The Shopping Mama

Family Getaway to Callaway Gardens

by Kate on April 6th, 2012 | 5 Comments | Life, On the Go

Last week both my husband and my children’s schools was on spring break. We couldn’t plan anything too elaborate because we have a month old but I was desperate to get out of the house. We decided to drive to Callaway Gardens in Georgia for a little two night getaway and it was just what we needed. We got out of the house, explored a new place, ate some good food and even met up with friends! Perfect little vacay, if you ask me.

We stayed in a two room cabin – I can’t imagine NOT having multiple rooms now that we have three kids. Max tested one of the bed when we arrived.

We did a lot of walking and exploring.

We met up with Shannon and her family. It was so great to see them again, and the kids had a blast.

The Butterfly Center was really cool and the kids are still talking about it.

The Azalea Bowl was my favorite – so pretty.

Our first trip as a family of five was a success!

BubbleBum Inflatable Booster Seat {Review}

by Kate on April 2nd, 2012 | 5 Comments | On the Go, Reviews

Traveling with a child – of any age – is an experience unlike any other. The sheer number of things that you need to bring knows no bounds and can make packing and traveling daunting. Luckily, worrying about packing and schlepping your child’s booster seat is no longer a stressful or worrisome element of travel. The BubbleBum Inflatable Booster was designed specifically with travel in mind but it will be a lifesaver for a number of circumstances.

What is the BubbleBum?

BubbleBum, the cost-effective, portable, lightweight, brightly colored, inflatable car booster seat for children aged between 4-11 easily deflates and folds flat so that kids or mums can carry it in rucksacks or handbags, making it perfect for holidays, rental cars, taxis, coach journeys, school trips or car pooling.

BubbleBum Specifications

Seat Dimensions: 13 x 13 x 4.5 inches
Weight Minimum: 40 pounds
Weight Maximum: 100 pounds
Age Recommendation: 4 – 11 years
Height Maximum: 57 inches

BubbleBum Booster Seat Review

I will admit that at first glance I was hesitant to embrace the idea of the Bubble Bum. It just seems too simple and small and inflatable to be safe, right? Then I noticed it was recognized as one of the safest booster seats when it was named an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Best Bet for 2011. And I realized one of the most trusted car seat safety advocates likes the Bubble Bum. And then, of course, there’s the fact that the Bubble Bum has passed the same safety tests and regulations required of all children’s booster seats. Once I got smart and actually got the BubbleBum in my hands, it became obvious why the seat is as safe as heavy competitors – it’s really smart.

The Bubblebum booster seat arrives compact and folded in a small travel bag. To use the BubbleBum, an adult blows up the seat using a valve on the back. Once the seat is fully inflated, the seat is surprisingly firm and supportive thanks to memory foam and energy absorbing material. The BubbleBum has three seat belt restraints: two to position the lap belt in the correct spot and one to ensure the shoulder belt is in a safe position. The shoulder restraint comes from the booster seat and is adjustable to position the shoulder strap of the seat belt at the right spot for your child. It’s easy to use and adjusts quickly.

Our family will get more use out of the BubbleBum than simply using it when we travel. Our car has a third row, but it’s only accessible by folding one of the second row seats which isn’t realistic for day to day when you use three car seats. However, for many occasions, like when we have family in town, we’ll fold the second row seat and my son will use the BubbleBum in the third row. We also think it’s genius for car pool! The BubbleBum is so affordable that it’s a great option to have stowed in the car “just in case” you need it – just in case you pick up a friend’s child from school or just in case you want to have a spontaneous play date. And, if your family is like ours and you need to fit 3 car seats in a row, the BubbleBum is narrow and compact and fits 3 across.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… We were quickly won over by the smart design and safety features of the BubbleBum. It’s easy to use, extremely affordable and very compact which is perfect whether you leave it in your car or take it when you travel.

Or Not to Buy… My son is still on the small side for a booster seat full-time so the BubbleBum isn’t ideal for us for day to day use.

Shop! The BubbleBum Inflatable Booster Seat is available from our affiliate Magic Beans and Amazon for a suggested retail price of $39.99. To see more about the BubbleBum, including videos of the seat in action, check out BubbleBum’s website.

Thanks to Bubblebum for providing a sample product. This review is based on our experience. Always check the User Guide and seek the help of professionals when finding the best seat for your child.

Joovy Room Playard {Review}

by Kate on February 8th, 2012 | 5 Comments | Baby, On the Go, Reviews

A few weeks ago I shared a photo of the Joovy Room Playard with the following caption: Here’s baby’s nursery!

The baby will be sharing our room for several months until we move so for all intents and purposes, the Joovy Room was the extent baby’s nursery. We’ve since acquired an actual wooden crib, but I have to tell you the Joovy Room has everything we need to serve as a small, organized space for a baby. The Joovy Room Playard sets the bar very high for playard travel cribs.

Meet the Joovy Room

The Joovy Room has elevated the playard to a new level. This premier, full-feature nursery center is a bassinet, changing station and playard, all in one. The Joovy Room has exceptional good looks while offering supreme functionality. Parents love its convenience and multi-purpose usability.

Room Playard Details

Playard Weight: 34 lbs.
Playard Dimension Folded: 10.5″ x 15″ x 31″
Playard Dimensions Unfolded: 34″H x 35.5″ W x 49″L
Playard Minimum Age: Birth
Playard Maximum Height: 35″
Bassinett Maximum Weight: 15 lbs.
Parent Organizer Maximum Weight: 9 lbs.

Joovy Room Review

The Joovy Room Playard is a full-feature travel crib that has everything you need to create a mobile baby nursery. The Room is a good size without being overbearing or dominating the space its in. It unfolds and folds easily and you can arrange for the Room to be used as a bassinet. Unlike other playard bassinets I’ve used, the Room has a very sturdy support system when in bassinet mode, including metal braces that supper the length of the mattress. The official bassinet maximum weight is 15 pounds, but I have to admit that my kids have tested this by climbing in the thing by themselves. I’m happy to report my 42 pound 5 year old didn’t break the thing when he climbed in to “play baby.” But, seriously, that is NOT recommended.

One of the best features of the Room is the attached parent organizer with 9 compartments for storing baby essentials. There are six large pockets on the end and three smaller containers on the top of the organizer for smaller must haves. In addition, there’s are storage pockets on the end of the Room near the changing table. Honestly, when we got a wooden crib to use in our room I was disappointed to lose all the storage and organization the Room offers.

The changing table is VERY sturdy. Far more stable and secure than other playard changing tables I’ve used. It holds up to 25 pounds and includes a belt to secure your child. The changing table secures on three sides of the playard, which creates a very stable surface, but it means that you can’t remove it casually when you’re not changing a diaper. The Room is large enough that you still have plenty of access to baby sleeping in the bassinet but it would be nice to be able to fold the changing table out of the way when not in use.

The Room has a built-in nightlight and music system which plays sweet nursery tunes. Or, you can plug in your MP3 player and soothe baby with your favorite tunes. The playard moves easily on two wheels and comes with a very nice travel case.

We’ve moved the Room to a common family area where it will serve as a bassinet for day time naps, a place to set baby out of the reach of curious siblings and a convenient place to change baby. I know we’ll get a lot of use out of it when baby arrives and look forward to having a safe place for baby to rest.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… The Room is a great Playard and Mobile Crib. I absolutely love the clean, modern look of the Room and the parent-friendly features like tons of storage and a safe and secure place to change baby. The Room has impressive safety features and feels far more sturdy – from the bassinet to the changing table – than comparable products. We give the Joovy Room an enthusiastic two thumbs up.

Or Not to Buy… The only inconvenient feature of the Room is that the changing table doesn’t easily move when not in use, blocking access to the bassinet. (Of course, this fact is also part of what makes the changing table so sturdy.)

Shop! The Joovy Room is available in Black, Blueberry and Orangie for $270. Its on sale directly from Joovy and also our affiliate Amazon. Make sure you follow Joovy on Twitter and like them on Facebook to keep up with the latest product information.

Thanks to Joovy for providing a sample.

bover bags: Chic Way to Store & Carry Pack n Play {Review and Giveaway}

by Laura on February 1st, 2012 | 5 Comments | Baby, Giveaways, On the Go, Reviews

As if folding up a pack’n'play is not annoying enough, traveling with one can be even worse. They rarely stay folded, the bags that come with them are hard to put on and not very durable, and there’s never anywhere to store accessory rods, sheets, and other attachments. Enter the bover bag, a stylish and handy way to pack and carry playards in style.

About bover bags

“How it Began: One day not long ago, two very frustrated parents were trying to pack their car for a week at the shore. As the father loaded the car with his hands full of gear, the pack n’ play he was carrying fell from his hand, causing a domino effect as everything collapsed around him. When they got to their beach house, they realized they had forgotten the sheet and two rods because there hadn’t been a place to put them.

‘There’s gotta be a better way!’ he cried out. And the bover was born.

Just throw it over your shoulder and you’re all set. The bover’s shoulder strap gives you two free hands, large rod and sheet pockets mean you never leave gear behind, and the thick double-quilted fabric is chic and easy to wash. We also lined the interior for ease of entry and quick cleaning. With the bover, you’ve got it all.”

You’ve got it all, indeed

I think I heard a chorus from the heavens when I easily slipped the bover bag over my freshly-folded pack n play. Normally that task is a struggle as I wrestle with both the playard and the ill-fitting bag that came with it. The bover is lined in a fabric that is designed to slip on easily. And let’s not forget the fabric on the outside – the patterns and quilting are so stylish thatI foresee us using this bag for other travel purposes even after Charlie has stopped using a pack’n'play. The generous pockets held all of accessories rods for my model, which is saying alot considering that I got the version with all of the bells and whistles – changing pad, bassinet setting, etc. I love that the bover bag allows me to keep to keep all pieces and related – linens in one place. The best part about this bag is that it’s hard to tell what’s inside it, so it’s not immediately obvious that I’m carrying quintessential baby gear.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… It’s pretty, it’s functional, it’s durable – seems like good enough reason to me!

Or Not to Buy… At $49.99 each, they might not be a necessity, but they are versatile enough that you will definitely get your money’s worth by taking advantage of their many uses.

Shop! You can purchase at the bover website or at the NJ, MD, or PA stores listed online.

Win your very own bover bag!

How to Enter: Visit the bover bag Facebook Page, click the “like” button, and write on their wall about how a bover bag might make travel easier for your family. Come back and comment on this post to enter to win your own bover bag!

Thanks to boverbags for providing a sample and the giveaway prize.

BABYBJÖRN Travel Crib Light {Giveaway}

by Kate on January 13th, 2012 | 5 Comments | Giveaways

Many of us traveled over the holidays and learned via painful experience that going anywhere with small children requires a lot of planning and a lot of gear. For this reason, we’re excited to be offering a giveaway for the totally functional and travel-friendly BABYBJÖRN Travel Crib Light. Designed with ease of use in mind for parents and comfort for babies, the Travel Crib Light is a travel sanity saver.

About the Travel Crib Light

Easy to take along: Weighs only 11lbs/5 kg including carrying case.
Simple set up: In one simple movement the travel crib is set up and ready for use.
Safe for your child: The sturdy mattress keeps the travel crib firmly on the floor.
For use from newborn to three years old.

The textiles closest to the child have been tested and approved in accordance with Oeko-Tex Standard 100, class 1 for baby products. They are guaranteed harmless to children’s sensitive skin and will not trigger allergies.

When your little one is done sleeping and you’re off to the next destination, the Travel Crib Light folds super compactly into a 19 x 24 x 6 inches zippered carrying case.

Because you never know what will happen, both the mattress cover and crib fabric are removable and can be machine-washed in hot water, using a gentle detergent. The travel crib’s outer shell can also be removed and machine-washed separately in warm water.

Travel Light Crib Video Demo

Shop! The BABYBJÖRN Travel Crib Light is available in Blue, Gray or Black with a suggested retail price of $280. It’s currently available from our affiliate Amazon for $235.

Win! A BABYBJÖRN Travel Crib Light!

How to Enter: Spread the word about this giveaway on Twitter or Facebook. Leave a separate comment for each time you share this giveaway. You may share on Twitter and Facebook once a day. You do not need to do both entry methods to enter, but doing both will earn extra entries.

Twitter: Visit @TheShoppingMama and enter to win a @BabyBjornUS Travel Crib Light worth $280 bit.ly/w79rUy
Facebook: Share this giveaway and tag The Shopping Mama and BabyBjornUS.

Giveaway ends January 27. Open to US residents only.

Thanks to BabyBjorn for providing the giveaway prize.

Planes, Trains & Automobiles

by Kate on July 1st, 2011 | 5 Comments | On the Go

Summer is the official travel season and finds many of us venturing out in planes, trains and automobiles. Travel can be frustrating with higher gas prices, crowded streets, and busy airports fraught with delays. But planes, trains and automobiles don’t have to be frustrating. They can be lots of fun when you and your children make them the feature of your play time together!

PLANES

LEGO® City Airport ($109, Amazon)

Red Baron Bi-Plane ($579, Pedal Cars and Retro Collectables)

There are several variations of this plane available, including a pink retro flyer. In addition, a rocker conversion kit is available for $49.00 with the purchase of a plane, making the plane suitable for indoor use or use with smaller children not yet able to pedal on their own.

Airplane Teeter Totter ($179.99, Toys R Us)

Air Hogs F-Series Warthog ($39.99, Amazon)

TRAINS

Natural Maple Train Set ($40 for 6 cars, Etsy)

Freight Train By Donald Crews($6.99, The Land of Nod)

Thomas the Train Pedal Car ($349, Amazon)

Little Engineer Hat Bandanna & Whistle Set ($5, Amazon)

AUTOMOBILES

Enzo Ferrari V12 ($569, Mommy Couture Designs)

Melissa & Doug Car Carrier ($13, Amazon)

Automoblox (starting at $9, Amazon)

Momeni Hand-Hooked “Traffic” Rug ($44 – 441, Gilt Groupe or at Just Kids Rugs at for $59-$699. You can get 20% off by entering the code “SummerRug20″ at checkout.)

Happy travels!

Must Have Summer Travel Gear: Universal Stroller Roller

by Kate on June 22nd, 2011 | 5 Comments | On the Go

If you’re hitting the skies this summer, you’ll quickly learn they’re increasingly not-so-friendly. Considering one airline’s recent change in stroller gate-checking policy and the fact that many airline employees probably don’t value your $500 stroller the way you do, the investment in a the new Valco Baby Universal Stroller Roller is a good one.

The Stroller Roller easily wraps around your single stroller, providing padding to protect your tot’s ride. The Roller has a handle to make it easy to get it from point A to point B (and C and D and beyond). When you’re not using the Stroller Roller it packs up into a compact storage bag.

The Universal Stroller Roller is compatible with many strollers – not just Valco models. In fact, it works with all single Valco Baby models, Baby Jogger City Mini, Bugaboo Bee, Bugaboo Chameleon (without bassinet), Uppa Baby Vista (without bassinet), Icoo Pacific, Icoo Targo, Hauck Malibu, Mamas and Papas Urbo, Bob Revolution, Mountain Buggy Swift, Phil and Teds Explorer (single and with doubles kit), Bumbleride Indie, Baby Jogger City Select (single and double).

Shop! The Universal Stroller Roller Travel Bag is available for $100 from our affiliate Amazon.

Get Ready for Summer with New Stephen Joseph Products

by Kate on June 1st, 2011 | 5 Comments | Reviews, Toddler

Stephen Joseph is one of our all-time favorite brands for kids. My kids have been sporting their fabulous children’s backpacks for as long as, well, they’ve carried backpacks. The company has been expanding their collection and introduced some great new products this spring that are perfect for warm weather. Whether you’re headed out to a beach vacay or enjoying a staycation in the backyard kiddie pool, the new Stephen Joseph products are serious summer must haves.

The Goods on Stephen Joseph

In case you’re not familiar, here’s what you need to know about Stephen Joseph goodies. They feature colorful themes – everything from dinosaurs to owls to farm animals and cupcakes and earth. The benefit is that once you find a theme you like you can shop products across the brand and know they’ll match and coordinate. So, yes, your child’s book ends can match his lunch box which matches his sunglasses.

Summer Must Haves

Among the new products for spring are the Hooded Towels, Bucket Hats and Sunglasses. All three are winners for the beach and pool, for sure. The Hooded Towels are made of soft terry cloth and feature adorable 3D features like a fin that sticks out on the shark and the flower on the turtle design. The same detail is evident on the embroidered patch-like sewing on the Bucket Hat. And the sunglasses? Well, in addition to providing UV 400 protection they’re just cool. Just ask my son.

Not surprisingly both of my kids love the gear. It can be hard to get kids to keep a hat on, but even my 2 year old knows when something looks this good. She’ll wear this hat all day long, and I’m not complaining if it means extra protection from the sun.

In fact, both kids are so desperate to wear the Stephen Joseph summer gear, they played beach. On the play room floor.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… In the three years plus we’ve been buying, using and reviewing Stephen Joseph products I’ve never been disappointed. The designs are adorable, the quality is great and the price is right.

Or Not to Buy… The Hooded Towel isn’t the thickest we’ve used, but it’s comparable to many beach towels.

Shop! Check out Stephen Joseph Gifts online to browse and purchase products. The Hooded Towel is $25.99, Bucket Hat is $14.99 and the Sunglasses are $7.99. One size fits most toddlers – and is fine on both my 2 year old and 4 year old.