The Shopping Mama

4moms Sleep Trainer: All About Baby Giveaway (Closed)

by Kate on October 22nd, 2009 | 5 Comments | Giveaways, Uncategorized

Sleep. Everyone needs it, new mamas want it and yet babies can’t seem to do it for long stretches. I’ve struggled through two kids who were not the best of sleepers. I’ve even blogged about being exhausted when my daughter was waking every two hours. The problem for many parents, myself included, is that many babies need to learn how to sleep through the night. I know I was so desperate for help when my little ones were waking frequently that I wished for someone or something to come teach me how to teach my baby to sleep. I really needed something to guide me when I was groggy and frustrated in the middle of the night.That’s where the 4moms Goodnight Sleep Trainer comes it. It was developed specifically to guide parents step by step to teach babies to sleep through the night.

About 4moms
Committed to making routine tasks easier for parents, 4moms is revolutionizing the juvenile products industry with dramatically innovative products. By leveraging the declining costs of technology, the company is able to develop products that are completely unique and revolutionary, yet would have been cost prohibitive just a few years ago.
(Just check out the Origami stroller!)

How It Works
* Teach Baby to Sleep Longer – Yes, this system does involve baby crying. It’s painful and can be hard on mamas, that’s for sure. Trust me, I’ve been there, I know. The Goodnight Sleep Trainer uses a timer that indicates when you should check and console baby. I like that the timer says “Hang in there” and tells you how much time you have left to wait – any encouragement is comforting to mama when baby is upset. The timer gets progressively longer between check and console times so that baby will learn to soothe herself to sleep.

* Develop a Consistent Routine - The Goodnight Sleep Trainer interactive website has an allows you to track sleep patterns, get sleep tips and see your progress. This is a lot more clear and easy to read than the scribbled notes I kept while trying to help my little ones learn to sleep through the night! I think this would be especially helpful when trying to find your child’s natural nap pattern.

Check out this short and very informative video where a pediatrician and “one of the moms” explain the theory of the Goodnight Sleep Trainer and demonstrates how it works.

Award-Winning Product
The 4Moms Goodnight Sleep Trainer has been awarded the National Parenting Seal of Approval and the iParenting Media Award. I’m not surprised… I really could have used one of these when my babies and I were struggling to sleep for more than a couple hours at a time. If you’re (luckily) past this phase, I think the Goodnight Sleep Trainer is a great, affordable and useful baby shower or new baby gift. Every mom wants the gift of sleep, after all!

Shop! The Goodnight Sleep Trainer is $29.95 and can be purchased on Amazon and in select retailers like Babies R Us and Target.

Win! A 4moms Goodnight Sleep Trainer!

How to Enter: Leave a comment about babies and sleep – that’s it!
You might share how many hours of sleep in a row did you get last night? Or, when your little one slept through the night? Or what’s your favorite feature of the Goodnight Sleep Trainer and why do you think it’s a great product for moms?

Bonus Entries – only valid after you complete the first mandatory entry:
* Register to be a 4moms Insider: test products, get deals, be heard, win stuff.
* Follow 4moms on Twitter
* Fan 4moms on Facebook
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and tweet this: Win a Goodnight Sleep Trainer and help baby sleep through the night @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/1Jisj
* Blog about giveaway including a link to this post and 4moms for TEN entries
* Post the Holiday Gift Guide button on your blog
* Add The Shopping Mama to your blog roll
* Follow The Shopping Mama in Google Friends Connect
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or a reader

The Fine Print: Please leave a valid email in the comments or your Blogger profile so that I can contact you if you win. If you prefer, you may email me directly with your contact information after leaving valid comments. Open to US mailing addresses. Giveaway ends November 4. Winner will be notified by email and has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Thank you to 4moms for providing a product for the giveaway prize.

Thursday Giveaway Linky

by Kate on October 22nd, 2009 | 5 Comments | Giveaway Linky

Happy Thursday! Be sure to check out the giveaways here – three end tomorrow: Designs by Jessie, Macaroy Kangaroo and Princess Bubble.

I’m in the midst of the incredible All About Baby giveaway series and am so excited about some of the ongoing and upcoming products. They almost make me want to have a newborn again.

Thanks for stopping by to link up and check out giveaways. Now, get your link on!

ShopAtHome.com $1000 Facebook Giveaway

by Kate on October 21st, 2009 | 5 Comments | Uncategorized

Yes, you read that correctly – $1000 with 3 zeros. One lucky person will get $500 and $500 to give to 5 friends from ShopAtHome.com ($100 a friend).

How to Enter - it’s super easy and well worth a couple minutes:
1. Register with ShopAtHome.com.
If you haven’t done so yet, what are you waiting for? It’s a great cash back shopping site where you can earn money for doing what you’re already doing – shopping online at your favorite stores. And you get $5 just for registering.
2. Fan ShopAtHome.com on Facebook.
3. Share your best Holiday Shopping Tip (what saves you the most money, what days are best to shop, or any other ideas you want to share) on the ShopAtHome.com Facebook Wall.

On November 4, the folks at ShopAtHome will select the top 30 tips and from those a random winner will be selected. You can find more information on the ShopAtHome.com Facebook page and the complete list of rules here.

So, get thinking and share your best tip for your chance to win! Good luck!

Beba Bean Clothing Review + Discount

by Kate on October 21st, 2009 | 5 Comments | Reviews

Beba Bean was born with the creation of the hilarious but super functional Pee-pee Teepee.

If you have a baby boy or know someone who is expecting a boy, you need to know the Pee-pee Teepee! It’s a cone shaped, terry lined cotton, machine washable must have diaper change accessory.

Since its original product, Beba Bean has grown and expanded into a collection of high quality clothing, blankets and accessories.

Beba Bean was co-founded in 2002 by mom and entrepreneur, Lisa Malcic … Being a mom of 2 young children, coupled with a clothing design background, Lisa saw a gap in the baby apparel and gift market for innovative products that parents loved and babies couldn’t live without! Keeping a fun whimsy feel and fashionable edge to each product she creates, Lisa follows 3 design essentials: Washability, Changeability and Safety.

We had the opportunity to review two new products to the clothing line: the Knit Onesie and Knit Poncho. Both are made of 100% knit cotton and are beautiful. Seriously, they are both drop dead gorgeous in person.

Knit Onesie
The Knit Onesie is actually a one-piece outfit with pants, long sleeves and a hood. It has a front panel that snaps along the front and snaps along the bottom for diaper changes. The finish and details in the knit work are to die for and add charm to the outfit. It’s really quite timeless and can certainly be worn by more than one child and, indeed, multiple generations. The quality is exceptional. It’s a great stand alone piece and can be worn over clothes as outerwear if large enough.

The Onesie is offered in 2 sizes (3 – 6 months and 6 – 12 months) in Ivory, Pink and Chocolate and costs $47.49.

Knit Poncho
Sweet Poncho, oh, how I love thee. It’s so stylish and Baby Girl looks rocking with her Poncho over jeans. It’s the perfect accessory for our weather – like a jacket but much cuter. If you’ve dressed a young squirmy toddler, you know it can be a challenge. But, with the poncho you only have to get it over baby’s head – no struggling with arm holes or buttons or the like. The Knit Poncho has the same quality attention to detail as the the Onesie.

The Poncho is available in one size (intended for toddlers 6 to 24 months) in pink and ivory for $30.39.

To Buy… Yes! These clothes are wonderful and I do think they’re worth the investment. And, they’re machine washable and dryer safe!

Or Not to Buy… The only issue we had – and it was minor – was the neck was a bit stiff and tight on the Poncho. The first couple times she wore it I had to tug a bit to get it over her head. It’s loosened up a bit, though.

Shop! Beba Bean has a full collection of absolutely beautiful products for baby and young ones. Use the code SM10/07/09 for 20% off your order at www.bebabean.com! After the exclusive discount, a set of Pee-pee Teepees is only $10.60!

Thank you to Beba Bean for providing a sample product for the purposes of this review. The opinions expressed here are mine and uninfluenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience.

HALO SleepSack Review + All About Baby Giveaway (Closed)

by Kate on October 21st, 2009 | 5 Comments | Giveaways, Uncategorized

I have a confession: my son never used a baby sleep sack and my daughter didn’t wear one until recently. I received a baby sleep bag as a gift when my son was born (not a HALO or any other brand mentioned on The Shopping Mama) and it was scratchy, had uncomfortable wrist bands so it only lasted a couple hours on my son. I gave up on the idea all together. I’ve learned a lot preparing for the All About Baby reviews and would do things differently if given the chance. I feel a tad irresponsible knowing my daughter slept with “her” blanket from practically birth. Luckily, HALO works really hard to educate moms like me and to provide a variety of products to offer a safe sleep environment for baby.

About the HALO SleepSack

Designed by a parent who lost an infant to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), and now being used in hospital nurseries nationwide, the HALO® SleepSack™ wearable blanket replaces loose bedding in the crib that can cover your baby’s face and interfere with breathing.

Safe Sleep Tips

HALO is committed reducing the risk of SIDS through education and information. Here are some Safe Sleep Tips from HALO:
* “Back is Best” for safe sleep at nap and at night
* Do not put baby to sleep on soft surfaces like a couch, chair, water bed, etc
* Use a firm mattress with tight fitted sheet
* Do not use loose blankets, crib bumper or sleep positioner
* Optimal room temperature for sleeping baby is between 68 and 72 degrees
* Do not smoke around baby

SleepSack Review

We received the HALO SleepSack Velboa in size Medium (6 – 12 months). The Velboa material is really nice – it reminds me of a softer, less chunky fleece (if that makes any sense) – and the SleepSack is lined with lightweight jersey that is extremely soft. The finish is also really lovely with satin trim along the seams. The fit is great on my 11 month old because the neck and arm holes are not too loose that she can squirm out of the Sack and not too snug. There’s also plenty of room in the leg area for her to kick and move around in her crib (and even cruise a bit).

The SleepSack closes with a single zipper down the front of the Sack from the top down which is a great feature for a couple reasons. It prevents the baby from fiddling with or getting scratched by the zipper because its out of reach at the bottom of the Sack. It also makes diaper changes easier because you do not have to remove the entire Sack to reach the diaper area. Finally, this design makes the SleepSack really easy to get on and off.

The Velboa SleepSack is available in 5 colors and three sizes for wear from birth to 12 – 18 months. HALO SleepSacks are available in other materials, too, like Organic Cotton, 100% Cotton and Micro-Fleece. HALO also has products for older children including the Early Walker SleepSack and Big Kids’ SleepSack.

To Buy… The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests using a wearable blanket and the HALO SleepSack has product seals from the leading SIDS organizations in both the US and Canada. The single zipper design is easy on and easy off.

Or Not to Buy… We’ve had a great experience with this SleepSack. My initial concern was that the Velboa fabric doesn’t seem particularly “breathable” but Baby Girl hasn’t been overly sweaty or hot when she wakes.

Shop! The Velboa SleepSack is $29.95 and can be purchased on the HALO website www.halosleep.com. A portion of your purchase goes to First Candle / SIDS Alliance to fund Sudden Infant Death Syndrome research and education.

Win! A HALO SleepSack so your little can sleep safely and in comfort.

How to Enter: Visit HALO and take a look around. Leave a comment here with a product you’d like to try.

Bonus Entries – leave a separate comment for each, please.
* Follow HALO on Twitter
* Fan HALO on Facebook
* Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and Tweet about giveaway. You may do this every day, just leave a comment every time you tweet: Win a HALO Sleep Sack @TheShoppingMama All About Baby Giveaway http://bit.ly/3cjR1m
* Blog about giveaway including a link to this post and HALO for TEN entries
* Post the Holiday Gift Guide button on your blog
* Add The Shopping Mama to your blog roll
* Follow The Shopping Mama in Google Friends Connect
* Subscribe to The Shopping Mama in email or a reader

Thank you to HALO for providing a sample product for the purposes of this review and a product for the giveaway prize. The opinions expressed here are mine and uninfluenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience.

Wordless Wednesday: School Picture Day

by Kate on October 21st, 2009 | 5 Comments | Life, Uncategorized, Wordless Wednesday

My handsome little man all dressed up for Wee School Picture Day.

Want to see what a difference a year makes? Check out pictures from 2008 School Picture Day.

I look forward to checking out your photos!

Ten Dollar Tuesday: Pig & Company

by Kate on October 21st, 2009 | 5 Comments | Ten Dollar Tuesday

I’ve been stalking, er, keeping up on today’s Ten Dollar Tuesday since the first time I saw them last week. As you know I’m planning Baby Girl’s first birthday party. Well, we settled on a theme: piggies! My husband and I wanted a theme that reminds us of our little girl and, for better or worse, piggy totally fits. Sweet, adorable piggy, of course.

So, when I came across Pig and Company on Etsy and the adorable Patchwork Pigs, I knew I had to have one for Baby Girl’s birthday. My lucky little lady will receive the adorable Clarissa the Patchwork Pig.This handmade little piggy is created from designer fabrics and measures approximately 5 by 7 inches. And, of course, it’s only $10!

Now, I Clarissa is on her way to my house, but there are some equally cute options at Pig and Company.

Shop! Check out the Piggies, Weiner Dogs, Star Friends and more at Pig & Company.

BabySleepBags.com Merino Kids Baby Sleep Bag Review + Giveaway

by Kate on October 20th, 2009 | 5 Comments | Giveaways, Reviews

BabySleepBags.com is the official supplier of award-winning baby sleep sacks and baby swaddles from Merino Kids of New Zealand. We had the opportunity to review a Merino Kids Sleep Sack and you have the chance to WIN a Merino Kids Cocooi Baby Swaddle!

About Merino Kids

Merino Kids was founded in 2003 by mother-of-three Amie Nilsson, who applied her experience as a London textile designer and her knowledge of the virtues of merino wool to create the world’s first merino baby sleep sack.

The Benefits of Merino
* Superfine material is soft and light on baby’s skin
* 100% Natural and Allergy Safe
* Naturally Fire Resistant
* Regulates Body Temperature allowing for All-Season Versatility by

Merino Kids Baby Sleep Sack Review
We received the the Merino Kids Baby Sleep Bag in size 0 – 2 years in Fairy Rose. The Sleep Bag is made of merino wool with an outer layer of cotton. The combination of the two fabrics is quite light and “airy” if that makes sense. The outer cotton is actually a bit softer than the merino, but the merino has great benefits that make it well suited for safe sleep. The Sleep Bag is VERY generously sized. Although intended for 0 – 2 year olds, my almost 3 year old fits it in quite comfortably.

The Sleep Sack is sleeveless which encourages air flow and it has a snap to make the arm hole smaller and more fitted for smaller babies. The Sleep Sack has snaps over one shoulder and a long zipper that runs the length of the bottom of the Sack from the bottom of the right side to under the arm on the left side. At first I wasn’t sure about this form of closure, but I quickly learned it makes diaper changes really easy because you only have to unzip part of the sack rather than remove it. That’s a great plus. I also experimented with Toddler Boy and found that he could walk easily with the bottom unzipped.

My favorite feature of the Baby Sleep Bag is that it has openings in the front and back so you baby can be directly fastened into a car seat without taking it off.

Baby Girl has been sleeping well in her Merino Kids Baby Sleep Bag. (My son has a thing about his belly button and has to touch it when he falls asleep or else I would easily put him in this at night. He’s a restless sleeper and I often worry he will get cold.) She seems perfectly comfortable and sleeping in this hasn’t negatively changed her routine at all. I find her comfortable – not sweaty (which is saying a lot because she’s a sweaty little thing) and not cold – when I go to her for her early morning feeding and after naps in the middle of the day.

To Buy… My favorite features of the Sleep Sack are the zipper closure, the opening that allows for car seat and stroller straps and the generous size of the Sack.

Or Not to Buy… Due to the fine merino material, the cost ($119) is probably prohibitive for many. But, check the website – they currently have several sales and discount codes!

Merino Kids Cocooi Babywrap Swaddle Giveaway
Oh, how cozy does the Cocooi look! Made of 100% merino wool, the Cocooi Babywrap Swaddle has a diagonal-wrap design so you can swaddle baby in three short steps. The unique diagonal shape of the “wings” holds baby snugly without constricting movement. The soft material adjusts to fit your baby without fasteners or velcro, and the Cocooi has a leg pouch for easy diaper changes.

Shop! The Merino Kids Cocooi Babywrap Swaddle is currently $46.55, or $64.49 with a matching merino beanie.

Win! A Cocooi Merino Baby Swaddle in blue or pink.

How to Enter: Click here to sign up to receive the BabySleepBags.com newsletter. In addition to being entered to win a Coocoi Baby Wrap, you will receive exclusive email only specials. A winner will be selected October 31.
(Comments on this post do not enter you in the giveaway, but I’d love to know if you sign up to win!)

I’d love to hear what you think. What’s your favorite color Cocooi or Sleep Sack?

Thank you to BabySleepBags.com for providing a sample product for the purposes of this review and a product for the giveaway prize. The opinions expressed here are mine and uninfluenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience.