The Shopping Mama » travel

4moms Breeze {Review & Giveaway}

by Kate on May 15th, 2013  |  5 Comments  |  Baby, Gear, Giveaways, Reviews

4moms Breeze Travel Crib Review

We are unabashed fans of 4moms – both the brand and the people behind it. We’ve covered the Origami power-folding stroller and Max made the most of his time in the innovative mamaRoo. We’re excited to now share a firsthand look at the 4moms travel crib, the Breeze.

At first glance, the Breeze looks similar to many other travel cribs on the market. But, try to assemble it and you’ll see where the similarities end. The Breeze is, in fact, a total breeze to open and assemble. In about 5 seconds flat, with no huffing, puffing, shoving, swearing or sweating, the Breeze transforms from folded to travel crib.

4moms breeze easy one step open

True to the 4moms modern aesthetic, the Breeze is sleek and simple, happily lacking busy patterns or plastic doodads.

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Breeze Bassinet

We love using a travel crib as an adjunct nursery when caring for a newborn. Whether you set it up in the living room or your bedroom, it’s incredibly convenient to have a place nearby where baby can sleep safely. The bassinet attachment fits snugly onto the Breeze frame and creates a smaller area to comfort baby that is up higher so it’s easier for mama to reach.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

The bassinet base is lightly padded and folds in half to put aside when not in use. We really like and appreciate that the insert is vented to allow air to flow to baby.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

In addition to the bassinet insert, the Breeze comes with a changing pad and a very useful travel bag. The travel bag has a pocket where you can keep on the go essentials like a spare sheet, the changing pad or other things you may need for a night away from home.

Breeze as a Play Space

The Breeze was at home in our kitchen for awhile and it provided ample space for Max to play safely while I cooked. Or, at least it was intended for Max, but my 4 year old had other ideas.  She thought it was the perfect location for a school session with her dolls.

4moms Breeze as Playard

As you can see, the Breeze is really roomy. It measures 45.5 inches long by 32 inches wide and 29 inches tall. For safety’s sake, there’s a height limit of 35 inches.

It’s a Breeze {Video}

Watch our quick video to see how 4moms makes naptime or bedtime a breeze.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… The Breeze is ridiculously simple to assemble and that’s just the beginning of the features of this travel crib. We love the easy to use bassinet, the large size of the Breeze and its sleek and modern appearance.

Or Not to Buy… It’s a bit on the heavy side, but it isn’t any bigger than most traditional travel cribs when folded.

Shop! The 4moms Breeze Travel Crib is available at our affiliate Magic Beans (with a low price guarantee) for $299. We also recommend the Waterproof Sheet to keep your Breeze comfortable and clean for baby.

Win! A 4moms Breeze Travel Crib!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks to 4moms for providing a sample and the giveaway prize. Giveaway ends May 31 and is open to US mailing addresses only.

Funktion Mommassentials: Baby Stuff, Your Style {Review}

by Kate on May 8th, 2013  |  5 Comments  |  For Mama, On the Go, Reviews

funktion mom mommassentials kitWithout question our lives change after baby (understatement of the year), but our sense of – and commitment to – style doesn’t need to. Funktion Mommassentials is a line of accessories created to allow mom to carry a bag designed for her and not for baby. The collection provides all the function you expect from a diaper bag while still carrying your beloved handbag.

Mommassentials

The Mommssentials is available as a complete set ($149) and is also sold individually.

  • Bottle Holder: insulated to keep baby’s bottle at a safe temperature and protects your bag from spills
  • Changing Pad: generously sized with pocket to keep diapers
  • Wipes Case: stylish way to hold the ultimate diaper bag essential!
  • Grab Bag: drawstring bag to hold extra clothes, cloth diapers or anything else you need to grab on the go
  • Paci Purse: colorful little container protects baby’s must have pacifier
  • Clutch: grab and go with this classic clutch designed to replace your wallet
  • Cosmetic Case: a little something to keep your somethings organized

Funktion Changing Pad

We’ve been using the Changing Pad for on the go diaper changes and to wrangle diaper change necessities. The Changing Pad folds into a slightly-larger than diaper size package but unfolds into a deceptively large pad for baby. The changing pad is cushioned and provides a large area for squirmy babies to rest. The pocket on the front is large enough to hold a few diapers, small container of wipes and even diaper ointment.

FunktionMom Changing Pad
While we think the Diaper Pad is modern and stylish for moms, it’s also perfect for dads. A few weekends ago while I was out of town and my husband was on solo-daddy-duty, the Changing Pad was his constant companion. He tossed it in the stroller or right into the minivan so he was always prepared.

FunktionChangingPad

 

The Changing Pad is perfect for the transition from the newborn stage when you have to tote everything and the kitchen sink and the toddler phase when you don’t need anything but diapers. Stock it, toss it in your favorite handbag and you’re ready to go.

Shop! The Changing Pad is $29 – a perfectly affordable gift for moms. Visit FunktionMoms.com to purchase and check out the complete line.

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We are delighted to include Funktion Mommassentials in our Mother’s Day Gifts Galore Giveaways. Enter the New Mama Giveaway for a chance to win a the Complete Mommassentials Set.

Thanks to Funktion Moms for providing the sample and giveaway prize. Photos by Catherine Murton for The Shopping Mama.

SwimZip Bathing Suit: Easiest Girl’s Suit to Put On. Ever. {Review}

by Kate on May 7th, 2013  |  5 Comments  |  Clothes, Reviews

Last summer, after a particularly frustrating day of wrestling my daughter in and out of her wet bathing suit, we blogged about the best bathroom break-friendly bathing suits for girls. At the time, the main factor was a two-piece bathing suit because of the obvious benefit over a one-piece when dealing with an active little girl. But now we realize there’s another characteristic to make it even easier: the zipper. SwimZip makes it ridiculously easy to dress and undress your tot – girl or boy! – with a zip.

SwimZip was created by a mom who survived skin cancer to provide important UV protection in a stylish easy-on easy-off bathing suit for kids. The bathing suits feature zippered rash guards with SPF 50+ protection. In addition to the safety features that keep mom happy, there are comfort solutions to keep your little one satisfied like the no-pinch zipper flap, tagless neck, and zipper garage around the neck.

My little swimmer is wearing the Sassy Surfer. And sassy she is.

SwimZip Girls Bathing Suit

As you would expect, putting on the suit is a breeze. Just put arms in, zip up and then step into the bottoms.

SwimZip Sassy Surfer Bathing Suit

She is wearing a 4T to 5T in regular clothes and she’s wearing the size 4T bathing suit. The top fits generously but the bottom fits very true to size.

Celebrity Fans!

While it’s obvious my daughter has star potential – I mean, have you seen her pose? – she already has celeb taste. That’s right, my 4 year old picked the same bathing suit as cute little Seraphina Affleck. I hope it’s not awkward when they show up at an A-list kids play date wearing the same suit. Because obviously that’s bound to happen this summer.

Seraphina Affleck in SwimZip

Stylish Suits for Babies, Toddlers and Kids

SwimZip swimwear is available in sizes 0-3 months through size 9 in great styles for boys and girls.

SwimZip Swimwear with UV Protection Zipper Rash Guards

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… SwimZip swimwear achieve the trifecta: UV protection, easy to get on and off and stylish. The design includes thoughtful details, fun youthful flair and quality materials. We definitely recommend hitting the water in SwimZip this summer!

Or Not to Buy… Styles are selling out so shop quickly to find your favorite style in the correct size.

Shop! SwimZip swimwear two-piece suits are $29.99. Visit SwimZip.com to shop.

Thanks to SwimZip for providing a sample.

A Parent’s Worst Nightmare: My Baby’s Medical Emergency in a Foreign Country

by Kate on May 2nd, 2013  |  5 Comments  |  Life, On the Go

I’ve thought quite a bit about if and how to share the story of Max’s accident and the subsequent trip to the hospital here on The Shopping Mama. It was an extremely upsetting and stressful experience for our entire family and I still have a pit in my stomach when I think about it. While it feels a bit private, I think it’s worth sharing because we learned some valuable lessons. I know we’ll be more prepared next time we travel and I hope that, in sharing our experience, some of you will be, too.

In early April we traveled to Italy for a week-long vacation with our family and my husband’s parents. We spent an uneventful night in Lucerne, Switzerland and one in Florence, Italy before heading to Rome. We were staying in Rome for three nights so, instead of hotel rooms we booked a two-bedroom apartment in the heart of Rome that would accommodate our entire family.

As soon as we arrived, I noticed the apartment was NOT kid-friendly or baby-proofed at all. I didn’t expect to find an apartment with covered outlets and a lack of breakable items, but I was definitely surprised by the shear volume of breakable things. There were knick knacks and tchotchkes everywhere. (Think large vases on the floor, shelves of ceramics and unsecured electronics.)

We had a great view, but there was some major foreshadowing when I captioned this photo on Instagram.

view from Rome apartment

Truthfully, I was worried that one of our kids may break something. I didn’t, for a second, consider what actually happened as a possibility.

Lesson Learned: Before reserving a privately-owned apartment, ask specifically about how kid-friendly the property is. 

When we were browsing apartments online I immediately ruled out some that were obviously not kid-friendly based on the photos, but to great extent we had no idea what we would get until we arrived. They knew we were a family with children, but next time we will be explicit in our need for a child and baby-friendly property.

While the adults (all four of us) were finishing breakfast, picking out clothes and planning the day’s events, the kids were hanging out and just… being kids. I wasn’t watching Max so I don’t know exactly what happened. (And, yes, it haunts me that I wasn’t watching Max and he got seriously hurt.) From what we can gather, he pulled himself up on / pulled down a light open planter shelf sort of thing in the kitchen that had multiple breakable ceramic planters and such on it.

I heard a horrible crash. I heard Max crying. I ran in, found him under the light shelf and surrounded by broken pots, plates and various small breakables. I scooped him up and tried to comfort him. And then I saw the blood. It took a minute to figure out where it was coming from and by that point everyone was gathered in the kitchen to check on Max. I realized the blood was coming from his finger, and the instant I saw it my heart sank. I knew it was badly hurt and that he’d need medical attention. I told my husband to call for help.

As my husband tried in vain to call an ambulance, I sat on the floor of the kitchen trying to comfort Max. I made the mistake of looking at his finger a second time and I lost any shred of remaining composure. I really tried to keep my cool so my other children wouldn’t freak out but I just couldn’t. I was growing more and more anxious by the moment as the severity of the situation set in with the realization that my child needed help and I had no idea how to get it for him. I kept screaming for my husband to dial 112 (Germany’s version of 911), but it wasn’t the emergency number in Italy.

Lesson Learned: When arriving in a new country, find emergency phone numbers and identify local hospitals.

Days later, when the madness had passed, we realized our travel book had emergency phone number information in it. It even mentioned some hospitals and how the local medical system worked. Admittedly, we usually flip right past those pages in the travel books, but from now on? We’ll highlight and circle the info. At a minimum, we will always know how to call for emergency medical help.

When my husband realized he couldn’t call for help, he left the apartment to look for aid on the street. Thankfully, he quickly encountered an incredibly kind man who offered to drive us to the hospital when my husband told him of our situation. We were so helpless and this man truly came to our rescue. He also served as a translator when we arrived at the children’s hospital. In another stroke of luck, we happened to be only minutes from the largest children’s hospital in Italy with a fabulous reputation.

Bambino Gesu Ospedale Pediatrico

We were rushed through the waiting room and into an ER room almost immediately. The gentleman who drove us wasn’t permitted to stay so we relied on lots of gestures to communicate with the hospital staff. We don’t speak Italian and they didn’t speak English. It’s simply not realistic for us to learn the language of every country we visit here in Europe, so I don’t think the language barrier portion of our predicament was avoidable. But, let me tell you, it sucked. No one at the hospital spoke English. It made a very scary situation even more uncomfortable and unsettling.

As we settled into the reality of our situation, we knew we needed to call our insurance company. Of course, we didn’t know the number. It’s on the card which I keep in my wallet, but I left our apartment with literally nothing but the clothes on my back so we didn’t have it. Truth be told, even if I had my wallet, I don’t think we would have been in the frame of mind to check for my insurance card.

Despite living in Europe, our cell phone plan makes using the internet or making phone calls very expensive when outside Germany. Obviously, though, we had to break our no data usage rule to google and find our insurance’s emergency phone number.

Lesson Learned: Program important insurance phone numbers into your phone.

It takes, literally, seconds to program the insurance emergency phone number. But, as we learned, the last thing you need in a highly-charged, stressful situation is confusion about what you’re supposed to do and who you’re supposed to call.

Our insurance company was amazingly helpful and supportive through the entire hospital stay in Rome, from the initial phone call through helping clear the finance department of the hospital for discharge. Shout out to Tricare Overseas for military families!

Max’s Surgeries

When we were in the ER, the pediatric plastic surgeon cleaned, evaluated and dressed Max’s finger. He told us very matter of factly that Max required two surgeries. In the first he attached Max’s middle finger to the palm of his hand. The point is to regenerate skin on the tip of his finger in an attempt to save some of the length of the finger that was, essentially, accidentally amputated. The second surgery, a few weeks later, separates the finger from the palm. (If you have a tough stomach and want to google for more info, the procedure is called a thenar flap. But, consider yourself warned: it’s totally gross.)

Max was insanely tough and brave and remained in good spirits throughout the entire ordeal. It was devastating for my husband and me, but our little man’s smile was incredibly reassuring. Kids are seriously so resilient. Beyond my wildest imagination. He was back to his smiling and giggling self the day after each surgery.

In Italy

Max in the hospital children's hospital in rome recovery

The past few weeks were traumatic and difficult and stressful and sad. But, I am so thankful for many things along the way, like the man who took us to the hospital, the care Max received in Rome and, above all, that Max wasn’t hurt more seriously.

At this point we wait for his finger and the incision on his palm to heal. We don’t really know what to expect. We don’t know how much length he actually lost, if his fingernail will return or what his finger will look like as he grows. In the scheme of things, these are seriously minor concerns, and I know that. It just breaks my heart that, at only a little over a year, Max was broken so seriously and that it was avoidable. The guilt is a bit unbearable so I just focus on the fact that he is, and will be, just fine.

max hospital

 

2 Red Hens Studio: Stylish Products for On the Go {Review & Giveaway}

by Kate on April 1st, 2013  |  5 Comments  |  Giveaways, On the Go, Reviews

2 red hens pink lemonade diaper bagLori Holliday started 2 Red Hens Studio in 2004 to create a chic and functional diaper bag. 2 Red Hens has since expanded to offer a collection of products inspired by a vintage look for modern mamas. When designing products, Lori seamlessly marries her experience working as an engineer with the practicalities of motherhood. ”Having  kids  has  been  my   biggest test lab. Besides making things pretty, I try to develop product that helps make life a teeny bit easier, so Mom can focus on more important things – like spending time with Baby.”

In addition to diaper bags designed for modern moms, 2 Red Hens offers some great accessories for life on the go: Diaper Pack, Snack Pack and Toy Nanny (plus more).

2 Red Hens Toy Nanny

The 2 Red Hens Toy Nanny is a play mat that makes transporting toys a breeze. The Toy Nanny unfolds to a flat, cozy play space with a soft, velour center and 8 mesh pockets for toys. The water-resistant backing material is great for use on damp ground outside and it helps keep spills in check. When you’re done playing, simply pull the straps to cinch the bag and it turns into a tote. So smart!

2 red hens studio toy nanny

Perfect for playdates at the park and day trips to grandma’s, the Toy Nanny ensures your little one has his favorite toys no matter where you are. We’re going to pack it with Max’s favorite toys to bring on our upcoming spring break road trip. Because it folds up into a small, portable tote it won’t take much room in our car and we know Max will have toys to keep him busy and happy while we’re staying in new places.

2redhens toy nanny review

The Toy Nanny is available in five stylish fabrics and is machine washable.

Innovative Essentials for On the Go

The 2 Red Hens Snack Pack Set of two reusable bags is a bargain for $15. The bags have a clever zip-around design allowing it to open perfectly flat. We like that the bags open to provide a clean surface for eating and access to corners for cleaning. The larger bag is perfect for sandwiches and the smaller is great for a snack serving size. They are also machine washable and BPA, lead and PVC-free. The Snack Pack Set is definitely a family picnic essential.

2 red hens snack bags

Shop! The Toy Nanny, Snack Pack Set, Diaper Pack and other stylish products for modern moms are available at 2 Red Hens Studio online.

Win! 2 Red Hens Toy Nanny!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway is open to US and Canadian mailing addresses. Thanks to 2 Red Hens for providing samples and the giveaway prize.

7 Great Travel Beds for Babies & Kids

by Kate on March 21st, 2013  |  5 Comments  |  On the Go

It’s the understatement of the year to say “travel with kids requires a lot of stuff.” Heh. But, as we all know, having the right gear can make a trip go more smoothly. One thing we can’t skip or skimp on is a great travel bed for your child. Nothing can make a trip go downhill more quickly than a tired cranky baby or kid.

With your child’s rest and your sanity in mind, we’ve rounded up 7 Great Travel Beds for Babies and Kids.

Great Travel Beds for Babies and Kids

1. BabyBjorn Travel Crib Light ($300). This travel crib is making its way around Europe with us. We can’t resist its incredibly light and compact package – it weighs only 12 pounds!

2. 4Moms Breeze Playard ($300). Not the lightest bed in the bunch, the amazingly quick and simple assembly and disassembly of the Breeze make it worth travel consideration. This is a good pick if you are traveling by car to several destinations.

3. One Step Ahead Tuck-Me-In Travel Bed with Removable Mattress ($80 – 100). Available in a toddler and kid size, this travel bed provides an extra comfortable place to sleep when beds are limited. The bed and mattress inflate separately and there are bumpers for a snug and safe sleep space. Includes tote and pump.

4. GoCrib by Guava Family ($200). Designed with portability in mind, the GoCrib is super light and without metal or plastic components. It takes longer to assemble via air pump than some alternatives, but you can’t beat the ability to pack it up and wear it as a backpack when on the go.

5. phil&teds Nest ($85). For the littlest babes, the Nest provides a sweet spot for sleep at home – and everywhere. Perfect for the beach, park or a friend’s house, the Nest travel bag has a storage compartment. The bassinet weighs only 5 pounds and folds flat.

6. Joovy Foocot Portable Child Cot ($70). Big kids deserve a dedicated sleep space when you’re traveling, too. The Joovy Foocot is great for hotel rooms, cruises and other spaces where beds are at a premium. Why borrow a dirty hotel cot when you can bring your own?

7. Nuna Sena Mini Travel Crib ($150). The smaller version of the clever Sena Travel Crib is suitable for kids up to about 18 months old. It weighs just under 20 pounds and has a pop-up design for easy set up and one hand refold.

STOKKE Xplory Stroller & PramPack Transport Bag {Giveaway}

by Kate on March 15th, 2013  |  5 Comments  |  Giveaways, On the Go

We are thrilled to partner with STOKKE to offer this AMAZING giveaway to stroll and go in style. One lucky mama will win the brilliant STOKKE Xplory Stroller and a PramPack Transport Bag.

STOKKE Xplory Stroller

The Xplory Stroller is flexible. It is functional. And it is fun.

Dubbed “the ultimate connection stroller,” the Xplory encourages bonding and face-to-face contact between parent and child with seat that rides higher and closer to parent than most so you can experience the world together. stokke xplory connection stroller

The Xplory grows with your child and can be used from birth and has a 45 pound weight limit. The seat have five recline positions – three facing paren and two facing the world. The stroller has a small footprint and great maneuverability, but the seat is surprisingly roomy. It includes a baby pad to support babies in the deep seat. The padded five point harness ensures safety and the adjustable footrest provides comfort as your child grows.
Stokke Xplory Red Features

Stokke Xplory Specs

  • Suitable from birth
  • Maximum weight: 45 pounds
  • Parent facing or outward facing seat
  • 5 positions from flat recline to upright high chair position
  • Stroller weight: 26.5 pounds
  • Height and angle adjustable handlebar
  • Two-wheel mode for rough and rugged terrain (like sand)
  • Adjustable footrest
  • Large hood with visor and ventilation

Click to read more about how my family is On the Go with XploryOn the Go with STOKKE Xplory

STOKKE PramPack Transport Bag

The PramPack Transport Bag means you can be on the go in style – and worry-free. Ideal for Xplory, but designed to fit almost any stroller, the Transport Bag provides maximum protection when traveling.

stokke pram pack

When loaded with your precious cargo (ie stroller), the PramPack works like a wheeled suitcase so you can pull it through the airport with ease. When not in use, the Bag rolls up and can be thrown over your shoulder (the orange image below).

stokke prampack travel bag

Shop! The STOKKE Xplory Stroller is $1,099 and the PramPack is $199. Our affiliate Magic Beans offers a great selection of STOKKE products and accessories. 

Win! A STOKKE Xplory Stroller plus PramPack Transport Bag! A $1300 value.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rafflecopter giveaway ends March 31 at 11:59 EST. Winner will be selected at random. Only 18+ residents of the US, Canada and Mexico are eligible to win.

Thanks to STOKKE for providing the giveaway prize.

Friday 5: Travel with Kids

by Kate on March 8th, 2013  |  5 Comments  |  On the Go

friday five links worth a clickWhether Mother Nature realizes it or not, it is now March and for many of us that means it’s Spring Break season. We are happy to be sharing the scoop on family travel from some of our favorite spots around the web.

1. Barbie fans of all ages will love the new Royal Caribbean Barbie Premium Experience. Get a sneak peek with lots of photos at Babble.

royal caribbean barbie premium experience

2. Family Travel Magazine highlights 5 places that teach your kids about history.

3. Our friend Nadia from Child Mode is now a Babble Travel blogger. Her first contribution is 14 great destinations for families.

4. Check out our travel must have for grade school age kids. It’s probably NOT what you’d guess.

5. An oldie but goodie from iVillage: 40 must-see places to take your kids before they’re grown.