeding | tags: adiri nurser, bottle, Feeding. | #

Since bottles and sippy cups are a major part of a baby’s life, I find it very helpful to read a review on the growing number of companies aiming to create the next “best bottle.”  On my shopping errand to Buy Buy Baby, I scurried past the automatic doors and found myself in the feeding section.  Bottles, sippy cups, utensils, and the endless towers of feeding items crowded the walls.  As I was “eye shopping” throughout the shelves, my eyes suddenly stopped and found a bottle I’ve never seen before.  The company is called Green Sprouts. They produce bottles and sippy cups which are made of premium quality of 100% toxin- free plastic, meaning clear of PVC, Lead, Bisphenol A, and Phtalates.  The bottle is very simple and made without an anti-colic valve.  It’s compatible with most major brands with wide neck nipples.  I find that the bottle does the job and the nipple resembles the Avent ones.  Comes in two sizes: 4 oz. and 8 oz.  The sippy is very cute, adorned with a cute image.  Having the handles are great for  little hands like my son’s.  However, they are not removable.  Plus, the sippy comes with a smaller cover for the spout to have firm protection from leaks. The spout is soft and makes it a great transition bottle to a teated bottle to the harder sippy cups!   Both are very easy to assemble and clean. All in all,  Green Sprouts bottles and sippy cups are simple, safe and does the job but lacks some of the important details which other brands have like a valve or removable handles.  These are definitely not for colicky babies.

2 Comments | In: Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Toddler, Bottle Feeding, Feeding, Green | tags: bottles, Feeding, green sprouts, sippy cups. | #

Is organic really that much better for babies?  Well, Similac, one of the leading empires of baby formula, thinks so and I think so too.  The company recently came out with an “organic” version of their already very popular formula.  Used and recommended by hospitals nationwide, Similac has an incredible reputation among parents and pediatricians.  I HAD to give it a try!!!  With the craze of going healthy and natural, anything containing corn syrup is a no-no!  Not having corn syrup makes a world of difference because I am keeping the fertilizers, pesticides, and antibiotics out of my child. Through research, I discovered that the ingredients found in fertilizers, growth hormones, pesticides are unhealthy and are being fed to cows through eating the grass, which in turn consumed by my baby are carcinogens.  What a scary thought!  Despite it being organic, the Similac brand has some controversy regarding the kind of sugar they use. A recent article by The New York Times (read the full article here) states that “Parents may be buying it because they believe that organic is healthier, but babies may have a reason of their own for preferring Similac Organic: it is significantly sweeter than other formulas. It is the only major brand of organic formula that is sweetened with cane sugar, or sucrose, which is much sweeter than sugars used in other formulas.
No health problems in babies have been associated with Similac Organic. But to pediatricians, there are risks in giving babies cane sugar: Sucrose can harm tooth enamel faster than other sugars; once babies get used to its sweeter taste, they might resist less sweet formulas or solid foods; and some studies suggest that they might overeat, leading to rapid weight gain in the first year, which is often a statistical predictor of childhood obesity.”

Like the article states, there IS a difference between sugar in this formula and other organic formulas. Other organic formulas such as Earth’s Best and Bright Beginnings contain lactose. True, they’re both sugars, but lactose is what’s found in breast milk, is a more complex sugar, generally takes longer for the body to break down, which in general is a good thing.  The explanation of the use of sucrose instead of lactose in this formula could be that it is cheaper than organic lactose.  After trying out the Similac Organic formula, I have found that it caused my baby some painful gas, which made him cry inconsolably. After doing some research and seeing that many people were having this problem, we consulted our pediatrician and switched to Bright Beginnings. Within a day of the transition, we started seeing more frequent stooling with a healthy consistency and less irritability.  Similac Organic formula is certified organic, has DHA and ARA, special nutrients found in breast milk that are clinically proven to support mental and visual development in baby’s first year, has a higher level of special nutrients to help support baby’s developing immune system, and provide the balance of protein, minerals, and other nutrients.  However, with a high price tag of $30 for 25 oz. can, you can find better options such as the Earth’s Best, Bright Beginnings, and Parent’s Choice.

2 Comments | In: Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Bottle Feeding, Feeding, Food | tags: baby, Food, Formula, organic, Similac, sugar. | #

The contest is now closed!  Congrats to April!  She is the winner of this contest!

As my second baby boy arrived this year, I was anticipating how to decorate his nursery. I wanted simplicity yet classy. Modern with a touch of style. Without a doubt, I can always count on bedding and accessories by Serena and Lily to deliver exactly what I am looking for. They offer everything that has to do with nursery….furnishings to bedding and fabrics to paint colors. Everything about Serena and Lily is amazing. Read about their philosophy.

“It was our shared aesthetic and shared vision of the baby’s room reinvented. Children’s spaces that are fresh and style-driven, with dynamic color and pattern combination, timeless and comfortable through sophistication and simplicity…this is what we both dreamed of. As our products evolve, our design values stay the same: to maintain a sense of integrity and a visual standard that is authentic and original in a sea of copycats. At the end of a long and hectic day, we ask ourselves what continues to drive us. The answer is simple – far beyond our love of great design, we care about making a difference in the world. We are doing that through ‘Serena & Lily.’ Through a portion of product sales, we give back to the world that our children will inherit. These are the fundamental values that guide us, and the conviction that fuels the growth of our business.”

One of my favorite gifts items is the sweet, signature “stuffies” are friends for life. Each lovable critter is made with soft corduroy, fabric appliques and crafty hand-embroidery. I have all of them for my son’s nursery. Available in three animals: Bunny, Bear, and lamb.

Serena and Lily is giving away a “friend” to ONE lucky Does Mommy Love It? reader! To participate, leave a comment on this post. For additional entries.

1) 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.

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

3) Follow us on Twitter and leave a comment stating you did so along with your twitter name.

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

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

Contest ends Midnight of DECEMBER 8th, 2008 MIDNIGHT

69 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Pregnancy, Ages- Preschooler, Apparel, Bathroom & Potty, Books, Bottle Feeding, Contest, Nursery, Stationary, Websites | tags: friends, Kids, nursery, serena and lily. | #

THIS CONTEST HAS NOW ENDED.  THE WINNER IS KATHY CONLEY.  CONGRATULATIONS KATHY!

As a part of celebrating the new user-friendly site launch for The Soft Landing, We are having a giveaway!  We declared our love of The Soft Landing a couple of months ago. This non-toxic eating necessity site has many new products to offer!  The Soft landing also has a blog where they provide research findings about toxic plastic, product reviews and quick reference shopping guides. To enter the contest, make sure to visit our old post about The Soft Landing and then visit their site and come back to comment telling us something you like about it!  What will you win???  A KLEEN KANTEEN prize pack!! 

18 oz Kleen Kanteen w/ Flat Cap- $17 value

1 KK Sippy Adapter- $4 value

1 KK Sippy Spout- $5 value

1 KK Sport Cap- $5 value

1 Built in NY Thirsty Tote- $9 value

Thats a total of $40 VALUE!  I have to admit, I’m jealous because I want to win  One entry per person for this contest.  Also make sure to visit The Soft Landing Blog and congratulate them on their new shop launch!

Deadline to enter: November 17, 2008 Midnight

192 Comments | In: Accessories, Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Bottle Feeding, Contest, Feeding, Websites | tags: built in NY, Contest, kleen kanteen, The Soft Landing. | #

Are you sick of trying to weed through the information of what is BPA free and what is not when you are buying feeding supplies for your children? I know I am. Sometimes it gets pretty confusing, especially when some of our favorite brands make some products with safe plastic and others with toxic plastic!

Fortunately, we received a comment on a post from Alicia Voorhies, owner of the The Soft Landing. I clicked to check it out and found a great store! They carry everything from pacifiers to sippy cups, plates, to toothbrushes and more!

Alicia Voorhies, the founder, is a retired RN that specialized in developmental disabilities. She came across this passion in her own pursuit to find non-toxic care products. Her mission is,

“We’ve accepted helping concerned parents to raise healthy children in the most natural way possible as our responsibility. We just know you’ll benefit from our research and personal experience! Whether you’re looking for Bisphenol-a free bottles and sippy cups or lead free bibs, we’ve got you covered from start to finish. Dive in and discover how making a few key changes in the products you use can give your baby the best health advantage possible.”

Related to the store, there is a Soft Landing Blog. This is an excellent resource for people just learning about toxins in plastic and how to live without it! Some of the most popular posts are:

• Which Nuby Bottles, Sippys, Teethers and Utensils Are Really BPA Free?
• BPA and Phthalate Free Pacifier Guide
• BPA and PVC Free Plastic Baby Bottle Comparison Chart
• BPA and Phthalate Free Baby Teether Guide and
• Safer Kids Cup and Dish Guide

Definitely do your self a favor and check out the helpful posts and guide so that you can make more informed decisions about the plastics used to feed your children!

Don’t forget to leave a comment on the Zaida Baby Post for a chance to win the Zaida Baby Keepsake Book! Contest ends SEPTEMBER 13TH AT MIDNIGHT EST.

6 Comments | In: Ages- Elementary, Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Ages- Preschooler, Ages- Toddler, Bottle Feeding, Breast Feeding, Feeding, Green, Websites | tags: BPA free, The Soft Landing, website. | #

There is no perfect bottle out there, but the MAM Ulti-vent wide mouth transition bottles come close. All MAM bottles and nipples are constructed of Bisphenol-A free agents. The bottle features a fun color variety for boys and girls and has a unique design with an easy-to-read scale for measuring and wide mouth for easy filling. I find that the best thing about these bottles is that it has a new one-piece MAM valve, which assures an air-free flow. Hence, producing a happier baby with less spit up and gas. This is great because the BPA free bottles out there don’t provide a valve system to prevent colic. Also, due to the wide mouth of the bottle, it fits other bottle brand nipples of wide mouth bottles. The interchangeability is great! Did I also mention that it’s way affordable? For $12.99 you get three packs of five or nine ounce bottles each with a No.1 slow flow nipple and cap. There was one thing that did make me skeptical about this bottle. It has a removable base (maybe highly leak causing) that is part of the valve, but as long as it is screwed on correctly and tightly, you will have no problem with leaking. If it’s not, it will cause major leakage.

Check out these other bottle reviews:
Dr. Browns
Soothie
Green to Grow

Don’t forget to leave a comment on the Zaida Baby Post for a chance to win the Zaida Baby Keepsake Book! Contest ends SEPTEMBER 13TH AT MIDNIGHT EST.

No Comments | In: Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Bottle Feeding, Breast Feeding, Feeding, Green | tags: bottles, BPA free, Feeding, MAM, Ulti-vent. | #

Dr. Brown’s bottles are known for their ability to reduce ear infections and gas for your sweet little one. It’s unique airflow system makes it possible for a baby to swallow less air. This is by far the biggest pro to owning these bottles. In the past there have been plenty of cons to these bottles, but they have already solved two of the biggest complaints.

Problem- Neck to narrow to successfully pour formula powder in with out making a mess. Solution- Dr. Brown’s introduced the wide mouthed bottle. Unfortunately I believe this is only made in the original polycarbonate plastic that contains BPA.

Problem- Not BPA free. Solution- They have now started making both Glass bottles and polypropylene bottles that do not contain BPA. This is only available in the original narrow bottle shape.

Problem- Difficult and time consuming to wash. Each bottle contains many part to wash including a narrow tube with a brush, this part is difficult to clean. No Solution.

Problem- Leaks. No Solution.

Dr. Brown’s bottles are now clearly labeled so that the consumer knows which material they are buying in the case that they are buying BPA free products.

Dr. Brown’s bottles are moderately expensive at around $13 on average for a 3-pack, $13 for a 2 pack of glass. In an ideal world they would discontinue making the polycarbonate, BPA containing bottle all together. But because they have provided a safe alternative we don’t reject it all together.

No Comments | In: Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Bottle Feeding, Breast Feeding, Feeding | tags: Dr. Brown's Bottles. | #

Many new and veteran mothers are familiar with the hospital choice, medical grade silicone pacifier, Soothie. Now available at stores like Wal-Mart and Target parents are also finding it to be the best choice for breast feeding babies. Now the nipple shape preferred by so many babies is also available in a bottle by first years.

Soothie bottles are ideal for the breast-fed baby that occasionally gets a bottle. Because the transition reminds them of their pacifier, it is likely they will take it. It also can be purchased with a small canister that snaps onto the bottom of the bottle that can hold formula or a snack. The nipples are available in medium and fast flow.

The down-side to these bottles? They do nothing to prevent air from being swallowed. Many parents, (including myself) complain of baby gassiness when they use these bottles. For this reason,

EDIT (8.16.08): Unfortunatly these bottles have plastic that may contain BPA and for this reason we have to edit it’s current ranking to

1 Comment | In: Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Bottle Feeding, Breast Feeding, Feeding, Uncategorized | tags: baby, bottles, soothie. | #

With more concern for toxicity in plastic bottles, I have discovered a company called Green to Grow.  They are a mom/dad combo who created a line of bisphenol-A and phthalates free bottles to keep kids healthy and to protect them from the dangers of toxic chemicals in bottles and promoting healthy alternatives.  Cute design adorn the bottles, which are made from PES plastic, tested in the US to ensure the highest standards for quality and safety, and free of lead and PVC.  They come in two sizes—wide neck and regular neck.  The packaging is also 100% recyclable.  Plus, all their silicone nipples are nitrosamine-free. However, I have to admit despite their innovative appeal, I was highly disappointed with their nipples. I tried both sizes and they were difficult for my son to latch on and the flow was way too fast for a beginner.

1 Comment | In: Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Bottle Feeding, Feeding, Green | tags: Bottle Feeding, Green to Grow, Green to Grow Bottles. | #

My Step-mother, the clean-aholic, bought me this Munchkin Deluxe Bottle Brush while she was staying with me shortly after I had my latest newborn.  Immediately I loved that it suctioned to the counter so that it did not have to lay on a counter only to create a puddle of water.  Unfortunately after a few uses I felt it did not clean the bottle nipple well enough either.  What I did not realize was that hidden inside the assembled bottle brush was a detachable bottom that contained a separate nipple brush!  This is definitely an inventive, useful solution for those of us that have to use a bottle! 

No Comments | In: Ages- Newborn to 1yr., Bottle Feeding, Cleaning, Feeding | tags: Munchkin Deluxe Bottle Brush. | #